Ninjak #18

Ninjak #18
Written by: Matt Kindt
Art by: Khari Evans and Andrew Guinaldo
Published by Valiant Comics

I feel like every book I read is written by Matt Kindt. Which isn't a bad thing, just boy it's a crazy percentage of the total Valiant line that's been written by Kindt this summer. This issue the first of the Fist and the Steel story arc. This story takes place in the future and features a team up between Ninjak and Eternal Warrior as they track down one of the last surviving member of the shadow seven, Fakir. So we get a much older Ninjak and a still youthful Eternal Warrior trying to find their prey. Also there appears to be something wrong with Ninjak's head, which in the back up feature we learn there is some sort of virus that's effecting the team that went to the Deadside in a previous arc, so we have that thread to look forward too.
This issue was probably my least favourite Ninjak in awhile. It was still okay, but the addition of Gilad to the story did nothing for me and his characterization in this issue felt a little off. While not a top issue for my liking it was still a fine story, Ninjak gets a lot time to shine as he should since it is his book. I do enjoy the dynamic between the two characters and glad we can get some team up books like this every now and then. It's really a highlight of the Valiant Universe that they can play within their timeline like they do. We get to see stories that take place in the past, present and future and this gives a huge playground to the writers and artists to play in.

I like Khari Evans' art, but sometimes the faces and heads are a little wonky. I suppose its almost a signature of his style. It's not something that affects my enjoyment but is a little jarring every now and then. The back up feature art was good once again although the colours looked a little off to me, but this could be my digital copy.

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.