The Shadow #7
Written by Victor Gischler
Art by Jack Herbert
Colors by Ivan Nunes
Letters by Rob Steen
Covers by Alex Ross, Darwyn Cooke, John Cassaday & Francesco Francavilla
Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: November 7, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99

The Shadow #7 is a full-out 180-degree turn from the previous six issues, written by Garth Ennis. I know what you’re thinking…but trust me, this is a VERY VERY GOOD THING. Bringing in a brand new writer is always tough, but Dynamite Entertainment certainly picked a fantastic person to take the job.

Brand new author Victor Gischler explodes onto this title with a really solid issue. It’s one that clearly and totally sets up a whole new attitude for The Shadow. Instead of starting off with a giant, sprawling, epic, multi-part story, Gischler offers up an action packed one-shot that delves into the mind and heart of LaMont Cranston, and, as a result, The Shadow. He takes The Shadow back to his roots in Nepal where he was trained and studied under a mysterious group of Monks and where he learned how to cloud men’s minds and see what evil lurks within them. It’s a tale of self discovery and self awareness, and it’s a very entertaining read. Gischler packs more characterization into one issue than a lot of writers do in an entire six-issue story arc.

We’ve got another new talent joining this book, namely Jack Herbert on art. And, to say that he’s a very talented artist would be a huge understatement. His illustrations are, to put it mildly, lavish beyond belief. My only complaint with this issue is that he doesn’t get to draw enough New York City in it. But, that will come with time I’m sure. What little of the city that he does get to draw is spectacular. Most of the issue takes place in Nepal, and his renditions of the locations and environments are fantastic. I can’t wait to see what he’s got in store for future issues. A great artist on a great title.

Perfect jumping-on point for new readers! And those who were reading the title just for Garth Ennis, take heart, it’s still REALLY good. This one is a must-buy!!