With its deeply haunting storyline and stunning art, Breath of Shadows will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Written by Rich Douek, artwork by Alex Cormack and lettering by Justin Birch, the creative team behind Road of Bones and Sea of Sorrows.
At the heart of Breath of Shadows is Jimmy Meadows, the lead singer of a popular band struggling with addiction. Douek’s storytelling is masterful, as he expertly balances Jimmy’s personal journey with the horror elements of the story. We’re introduced to a controversial method deep in the jungles of South America that’s said to help people quit addiction for good. But the more we learn about it, the more we realize that it’s far from a quick fix. The creeping sense of dread builds and builds until we’re left wondering whether Jimmy will ever be able to escape the horrors that await him.
One of the standout features of Breath of Shadows is Cormack’s beautiful and detailed illustrations. From the lush jungle foliage to the gruesome imagery, every page is a feast for the eyes. The coloring is dark and atmospheric, capturing the tone of the story perfectly. Birch’s lettering also adds another layer of depth to the comic book, with the sound effects and dialogue fitting seamlessly into the art.
Despite the dark subject matter, Breath of Shadows isn’t all doom and gloom. There are moments of levity and humanity that help round out the story. Jimmy’s bandmates add a touch of humor and heart to the story, and their genuine concern for Jimmy’s well-being is palpable.
Breath of Shadows is another hit for the creative team behind Road of Bones and Sea of Sorrows. The story is haunting, the art is stunning, and the characters are multi-dimensional.
The collected edition of Breath of Shadows hits bookstores everywhere on October 31, 2023 and local comic shops on November 1.
This review is a Feature Review during the Capes and Tights Horror Week 2023.
Breath of Shadows TP Preview
