‘4001 A.D.: Shadowman #1’ Comic Review

Written by: Jody Houser and Rafer Roberts; Art by: Robert Gill; Coloring by: Michael Spicer; Lettering by: David Sharpe; Editing by: Tom Brennan; Editor-in-chief: Warren Simons


4001 A.D.: Shadowman #1 depicts the world years after Earth is invaded by people of the shadow dimension, also known as The Deadside. Fortunately for humans the invasion is unsuccessful, but this does not result in all of the people of the shadow dimension leaving Earth. In fact, those stationed at a tactical outpost known as Sanctuary are left behind. Meanwhile, the rest of The Deadside’s people retreat to their homeland.

Over time, a human city called Gethsmane is built next to Sanctuary. The “city of the living” eventually finds itself dependent on Sanctuary and its “dead” residents. The living need help powering and protecting Gethsmane, but this protection comes at a cost—a deadly one. The price is three sacrifices, almost like The Hunger Games concept of tributes, but there is no guaranteed “victor” returning home. Nor is there any fighting between those sacrificed; instead, the three sacrifices are burned. Their resulting life force then produces enough power for both cities to last a single season, when it must happen yet again.

4001 A.D.: Shadowman #1: The Tide Turns

This compromise between the city of the living and the city of the dead has worked well for quite some time, until Drub Tarley came along. He has been rallying up the people of Gethsmane, and now they want to take the power away from Sanctuary. They have even convinced this season’s sacrifices—Kaia, Jardon, and Kym—to assist with the hostile takeover once they cross into Sanctuary for their supposed sacrifice.

4001 A.D. Shadowman #1 has a fascinating concept that takes an unexpected turn as the storyline progresses. Readers will definitely wonder who the real monsters are–especially when they witness barbaric tactics used upon innocent city residents.

4001 A.D.: Shadowman #1: A failing plan

The comic also brings in the idea of Loa into play. The Loa are intermediaries between the Supreme Creator, or God, and humanity found in Haitian Vodou and Louisiana Voodoo. They typically aid the practitioner in certain aspects of life such as success, sexuality, spirituality, and even death. The comic implements the Loa in a similar regard, making them protectors of The Deadside’s people and the former source of power for the city. The mention of religious entities beyond the scope of the comic makes Houser and Robert’s lore more grounded and familiar. It also will certainly spark further interest for readers as it is always fascinating to see well established religious figures reimagined in fiction.

While I enjoyed Shadowman #1’s concept, I will say the comic rushed through the storyline much too quickly. It seemed like some of the characters rapidly evolved their dispositions inorganically as a result. This made many of their actions feel insincere or out of place. I also felt this issue never had a true climax. The danger was never quite there, and the story wrapped up too easily and conveniently to create any true suspense. However, the end of the comic attempts to make up for that lack of suspense, and it definitely has me curious about the future of Shadowman.

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