Release Date: 8/10/16Writer:Matt KindtArtist:Khari Evans Read Full Review

I like this series a lot - it features smart scripts by Matt Kindt and strong artwork by Ulises Arreloa and Chris Sotomayor, and the stories are always edgy but fun. Read Full Review

Ninjak's been an uneven book for me since the get go, particularly since so much of what we get feels rushed and without the engagement and involvement we need to really connect with it all. There are great themes and ideas that could go on for a dozen issues that are compressed into one or two at best. With this issue, Kindt takes us to a point in Colin's life decades in the future and that's really engaging, though it's going to be filled with teases and potential misdirections along the way. I like the potential here and I really like what Khari Evans brings to the book in giving us this older Colin. At the same time, the usually problematic or uninteresting backup feature material becomes intriguing as it puts us in the present and begins to show what Colin's doing after his encounter with Roku and I want a lot more of that, giving me hope for an interesting feature for the next few issues. I'm definitely intrigued overall but am wary as I've been for most of this run. Read Full Review

Ninjak #18 is the start of something intriguing because demons of the past don't seem to find rest. There's someone big pulling the strings of this new mystery and you want to know how that person could truly be a threat to the pairing of Ninjak and the Eternal Warrior. Read Full Review

Valiant has delivered as advertised on this title by opening a great universe of characters for new readers. This is indeed a PERFECT jumping-on point and why not do it in a title with some excellent writing and incredible artwork. Read Full Review

If you haven't read an issue of Ninjak, this is the perfect jump-on point for new readers. It may be a much older Ninjak, yet he is true to the main characteristics of the hero. Also for the new readers, the flashback tale gives the info needed in order to stay with the series permanently. Read Full Review

Ninjak #18 is a solid story that builds bridges between the past and the future foretold in Book of Death. Offering both an interesting mystery and a burgeoning camaraderie, Ninjak #18 should absolutely be on your pull list. Read Full Review

Again, there's nothing I really dislike about this issue, but it just didn't have the magic within its pages that the publisher's other release does this week. Hopefully, next issue will be stronger, and this is the weakest in the arc. Read Full Review

They may not be the ones who get the ampersand billing, but for our money the title of Valiant's premiere bromance goes to Ninjak and the Eternal Warrior. And following the systematic dissolution of all things Colin King, the rejoining of this particular odd couple makes for a nice change of pace. Read Full Review

‘The Siege of King's Castle‘ was easily the best arc in one of Valiant's " or any publisher's " best books currently on shelves. ‘The Fist and the Steel' Part One does not maintain the high standard set by that story arc, but it's nevertheless a compelling first issue full of promise and potential for the next installments. Moreover, its use of the flash-forward is brave and refreshing. Comics too rarely commit to a definitive vision of their characters' futures, and this brief glimpse into Colin King's is full of intriguing information " quite appropriate for a series about espionage. Read Full Review

In summation Ninjak #18 may not the best issue ever of the series, but it was solid all around. I'm definitely excited to see where things go from here as I have a feeling there are good things on the horizon from the people responsible of this. Read Full Review

Ninjak #18 is good but not great. Fans of the series have no reason to quit now, but I can't necessarily recommend this as a good jumping on point for new readers. Read Full Review

The new story arc looks like it will be okay, but not stellar. I guess after months of this being one of my favourite books it looks like it might take a step back for a bit, but still an okay read. Probably should wait for the trade for this one. Read Full Review

All in all, its no Manowar, but Im intrigued enough to read the next issue. Read Full Review

The likelihood of me reviewing the next issue is pretty slim. I'll likely read it as a fan. Having read the previous 17 issues of Kindt's run and figuring out that the first issue in the arc always sets the style and experience for the complete arc" well, I kind of know what to expect. Since I'm not loving this issue, I can expect the same for the next few and that's okay. Doesn't mean you can't enjoy it, but you also probably don't want to read the same review over and over either. Because of Kindt's fantastic writing style you can't just skip this arc if you don't enjoy the issue, you'll need the details here and for that reason it's enough to keep buying and reading. Read Full Review

What it all comes down to, as Alanis will remind us, is whether the book is entertaining, and on that score, it hits the mark. Even with some overworking of wrinkles and an uncertain future setting, Ninjak #18 delivers action, an interesting plot and some nice interaction between very old friends. Read Full Review