by Carl R. Jansson
Senior Correspondent
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With The Shadow and Margo regrouping after their most recent attack, Shiwan Khan’s granddaughter is moving up in the underworld, and there’s only one more task to be completed: Kill The Shadow.
David Liss is following through with plot points begun in previous issues, and bringing in new devices mirroring earlier events, showing that Shiwan Khan is easily a match for our titular hero. There is plenty of double- and triple-crossing going on, with so many switching sides that it’s like a game of musical associations. The sub-plot revolving around Khan’s need for youth has me worried though, as I am hoping it won’t go the way I am imagining it. There has to be a reason for the granddaughter’s presence other than just ensuring his legacy.
This issue sees far less action, as a good portion is spent with The Shadow and his erstwhile companion resting up for the inevitable final reckoning with Khan and his forces, and much of the rest follows Khan’s granddaughter in her training, and eventual transformation.The pacing as ever is pitch perfect, as the action sequences fly past, while the more intimate moments linger just enough to be poignant. The characters are very well fleshed out, even the ground level thugs, with motivations and emotions that make sense in their world. The dialog is as fresh as ever, and there is a great confab between Margo and Lamont Cranston in which he says, “It is the way of scoundrels.” and she playfully replies, “Save the theatrics for a more appreciative audience.”
Colton Worley wows us again with his realistic painterly style. There is a scene in particular that really impressed me, Khan’s granddaughter is trying to bring one of the turncoats back into the fold, standing in front of a large window that has rain splashing on the outside, and the way he painted it showing realistically what it would look like with lights off in the distance was wonderful. That and the training montage were both fantastic pages, showing why he has become a favorite artist of mine. His interesting and unique page layouts continue to make this book stand out on the shelves.
With its modern setting, yet roots firmly in the pulps of old, this series has danced that fine line brilliantly every step of the way. The twists and turns, back-stabbings, and double-crossings keeping you on the edge of your seat, you just never know which side the cast is on, keeping the story excitingly unpredictable. All of that coupled with Colton Worley’s simply gorgeous art and unconventional panel layouts truly make this series a must read for me every month.