This issue has what I thought I’d be getting in a Shade series. Mind you, this series is my first exposure to the character (other than hearing James Robinson describe him on podcasts). #3 is my favorite so far. It’s a straight narrative of the Shade travelling to Australia on a mission. He does a little reconnaissance in Sydney and then heads to the outback for a magical battle royale. The previous issues pleased me when they focused on Shade’s character moments and of course seeing what his powers could do. But issue 2 had too much non-Shade action for my taste concerning the German agent fighting bad guys. I love seeing heroic action set outside of the usual urban American environments. I love seeing interesting cultures and mythologies explored as the basis for the supporting cast and antagonists. I also started reading this series based on the attraction of the artist roster throughout the 12 issues. Cully Hamner draws a really cool Aboriginal lizard spirit in this one. Next issue has Darwyn Cooke and J. Bone on art and will likely be popular for that reason. But you really ought to pick up this as a great “one & done” adventure and for the surprise ending that makes it obvious why number 4 takes place back in the 1940’s.