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Column:
Comics of Color
"Jim Valentino's Emissary #1"
By John L. Daniels Jr.
Published: 2006-07-15
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Writer: Jason Rand
Artist: Juan Ferreyra
Inker: Clayton Brown
Colorist: Angel Marin
Publisher: Shadowline/Image comics
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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?
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!
—CCdC—
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