Shadowman DEALS
Shola Adedeji’s debut novel, Shadowman, introduces readers to the origin of Jack Boniface and how he became Shadowman in the Valiant Comics universe.
Adedeji’s ability to create a visual scene using words alone allows readers to delve into the comic book story to focus solely on the challenges Jack is facing. Though Jack is not a believer in any of the Voodoo stories of his ancestry, he finds himself caught in the crossfire of a supernatural war involving the Lwa of New Orleans.
Shadowman is a very captivating and well-loved story- adapting a novel from a comic book is truly a challenge, one which Adedeji executes well overall.
Thank you very much to Blackstone Publishing for sending us this ARC for review.
Shadowman Summary
Jack Boniface has spent most of his life eschewing Voodoo and anything supernatural with a firm hand- he simply does not believe it is real. While studying at NYU, Jack has turned his back on his roots until one day, when everything changes.
Jack falls asleep during one of his lectures and finds himself dreaming… or so he thinks. When he receives a call letting him know his father has passed away, Jack has no choice but to return to New Orleans, where he grew up, and where he once again must listen to the endless stories of the gods and monsters that run the underworld.
Jack does not realize that in the Deadside, right under his nose, the Lwa are facing their own problems. Freda, one of Baron Samedi’s wives, has been kidnapped, resulting in the termination of a decades-long agreement to protect New Orleans from “unnatural violent death”, and a war is about to commence.
The only way of saving his home and the world he knows is for Jack to embrace his new powers that have been passed down to him as the next Shadowman- a responsibility that has existed for generations in his family, unbeknownst to him. Jack’s choice is simple: continue acting like the supernatural world doesn’t exist or save everyone he loves.
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Strengths
Shadowman is a great introduction to the Valiant Comics universe and the origin story of the character Shadowman, originally introduced in 1994. Adedeji expertly uses visuals to craft scenes typical of a comic book-style story.
Additionally, Jack Boniface’s search for identity makes the story more relatable. There have been several comics, graphic novels, and video games featuring this character since the mid-90s. Without any familiarity with the history of Shadowman, this novel clearly outlines all the details of the story a reader would need to dive into the Shadowman comic universe.
The relationship between characters has a relatable feel, Jack having lost his father after a somewhat strained relationship, and then starts healing by accepting his inherited gift, developing his powers, and finding a mentor in Bossu.
Adedeji can illustrate an action scene that was necessary for this novel. Finally, the plot remained intriguing throughout due to the presence of the Lwa, the goings on in the Deadside, and the imminent war.
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Weaknesses
While Shadowman has a lot of action and excitement, extensive storytelling of the Lwa, and exploration of some deeper themes, there was a lot of plot to cover in this debut novel.
Given the number of characters and the history of Shadowman, it became difficult to be attached to the characters as they could not be developed at length. This is, of course, part of the novel being an origin story.
Hopefully, if there is a sequel, we will see more emotional character development to help the reader feel more connected to the characters and the outcome of their storylines. More inner monologues may also support this for some readers.
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Key Themes And Takeaways
Though Shadowman focuses on a well-known character from the Valiant Comics universe, at its core, this is a coming-of-age novel about seeking identity while upholding family responsibilities.
Jack Boniface has spent his entire life disagreeing with his father and relatives about the existence of the supernatural world. Jack returns to New Orleans with much trepidation when his father passes and spends his time frustrated at the locals for their beliefs. It is, therefore, extremely difficult for Jack to accept that his transformation into Shadowman is real.
He tries to blame what he sees and feels on drugs or dreams, eventually having no choice but to accept that gods and monsters are quite real and pose a real threat. Jack is forced to embrace his powers and develop his new identity throughout the story as he takes on the role of Shadowman.
Adedeji is apt at demonstrating the inner and outer frustrations that are felt while the character matures throughout the coming-of-age story.
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Verdict
Shadowman is a must-read for fans of the Valiant Comic universe and any readers who enjoy action-packed stories. The lore of the Deadside was very interesting, and the character interactions quite amusing at times.
If you enjoy comic book-style plots, coming-of-age stories, and fight sequences, this one’s for you!
*Disclosure: We only recommend books that we love and would read ourselves. This post contains affiliate links, as we are part of the Amazon Services LCC Associate Program and others, which may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
The Review
Shadowman
If you enjoy comic book-style plots, coming-of-age stories, and fight sequences, this one’s for you!
PROS
- Storytelling
- Plot
- World building
CONS
- Character development
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