Spoilers ahead for Ninjak #1 ahead!
Valiant’s new Ninjak ongoing series kicks off with a bang, presenting a fun, globe-trotting adventure that balances high-stakes espionage with real-world concerns. Written by Jeff Parer with art by Javier Pulido and letters by Pulido and Dave Sharp, the first issue will be on sale in print and digital July 14.
Ninjak has been a staple of the Valiant universe since his first appearance in 1993’s Bloodshot #6. Created by Mark Morettti and Joe Quesada, Ninjak is actually Colin King, an MI-6 (the British equivalent of the CIA) agent who was born into wealth and privilege; he is part of a special program in MI-6 that trains ninja operatives. Ninjak is not only a formidable martial artist, he is also an expert marksman with access to top-secret advanced technology. Ninjak used to work in secrecy, but recent events have forced the hero into the spotlight, and readers can see the character’s new status quo in Ninjak #1.
In Istanbul, Turkey, Ninjak saves the life of a journalist from an angry mob, unaware he is being watched by Myna, a special agent. Meanwhile, someone or something is killing off other MI-6 agents and it has become clear there has been a security breach, and the identities of agents working deep undercover have been exposed by an online collective calling itself Daylight—including Myna’s. She continues to track Ninjak across Istanbul, but when she herself becomes the target, only Ninjak can save her. Reasoning that traveling by rail is safer, the two attempt to flee, but are apprehended by a mysterious group of villains who know Ninjak’s identity.
Ninjak is a fun read, full of high-octane, cloak and dagger espionage action that will appeal to fans of James Bond and the Jason Bourne franchises. Readers are whisked around the world to locations as diverse as Zambia and the Swiss Alps, as Ninjak tries to uncover who is killing secret agents—all while trying to stay a step ahead himself. At the same time, Ninjak is not afraid to engage with real-world issues. Daylight, the terrorist collective that figures prominently into the first issue, can be compared to Anonymous, another internet collective that made waves years ago. And the journalist Ninjak saves from an angry mob at the issue’s beginning brings to mind Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist killed in Istanbul for his dissident views. All of this gives Ninjak a sense of urgency, as if the events depicted are happening in our own world.
Ninjak has proven to be one of Valiant’s most popular characters, appearing in every incarnation of their universe, and now he gets a fresh start in Ninjak #1, by Jeff Parker and Javier Pulido.