Comics of Color   "Jim Valentino's Emissary #1" By John L. Daniels Jr. Published: 2006-07-15

Writer: Jason Rand Artist: Juan Ferreyra Inker: Clayton Brown Colorist: Angel Marin Publisher: Shadowline/Image comics

On an ordinary day, we go about our ordinary lives until something out of the ordinary happens. The characters featured in Emissary #1 all need change. They all experience life: struggle with divorce, have dull work assignments, and deal with job discrimination. On this particular morning, they experience something that changes their lives forever: the coming of the Emissary.

This story written by Jason Rand is engrossing. When a being from another world suddenly appears suspended in the air, people take notice. Thoughts of divorce, job discrimination, and dull work assignments are overshadowed by the sight of the Emissary and the military. The Emissary appears of African decent and declares, ?I have come to lead you into the future and to lift you up and bring enlightenment.? This critical moment finds Emissary floating above Times Square in view of a Harrier Jet with orders to bump him out of the sky. The Emissary floats in the sky showing powers the world has never seen.

I find this story fascinating and richly character driven. I am interested in reading the development of this character Emissary and how the public will accept him regarding certain issues. One, he is a visitor from another world. Two, he appears to be of African decent. Three, exactly who is he leading into the future and what is the future? The character is intriguing and promotes a gleam of hope. Will the Emissary save the world? Who better to save us, then one from a race who has survived slavery, discrimination and for some a life of poverty?

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The artwork by Juan Ferreyra is clean and detailed. The inking by Clayton Brown is bold! The coloring by Angel Marin is subtle with shadowy hues.

This is a great first issue and a great introduction to a new and curiously motivated character. It has created in me a new awestruck fan of the creative team and this title. Jim Valentino created this character, one of many he creates many under the banner of Shadowline comics. The medium with which he presents people of color gives joy. This title is well on its way to becoming a new classic for Shadowline. Another job well done!

I give this title a five star rating as a great introduction to a new character along with clever and meaningful dialogue.

Read my informative interview with the Emissary creative team!