Just when you thought things couldn’t get any shadier for Zadie Lu, they do in Shadecraft #4. The closing moments of issue #3 left us in total shock when school counselor Angela Owens let us in on a bit of secret: Zadie’s shadow isn’t her brother. Refusing to believe this news, Zadie agrees for Angela to take her brother to a secure location with others like him. But does Angela have a plan of her own?
Shadecraft has been an enjoyable book from the start, doing a great job at drip-feeding readers information in a way that keeps us on the edge of our seats. Issue #4 slows the pace to give an informative backstory on Zadie’s parents and special agent Angela Owens, who might not be who she says she is. Overall, it’s probably the most sentimental chapter of the book and answers some questions that readers may have about Zadie’s parents, her brother Ricky or Angela Owens. Writer Joe Henderson has done a consistent and effective job executing a solid script that keeps the story focused.
In terms of artwork, Lee Garbett balances a clear tone that suits the story well. The illustrations are dark and gritty when appropriate, and light in other moments. The 1997 flashback is easily distinguishable from the present moments of the book. There are some excellent back and forth transitions from the backstory and current events that mesh together very well.
Shadecraft #4 throws a giant roadblock in front of Zadie Lu and her family. It’ll be interesting to see how they overcome it and if, ultimately, Zadie finds out whether the shadow attached to her is her brother or not. Hopefully, before the first arc ends, we discover if Angela Owens is indeed friend or foe.
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