“Wherever Cranston goes, The Shadow goes. Wherever he goes—everybody dies.”
What They Say:
Exactly who the Shadow might be—or who he once was—is the subject of some grim speculation by Taro Kondo and Buffalo Wong, but the answer may be closer than either suspects. Meanwhile, Cranston and Margo come face to face with the full horror of the Japanese occupation… and on the River Yangtze, a deadly ambush awaits the unwary.
Creators:
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Aaron Campbell
The Review:
A weapon of unimaginable power rests in the hands of a Mongolian warlord who has offered to sell it to the highest bidder. As emissaries from different nations are killed, the Japanese Koji Kondo nearly has his hands on the prize, but Lamont Cranston is hot on his heels with a CIA agent and a small battalion of marines. If the Japanese acquire the weapon then this could well mean the end of the United States and the other Western nations.
This is the first issue where we begin to learn about Cranston’s past. As they sail down the Yangtze River, Kondo and warlord Buffalo Wong tell General Saburo Akamutsu what they know about Cranston and the Shadow. The story is chilling, to say the least. On the American boat, Cranston continues his subtle manipulations, preparing the CIA agent Finnegan and Margo Lane for something they will face in the future. Whether the future event has to do with the Spirit Cannon or something beyond remains to be seen, but once again Ennis does a great job of portraying Cranston as cruel, mysterious, and in control.
Issue 4 is a mid-point issue that establishes more backstory and moves the story to the next plot point, but it’s not filler. So far The Shadow has been a creature of mystery—a dark, laughing angel of death—and there was the possibility that giving more backstory to Cranston and his alter ego might take away from that mystery. However, the manner in which it is told, practically as a legend, only cements this compelling aspect to his character. We’re given just enough to have a better idea of the man, but not enough to harm his mystique.
In terms of action, there really isn’t much that occurs in this issue, which is not surprising given that its function is to set up what’s to come, but even though the comic basically consists of people talking, it’s still great fun. I love the antagonism between Buffalo Wong and General Akamutsu and the subtle machinations of Cranston and Kondo. Once again, Ennis and Campbell write a fun comic.
In Summary:
This issue is basically a set up issue for what’s to come. It’s moving characters and events into place for the real action, but it does so in a way that’s still dynamic and interesting. We’re given more information on Cranston and his alter ego, and in general the character work is excellent. There isn’t really any action here, but it’s still quite fun to read.
Grade: A
