Welcome back for an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary blog to the ODPH Podcast! For this edition, I’m checking out NINJAK #1 by JEFF PARKER & JAVIER PULIDO for Valiant Entertainment! In case you’re not familiar with one of the best characters in comics, here’s a quick refresher: Originally debuting in 1993, Colin King is the world’s best & most deadly mercenary. Trained thru MI-6’s Ninja programme. King has perfected his abilities to the highest human levels.
Part Super-spy, Part elite martial artist, 100% fascinating character to follow.
Since returning to the pages of Valiant in 2012, he has been a mainstay of their most popular characters & for good reason. The latest adventures of Mr. King are slated to kick off with a brand new series.
Lets’ see what’s going on, shall we?
NINJAK #1
By JEFF PARKER & JAVIER PULIDO
Letters by DAVE SHARPE & JAVIER PULIDO
Cover A by DAVID NAKAYAMA
Cover B by CASPAR WIJNGAARD
Cover C by DAMION SCOTT
Preorder Cover by IBRAHIM MOUSTAFA
1:100 Prisma Glass Variant Cover by JAVIER PULIDO
Pre-order Deadline is June 21st
On sale JULY 14th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+
Credit: Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment
Right off the bat, we get the recap page to start the book. Our main character has cut ties with MI-6 after discovering how they have a branch working on manipulating agents. Colin King is now an independent agent for hire, sending shockwaves around the globe.
The readers go on an international tour after that. Starting in London, where the direct fallout of King’s move is felt. We also see some new players enter the field & make a move with big ramifications.
Credit: Art by JAVIER PULIDO (Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment)
From there, the readers now see a journalist in Istanbul who is in dire trouble. From the viewpoint of Myna, another spy from MI-6, we see our title character makes his appearance & do what he does best.
Credit: Art by JAVIER PULIDO (Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment")
Readers are also given a quick origin story from Myna’s point of view. This is a great way to get new readers caught up to speed without going a full retelling. After Ninjak fulfills his “assignment”, he has to save Myna, who has been tracked down by assassins. Once the situation has been handled (as only he can), Ninjak leaves the scene with Myna, who now realizes that he’s been on to her following for quite a while now.
However, that is the last of their issues. The big momentum shift happens when one of their worst fears as spies has happened. All MI-6 agents have been exposed! What good is it being a “secret” agent when it’s no longer a “secret”? Readers find that out in a hurry as events unfold into a cliffhanger for issue #2.
Parker captures the spy genre very well with his writing. From the slow burn build in the London Pub to the frantic fallout of the MI-6 leak. Parker keeps the readers locked in each page while escalating the gravity of the big reveal. Even the quick origin recap was a subtle touch to an already solid story.
The writing is equally matched by the artwork. Pulido creates this spy world with a unique retro feel, echoing older “James Bond” vibes. The action scenes are big, but simple. Even the panels set-up look like a fresh throwback to older spy comics & I’m all in for that! This book definitely has a style al its own.
Overall, this book was a fantastic read & will be a sure fire hit! Parker crafts this deep espionage story while balancing it out with what makes Ninjak a standout character! It’s balanced out perfectly by Pulido’s art. Everything from the action sequences to Ninjak moving in shadows hit all the marks with a style & cool all its own. Don’t miss out on this book! Order now & save July 14th on your LCS calendar!
Let me know what you thought of Ninjak #1 on Twitter. Till next time, Thanks for reading!