Comic Review: Shadow Roads #5

Shadow Roads #5

Oni Press

Writers: Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt

Artist: A.C. Zamudio

The first arc of Shadow Roads, published by Oni Press and written by Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt, has come to a close. It’s been a nice ride and the comic will return in 2019.

Story:

The story revolves around two worlds. An American western world and a supernatural Native American world. Years back, a shaman devoured the flesh of a demon and became one himself. A collection of characters band together to try and put an end to this monster. It’s a pretty simple story. However, the magic that propels the story is intriguing and for an introductory arc, it’s well put together. in #5, the final showdown ensues, but the outcome raises more questions about the nature of this world and characters than it answers.

Character:

The surprisingly large and awesomely diverse cast of characters is what makes this comic worth reading. From the keeper of the Crossroads, a black man named Kalfu to the England born Native American, Henry, to the red-haired, child gunslinger, Isabella O’Dooley, every character has a unique skill and reason to be in this comic, as well as their own voice. Writers Bunn and Hurtt did a great job introducing so many characters in such a short arc. Most intriguing, perhaps, is the shapeshifter who seems a morally ambiguous hero compared to the rest of the cast due to his inhuman powers.

Art: 

The art in this comic, as a whole, is cartoonish enough to feel fun and adventurous, but is also rather graphic in terms of blood and gore. A.C. Zamudio thrives on chiseled features and swirling ghosts. At times, when the panels are close-up, the art is detailed and gritty. When the panels pull back and capture a broader scene, the art becomes more impressionistic. The whole is a pleasing combination of detail when it matters, and context in scene.

This Comic Is For. . .

Anyone who wants a fresh start with the “western” genre. Shadow Roads #5 delves deeper into Native American mysticism without feeling exploitative. Those who enjoy stories about spirits worlds, such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, or Legend of Kora, will find this a wonderful change of era and scenery, but with similar charm. The added grit and gore makes it feel more adult, but some of the humor is on point enough to make this comic feel “for everyone,” which, judging by the cast of characters, it most certainly is.