Posted in: Comics, Review | Tagged: christos gage, Comics, diego rodriguez, HRL, Ninja-K, ninjak, Review, Tomás Giorello, Trevor Hairsine, valiant, valiant universe

Ninja-K #1 Review: A Strong Start To A Super-Spy Action Adventure

Published Sun, 12 Nov 2017 16:00:33 -0600

by Joe Glass

Comments

Ninja-K #1 from Valiant by Christos Gage, Tomas Giorello, and Diego Rodriguez is the start of a brand new series following the Valiant Universe's resident super spy and ninja expert, British freelance operative Colin King.

Ninjak is a character that I actually didn't know much about from the Valiant stable of characters, so I wanted to check this issue out to hopefully learn more and see if it would be accessible to new readers of the character.

I'm pleased to say that the issue is not only immediately accessible and easy to follow, but presents a deep dive of the history behind Ninjak that helps the reader understand the somewhat anachronistic notion of a British secret agent who is an expert in a Japanese martial arts. It makes an explanation of the idea that makes sense and feels in fitting with the world of Valiant, but also can be understood by the audience. So, you know, that was a great start.

But moreover, the issue is fun. It reads like a modern James Bond, almost, but with the crazy fun hyper-violence entertainment of a martial arts film. Gage's writing is tight, accessible, and makes for entertaining and charming characters.

Giorello and Rodriguez's art on the issue is great — clear and consistent and easy to follow, and makes the action sequences fun and filled to the brim with detail. As well as a fun read, this book looks lovely. A fantastic start to a brand-new series.

Ninja-K #1 is a strong beginning to the new series, and if you were wondering if you should check it out if you'd never read Valiant or a Ninjak comic before, then I'd recommend it. It's a great jumping-on point for both the character and for the Valiant Universe as a whole, which is well worth getting into.

Ninja-K #1 is available in comic shops and online from Wednesday, November 15th.

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