PopCultHQ received a review copy of NINJA-K #1 from Valiant Entertainment. Available November 15th, 2017, the creative team for this series features writing from Christos Gage, art from Tomas Giorello, colors by Diego Rodriguez, and lettering from A Larger World Studios.
Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…
NINJA-K #1
Written by Christos Gage
Art by Tomas Giorello
Colors by Diego Rodriguez
Letters by A Larger World Studios
Cover A by Trevor Hairsine
Cover B by Lucas Troya
Interlocking Variant by Kenneth Rocafort
Ninjak Icon Variant by David Mack
Brushed Metal Variant by Mico Suayan
$3.99 | 40 pgs. | T+ | On Sale NOVEMBER 15th
For nearly a century, MI-6, the most elite branch of Britain’s clandestine intelligence service, has honed a ruthlessly effective, top-secret division – THE NINJA PROGRAMME – into one of its nation’s most finely wielded weapons. Tasked as the first and last line of defense for queen and country, this small shadow army of agents and assassins has produced a succession of notable assets, including NINJA-A, the Queen’s silent weapon of World War I; NINJA-E, the globe-trotting secret agent that pulled the Cold War back from the brink of Armageddon; and, most recently, NINJA-K, aka Colin King, a brash but fearless instrument of lethality that has saved the world from madmen and terror at every turn. But now… an unknown enemy is hunting and killing members of THE NINJA PROGRAMME one by one – and NINJAK is next on the list.
VARIANT COVERS
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
Ninja-K #1
Writing:
As the latest in the long line of writers to take up the Ninja-K character, Christos Gage has put together a fantastic first issue script. Taking the already existent history of the character, Gage adds his own special twists and thrills. The world of Ninjak (Ninja-K) has expanded to be an all-encompassing thing, layered and beautifully written. Gage has a passion for Ninja-K and it shows throughout the book, especially with the ending pages.
Art:
Tomás Giorello’s art is wonderful to look at. Visually stimulating, there is heavy action in many panels, but also beautiful detailed layouts that put depth into Gage’s script. For a book like this, adding more to a superhero who has been published for years takes dedication and Giorello’s dedication is obvious. There is not one page that isn’t chock fully of juicy artwork, something long-time Ninjak fans and Valiant readers will appreciate.
Diego Rodriguez was a great pick as colorist. There’s a subtle muted nature to the colors for this first issue. Not flashy or loud, even when there are panels with high action of an explosive nature. This allows readers to use their eyes to examine each page, not being drawn to one particular panel or action right away. Thus, full appreciation of Diego’s colors blended to the art and script happens.
A Larger World Studios did a splendid job on the lettering. While there’s not a discernible difference in the lettering between individual characters, the way Ninja-K and other persons have their speech worded makes up for this. In lettering each character in a way that makes their dialogue feel real, it’s almost as if these people are alive and actually have conversations.
PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:
Ninjak returns to Valiant with a new series. With Ninja-K, this first issue is a real smorgasbord for returning readers and new readers. There’s heavy action, fantastic dialogue, eye-popping art and colors. It’s a splash-down for Valiant and the new team working to bring Ninja-K’s world to more fans. Make a point to pick up a copy of this issue, it’s not one to be missed!
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
5 Out of 5 Stars
Be sure to follow the creative team!
Writer – Christos Gage
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Artist – Tomás Giorello
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Colorist – Diego Rodriguez
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Letterer – A Larger World Studios
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Publisher – Valiant Entertainment
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