Sometimes I open up a comic and it’s by someone I have no familiarity with and it’s outstanding; I’m leaning in, hanging on every single word like my life depends on it. Ninjak vs Roku is one of those “holy shit who is this?” comics.
I don’t have a long history with the Valiant Universe and even less knowledge of these characters but writer AJ Ampadu makes me feel like I’ve been reading them my whole life. This is his first comic in mainstream comics and you may not know his name but I promise you this: you will. He writes with such confidence and a clear love for these characters. He doesn’t expect the reader to know anything and he doesn’t bog down the comic with deep continuity flexes.
If you’re reading this, you might not know Valiant or Ninjak but I challenge you to pick this up and read 2 pages and you’ll know everything you need. Better than that you’ll be invested because Ampadu is a graceful writer, you won’t even notice him. You’re too occupied with Ninjak. Go ahead, I’ve put the two pages in this review so you can see for yourself.
The comic continues with a brief flashback that further explores Ninjak and the plot but also the complicated past between Ninjak and Roku. Again, I remain completely impressed. Then without wasting any more time, we get the VERSUS part of the title. It’s smooth and stylish and I F#%*ING love this! The first issue features art by Emiliano Correa and their layouts and choice for the combat sequences were really cool and brought me very close to the action and the relationship between the characters.
The back and forth between Ninjak and Roku is delightful and again, this is unlike any other mainstream comics debut I’ve read. Ampadu is incredible and his passion for these characters comes through tenfold. And the last page of the issue is a perfect button to the issue and a perfect hook for the next.
Speaking of, issue 2 is somehow even better than the first! This time the art duties shift to Diego Giribaldi and Lautaro Ftuli and what a team they are. Lettering is well handled by Marina Leon across both issues. From the first page (Ampadu is not playing around) I’m instantly back in step with the characters like I never left them. While the bulk of this issue is more conversational, my interest never wavered because Ampadu is a master storyteller who has such a grip on the characters but also the form. Continuity is often a burden for both creators and readers but here it’s easy. Everything I need is inside these pages and yet it feels like I’m peeking into a vast world and just when I’m comfortable the last four pages of this comic come along and tear the world from under my feet.
Again, the word is grace because I think most comic writers would end it three pages earlier. Instead, Ampadu makes sure the reader is left in just the right place where it doesn’t feel like you’re obligated to buy the next one. It’s a cliffhanger that builds your trust with the writer.
The only disappointing part of these two issues is I enjoyed the art team on issue 2 far more and the book returns to the art team of the first issue for the remainder of the run. Aside from that tiny gripe, this is an outstanding romp that’s perfect for anyone looking for stylish action and complicated relationships. And it’s a perfect spot to jump in and give the current era of Valiant a try!
