Connect with us
Is It Good? Shadow Show #1 Review

Comic Books

Is It Good? Shadow Show #1 Review

A comic book series by acclaimed writers to pay tribute to the work of the one and only Ray Bradbury? Count me in, but is it good?


Shadow Show #1 (IDW Publishing)


Is It Good? Shadow Show #1 Review

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

The concept behind this book is sound: turn the short stories from Shadow Show: All-New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradbury into comics. These short stories were written by writers who were told to pay homage to Bradbury through stories that in one way or another reflected his influence. The first issue is written by acclaimed horror novelist Joe Hill and drawn by Charles Paul Wilson III. It should be noted Joe Hill only wrote the short story and this issue was actually adapted by Jason Ciaramella.

Is It Good? Shadow Show #1 Review
Yeah what is squash?

The story is very wistful and captures a sense of naivete children have when they go playing in the woods. In this case the children go playing on the beach and what they find is quite fascinating. Hill conjures up the joy of children as they make a discovery as well as the contemplation of telling adults what they’ve found. It all opens with a loud and obnoxious group of kids cooped up in the house with a mother screaming for them to go out and play. The grandeur of the moment is wild and fun to see too. A child’s imagination can sometimes be bigger than life itself…until of course the Bradbury inspired portion comes into play.

I don’t want to ruin it, because really the discovery of the moment is what makes this issue work. I will say this, the boy in the story does something a bit morbid and even though all seems well a very dark twist occurs that one wouldn’t expect in a story about children playing. It comes as a surprise and it’s a nice twist to the proceedings.

The art by Charles Paul Wilson III is quite cartoony as if taken from a cartoon itself. The characters are very simple, especially in their expressions and the world is painterly. This dulls the twisted nature of the ending, but serves a great deal in making the imagination of the children more fun and believable.

Is It Good? Shadow Show #1 Review
Being a parent stinks!

Is It Good?

The concept of the story is cute and lovable, but with a twisted underbelly Bradbury fans should love. The art felt a bit off for my tastes, but it’s still a sound tale.

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

X-Men Monday #241 - Steve Foxe Talks 'X-Men '97,' 'Dead X-Men,' and 'X-Men: Blood Hunt - Psylocke' X-Men Monday #241 - Steve Foxe Talks 'X-Men '97,' 'Dead X-Men,' and 'X-Men: Blood Hunt - Psylocke'

X-Men Monday #241 – Steve Foxe Talks ‘X-Men ’97,’ ‘Dead X-Men,’ and ‘X-Men: Blood Hunt – Psylocke’

Comic Books

Films to check out at SXSW Films to check out at SXSW

Films to check out at SXSW

Movies

'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024 'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024

‘My Adventures with Superman’ gets new comics series starting June 2024

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup