“Yesterday’s” Comic> Ninjak vol. 2 #7

A lot of mass fighting covers this week.

Ninjak volume 2 #7

Acclaim Comics/Valiant Heroes (September, 1997)

Denny finally tells his mom that he’s Ninjak. Finally understanding what’s been happening with her son she turns to him to help eldest sister Linda clear her name when a series of thefts and murders at museums she has visited to bring travelling exhibits to the one she works at. Colin King appear again, questioning her about these incidents just as Sean, Linda and Denny’s father, shows up for Linda’s upcoming marriage. Ninjak investigates but comes upon Colin, and after the (thankfully short) obligatory hero fight the real villain appears, a latent psychokinetic who uses drugs to boost his power over stone calling himself Stonemason. The villain brings the statues to life to attack our heroes, and while Ninjak uses strategy to get the best of Stonemason, the terrorist in turn has Colin in a jam.

What they got right: As a proud supporter of the hero support network, boosting Denny’s aids with his mom is a good idea, and she’s quickly accepting of Denny’s new superhero life. (And he gives a good reason why he hasn’t told Annie.) Stonemason isn’t one of the Dark Dozen but I like that Ninjak has to deal outside his usual threats. It makes him part of the larger Acclaim-ized Valiant Universe. He’s also a good villain.

What they got wrong: I know fans. I get upset when they slap a name on something completely unrelated to the name in the mistaken belief they have a ready-made audience that will stay past the first episode/issue. So imagine what fans of the original idea thought when they saw Colin King as more than a one-off nod but an actual character in this universe who isn’t Ninjak anymore. I imagine they were ticked off. It might have been better to leave him a nod rather than an important story character for this reason. Otherwise I like him. I also don’t know why Denny thinks his mom knowing Town was already in the loop would upset her.

Recommendation: If you aren’t tied to the original, like I wasn’t, you may enjoy this story. Give it a look.