Shade, the Changing Man (Vertigo)

Shade, the Changing Man (Vertigo) refers to a comic book series published by DC Comics under its Vertigo imprint. It is a reimagining of the original Steve Ditko-created character Shade, the Changing Man, but with significantly altered concepts and themes. This version of the character was primarily written by Peter Milligan and launched in 1990.

The series follows Rac Shade, an alien from the planet Meta, who arrives on Earth seeking to stop the "American Scream," a collective manifestation of the nation's madness, violence, and societal anxieties. He inhabits the body of a recently deceased serial killer, Edward "Eddie" Paine, using a "madness vest" which allows him to warp reality and travel between dimensions, particularly the Area of Madness.

The Vertigo series is known for its surreal and psychologically complex narrative, exploring themes of identity, sanity, perception, cultural critique, and the nature of reality. It frequently incorporates elements of stream-of-consciousness writing and philosophical inquiries. Characters often struggle with their own inner demons and the overwhelming influence of the American Scream.

The comic ran for 70 issues, concluding in 1996. It is considered a cult classic and a significant work within the Vertigo imprint, influencing other series in its use of experimental storytelling and mature themes. Subsequent appearances of Shade in other DC Comics publications have often drawn on the Vertigo interpretation of the character.