Well, we get the unexpected here and no mistake – a deluxe, big price-tag (and then some!) edition of Andy Diggle's time on the Shadowman title. My experience of this cycle of books, which the publishers cared so much about, included:- a review file for the first book that left off the entire final third, until the whole thing was dumped on the market as a freebie; a big campaign that provided reviewers through multiple paths with what was supposed to be the second book and was for some weeks another copy of the first; and so on. You may think that all completely irrelevant, but I put it to you the better books, the ones the publishers can love as their babies, will get greater care and attention.

For this isn't a good run by any means. The first book was OK, if you knew the characters of old at least – but still bogged itself down with the 'heroes' being forced to do completely stupid things; the second volume was an utter waste of space diversion down some hole nobody could care for; and only the third, especially with its art trying its best to look hand-crafted, got things going.

Oh, and I'm reviewing this 'deluxe' as I've seen it, which is the vanilla reproduction of the stories, and nothing else. We're promised 20 pages of exclusive end-matter, and a tie-in for Shadowman with some one-hit wonder rappers. 'Cos that's what we'd be here for. Again it shows a little bit of reluctance to show the alleged wonders of this franchise off, in case us reviewers find said wonders don't exist. Seemingly these books have had some admirers, but try as I can I've not got to be one, so I'm left with the opinion that this deluxe is remainder-shelf bound. Two stars.

A thrilling and interesting story about the rise of the Shadwoman! Magic, mayhem, and adventure take place in this story! Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a good read!

*Thanks Netgalley and Diamond Book Distributors for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*