SUNDAY CLASSICS: Ninjak (1994) #1: Blackwater

In February 1994, the comics boom was in full swing. Every cover was chromium, die-cut, and in high demand. Ninjak was no exception. We are introduced to Colin King a British socialite by day and trained killer by night. Issue #1 begins the story “Blackwater” which deals with Ninjak who is employed by Weaponeer (a secret arms dealer) and needs to flush out the mole in the organization. This issue is packed to the brim with James Bond type of action that still stands up to any story of its kind to this day. A stand out for me is the way Mark Moretti writes what could be an easily set-aside character. Mark takes Colin and gives him room to grow.

All throughout this book, we not only see Ninjak in the shadows stepping out only to eliminate his foes, but we also get a glimpse into Colin King after hours. Even now, you can say that there are some similarities to Batman or James Bond and I’ve always said about Ninjak, he’s in good company. Mark Moretti is in good company as well. Jimmy Palmiotti inks, Joe Quesada on pencils, and John Cebollero does the colors. From the front to back you are entertained with solid storytelling and art to go along with it. You feel the gun blasts, the screams, and you feel entertained. There is a reason that Ninjak is one of Valiant’s longest-running titles. Colin’s story is timeless, and it starts here.