Ninjak #4
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The good
Engrossing story about Roku's origin. Wonderful artwork
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The bad
Practically no story advancement from last issue
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The ugly
- Total score
Ninjak #4 reveals the backstory of Kannon’s deadliest bodyguard, Roku, and how she acquired her unique powers. Roku has proven to be Ninjak’s toughest opponent after making it back to Kannon before he did, and revealing his identity as Ninjak and not just a buyer of weapons in the process. Concealed in her thoughts is the belief she knows Ninjak long before this, including his real name, but can’t quite remember how. Ever since the process that gave her the unique abilities she uses to serve Kannon she can’t remember anything prior to that. She remembers being selected for a mysterious ritual at a monastery because of her characteristics, and this ritual was connected to a dark spirit that granted wishes for a steep price. Her purpose was to become something else, something powerful for her organization. However she was killed as part of this ritual and remembers waking up in the dirt not knowing her name in an even more mysterious place. She could feel thousands of lost souls around her as everything around her was changing physically, and she could see no way out of this endless cavern. Who is Roku? And what is her connection to Ninjak?
There’s a short story at the end of this issue that is highly enjoyable, and I suggest reading it because it adds more to the overall understanding of the characters and organizations currently in play. Now I just need the current story to continue next issue.
SUMMARY
Ninjak #4 successfully takes a badass character in Roku and creates a wondefully twisted yet entertaining backstory. Seeing her learn how to use her powers for the first time as a matter of survival is pretty intense. And her journey to discover her new identity also opens the door to more supernatural and spiritual elements. Although the overall story arc didn’t advance, the second short story in this issue served as an additional treat in building up the world being introduced to Ninjak. Definitely looking forward to next issue.
Release Date:6/24/15
Writer: Matt Kindt
Artist: Clay Mann, Juan Jose Ryp, Seth Mann, Marguerite Sauvage
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