Shadowpact # 5
DC COMICS
WRITER: Bill Willingham
ARTISTS/COVER: Steve Scott, Wayne Faucher

The Shadowpact return from months of imprisonment behind the wall of blood, to discover that they are now being hailed as heroes who sacrificed their lives to save the world. Now, they have to adjust to a world that has moved on without them. They also discover that a new mystic baddie has put out a magical contract on them. The story is entertaining, boasting clear, distinct visuals and some snappy dialogue. Some of the Shadowpact's new woes, like the changes in Nightmaster's bar, are a bit forced but at least these alterations are not too intrusive and nothing too radical that it can't be reversed. It is a nice change of pace to see mystery-men being lionized by the public rather than treated as troublemakers or freaks. In fact, the Shadowpact seem to have taken to the role of superheroes too easily. This is suppose to be a magic-based cabal, steeped in the elements of horror and mystery comics. Yet the writing and art of this title make it look like just another super-team, like the TITANS or a not-so-YOUNG JUSTICE. Ragman, who is suppose to be a tragic and sometimes horrific character, becomes just another muscleman. Even the assassin who is sent to kill him looks like just another costumed baddie. This "Shadowpact" doesn't really work in the shadows does it? That may be disappointing to people who were expecting to see DC do a Vertigo title in the mainstream universe. On the other hand, perhaps this is the right direction for this title, to get away from the darkness that has taken over so much of comics world.