New Light Shone On Shadowman

by Vince Brusio

Jack Boniface graduates to a new level of awareness in the pages of Shadowman #8 (AUG182310). In this PREVIEWSworld Exclusive interview, editor Karl Bollers explains much of his growth will stem from his partner. This is a good thing, as Jack Boniface's life is about to become a living hell.

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Vince Brusio: Jack Boniface seems to be coming into his own as Shadowman. He appears to have a better grip on how to work within his own skin. What is it about his new environment that you think has contributed towards his renewed self-confidence?

Karl Bollers: Jack's return to New Orleans in issue #1 of our new Shadowman series has definitely contributed to his renewed sense of purpose. Finally rid of much of the baggage that burdened him in past series, Jack is finally free to explore the true significance of the Shadowman legacy.

In the "Dead and Gone" story arc (issues #4-7), Jack finds himself falling through time and experiencing life through the eyes of the previous Shadowmen in his lineage, essentially discovering various aspects about his powers and abilities that he didn't know existed previously. This new series is very much a reintroduction to Jack as a character.

Vince Brusio: Training Day, however, is at an end, though, because now his problems appear to have multiplied. What can you tell us about this new strength in numbers? What’s the deal with this new threat known as The Brethren?

Karl Bollers: The Brethren are the total opposite of the Abettors, the network of individuals who have dedicated themselves to aiding Shadowman in the fight against evil. By contrast, the Brethren are sworn to serve Shadowman's nemesis, the late Master Darque, and will do nothing short of bringing about their former leader's resurrection.

Vince Brusio: How does issue #8 of this series serve as a launching pad? If someone was new to the Shadowman comic book, what would they experience and what might their reflections be after reading Part 1 of “Rag and Bone”?

Karl Bollers: Issue #8, "Rag and Bone, Part One," kicks off the story arc that will see the most significant change in the series with regard to Jack and his role as Shadowman. Each story arc has seen him undergo some type of transformation, some kind of learning. If the first two arcs could be considered high school and college then, with "Rag and Bone," Jack is definitely heading off to grad school to get his Master’s Degree in all things Shadowman!

Vince Brusio: As an editor, what personality traits of Jack and his contemporaries do you think give this series its pulse?

Karl Bollers: I think Jack's relationship with Alyssa gives the series a pulse that's unique from the other titles in the Valiant library. Even though the book is called Shadowman, we're seeing Alyssa working with him as a partner and ally more actively than ever before. It's very much about the relationship between Jack and Alyssa, as it is about a legacy of fighting against the forces of evil.

Vince Brusio If you were to go freestyle on a Twitter rant, what might you say to describe how things are going to play out in this new story arc?

Karl Bollers: I might say it's going to be a nonstop roller coaster ride that'll leave readers longing to see what happens next with the character, especially with the close of the storyline and what that will mean for him, and it's something we've been teasing readers with for quite some time. Sandria Darque plays a significant role in these issues, and familiar Shadowman-heads will definitely want to know what that is considering her long history with his legacy. Uhh... I think that was longer than 280 characters, though.

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Vince Brusio writes about comics, and writes comics. He is the long-serving Editor of PREVIEWSworld.com, the creator of PUSSYCATS, and encourages everyone to keep the faith...and keep reading comics.