Alan Rapp

• Title: The Shadow: Year One #1 (of 8)
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Matt Wagner
• Artist: Wilfredo Torres

The Shadow saves Margo Lane from a pair of gangsters who attempt to throw her off the roof of the Cobalt Club by riddling the pair with holes and throwing their bodies off the rooftop for the cops to find. Who says chivalry is dead?

The Shadow’s plans begin to take effect as his attack begins a gang war between the rival families fueled by Massaretti’s paranoia, the death of his men, and a little hypnotic suggestion courtesy of the vigilante. As the mobsters begin killing each other The Shadow just sits back and laughs that creepy laugh of his.

I have mixed feelings about Margo recognizing Lamont Cranston as The Shadow so easily. I know she’s to become his Girl Friday, but the series of events feels a tad rushed for my tastes. There’s also an interesting scene during the party concerning the new Bela Lugosi movie which Cranston overhears and uses to help form the look and theatrics of the vigilante who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men. Worth a look.

[Dynamite Entertainment, $3.99]