PopCultHQ received advance review copy of SHADOW SERVICE Vol. 1 TPB from Vault Comics. Available April 7th, the creative team for this book features writing by Cavan Scott, art from Corin Howell, colors by Triona Farrell, and letters from AndWorld Design.
Here is PopCultHQ’s Spoiler-Free Review of…
SHADOW SERVICE Vol. 1 TPB
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Corin Howell
Colorist: Triona Farrell
Letterer: AndWorld Design
Design: Tim Daniel
Cover Artist: Corin Howell
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Worried your partner is cheating? Need a missing person found? Gina Meyers is the Private Investigator for you. Sure, she’s a witch who worries that her powers make her more of a monster than the crooks she’s trying to catch, but it’s not like London’s criminal underworld is literally going to hell… is it? Spy craft meets black magic in the shadowy world of MI666.
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
SHADOW SERVICE Vol. 1 TPB
When there’s something strange lurking within England’s mystic underworld, you call Gina Meyers. She is dangerous, brilliant, and gets the job done. Now she has bitten off more than she can chew. What follows in this trade paperback is an adventure the likes of which has yet to be seen or read before by comics fans anywhere. Roll up those sleeves and prepare some useful spells, for the Shadow Service is coming your way.
Writing: To all who love a good mystery, horror stories, magic, mayhem, and even a bit of spycraft – this wonderful story by Cavan Scott is 100% for you. It has everything one could possibly want and more: an engaging, fleshed-out protagonist, secrets, monsters, and more. Cavan has done an amazing job of bringing this dark and mystical world of his to life. There is not a single dull moment in the plot and the unanswered questions ending will leave readers wishing for the next series to happen.
Art: It has been said that art can transport the viewer to other realms entirely. In this case, that is literally true with Corin’s artwork. Everything about it is fantastic. From the level of detail with the characters and monsters, to visually bringing the magic to life. If readers are not hooked by Cavan’s script, then they will certainly be pulled in by Corin’s art. Magical and fantastic in every way, shape, and form.
Colors: Triona went all-out for the color choices to match up with Corin’s art. The intensity of the story and artwork calls for intense colors. Ones that not only highlight the mad nature of this mystical part of London, but also give a dark edge to it as well. On top of that is all the disturbing monsters and demonic beasts that infest this TPB. Triona took these things that go bump in the night and aided in bring them to horrifying life.
Letters: The lettering from AndWorld Design was the clincher for this book. Everything about the letters helped sell the characters, both good and bad. There was a distinct voice and tone to each figure. Accents, cultural twangs, and the various magical incantations were all given a standout dialect because of AndWorld. It’s as if one could start to plot out the casting choices for a potential TV series or motion picture in one’s head. All thanks to the terrific lettering.
PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:
Fair warning, this book is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for little children. There is so much intrigue, action, and epic violence within these pages. Questions abound constantly and the moral stance of each character will throw even more confusion to the wind for readers. There’s a little something for everyone and it will for sure have people wanting more. An outstanding read and one that is highly recommended.
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
Purchase SHADOW SERVICE Vol. 1 TPB online:
ABOUT VAULT COMICS:
Vault Comics is a private, family-owned company, publishing science fiction and fantasy comics and graphic novels. Vault encourages its creators to break the established order, defy preconceptions of society and identity, and push the boundaries of the medium with bold visions and voices that connect with readers and capture their imaginations. Follow Vault on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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