The Good
This issue sends Jack Boniface to the Deadside and introduces a character that will steal your heart: Jaunty. At first you'll fear he's an absurd Jar Jar Binks knockoff, but that concern is quickly put to rest in a hilarious fashion and virtually everything else that comes out of his little monkey month is pure gold. Before you know it, you'll be saying "hoss" far too much.
Not only is Patrick Zircher helping Justin Jordan with the first-rate script, he's also illustrating the book. Someone give that man a cookie. His highly detailed and shaded style is a virtually perfect fit for the book's universe. One look at Mr. Twist and you'll be convinced he should be locked up and forced to illustrate this title for as long as it lasts. Speaking of Mr. Twist, he might only be second in command, but he's written in such a manner that makes him feel like the big bad. They've done a superb job with the character so far.
Additionally, Jack briefly meets a special someone in the Deadside and it was an unexpectedly touching moment. The expression on Jack's face during the reveal really sells the scene.
The Bad
Alyssa talking to herself while being attacked by the ghosts felt odd. "They're so cold!" It almost reminds me of the classic days when Spider-Man would awkwardly announce most things out loud instead of keeping them in his head. Then again, I've never been attacked by spirits before (fingers crossed, right?), so I can't say for certain if I'd manage to keep the exclamations to my thoughts.
The Verdict
Stop it, Valiant. Just stop. My bank account is getting sick and tired of you making each $3.99 book a must buy. I don't even like the fantasy genre or most things magic related, so I was really hoping I could pass on SHADOWMAN -- but no, just like the other titles, it's exceptional. SHADOWMAN isn't a book crafted only for fans of the mystic arts and such -- it's made for anyone and everyone that wants to read a damn good story. The characters are varied and the development is solid, the art does an excellent job bringing the world to life and it's scattered with dialogue that'll put a smirk on your face. Well played, SHADOWMAN.