I can’t believe I ever doubted this miniseries. Diggle, Tann and the rest of the creative team just seem to get better with each issue. Shadowland 3 brings about some interesting developments. On the bright side, we no longer have to worry about Matt Murdock’s soul. Apparently, it’s his damn mind that he’s lost, going so far as to order his ninja to kill his former friends.
The ensuing battle rapidly gets out of hand, with Daredevil even outmatching Iron Fist and Shang-Chi in hand-to-hand combat. Only the stunning arrival of one more ally gets them out of Shadowland alive. As if the fight at the top of the tower isn’t enough, complete chaos has erupted in the dungeons. Ghost Rider doesn’t like being controlled and the last thing anyone wants to do is piss off the Spirit of Vengeance.
Amidst the flames, chains and ninja, Moon Knight is also unleashing his badass best. I just have one question, though I may not like the answer; where was he keeping that costume?
Outside, all hell is breaking loose in Hell’s Kitchen. The foul presence corrupting Daredevil and those around him is starting to effect the civilians, as well. Battered, beaten and clueless our heroes regroup and attempt to come up with a plan. We finally get a glimpse as to what the Hand’s endgame is in all this, with Cage & Co seemingly screwed as Daredevil continues to increase his ranks.
Altogether, this was a very successful issue. It did a great job closing out the first half of the story, both sides having engaged each other and fallen back to regroup. The outside factors of Moon Knight, Ghost Rider and even Kingpin are put in place and the overall plot is starting to mesh together. Right now, I’d put Shadowland on par with Civil War in quality, just on a slightly smaller scale.
Shadowland Issue 3 of 5
Marvel Comics
Story: Andy Diggle
Art: Billy Tann, Victor Olazaba, Christina Strain
