REVIEW: The Shadow Agency #1

Summary

The Shadow Agency #1 by David “DJ” Bond II and Charles Stewart III is an exciting read. It draws you into the world they are building without letting everything out of the bag at one time. The main characters are fleshed out well and very interesting. The Shadow Agency first issue is executed very well. I don’t see how you can get through this issue and not want to know what’s next.

David really put together a cohesive and exciting story. The dialogue moves, and it is fast-paced without seeming rushed. Scenes flow well from panel to panel. We get enough back story to flesh the main characters out, but always in service to moving the story forward. I didn’t like the choice of just stating information on the team when they were introduced; it was the only story decision that didn’t seem natural. I understand that some concessions have to be made with limited space, but thankfully, it doesn’t take away from the story.

The art didn’t move me, but as I kept reading, it didn’t get in the way of enjoying the book. I felt the style didn’t match the story; it doesn’t take away from it either. The drawing is consistent throughout. Charles excels at showing the right emotion for the characters. Their expressions match what’s going on in the panels, and they never have a blank look on their faces.

The editing was good; the panels made sense, no significant errors, and no excess words. It seems like every single line served the story, and The Shadow Agency #1 has a great flow. The decision to start the chapters with a character drawing took away from the story, especially since it was paced so well. It takes you out of the moment like it’s a commercial break.

I’m excited to see what happens next with this book. It’s a great action comic with exciting characters and a well-written story. It is a great escape where you won’t have to think too hard and just be entertained. And it’s executed well.