Publisher Dynamite Comics
Writers: Francesco Francavilla, Victor Gischker, Howard Chaykin, Michael Uslan, Matt Wagner
Artists: Francesco Francavilla, Stephen B. Scott, Howard Chaykin, Giovanni Timpano, Matt Wagner
Editor: Joe Rybandt
Release date: OUT NOW!!!
Price: $7.99
The Shadow debuted July 1930 as the sepulchral voiced narrator of a weekly radio show ‘The Detective Story Hour’ intended to promote pulp magazine, Detective Story. So successful was the show that, later that year, a would-be novelist and newspaper article writer, Walter Brown Gibson, was hired to write the first of many Shadow novels. The rest, as they say, is history; a history of pulp thrillers, Orson Welles voiced and directed radio shows, merchandising, Hollywood and, of course, comic books.
The Shadow #100 is a 48 page special featuring five stories written and drawn by top industry talent like Howard Chaykin, Matt Wagner and Michael Uslan. From the opening caption: “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?” the film poster splash panel and the title of the first story: “The Laughing Corpse” you know that this is not going to be some half-baked cash-in but a labour of respect by people who know and admire The Shadow.
The Shadow #100 does not hang around either, a mysterious corpse with a hideously distorted face; that chilling laugh and The Shadow literally looking over the shoulders of the police as they investigate and we are off to the races! The second instalment sees The Shadow’s alter ego Lamont Cranston take an active part in taking down a murderous gambling scam and the Howard Chaykin contribution ‘Black and White and Red All Ove’r takes a tongue in cheek look at the comic book industry itself. Michael Uslan gives us a Batman origin variation and The Shadow’s reputation alone is enough to make a small time crook take flight in number four. The final chapter “The Curse of Blackbeard’s Skull” is an eerie little number in which Lamont Cranston finds himself on a killer’s hit list.
Those new to The Shadow may find some of the content confusing since it refers to The Shadow’s long, and varied history and a short bio may have helped, but this is classy stuff and if it piques your interest a little bit of investigation (Google) will pay huge dividends.
At eighty-five years old (almost as old as comic book industry legend Stan Lee!) The Shadow is as vibrant and relevant a character today as he’s ever been. And judging by The Shadow #100 that is a sure fire certainty
But remember, whatever you do in this life or the next: The Shadow knows!
Reviewer: Gary Orchard
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker