The Shade (USA) di J.Robinson

Occhi nella Notte · 13 Dicembre 2011, 15:19:10

Ma chi cazz sono questi coloristi monocromatici del cazz????

Azrael · 13 Dicembre 2011, 18:52:47

Cully Hamner's Variant Cover for THE SHADE #3

Earlier today, we gave you a first look at tomorrow's THE SHADE #3. Now, since it's the season of giving and we're feeling festive, we're showing you one more exclusive asset from the issue. Below, check out Cully Hamner's awesome variant cover for the issue.

"This cover's an example of the results I can get when I'm not allowed to romance the art for too long," Hamner exclusively told THE SOURCE. "I had an extremely short window in which to get it done, and the idea design and execution came really fast, especially considering that I'm not known as a really fast artist. I did the concept sketch in about a half-hour, and I'd guess from starting the drawing to locking the colors was about two, maybe two-and-a-half hours. I had to stay extremely simple in my design and color composition (which, luckily, I had also done in the two previous covers), and the result is an image I really like. I guess the lesson here is that you can't go wrong with simple and direct!"

"The first three-issue arc of THE SHADE required an artist who'd be as comfortable drawing battles with armored assassins in Germany and giant lizard gods in Australia as he or she would be drawing conversations between two lovers in a bedroom and between two old drinking buddies in a nightclub," series editor Wil Moss told us. "Thankfully just such an artist was available — the great Cully Hamner!

Ably abetted by color maestro Dave McCaig, Cully revitalized the look of The Shade and Opal City, depicting anything writer James Robinson could think to ask of him with style and ease. Cully's set the bar pretty high for the artists who have to follow him, but if any group can hold their own, it's Darwyn Cooke (#4), Javier Pulido (#5-7), Jill Thompson (#8), Frazer Irving (#9-11), and Gene Ha (#12).

But in the meantime, don't miss THE SHADE #3, where Cully draws the coolest-looking fight between a giant lizard god and a man made of shadows that you'll ever see. (Trust me, they're going to be everywhere in 2012.)"

Azrael · 15 Dicembre 2011, 00:45:45

THE Comic Vine Review by Sara 'Babs' Lima

The third issue of The Shade takes the character to Australia to face an aboriginal Lizard God where he encounters a very familiar face.
The Good

Writer James Robinson has revealed in past interviews that The Shade's 12-issue series will delve into the character's identity by taking him back in time and throughout the world, recounting his past experiences. These moments in his life, places and experiences will open him up to the reader and lead them to understand who he is from all he has endured. The third issue of THE SHADE gives us our very first glimpse of that. The book opens in 1874 and the Shade is in another time and place, with very different ambitions. Robinson glazes over this memory briefly, bringing the reader to the present after that first page to reveal the way that the character has evolved over time. How has he adjusted to the way people and life have changed? We get a glimpse of that in this issue.

This issue takes the Shade to Australia, and re-introduces him to Diablo Blacksmith, a magician and a rival of the Shade. Putting his pride to the side, Shade seeks guidance from Blacksmith after he discovers that he must defeat the Mangar-Kunjer-Kunja, a giant lizard God who is considered to be the creator of mankind according to the Rella Manerinja, one of the first known Australian aboriginal tribes. How does the Shade defeat this Lizard God who appears to be immune to his shadow powers?

Robinson delivers yet another phenomenal issue, digging deeper into the identity of the Shade. We discover that the Shade isn't necessarily one of a kind and that he does happen to have at least one relative who is still alive. This is interesting because the Shade (apparently) has no soul, and has been alive for well over a century. Robinson delivers a smart, sassy and charismatic character who will appeal to the masses. If you are looking for solid storytelling, this is one book you don't want to miss out on.
The Bad

My only complaint is the way the writer connects the Shade's mission to the scenes at the end of the story. The purpose of the battle has yet to be fully explained, but I am trying not to judge it...yet.
The Verdict

I absolutely love Cully Hamner's work on this title -- it's absolutely gorgeous. He captures expression and emotion beautifully and I absolutely adore his portrayal of the Shade. The scenes where the Shade sheds bits of clothing during battle and gains them again (ex. where he is walking up the stairs of Darnell's home) is a fantastic visual. Everything about the Shade is shadowy, it's hard to tell what's real. This is part of what makes the character so alluring. By far one of the bet series coming from DC right now. This is an okay starting point if you are looking to pick it up, although I do recommend going back and picking up the two previous issues as well, if possible. A lot of fun, overall.

5 Stelle su 5

Da CVine

Azrael · 10 Gennaio 2012, 18:04:30

Preview: The Shade #4

Spiacente, ma non sei autorizzato a visualizzare il contenuto degli spoiler.

Azrael · 12 Gennaio 2012, 01:41:13

A moment from The Shade's past is unveiled in the fourth issue of his limited series.
The Good
If you thought writer James Robinson wouldn't be able to top the three previous issues of THE SHADE, then you're in for a rude awakening. When I initially signed up to review THE SHADE #4 I hadn't realized that the artist featured on this issue would be Darwyn Cooke. What an absolutely wonderful surprise.

One of the things that most impresses me about writers is when they take into account an artist's very specific and unique artistic style when writing their story. Robinson definitely does that here. The story he concocts feels as though it's been specifically tailored to Cooke's very unique minimalist pulpy style; one that compliments the story in the fourth issue perfectly. The story presented here has an "all-American" recipe and even includes an appearance from the Vigilante fighting Nazi sympathizers. The issue is both breathtaking and unique, and serves to suck the reader even deeper into the Shade's origins. Although set prior to the current Shade story, Robinson manages to seamlessly connect the story in this issue to the current Shade story. The change in artist from Tony Harris to Darwyn Cooke, when (and if) DC ever decides to compile THE SHADE into a graphic novel format, will aid in taking the readers back in time. Here, the change in artistic styles serves to help tell this wonderful story, which I am anxiously awaiting to see more of.

The Bad
If it ain't broke, don't "fix" it. Nothing bad here.

The Verdict
Of the three issues of THE SHADE, this one is by far my favorite. As we travel to uncover the Shade's origin, the story grows increasingly more interesting. Paired with the art of Darwyn Cooke, THE SHADE #4 tops this weeks comics as one of the best. Robinson has once again crafted an interesting, alluring story whilst maintaining the Shade in a shroud of mystery. I highly recommend picking up the previous issues, although this does feel like a good jumping on point for a new reader. Gorgeous book all around.

5 Stelle su 5

Da CVine

Azrael · 13 Gennaio 2012, 15:26:49

One of the hallmarks of the "Starman" series was its occasional "Times Past" issues. In them, James Robinson would jump into the past for a special flashback story, telling a little vignette that tied into the greater mythology of the series and Opal City in general. So when I heard that issues #4, 8, and 12 of "The Shade" would be "Times Past" comics as well (and each with a special art team), I was full of anticipation. And happily, "The Shade" #4 exceeded my expectations.

With the Shade himself being an extremely old being, Robinson gets the advantage of being able to have his main character star in his "Times Past" story here. "Times Past: 1944" directly connects to the overall storyline by giving us a first meeting between the Shade and someone extremely important to "The Shade." More importantly, there's much more than that.

Most comics that opened with a lengthy monologue from its title character would be a misstep, but it's to Robinson's credit that hearing the Shade tell about his life in 1944 is a strong introduction. You get a good grasp of the Shade's character (in case someone decided to give the series a whirl here based on the art team), and it's also a reminder that pre-"Starman," the Shade wasn't always the most beloved of people. Of course, it doesn't hurt that these pages look exquisite. Darwyn Cooke and J. Bone are a great art team to begin with, but they're turning out something gorgeous here. The opening splash of the Shade's library is drool-inducing: the stacks of books, the shelves, the portraits hanging on the walls, the sealed letter on an ottoman, even the umbrella stand holding canes. Then, add in a soft but rich color scheme from Dave Stewart, and a calligraphy font so beautiful that I just knew before I'd even turned the page that it had to be from Todd Klein, and you end up with the jackpot.

And we're only on page 1.

What's great is that the entire issue of "The Shade" #4 feels this rich and fully-realized. We've got amazing one-off characters like Madam Fatal, who is a great concept that explodes to life on the page, both in terms of what she accomplishes as well as the great art from Cooke and Bone she inspires. Just look at her pointed cats-eye glasses, matched with the perfectly coiffed bun as she whips a cane into a bad guy's face, or stomps another thug in the chest. I'd buy an ongoing "Madam Fatal" series by Robinson, Cooke, and Bone, quite frankly. We get other old-time character favorites from Robinson making a surprise appearance, exciting new airplanes, even a fake "Life" magazine cover. And every time the Shade's power is used? Let's just say that other, past examples are now forgotten in favor of Cooke and Bone's depiction, with its tendrils that feel like a perfect cross between a serpent and a stream of ink. Watching one lick and twist a little spiral around Mrs. Caldecott's eye is entrancing, to put it mildly.

"The Shade" #4 is a fantastic comic, one that's holding up this maxi-series quite nicely. I'm loving everything we've had so far, but this issue is a step above the rest. "The Shade" #5 - #12 will have a tough act to follow. Fortunately, at this point, I feel like all the creators involved have it in them. Regardless, "The Shade" #4 is a real gem, and bravo to all involved. If only all comics were this good.

5 su 5

Da CBR

Azrael · 17 Gennaio 2012, 23:18:12

THE SHADE #7
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by JAVIER PULIDO
Cover by TONY HARRIS
1:10 Variant cover by JAVIER PULIDO
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. For more details, see the Previews Order Form.
On sale APRIL 11 • 32 pg, FC, 7 of 12, $2.99 US • RATED T+
The Shade, with his new allies La Sangre and Montpelier, must stop The Inquisitor from enacting his doomsday plan to literally bring hell to Earth. Plus: your first glimpse of the men responsible for the creation of The Shade!

Azrael · 13 Febbraio 2012, 23:13:57

THE SHADE #8
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by JILL THOMPSON
Cover by TONY HARRIS
1:10 Variant cover by JILL THOMPSON
On sale MAY 16 • 32 pg, FC, 8 of 12, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more details.
• A "TIMES PAST" issue!
• The Shade encounters a family member in trouble and an evil cult as he uncovers more about his family than he'd hoped.
• Guest art by JILL THOMPSON!

Azrael · 14 Febbraio 2012, 17:38:37

EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK AT THE COVERS FOR THE SHADE #6

Issue #5 may still be two weeks away but with a series as good as THE SHADE, it's never too early to start teasing what will be coming in the future.

Today on THE SOURCE, take an exclusive first look at THE SHADE #6 by checking out the issue's standard cover by Tony Harris and its variant cover by Javier Pulido.

"Issue #6 is the middle of The Shade's visit to Barcelona, which finds him neck-deep in the midst of a conflict between Spain's vampire hero, La Sangre, and her archenemy, The Inquisitor," series editor Wil Moss exclusively told THE SOURCE. "For the main cover, Tony Harris came up with an insanely eye-catching image of a hooded La Sangre. For the variant, Javier Pulido (who provides the gorgeous interior art of this three-part arc, #5-7) turned in a beauty of a design, showing La Sangre and The Inquisitor locked in a battle to the death. Will The Shade's presence be enough to turn the tide? Who exactly is La Sangre anyway? And why does she always call The Shade ... 'father'? There's only one way to find out!"

THE SHADE #6 arrives in stores on March 14th.

Variant:

Azrael · 28 Febbraio 2012, 19:39:59

Preview: The Shade #5

Spiacente, ma non sei autorizzato a visualizzare il contenuto degli spoiler.

Azrael · 01 Marzo 2012, 00:23:52

First, the bad news: "The Shade" #5 is probably the weakest chapter of this 12-issue limited-series from DC Comics. The good news? It's still a really good comic.

James Robinson shifts the setting to Barcelona, Spain this month in what initially seems like a simple errand for the Shade to find a sample of his own blood. From there, we quickly plunge into a conflict involving a vampire, pirates and even an inquisitor. Yet, under Robinson's hand it feels like it all works.

It helps that Robinson's "Starman" always reveled in the slightly odd side of the DC Universe and "The Shade" is no exception to that rule. "The Shade" opens with a classic scene of misdirection, as you need to figure out who's the hero and who's the villain; in a book that stars a former villain, after all, it's rather apt. There's a lot of exposition this month as well, in part to set up why the Shade is traveling to Barcelona and also to explain the identity of the woman referring to the Shade as her father. While some parts do slow the book down just a tad, on the whole it's still entertaining.

Javier Pulido steps on board to "The Shade" for issues #5-7 (with Jill Thompson, Frazer Irving, and Gene Ha still in the wings) and while his art is different than that of Cully Hamner (#1-3) or Darwyn Cooke (#4), I feel like he's a good choice for these issues. Not because Pulido himself is Spanish but rather because he's able to bring just the right tone to the pages of Robinson's script. When the action kicks in early on, it's a blur of action. La Sangre vaults and tumbles from one panel to the next, in bursts of energy that make you feel like you're seeing the fight spool out in real time. Flip ahead a couple of pages to the Shade talking to Darnell; the one central image of the two of them, and twelve panels encircling it to move us through their conversation. Not only is it an attractive page layout, but I also appreciate that Pulido drew and re-drew the characters each time. They may look identical at a glance, but peer a little closer and you'll see subtle differences from one panel to the next. The end result is a page that doesn't just look smart, but is smart in how it's put together. Hilary Sycamore's colors are strong here too; the shade of red she uses as La Sangre smears the blood across the street, for instance, stands out perfectly as Pulido draws it in a squiggle of a tag. And in the conversation spread between the Shade and Darnell, that sickly green hue that she uses as a base is perfect for the mood that Robinson is trying to get across to the audience.

"The Shade" #5 is, once again, a strong issue from Robinson and his artistic collaborators. It's frustrating to see such a good comic not getting the sales attention it deserves (is everyone waiting for a hopefully-matching hardcover to go next to their "Starman Omnibus" volumes?), because even a slightly-slower issue of "The Shade" is still required reading in my world. It's not too late; check out "The Shade" for yourself. I don't think you'll be sorry.

4 su 5

Da CBR

Azrael · 04 Marzo 2012, 11:36:27

The Shade #5 Review

With its fifth issue, James Robinson's Shade mini-series continues to prove why it's the most intelligent superhero book at DC Comics. Perhaps more so than the issues before it, Shade #5 is a dense read that isn't concerned with getting the reader up to speed. Rather, Robinson (and editorial) makes the appreciated assumption that, hey, readers are intelligent and can connect the dots without their hands being held. What results is a rich history lesson that covers The Shade's far reaching past that stems back to the 19th century and an expansion of his world that bleeds nicely into the supernatural elements of the DCU.

Here, we meet a young teenage vampire that has a history with Shade, though the nature of their relationship is only revealed near the end of the issue. Robinson's structure here is rather strange, offering the reader bits and pieces of history throughout the issue until finally divulging all of the information in the final pages. What's interesting about it is that this structure leads the reader excitedly from scene to scene, with the book traversing many locales and time periods within itself, rather than one issue focused solely on one time or place. Like I said, it's densely packed and makes for some of the best value that you'll find in comics this week.

Javier Pulido joins Robinson this month, offering a much different style than we've seen in the book thus far, particularly coming off of last month's installment with Darwyn Cooke and J. Bone's thick, simple lines. Here, Pulido, offers up a more refined, delicate approach to his characters and environments, which coupled with the subdued colors of Hilary Sycamore gives this book a Victorian feel to it. Quite fitting, considering both the time periods and characters involved. More impressive is Pulido's somewhat experimental layouts. There are times that reading order becomes confused , but more often than not, the bold choices for panel placement and use of gutter space make for a visceral read of an otherwise slow burn comic.

There's a lot of people out there passing on this series; if you're any sort of self-respecting comic fan that knows superhero comics can be so much more than "the norm" of dudes punchin' stuff, buying this book is the way to make sure we get more titles like it.

9 out 10

Da IGN

Buddy Baker · 04 Marzo 2012, 11:37:57

Entro fine mese dovrei riuscire a completare la lettura degli omnibus di Starman, dopodichè potrò finalmente iniziare la lettura di questa serie

V · 04 Marzo 2012, 13:38:31

puzza di capolavoro

Azrael · 09 Marzo 2012, 17:38:15

Preview: The Shade #6

Spiacente, ma non sei autorizzato a visualizzare il contenuto degli spoiler.

News:

The Shade (USA) di J.Robinson