Ninjak #1

Writer: Matt Kindt Artist: Clay Mann, Butch Guice Publisher: Valiant Comics Release Date: March 11, 2015 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 35 User Reviews: 14
8.4Critic Rating
8.0User Rating

For the first time, Ninjak's past and future collide in the pages of an all-new ongoing series from New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (RAI, Mind MGMT) and superstar artists Clay Mann (X-Men: Legacy, Gambit) and Butch Guice (Captain America, Action Comics)!

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 caba more

  • 10
    Comic Bastards - Dustin Cabeal Mar 11, 2015

    I could honestly rant about this book more, but I think it's better if you just read it. On the podcast this week we talked about it and Kevin asked if it's Valiant's best title and I said, "Yes." I mean that. With one issue it's become my favorite series from the publisher and I have to say that Matt Kindt was right" Ninjak is awesome. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Outright Geekery - Henry Starling Mar 8, 2015

    This whole issue was so fun to read. It has elements of James Bond, to Ridley Scott movies. I am excited for this series. There is some great stuff coming down the way from Valiant on this one! Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Watch - Kenneth Bowden Apr 21, 2020

    Bottom line of it is I dare anyone reading this to name a better book about a ninja and/or a spy to come out in recent times. Kindt's Ninjak rivals the great martial arts comics from Fraction/Brubaker Immortal Iron Fist all the way back to Miller Daredevil and Deadly Hands of Kung Fu. It's just that friggin good. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Vine - Gregg Katzman Mar 11, 2015

    Many of us have waited months -- some even years -- for a Ninjak series and Valiant made sure it was absolutely worth the wait. Smart, exciting and full of jaw-dropping visuals, NINJAK needs to be on your pull list. It does such an excellent job teasing all this series has to offer. It offers the badass action you'd expect, yet it's so much more than just slick fighting. There's a strong script here, the promise of so much character development, and a legitimate interesting story unfolding. It sprinkles in just the right amount of humor, too. But hey, is anyone honestly surprised that Valiant has created yet another awesome series? Probably not. You've waited for a NINJAK solo series and Valiant's giving you the one you deserve. Go get it. Now comes the tough part: waiting for the second issue. Good thing Valiant always releases extensive previews, right? Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Crusaders - 13th Crusader Mar 11, 2015

    My bottom line is this"you will regret not having this issue in your collection. Of that I can assure you. Do yourself a favor and be a part of history. Run! Pick up a copy while you can! Read Full Review

  • 9.8
    Hulking Reviewer - Kareem Ali Mar 11, 2015

    Ninjak #1 is an excellent start to the series combining intense action and great writing to create a highly engrossing issue. All the characters introduced here are done in an entertaining manner and add to the story being crafted. The way flashbacks from Ninjak's childhood are used only give clarity to what led him down this path in life and don't hold the story back at all. All the best aspects of Ninjak's character are on display and that's why the story feels so rich. A very promising start and I can't wait to get my hands on the next issue. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Mar 16, 2015

    The series is off to a great start! Recommended! Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Outright Geekery - A-Ku Mar 12, 2015

    Firstly, this is an excellent comic and I would definitely recommend it to one and all. Be you a spandex fan, a non-superhero fan or just anyone who likes a good action comic " this is one that is both a great entry point and an engaging read for new and old fans. Secondly, while I have concerns as raised above, I take comfort that Kindt has shown his mettle and will eventually assuage all my doubts once he addresses them. In the meantime, I plan to enjoy the comic for what it is right now and try not to nit-pick so much. Read Full Review

  • 9.2
    The Latest Pull - Marcus Orchard Mar 12, 2015

    Ninjak is a character that is long overdue for a solo series, and it's great to see that the character is not only getting one, but it is everything that the reader could want. Fans will be overjoyed to see how well Matt Kindt handles the character, making him intelligent, cool, and simply awesome. The script is expertly crafted, with the perfect blend of character development and plot progression. The battles are sure to excite any fan of action, and the creative team successfully makes these scenes fun to look at. Ninjak #1 is yet another hit for Valiant and another great jumping on point for readers new to the Valiant Universe. You owe it to yourself to check this one out. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Spectrum - R.C. Killian Mar 12, 2015

    While Unity #11 and #15 let us see that Matt Kindt is really invested in the character of Ninjak and of justifying "a supremely well-trained guy" next to psiots, extraterrestrial armor, giant robots, and millennia-old warriors, Ninjak lets him explore the character more comfortably, without needing to touch back on other characters, switch focus after a given issue to one of said characters, or justify Ninjak's presence in a cosmic battle. Clay Mann's pencils and Seth Mann's inks really sell the book, too, with well-staged and clear action, and a really great pairing of writer and artist for the first page, which opens on an unexplained ninja battle, immediately becoming clearly the sight enthralling a very young Colin, with shots that make his absolute absorption in this and its obvious inspiration"apparent in a point of perfection. Ninjak is set to keep modern Valiant's blemishes to an absolute minimum, and keep itself on the higher end of even that stellar record. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Bloody Disgusting - Zac Thompson Mar 11, 2015

    Mr. Steele enjoys all things comics and imagination-based. Using his lifetime of comic-fu-dom for good, he imparts his knowledge for the universe to enjoy and for you, dear readers, to pass it on. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Fortress of Solitude - Byron Hendricks Mar 24, 2015

    This debut was definitely well worth the wait. Ninjak #1 proves to be a hit as we expected. Kindt offers a solid story filled with writing at its best. And then you have Clay Mann backing up each and every bit of writing with solid and impactful art. This issue is almost flawless and definitely a series worth following. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Valiant Central - Scott Beattie Mar 11, 2015

    This is an incredibly strong debut for Ninjak, perhaps even stronger than Divinity or Imperium (both of which I loved). However, if the quality alone weren't already enough to recommend the book on, there's also the fact that the reader is essentially getting a double-sized issue for the standard price of $3.99. In terms of value for money, there may be no better comic out there. Read Full Review

  • 8.7
    Major Spoilers - Wayne Hall Mar 14, 2015

    Matt Kindt and company give us a great start to a series that will deal with Mr. Kindt's favorite comics characters! Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Unleash The Fanboy - John McCubbin Mar 11, 2015

    Ninjak #1 is a fresh new look into the spy genre, as though it's never going to take the concept by storm, the fast paced action, and deep character insight does wonders for it's main character. This mixed with a enthralling plot, makes this a series that fans should try, whether it's your first experience with Valiant or not. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Geeked Out Nation - Jideobi Odunze Mar 11, 2015

    Ninjak #1 is a solid start to an adventure we get to take with Colin as we explore his world inside and out. This is the best time for readers to know Ninjak as the badass weapons specialist and genius as everyone else makes him out to be. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge Mar 11, 2015

    Though I had always liked Ninjak on some level, it was a character that kind of stood out in a way that didn't feel like it was fully integrated into the world he existed in. With this incarnation of him, we're getting something that's more detailed both in art style and character exploration that could lead to a far more engaging series because of how it's treated. Between the two main features and the fact that it moves across a few periods of time means we get a pretty good look a different aspects of the character and what drives and motivates him but also what's defined him over the years. The action component works really well at the start, I enjoyed all the flashback pieces and there's a lot to like with the gauntlet that he's running which could lead to a fairly long running storyline. I'm definitely enthused, which I didn't think I would be about this character after all these years. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Forces Of Geek - Atlee Greene Mar 16, 2015

    We also learn about Colin's past which reveals that he wasn't always a confident warrior. He wasn't a bumbling coward by any means, but seeing how Colin got to be the star of this show looks like it's going to be an interesting journey. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Forrest C. Helvie Mar 12, 2015

    It's an interesting set up, if occasionally familiar, and one that fans of Valiant's resident ninja and newcomers alike should enjoy. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics Bulletin - Daniel Gehen Mar 17, 2015

    Despite these reservations on the use of flashbacks, Ninjak #1 is a welcome addition to the most cohesive and welcoming superhero universe currently being published. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Florida Geek Scene - Brian Reed Mar 11, 2015

    Still though, the flaw isn't fatal, and for as much fun as I had reading the rest of the pages, I'd say this is well worth the money. I hope they don't make a habit of that level of lazy writing, but I'm happy to give them a chance. Ninjak could be a lot of fun, if they stop stepping on their own feet. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    All-Comic - Alex Mansfield Mar 9, 2015

    Ninjak is a sly, cocky European MI-6 agent who dresses up as a purple ninja and lives in a castle while fighting bad guys that have fire-producing hair and a penchant for karaoke. If that doesnt sound awesome to you then continue hating fun you monster. But of course, Kindt, Mann, Guice and co. are crafting a book that looks to know exactly how serious to take itself while still weaving a story of intricacy and mystery. Theres depth here between the silly fun and the razor-fast action thats sure to pay off down the line. This issue provides a just a taste of each element and ensures that the potential teased here will match the surprising complexity of its main character. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    PopMatters - Richard Giraldi Apr 20, 2015

    Ninjak #1 is an excellent reintroduction to a great comic book character that's not part of the big two. Kindt shows his versatility in storytelling by presenting three distinct Colin King takes " battle-ready ninja, carefree child and suave secret agent. That's a lot to pack into a first issue, but Kindt does so effortlessly and leaves the reader salivating for issue two. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBuzz - ChrisG Mar 27, 2015

    This is a good issue 1. It's fun, the main character is likeable and feels like it could be a great adventure. It's an accessible jumping on point. Give it a try. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    IGN - Jeff Lake Mar 11, 2015

    Ninjak's turn at solo stardom proves mostly worth the wait, Matt Kindt and Clay Mann turning in a solid and entertaining installment. Some pacing issues in setup slow the momentum some, but there's enough ninja action and teased reveals to keep us coming back. Plus, ninjas. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Herald - Bill Guerra Mar 24, 2015

    Ninjak is off to a fast start! The James Bond-like spy atmosphere and hard hitting action you'd expect of him is here and we get the introduction of a new villain in the mysterious and violent Roku. I expect her to stick around for a while. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Oscar Maltby Mar 10, 2015

    As is expected from Valiant, Ninjak #1 is a first issue that is the very definition of "rock solid". Clay Mann's classically super-heroic artwork combine with Matt Kindt's well-rounded script to make for a decent take on one of the most serious victims of 90's xxxxtreme. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Therapy - Kevin Finnigan Mar 12, 2015

    A very fun start that blends James Bond and super heroics Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Doug Zawisza Mar 12, 2015

    "Ninjak" #1 introduces readers to Ninjak and his opposition: Kannon and the Shadow Seven. The Shadow Seven head up Weaponeer, an arms-maker for hire that has come under the attention of MI-6, as readers would hope most covert, freelance arms dealers would. All of this congeals nicely into a comic that is strong, sharp and entertaining. Kindt, Mann, Guice, Arreola and Sharpe give this first issue plenty of good balance, a solid adventure and a lead-in to what will hopefully be a long run. With recent feature film announcements from Valiant Entertainment, "Ninjak" #1 makes a very strong case to be in consideration for the leap. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    AIPT - Russ Whiting Mar 11, 2015

    Fun the whole way through, visually enthralling and set up keenly by Kindt in a way that should reap only finer issues to come. Cop this issue quick. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Herald - Dave Mar 24, 2015

    Ninjak is off to a fast start! The James Bond-like spy atmosphere and hard hitting action you'd expect of him is here and we get the introduction of a new villain in the mysterious and violent Roku. I expect her to stick around for a while. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Rhymes With Geek - Chris Lear Mar 10, 2015

    Ninjak #1 isn't terribly deep, but it's pretty frickin' awesome.*Not kidding. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Geekality - Warren Fitzpatrick Mar 11, 2015

    It goes back to the beginning of Colins (thats Ninjaks real name) espionage career. It doesnt go well, and we get an interesting bit of information regarding his fighting ability (ahem, interesting in that its nonexistent). This story is also listed as a to be continued which is pretty exciting to think about a comic with a current and flashback story. Thats something Im glad to see after not seeing one of those issues (non-special) in awhile. Then again, its been awhile since weve seen wraparound metallic, embossed covers. That I can live with. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Mar 14, 2015

    There's just something too perfect about Ninjak in this debut issue, and maybe that's because Kindt and Valiant are using what came before in the 90s. But if they wanted to make a real splash these days, they should have Hawkeye'd this comic up a little bit. There's nothing really personable or relatable about Ninjak. He's uber-everything, from his looks to his riches to his skills to his abilities in the field. This is a comic for people who just want to see a kewl ninja billionaire defeat the bad guys without breaking a sweat. I suppose that audience exists, but I'm not part of it. Read Full Review

  • 5.5
    Nerds Unchained - Jeremy Radick Mar 12, 2015

    At the end of the day, this is a solid first issue. I would say that it all winds up feeling a little unremarkable. Ninjak's obvious component parts, combined with an entertaining if familiar plot, keeps this issue from packing enough of a punch to make me have to read issue two, though. I enjoyed it, and if you're a Ninjak fan, I suspect it's a pretty fun read, with the art being a highlight. But as a neophyte, it didn't convert me. Read Full Review

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