Review: Legend of the Shadow Clan #4

A family of ninjas that don't know they are ninjas except enemy ninjas. That's pretty much the premise of the book. This issue is the build-up to the climax of the first arc, like a roller-coaster going up a giant slope before the plummet. Although things are pretty predictable (so far) it delivers well.

Picking up literally where the last left off, with Brayden now knowing the family secret (they're ninjas). Morgan is being attacked by ninjas at a club, and she gets a helping hand from those twins. Grandpa and Brayden are trying to rendezvous with her, and when there the twins call the grandfather “uncle” (I hope this is expanded on)0. The parents are being interrogated by Koji Sama (the bad guy) and Pogo is helping keep his three relatives alive because he broke into a facility of some kind. That really is the whole issue, I just haven't described how everything happens.

David Wohl continues to be in charge of the writing. As I mentioned at the beginning, the series so far has been pretty easy to predict but Wohl has still done a good job in executing the story. He continues the narrative with incredible speed and fills it to the brim with action. I find the characters have been presented well and I like them, I like seeing how they react to the unfolding chaos.

I really like Cory Smith's art. This guy knows how to draw action! His eye brings the art to top speed with the writing and it melds together perfectly. In some ways the art is “simple” looking but in no way bad. If you look at the art for yourself you'll see what I mean. The colours are handled by John Starr, the cherry on top with this book.

I am excited to see how this first arc will conclude. It’s going to be intense and I'd really like to see how Smith achieves this. This series has so far continued to deliver in all areas and I really hope that standard continues. Any fan of action or ninjas will enjoy this series. Seriously if you haven't yet, check it out.

Score: 4/5

Writers: David Wohl and Brad Foxhaven

Artist: Cory Smith

Publisher: Aspen Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: 5/8/13