PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of FU JITSU #1 from AfterShock Comics. Available September 27, 2017, the creative team for this series features writing from Jai Nitz, art from Wes St. Claire, and lettering from Ryane Hill.
Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…
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FU JITSU #1
Writer: Jai Nitz
Artist: Wes St. Claire
Letterer: Ryane Hill
Cover Artists: Wes St. Claire, Greg Smallwood
Item Codes: JUL171306, JUL171307
In Shops: September 27, 2017
SRP: $3.99
Fu Jitsu is the world’s smartest boy, and has been for the last hundred years. Wait, what? Fu is an un-aging genius, and has had adventures around the globe and around the galaxy. From Einstein and the Wright brothers, to Gandhi and Johnny Unitas, Fu has met everyone in history while protecting Earth from Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man, and his dangerous magi-science.
Fu exiles himself to Antarctica to try and forget the painful breakup with his ex-girlfriend, Rachel. Meanwhile, Wadlow returns from the far-flung future and sends James Dean, his ultimate assassin, to kill Fu at the South Pole. And you thought your teenage years were tough?
From Jai Nitz, the award-winning writer of El Diablo, Sucide Squad Most Wanted and Dream Thief comes this action-packed new series with art from Teen Titans Annual artist Wesley St. Claire!
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
FU JITSU #1
Fantasy, mysticism, magic, reanimation, science-fiction, martial arts, enlightenment, and science (manipulating matter and the ability to control on a molecular level). All of these things are melded into an even deeper story with potential global impact in the premiere issue of FU JITSU.
The story is of Fu Jitsu, a 120-year old boy trained in the martial arts, possessing the ability of molecular manipulation, and cognizant of time travel who is protecting the world unbeknownst to its citizens, all while struggling internally to forget a girl in his life.
Robert Wadlow, our antagonist of the series, has traversed time himself and seeks the magical Atomic Katana in his quest for global domination. Having encountered Fu in the past, Wadlow sends an assassin to take out the young-looking Kung Fu expert…James Dean. Yeah, expect anything from this series!
Writing:
Jai Nitz packs a whole lot of punch in this first issue of FU JITSU. Great delivery, intriguing premise, and a foundation for an explosive series with vast potential. As much as the writer throws at you in the debut issue, it’s neither overwhelming or unbelievable. Quite the contrary. All of these components enhance the storyline as well as the action. Nitz also leaves you with some questions and yearning for more by time you reach the final page. There’s an addicitve quality to his storytelling that will make for immediate fans and have them looking to place FU JITSU on their pull list.
Additional note: Jai get mad props for kickin’ it with RTJ! <see below>
Art:
Wes St. Claire’s art owns this comic. As intriguing as Nitz’s narrative is, it’s the illustrations in FU JITSU that magnificently bring his imagination to life. Wes has a great understanding of the physical form and gives us some incredible action scenes showcasing Fu’s martial arts ability. He also have a gift for providing a lot of detail in a minimal way, so to speak. Nothing heavily-detailed or to excess, his definitions are done in a very appealing way which will contribute to the success of the series.
As for inks and colors, St. Claire provides a well-balanced contrast in delivering lighter and softer hues when focused on our protagonist, with bolder inks and intense, darker colors when following the series’ villain or the action intensifies. If you truly pay attention to the colors while reading (or after re-reading), you’ll instantly pick up on Wes’ contribution to the flow and feel of the issue. Like a boss.
Letterer Ryane Hill provides top-quality lettering in FU JITSU #1. He has great emphasis on necessary stressed words, smart placement, all the while allowing St. Claire’s art to still be the primary focus and shine through. In a number of instances, Hill creatively fits in dialogue just to achieve that consideration and it comes off sharp throughout!
PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:
On a personal note, this book reached me stronger than many comics for a number of reasons. Math and science were my favorite, and best, subjects in school. Both fascinate me and excite me (mentally). Coupled with the fact that I went to seminary for a Bachelors in Religion, studying all religions past and present, FU JITSU intrigued me on a number of levels, even connecting with me (so to speak).
FU JITSU #1 is brilliant amalgamation of action, fantasy, science, and Eastern philosophies. A look at events in history, and how magic and villainy played an integral role in many notable instances. Fortunately for us, there is a hero out there, protecting mankind. FU JITSU takes us along for the ride on his journey and by issue’s end, there’s nowhere you’d rather want to be.
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
5 Out of 5 Stars
FU-JITSU creator @JAINITZ1 has a special message for comic fans about his new series!
Cover A: JUL171306 B: JUL171307#addtopull #lcs pic.twitter.com/bl7r6aM1QM— AfterShock@DragonCon (@AfterShockComix) August 31, 2017
And be sure to pick up the
Frankie’s Comics Retailer Exclusive 3D Variant of FU JITSU #1 –
Limited to 200 copies and featuring the artwork of Phil Hester!
Be sure to follow Frankie’s Comics online!
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UP NEXT:
FU JITSU #2
Writer: Jai Nitz
Artist: Wes St. Claire
Letterer: Ryane Hill
Cover Artists: Wes St. Claire
Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man and wielder of the Atomic Katana, has attacked Washington DC and conquered the United States. Now it’s up to Fu Jitsu to stop Wadlow. But it’s tough trying to save the world while fighting with your ex-girlfriend that you’re still very much in love with. Oh, and Fu’s martial arts powers go haywire, so he’s got that going for him. Which is nice.
From Jai Nitz, the award-winning writer of El Diablo, Sucide Squad Most Wanted and Dream Thief, comes this action-packed new series with art from Teen Titans Annual artist Wes St. Claire!
Be sure to follow the creative team!
Writer – Jai Nitz
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Artist – Wesley St. Claire
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`Letterer – Ryane Hill
Publisher – AfterShock Comics
