Review: The Shadow/Batman #5 (of 6)
This issue opens with a bang as Shiwan Khan fires a bullet directly at the Shadow’s head. Then we flash back to Shamba-La and early training for both protagonist and antagonist. We learn how Khan attained his power. It was a shady deal that Lamont Cranston would have nothing to do with. Revelations of the past have repercussions on present day events.
The Creative Team:
Wow! Never have I seen a 6-issue story arc keep this level of intensity into the fifth issue without slowing down. Steve Orlando has outdone himself again as we see several developments. First, it’s grandfather against grandson as Robin takes on Ras Al Ghul. Then Orlando brings us to the Batcave where we see a frustrated Bruce Wayne searching for his son via satellite. Will he be able to see through Ghul’s treachery before it’s too late? Each issue becomes more intense than the one before this is some of the greatest stuff I’ve read in a comic book in a long time!
Giovanni Timpano shows off his awesome talent in these renderings, conveniently changing the tone of his art work when we travel back in time, this tells us immediately that we’re not in the present day when we see past events. The battle between Robin and Ras is definitely the highlight of this issue. Timpano’s panels bring this story to a newfound suspenseful height that only magnifies this incredible tale.
In Conclusion:
Fast paced and full of surprises It’s the tale all fans of The Shadow and The Batman have been waiting for. The Shadow spends this issue trying to fend off a bullet that he’s frozen with his mind before it comes crashing into his skull. While Khan mercilessly taunts him about his supposed failures with his colleagues. We also learn more about the connection between Ras Al Ghul and Shiwan Khan and The Batman tries to sneak in unaware to rescue his friend, but the two arch-nemesis are…to be continued! ***** (10 rating)
Shadow/Batman #5
Writer – Steve Orlando
Art – Giovanni Timpano
Colors – Flavio Dispenza
Letters – Taylor Esposito
Publisher – Dynamite/DC
About the Author
Kevin Given Kevin Given has studied with "Longridge Writers Group" and "Writer's Boot Camp" a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the "Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter" franchise which includes 2 novels and 8 comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of "Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter" #1 and "Files of Karl Vincent" #1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series "Dracula Rising" (working title) and developing "Foul Blood" into comic book form.
Related Posts
Vampirella’s Year One Explored by Christopher Priest →
Marvel’s Voices: Pride Introduces SOMNUS →
Commanders in Crisis showcase a new twist on strange superhero comics →
