ABSOLUTE CASSANDRA CAIN: THE SHADOW’S HAND #1 (DC COMICS)
As Selina Kyle continues her search for Holly Robinson, another figure is looming in the shadows.
Cassandra Cain’s introduction into the Absolute Universe has been shrouded in mystery.
That ends now.
ABSOLUTE CASSANDRA CAIN: THE SHADOW’S HAND #1 by Che Grayson, Matías Bergara ,Mike Spicer & Lucas Gattoni (DC COMICS) spotlights the fierce warrior in a bold new adventure.
Let’s take a closer look at how events play out.
ABSOLUTE CASSANDRA CAIN: THE SHADOW’S HAND #1 by Che Grayson, Matías Bergara ,Mike Spicer & Lucas Gattoni (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
WRITING:
Grayson presents a unique vision of Cain’s rise to power. Seeing how one vile character works their way inside Lady Shiva’s league leads to a brutal outcome. It is unsurprising knowing how much this person influences the AU that their reach wouldn’t appear here. The aftermath is the more compelling piece, Seeing Shiva go underground opens more doors. The move also delivers a cold dialogue followed by a promising new stat quo for the young fighter.
Readers watch as the isolated feelings are kept in check as Shiva begins her plans. This moves the story into some uncharted spots. Grayson adds some notable names into the mix to show the levels of Cain’s mission. It provides new action points as she hones her skills as an assassin. Gattoni’s lettering of the journal pages pop off panels as she treks from target to target. Once in a new “Ark” location, the story lets Cain show her growth. The audience sees how her tactics differ from her mother’ ways. This leads into a powerful closing act. Once finishes, it establishes why Cain’s methodology has become so strong against a foe like Selina Kyle. An excellent read.
ABSOLUTE CATWOMAN!
ART & LETTERING:
Bergara & Spicer begin with a brooding look at Shiva’s rule over the league. Her cold persona never falters even when a stranger shows up at her doorstep. Once their ruse is up, panels turn graphically violent as the deadly combat begins. It presents a bold full page reveal of who is under the mask with terror in their veins. As the story comes back to calm waters, the friction between young Cassandra and her mother is inescapable.
A fantastic two page spread shows the initial training beginning. This leads into a globetrotting affair with many differing views. None greater than with the full page image of a new “Ark”. This sets an uneasy tone as Cass heads into the darkness. The near full shot welcomes in another fierce warrior into the equation. Cain’s expressions take a larger role as the dangers of this new playing field switches fast. It leads into a solid full page “jumping” moment to transition to silhouette combat. The coloring attempts a new look with simple black and white images to end fighting on. The resolution is a superb farewell moment as one door has closes. What has emerged is a force in their own right for the AU to watch.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
The road to Hell is paved with noble intentions as Cassandra Cain fights for more than survival. Grayson exposes a deeper perspective for Cain’s silent combat in the writing. Gattoni’s lettering on the transition points is flawless while the art team delivers high impact action. A strong addition into the ranks of Comics’ most imaginative line.
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