I have to admit that this is my first introduction to The Shadow, but what an introduction it was.  Cullen Bunn is the writer on this #0 issue, and after reading this issue I’m kicking myself for not checking out The Shadow sooner. The story goes back and forth between New York in 1925 and Los Angeles in 1936.  In New York, Lamont or The Shadow is being trained to become a magician by none other than Harry Houdini.  The traps he tries to navigate get increasingly difficult and near impossible for him to escape.  In 1936, The Shadow is using these previously learned skills to traverse through a slew of obstacles in order to get to the Society of United Magicians.

Unfortunately, the guild has fallen apart over the years and has become very vicious towards Houdini’s wife, Bess.  Since Houdini controlled many secrets, they want answers from her and are willing to use force to get them.  The Shadow is adamant on stopping them and protecting Bess which would therefore protect Houdini’s secrets.  Now, Houdini died in 1926 so that means that Bess is the only way they can get answers unless Houdini is doing some supernatural stuff in the comic.  I don’t want to give anymore away than that, but this book is extremely well-written and well-paced.  There’s tons of intrigue and mystery, and overall just some really cool magic going on that’s captured beautifully with the art style and colors.

This issue alone made me a fan of The Shadow, so if you’re a fan of vigilante and pulp noir-type stories, you owe it to yourself to check this book out.  If you’re already reading the series this purchase is a no-brainer.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Cullen Bunn Artist: Colton Worley Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment Price: 3.99 Release Date: 7/16/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital