Legend of the Shadow Clan #5 (of 5)

Here we wrap up the first (but not the last) mini-series focusing on an unlikely family of ninjas.

In Legend of the Shadow Clan we meet the (more or less) normal members of the Himura family - they finds themselves (inadvertently) targeted by a high-tech group of ninja assassins.

Luckily for them, it turns out that they come from a family of ninjas (as their elderly grandfather informs them) - and even without much in the way of training, they have enough natural skill to survive the first round of this war.

It's all a bit improbable, but quite a bit of fun - even if the bad guys tend to rely more of high tech drones to do their dirty work. Drone warfare isn't as much fun as traditional ninja battles, but it's certainly more effective.

The series has been enough of a hit to warrant a sequel, which is promising. With strong artwork and an interesting premise, the future is bright for the Shadow Clan (you should excuse the pun).

Grade: B+

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Legend of the Shadow Clan #2

Everyone likes ninjas, right?

But the new series Legend of the Shadow Clan takes an unusual approach to the concept.

It focuses on a present-day ninja organization that uses modern equipment and hires itself out to the highest bidder. It has operated flawlessly - until a recent attempt at corporate espionage goes badly.

A (seemingly) normal man, Richard Himura, is working late one night when he inadvertently interrupts an attack on the high-tech business where he's employed. But when one of the ninjas tries to kill him, the ninja dies instead - apparently by accident.

Or was it? Is Himura a normal man, or does he harbor secret abilities? And where does his family fit into the events?

We're really not sure, and this issue doesn't clear matters up - instead we learn a bit more about his children, we briefly meet his mysterious father, and we see a deadly circle closing around him.

It's an interesting take on a well-trod concept, and the members of his family are an interesting bunch. Some are "normal" kids, other seem extraordinary.

The story by David Wohl and Brad Foxhoven, and the art is Cory Smith and colorist John Starr, and it's a strong effort so far.

They're asking the readers to be patient, as they continue to set up the story - but so far, it's paying off as an interesting departure from the usual ninja antics.

Grade: B+

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Legend of the Shadow Clan #1

Aspen Comics is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a clever campaign - "10 for 10."

It's releasing 10 special comics, each costing one dollar. Some are ongoing titles, and others are brand-new - like this one, Legend of the Shadow Clan.

It trots out an old favorite - ninja clans - and gives it a different spin.

The first half of the issue seems unconnected to the second half. It focuses on a secret operation on a ocean cruiser - one that is attacked by brutally efficient (and seemingly unstoppable) ninja warriors. It's all pretty run-of-the-mill stuff.

The story doesn't really take off until the second half, which focuses on a family and gives us some people to care about - especially when a member of the family finds himself caught in an attack by the same ninja force.

That's the part that brings the reader to the edge of his or her seat, and lifts the issue above the standard "ninja clan" tropes.

With a solid story by David Wohl and Brad Foxhoven and strong art by Cory Smith (with some strong hints of Sal Buscema's style on display), this is a solid start to a new series.

And you can't beat the price!

Grade: A-

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