Comix Portal: Review – ‘Unseen Shadows: Tales Of The Fallen’
It wasn’t that long ago that comics were about superheroes, and that was about it. Now, thankfully, that’s changing for the better. The longjohns characters are still going (with many of them doing very well, thank you), but there are books that provide quite a variety of stories to read.
Unseen Shadows: Tales Of The Fallen is one of those comics.
Here’s the book’s description: “They are murderers, martyrs and mercenaries in the no-man’s-land between adventure and crusade – soldiers of fate and fierce honour, bound together in mystery, darkness and blood. Their enemies are shadows haunting the outermost borders of a darkening world, and as night approaches the shadows grow long. They are the Fallen, and these are their stories.”
Based on Barry Nugent‘s novel and comic Fallen Heroes, this anthology explores several fascinating characters in this new universe, giving them the attention they deserve. “These are not just nice little side stories with no impact on the events surrounding them,” said Nugent. “The spin-offs expand and enhance the characters lives and relationships within the novels. It was important to me that the spin offs can be read, watched and listened to independently of each other and the novels but you will get more insights into the characters by experiencing everything the Unseen Shadows universe has to offer.”
The short stories are gripping reading, and they don’t let up from the moment you open the book until you close it. This graphic novel has over 130 pages in it, so you can sit down and lose yourself for a significant amount of time, something I love doing when I can.
Included in this volume are: “Fragments Of Fate” by Pete Rogers (Writer), Roy Huteson Stewart (Colours), and Paul Mclaren (Lettering); “Wrath Of God” by Cy Dethan (Writer), Steve Penfold (Art), Gat Melvyn (Colours), and Nic Wilkinson (Lettering); “Operation Solomon” by Richmond Clements (Writer), Conor Boyle (Art), and Paul Mclaren (Lettering); and “Band Of Butchers” by Dan Thompon (Writer), Paul Mclaren (Lettering), Rob Carey (Art), and Vicky Stonebridge (Colours).
My favorite in the volume is “Wrath Of God,” which has a very shocking last page in the story. It focuses on The Reverand and is written by Cy Dethan, who has introduced such amazing works as The Indifference Engine and Slaughterman’s Creed to my nightmares. Penfold’s art is also quite stunning, as is Melvyn’s colors.
It’s described this way: “The Reverend: a holy weapon forged in tragedy and flame – a murderous martyr whose cold judgement strikes with the force of a vengeful God. Despair, for the Reverend walks among you. He is the right hand of vengeance. He is Wrath.”
If there’s a character that leaps out in this universe to me the most, it’s the Reverend. He gives me chills!
“Operation Solomon” was next on my list, which has a lot of action in it. The art features a lot of subtle colors and interesting use of panels, which keeps you as off-balance visually as you are in the plot.
Here’s the summary: “On a Tour of Duty in the Persian Gulf, Lieutenant Steph Connisbee is signed on as the pilot on a top secret mission- Operation: Solomon. During this assignment she will uncover secrets and danger and step into the world of Unseen Shadows before she even knows it.”
Now, don’t think the other stories and features aren’t as great as these are. Quite the contrary! This is a powerful volume, packed full of shocks, surprises and intelligence. From my perspective, there’s nothing else like it in comics shops around the world!
Barry had a lot of product available at the recent Thought Bubble convention. But if you didn’t get to attend, don’t worry — you can now pre-order Tales Of The Fallen here!
Don’t miss this incredible volume as well as the other happenings in the Fallen Heroes universe!
You can listen to my most recent Wayne’s Comics podcast by clicking on the player in the upper right corner of this page or by going to the SFP-NOW website! You’ll hear my interview with Christian Forte from Kickstart’s Dead Walker, so don’t miss it!
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