It’s the mid-1960s, and Jimmy Meadows should be on top of the world. His band’s most recent album just went gold, and they’re riding a wave to international fame. But Jimmy is driven by only one thing: where to get his next fix. Breath of Shadows #1 could easily be a story about a rockstar’s struggle with addiction but the debut issue hints at something much more interesting.
Written by Rich Douek, Breath of Shadows #1 is an interesting start to teases the horrors to come. On its surface, a rockstar seeking out some secret way to help kick an addiction could drive a story by itself. But, Douek hints at something else going on. Those working Jimmy on this path have their own agendas and see him as little more than a nuisance and the pockets to help fund their mission. With different agendas, and what seems like competing agendas, this feels like the start of a trip that will soon turn into a nightmare.
That nightmare fuel is boosted by the art of Alex Cormack. Along with the lettering of Justin Birch, the imagery of Breath of Shadows #1 will potentially leave readers squirming. Jimmy is having a lot of issues with his addiction which causes him to see and feel… things… that might leave some readers having to look away. It’s a great use of visuals to really drive home what’s going on with Jimmy and what he’s experiencing.
Rich Douek and Alex Cormack have found success previously with Road of Bones and Sea of Sorrows and Breath of Shadows looks like it’ll continue that streak. The comic has all of the setup to really create an intriguing story that might be nightmare inducing for some and have a bit of depth to it as well. An entertaining start that teases what’s to come.
Story: Rich Douek Art: Alex Cormack Letterer: Justin Birch
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.45 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
Source: Graphic Policy
