‘The Twilight Zone: The Shadow’ Comic Review

written by David Avallone; art by Dave Acosta


Wow! The new comic The Twilight Zone: The Shadow is one of those “so crazy it just might work” concepts that definitely works. How do I know it works? I was so intrigued by the story and mystery that I had to delve deep into the comics and radio drama history. Unless you are a Shadow fanatic who understands all of the mythology surrounding the character then this issue might be tough to follow at first, but allow me to give you a little insight to better understand it.

The Shadow is really Kent Allard a famed aviator, who fought in WWI for the French. He later fakes his own death—Kent Allard’s death—and maintains his persona as The Shadow. In order to conceal his true identity he steals the identities of many men around him. The identity most often used by The Shadow is Lamont Cranston, but it’s not simply a Bruce Wayne is Batman, Batman is Bruce Wayne kind of story. The Shadow is both Lamont Cranston and Kent Allard, but Lamont Cranston exists on his own as well. Before The Shadow, Lamont Cranston existed as a separate human being with zero connection to The Shadow.

Now that you’re somewhat caught up, or more confused than ever, let us take a look at the comic. It begins in October 1939 at a gathering of Nazi sympathizers. As they chant “Sieg Heil,” The Shadow and his beautiful ally, Margo Lane, are executing an attack on this party of propaganda spitting serpents. The Shadow swiftly slinks into action with his two .45s and blasts away at Nazi scum. Watching Nazis get blown up or shot never seems to get old in entertainment.

Twilight Zone The Shadow 1

Moments after this bloody barrage of bullets and bombs, The Shadow and Margo Lane escape in a car, but their escape is short-lived when an explosion goes off under their feet. I leave you there with the rest of the plot because to say any more truly spoils the fun of the comic.

The tale is one that explores the complexity of identity and reality. It’s a genius play to have The Shadow act within the bounds of The Twilight Zone, considering The Shadow is just as much a mystery as is a classic episode of the 1950s-60s show. I’m intrigued by the story, the action, and the characters but what will keep this series engaging to a modern audience is the twist pulled into the fray with the inclusion of The Twilight Zone. If the next few issues are as good as this one then I can confidently say that writer David Avallone and artist Dave Acosta have an old-fashioned winner on their hands.

BRAND PARTNERS
Recent Posts