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Ninjak (2015) #1-3
Ninjak Deluxe Edition, Book 1
"From New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (4001 A.D.) and superstar artists Clay Mann (Poison Ivy), Doug Braithwaite (Armor Hunters), Butch Guice (Captian America) and many more, comes the first oversized hardcover of the seven-time Harvey Award nominated series the A.V. Club calls ""immensely entertaining""!
Then: Meet inexperienced MI-6 recruit Colin King on his first mission in the field as he learns the basics of spycraft and counterintelligence, and develops a volatile relationship with his first handler.
Now: Colin King is Ninjak, the world's foremost intelligence operative, weapons expert, and master assassin. And he's hunting the Shadow Seven – a secret cabal of shinobi masters with mysterious ties to his training and tragic past.
Collecting NINJAK #1–13, this deluxe hardcover comes packed with more than 20 pages of rarely seen art and extras!"
Then: Meet inexperienced MI-6 recruit Colin King on his first mission in the field as he learns the basics of spycraft and counterintelligence, and develops a volatile relationship with his first handler.
Now: Colin King is Ninjak, the world's foremost intelligence operative, weapons expert, and master assassin. And he's hunting the Shadow Seven – a secret cabal of shinobi masters with mysterious ties to his training and tragic past.
Collecting NINJAK #1–13, this deluxe hardcover comes packed with more than 20 pages of rarely seen art and extras!"
447 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2017
17 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 28, 2019
Finally, Ninjak gets his own book! I've been happy to see the master spy pop up in so many Valiant stories, especially as part of the Unity team. He's a fun character, so it's exciting that we get to follow him in his own solo series.
Ninjak is billionaire Colin King, a ninjitsu master and weapons expert, making him the best stealth operative at MI-6. In this book, Matt Kindt not only tells the present day story of Ninjak going into deep cover to track down the Shadow Seven, the dangerous people at the head of a sneaky weapons-dealing organization, but also weaves in parallel stories from Colin's past: his childhood and how the shaky relationship between his asshole parents and hard-ass butler shaped who he is today, and his first years as a spy, including his doomed love affair with his first handler.
I love how this series focused almost strictly on Ninjak's work as a spy as opposed to the larger-scoped conflicts he's a part of in other stories. It's pretty much a straight-up espionage book until the final story arc, where Ninjak gets sent to the Deadside dimension with Punk Mambo on a mission to find a lost MI-6 team. Though fun, that arc feels a bit out of place and it's probably a good idea to have read the conclusion of Shadowman: Deluxe Edition, Book 2 to fully understand everything. But the first two Shadow Seven arcs are pretty tight espionage tales with cool gadgets, martial arts fight scenes, and witty Ninjak one-liners.
The book introduces several villains with great potential for future stories, especially the extremely deadly Roku, while also giving us more details about the always mysterious Bleeding Monk and Ninjak's unexpected ties to him. And it's awesome to discover the nature of Ninjak's codename, which could also lead to some cool work-building in the future. Ninjak is a pragmatic, clever and entertaining character that's always fun to read, and this first deluxe is a good showcase.
This compiles the story following trade paperbacks:
Ninjak is billionaire Colin King, a ninjitsu master and weapons expert, making him the best stealth operative at MI-6. In this book, Matt Kindt not only tells the present day story of Ninjak going into deep cover to track down the Shadow Seven, the dangerous people at the head of a sneaky weapons-dealing organization, but also weaves in parallel stories from Colin's past: his childhood and how the shaky relationship between his asshole parents and hard-ass butler shaped who he is today, and his first years as a spy, including his doomed love affair with his first handler.
I love how this series focused almost strictly on Ninjak's work as a spy as opposed to the larger-scoped conflicts he's a part of in other stories. It's pretty much a straight-up espionage book until the final story arc, where Ninjak gets sent to the Deadside dimension with Punk Mambo on a mission to find a lost MI-6 team. Though fun, that arc feels a bit out of place and it's probably a good idea to have read the conclusion of Shadowman: Deluxe Edition, Book 2 to fully understand everything. But the first two Shadow Seven arcs are pretty tight espionage tales with cool gadgets, martial arts fight scenes, and witty Ninjak one-liners.
The book introduces several villains with great potential for future stories, especially the extremely deadly Roku, while also giving us more details about the always mysterious Bleeding Monk and Ninjak's unexpected ties to him. And it's awesome to discover the nature of Ninjak's codename, which could also lead to some cool work-building in the future. Ninjak is a pragmatic, clever and entertaining character that's always fun to read, and this first deluxe is a good showcase.
This compiles the story following trade paperbacks:
November 14, 2018
This was excellent.
It's a standalone valiant origin story about Ninjak so you don't really need any knowledge of the characters except maybe a little about Shadowman, but then again, they give a good background to the character, as it seems to be the old Shadowman who is a complete badass btw.
One of the cool things I noticed in this story is that he is basically an MI-6 agent, which makes him a mix between James bond and Batman. Also his code name isn’t Ninjak, it’s Ninja – K, so there are Ninja – A’s, B’s C’s etc. Again, a bit like 007.
In this story you find out how Ninjak gets his amazing fighter jet with AI. We also see his upbringing, his parents and his live in Biological father (larger stronger version of Alfred). However, the twist with his parents is that they are not good people. He escapes his house into the nearby forest and lives like Oliver queen with a bow and arrow, killing and eating his own food. You can see that Kindt has borrowed a lot of characteristics from many different established characters.
However, besides all the glaring similarities to other comic book characters there are lots of refreshing stories and action and who doesn’t love a badass Ninja.
It's a standalone valiant origin story about Ninjak so you don't really need any knowledge of the characters except maybe a little about Shadowman, but then again, they give a good background to the character, as it seems to be the old Shadowman who is a complete badass btw.
One of the cool things I noticed in this story is that he is basically an MI-6 agent, which makes him a mix between James bond and Batman. Also his code name isn’t Ninjak, it’s Ninja – K, so there are Ninja – A’s, B’s C’s etc. Again, a bit like 007.
In this story you find out how Ninjak gets his amazing fighter jet with AI. We also see his upbringing, his parents and his live in Biological father (larger stronger version of Alfred). However, the twist with his parents is that they are not good people. He escapes his house into the nearby forest and lives like Oliver queen with a bow and arrow, killing and eating his own food. You can see that Kindt has borrowed a lot of characteristics from many different established characters.
However, besides all the glaring similarities to other comic book characters there are lots of refreshing stories and action and who doesn’t love a badass Ninja.
July 18, 2020
Чим вирізняється всесвіт Веліенту з-поміж інших, то це уважність до своїх героїв, яких у п'ятдесят разів менше, але вони значно більш розроблені й продумані. Звісно, що оригінальністю вони особливо не вирізняються, адже навіть той же Ніндзяк -- це своєрідна варіація Бетмена в інших умовах. Так само маємо простого, смертного чоловіка Коліна Кінґа, який мав стартовий капітал і тяжку сімейну біографію. Маємо також випробування фізичними вправами й тортурами у якомусь тібетському монастирі, звідки вийшла низка противників Ніндзяка (серед яких найбільш цікавою є Року, сексуалізована дівчина з довгим червоним волоссям, що може душити й вбивати своїми косами-зміями). Метт Кіндт особливо не ускладнює історію, а пише добротний бойовик із елементами драми, приправляючи усе динамічними екшен сценами. Водночас у коміксі присутня чудова атмосфера шпигунства, таємниць і пафосних конфліктів, що може бути взірцем для роботи в жанрі бойовик/трилер/супергероїка. Новому читачу не треба ані вникати в складні рівні лору всесвіту, ані в особливі епізоди біографії героя, відоразу ж застрибуючи в ритм історії. Єдиний мінус у тім, що грубі стандарти супергероїки так чи так дають про себе знати, тому особливо вибагливим читачам краще спробувати почитати іншій лінійки, як-от Divinity того ж Кіндта.
March 24, 2017
Ninjak is a bloody awful idea which should have stayed in the 90's. But Valiant make the smart choice of putting Matt Kindt in charge of him. Kindt seems to have some measure of affection for him because he portrays the character straight down the line without taking the piss and imbues him, and the villains here too, with clever and off beat character designs that seem as if they were intended for Kindt's more indie and highbrow Mind MGMT.
While this is a superhero/espionage/sci-fi/fantasy comic it has a surprisingly hard edge with a couple of characters flashbacks approaching near Hellraiser levels of gore and sadism.
A good addition to the Valiant library that shows a stronger cohesiveness with its universe of characters and events than Marvel and particularly DC manage to these days.
While this is a superhero/espionage/sci-fi/fantasy comic it has a surprisingly hard edge with a couple of characters flashbacks approaching near Hellraiser levels of gore and sadism.
A good addition to the Valiant library that shows a stronger cohesiveness with its universe of characters and events than Marvel and particularly DC manage to these days.
August 30, 2018
A good action comic with lots of fighting. The weapons can be high-tech or ancient, mondain or magical, psychic or cold steel. But in the end that is all there is, one fight scene after another, not much of a story in there.
June 1, 2018
My first trip in to the Valiant Universe I really loved it! People were saying I should check out Bloodshot, but Ninjak just seemed more interesting. People are saying that Ninjaks is a very 90's idea, but I feel like the idea of a Ninja Spy must be a lot older than that.
The story is told in an interesting way were it takes place in the present, and the past, with two separate storylines happening at the same time. We see young Colin (Ninjak) dealing with his absent parents, and older Colin going down the path that would lead him to being Ninjak. It sounds a bit confusing, but it's told very well. I never felt lost.
The first story is kind of simple, but it's told in an interesting way. They really set Ninjaks up as a bad ass. The second story is a lot better, mostly, I think, because the villain is more fleshed out.
Overall, a really good book. I would definitely recommend this. There is a deluxe edition book two, and I will be picking it up.
The story is told in an interesting way were it takes place in the present, and the past, with two separate storylines happening at the same time. We see young Colin (Ninjak) dealing with his absent parents, and older Colin going down the path that would lead him to being Ninjak. It sounds a bit confusing, but it's told very well. I never felt lost.
The first story is kind of simple, but it's told in an interesting way. They really set Ninjaks up as a bad ass. The second story is a lot better, mostly, I think, because the villain is more fleshed out.
Overall, a really good book. I would definitely recommend this. There is a deluxe edition book two, and I will be picking it up.
January 7, 2020
My first Ninjak book and it's really an entertaining read. My only gripe in this were some of the Shadow Seven members like La Barbe and Fakir. These characters were so ill conceived even in design with lame set of abilities/powers that didn't even pose a serious threat to the protagonist. I couldn't believe that these two were members of the Undead Monk's pilot students! Matt Kindt and Clay Mann could've created a more threatening set of villains instead and they could've made Ninjak's missions more complex, filled with obstacles and or set-backs not like a walk in the park feel to it. I enjoyed Operation Deadside story with Punk Mambo though and Roku is such a promising character to look forward to. The flashbacks and The Lost Files helped a lot in filling-up Ninjak's origin.
November 19, 2017
Excellent introduction to Ninjak and his role within the broader Valiant Universe. This hardcover volume was my first full story exposure to the character. Setting the ninja concept within British Secret Intelligence is really unique and leads to some interesting plots. The dialogue from writer Matt Kindt is sharp with Ninjak's sarcasm and whit coming across clearly. The opening arc is particularly strong with interesting villains and a fast moving narrative. Another strong addition to the broader Valiant stable of comics.
May 9, 2017
So far I've only seen Ninjak as a member of a team, or as a recurring supporting character in other people's books. Here is the master spy and assassin as he's meant to be: a kick-ass loner who is willing to do anything to succeed in the mission at hand. A fun spy book with a touch of mysticism, a great Ninjak solo book (but you should wait to read this until you've already read The Valiant and/or The Book of Death, to avoid getting confused with the timeline).
July 13, 2018
Ninjak is my favorite Valiant character and this book is awesome. The art and storyline are excellent and keep me tied to the book in order to read it in one sitting. I look forward to reading the next book as well as the Shadowman books after knowing what ties them together. Highly recommended as a must read.
July 1, 2018
Leaves DC and Marvel in the dust. Valiant is the one to beat.
A rich universe of fully realized characters and a wildly imaginative mythology. If a studio makes this into a movie Disney better watch its back.
A rich universe of fully realized characters and a wildly imaginative mythology. If a studio makes this into a movie Disney better watch its back.
June 24, 2017
Freaking Valiant continues to produce the most ridiculously good, insanely well-produced comics on the market today.
That's all. Go read it for yourself. And enjoy!
That's all. Go read it for yourself. And enjoy!
June 13, 2019
Fantastically exciting comic, with sumptuous art and a great story.
August 9, 2019
Just ok. I don't think this universe is for me. 2.5/5.
May 14, 2023
Damn. When Valiant was good, there wasn’t anything touching it. The art, the characters, the pacing. Kindt and co KILLED.
March 6, 2021
I'm a bit of a sucker for Matt Kindt books, especially his work at Valiant. Ninjak is a character that is a lot cooler than he has any right to be. This book showcases his work as an operative for MI-6 while trying to bring down a group known as the Shadow Seven.
I particularly liked that these stories had one section focused on the present and then another that dives into Ninjak's past. They work together to introduce the character and give a fuller picture of who he is. Also of note for me is the last third of the book, which features a story set in the Deadside. It mixes in some magical elements to Ninjak's more tech-based world. I liked the contrast a lot.
Like a lot of the early Valiant stuff (2012+), the art is great. The company did a wonderful job curating artists to build up this universe.
I particularly liked that these stories had one section focused on the present and then another that dives into Ninjak's past. They work together to introduce the character and give a fuller picture of who he is. Also of note for me is the last third of the book, which features a story set in the Deadside. It mixes in some magical elements to Ninjak's more tech-based world. I liked the contrast a lot.
Like a lot of the early Valiant stuff (2012+), the art is great. The company did a wonderful job curating artists to build up this universe.
April 5, 2017
Ninjak was one of the VH-1 characters who was just too '90s. I mean, he's a super-spy ninja. Despite those origins, he's been used well in the VH-E universe, and Kindt continues to rehabilitate him here by turning him into an anti-Batman. His parents are still alive, but uncaring, while the butler who raises him is abusive.
Weaponeer (1-5). The main story of Weaponeer is quite well done: an exciting bit of spy craft that is follows the tropes of Jack Vance's Demon Princes, as Ninjak prepares to find and kill seven demonic arms dealers. However, it really excels in its multiple levels of stories, as we're simultaneously learning about Colin's youth, his early days with MI6, and even the history of his foes. It's more depth than you ever see in a comic, and what raises this from good to great.
The Shadow Wars (6-9). Ninjak hunts the remaining four members of the Shadow Seven (though I must have missed something, because I only count six!). This volume continues to be exciting and it continues to have great backstory on Colin, including a few different surprises. The villain-of-the-month formula is a little stagnant, but despite that, this continues to be an enjoyable book.
Operation Deadside (10-13). My problem with this third volume of Ninjak is that it's a muddle. That's in large part due to the immersion into the Shadowman mythos. Mind you, Kindt actually seems to do well with Deadside, given it some character that was missing from the similar dimensional travels of The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage: Deluxe Edition, but it's not enough when you really can't figure out what's going on with the Magpie, who seems to be Shadowman gone evil.
Maybe this would be cleared up if Valiant ever published Shadowman: Deluxe Edition, Book 2, which has been getting pushed back on their schedule for years, but without that, I just don't know what was going on here (and the story also loses a lot of its emotional resonance).
The biggest problem with this volume is that it's in a continual slide downward. However, I trust that'll be turned around with the next volume, when it steps away from the Shadowman stories.
Weaponeer (1-5). The main story of Weaponeer is quite well done: an exciting bit of spy craft that is follows the tropes of Jack Vance's Demon Princes, as Ninjak prepares to find and kill seven demonic arms dealers. However, it really excels in its multiple levels of stories, as we're simultaneously learning about Colin's youth, his early days with MI6, and even the history of his foes. It's more depth than you ever see in a comic, and what raises this from good to great.
The Shadow Wars (6-9). Ninjak hunts the remaining four members of the Shadow Seven (though I must have missed something, because I only count six!). This volume continues to be exciting and it continues to have great backstory on Colin, including a few different surprises. The villain-of-the-month formula is a little stagnant, but despite that, this continues to be an enjoyable book.
Operation Deadside (10-13). My problem with this third volume of Ninjak is that it's a muddle. That's in large part due to the immersion into the Shadowman mythos. Mind you, Kindt actually seems to do well with Deadside, given it some character that was missing from the similar dimensional travels of The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage: Deluxe Edition, but it's not enough when you really can't figure out what's going on with the Magpie, who seems to be Shadowman gone evil.
Maybe this would be cleared up if Valiant ever published Shadowman: Deluxe Edition, Book 2, which has been getting pushed back on their schedule for years, but without that, I just don't know what was going on here (and the story also loses a lot of its emotional resonance).
The biggest problem with this volume is that it's in a continual slide downward. However, I trust that'll be turned around with the next volume, when it steps away from the Shadowman stories.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews