He had his first appearance in Bloodshot #7. Riding on that popularity, and fans wondering just who the heck this purple clad British Ninja was, they gave him his own series. Now, in the present, we can expect him to shine once again in X-O Manowar #5. In anticipation of this, we’re going to take a look at the start of his own series. Why not his first appearance? Well, I’ll run that down for you real quick: He stabs Bloodshot a lot and then leaves. There, happy? Now, let’s crash through the window that is the cover of this awesome artwork by Joe Quesada (is that right? Oh yes, true believers!) and see just what this guy is all about! Hi-ya your way into Ninjak #1!
It all starts like this: A weapons deal is going down in the harbors of Monaco. Both men are of business, and both men expect what they came here for. Mr. DeVries is supplying the weapons, stinger missile launchers to be exact. Mr. Saleh expects to get those, but not at the prices discussed before. Oh no. It’s a double-cross, ladies and gents, but while all this is going down a man lurks in the shadows. As he watches and records, he holds no regard for any of the patrons that are here now. As Saleh and Dominique (she was eye candy just a few moments before) turn on DeVries, it’s over with little effort. DeVries is now dead, and Dominique drives off to her next target. It’s only minutes later before our man in the shadows is ready to finish his report, and the lives of those that are still here. With a quickness, the lights are extinguished and Ninjak jumps from the shadows! I don’t think I need to tell you just how bloody it gets after that.
With the experience I’ve had with older Valiant titles, as far as story is concerned, it was hit and miss. It could be a smashing success or fail miserably. The original X-O was great. The original Harbinger… not so much. With Ninjak, it feels like it is: a spy/action thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Mark Moretti’s story has what I’ve craved so much for in a Valiant title at the time. Action sweeps us up in the beginning, suspense holds us throughout, and intrigue keeps our interest as we see the likes of Dr. Silk, the main bad guy of the series. We get just enough information to keep us satisfied, but not enough to bore us. We get a great mix of action and suspense, but some steamy moments too. It’s a book that’s geared more toward an older audience, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Joe Quesada did quite a bit of work for Valiant. He did most of the #0 issue covers, some really cool posters for Valiant vision, and this lovely issue here, not to mention so much more. It’s modern, it’s fresh, it’s what a Valiant title needed at the time. Quesada’s artwork is the perfect companion to Moretti’s storytelling. You feel the action. You’re on the edge of your seat as bullets fly, or ladies are dropping clothes (they seem to do that a little much in this issue) to get down to “business”. It’s not without it’s flaws though. During some scenes, Quesada tries to use shadows, and it doesn’t pan out all of the time. The lines blend in together and images get jumbled. Aside from that, it’s visually stimulating, and a pleasant surprise to most of the other Valiant art at the time.
The series went 26 issues, and two #0 issues before it was cancelled. That’s not to say it was bad though. With Acclaim taking over Valiant, things were changed, and a lot of it was not for the good of any titles that were current. His popularity has lived on though, as we get to see him return this month in X-O Manowar! I am pumped about this. His debut in Bloodshot was lackluster, but here, I hope it’s grandiose. He may be a Ninja, and he may even be an assassin, but he’s also British, and it shows in his character. X-O better watch out, is all I’ve got to say.
If you’re just now discovering Valiant for the first time, or your deep into the new Valiant Universe, check this title out. It’s got great art, a great story, and it’ll bring you right up to speed on just what this purple-clad ninja is all about. Read a couple issues, and you’ll see why I, along with quite a few other people, are really excited to see him come back. Now all we need is Shadowman to come back, and we’ll have most of the core line-up. Oh, wait, he is.
Art: 8/10
Script: 8/10
Parental concern: An obvious scene of passion, and lots of blood and violence.
I have to admit, I picked this up because of the shiney cover (and that it was only .50 cents), but it really was a decent issue!
Ah, the nineties, when every issue was so gimmick-pumped and shiny that you could slice tomatoes with their spines! “It’s not just foil embossed, it’s a ginsu!
