It’s a busy week both in Multiversity’s offices and in our adult lives, so Brandon is bowing out of this week’s reviews for Valiant (Re)visions, with yours truly taking a look at both books solo style.
It’s a big week filled with two of Valiant’s best – Shadowman and Quantum & Woody. I’ll start with a look at Shadowman #10 from writer Justin Jordan and, bear with me, artists Diego Bernard, Andrea Cuneo, Mico Suayan, Lewis Larosa and Carmen Nunez.
While some may be upset by this coming right after the events of the previous issue, I thought this story was more on par with the exceptional Zero issue, and is a haunting tale of the power and nature of Master Darque, while also acting as a stellar origin for the Shadowman lineage. Jordan develops the relationship between Sandria and Marius Boniface, a forefather of lead character Jack, in a wonderfully reserved way, preferring to subtly build their love early on rather than shoehorn it into the story. This allows the close of the story to have all the more power, as we’ve grown to know what they feel rather than just see what transpires on the page.
The bevy of artists contributing to the book, like in the Zero issue, complement each other very well, giving this story a haunting, ethereal quality while conveying the relationship between “Sandy” and Marius in a gestural, understated fashion. While it continues to be frustrating that so many artists work on this book, this story undoubtedly plays to each artist’s strengths and is filled with strong visual storytelling that accentuates the script in the right ways.
Overall, Shadowman continues to grow as a series, and I’m eager to see what new writer Peter Milligan has in store for us next…after a nice little Halloween story from Jim Zubkavich. This bad boy gets an 8.0 from me, and a big ol’ so long to writer Jordan, and a hearty thanks for the quality work.
In fact, I want to say that even though we’re only three issues in, Fowler’s pending departure from this book is somehow an even bigger bummer than Jordan’s from Shadowman. Fowler’s highly expressive style and gift at selling visual gags make this not just one of the best looking books from Valiant, but one of the better ones overall. His Woody is a visual tour de force, creating a spastic and lovable co-lead that is perpetually balanced by his stern and highly postured cohort Quantum.
Pairing his work with Bellaire’s colors ups the artistic ante on this book even more, and I love the color choice she uses for the flashbacks to Quantum & Woody’s childhood. The primary sequences are filled with bright, vibrant colors, and when we get to the muted memories and colors of their youth, Bellaire proves her worth and then some. That’s just one example of what she adds to this book.
Writer Asmus, of course, isn’t chopped liver himself. This feels like a trio of creators telling a story in lockstep, and Asmus has developed an opening salvo for this series that feels rooted in the original series but still completely its own thing. I love the usage of the flashbacks to build both the relationship and the animosity between Quantum & Woody, and good god, this guy is funny.
The usage of the hobo as a misdirection for Q&W’s escape is hilarious (granted, it helps when Fowler and Bellaire nail the “King of the world!” sequence), and he just crushes at Woody. I mean absolutely kills at writing him. He’s the ultimate ne’er do well who you can’t help but love, whether he’s breaking into his “safehouse” that is the home of some girl he used to hook up with or arranging a…massage plus. Woody is, after a long absence, back to his rightful place as one of the best characters in comics.
All in all, Quantum & Woody continues to improve with each issue. It’s the best case scenario for the return of the less than dynamic duo, and I love it so. One more from the original three before Lee Garbett comes in on art. Let’s make this one count. I’ll give this one a 9.0, and implore you all to buy, buy, buy!
