From Aspen Comics, David Wohl, Brad Foxhoven, Cory Smith, John Starr, Josh Reed.

The first of Aspen Comics’ 10 new titles for 2013 debuts and it is a feast for the eyes.  Legend of the Shadow Clan #1 begins what will no doubt be an epic journey for the Himura family and for readers as well.

This opening issue teases two things which will have readers putting the Shadow Clan on the top of their to read pile each and every month.  One, these villains are bad ass.  Its like a very R rated version of GI Joe’s Arashikage clan.  Military ninjas!  Hell, they could have stopped just there and I would read this comic over and over again.  However, our protagonists are just as exciting.  An entire family of unlimited ninja potential.  Whether its Brayden’s parkour school routine or his father, Richard, unexpectedly becoming an action hero this family is going to surprise readers page after page.

Speaking of unexpected, the lettering in this issue was crazy!  No skimping or laziness for a panel.  An all new series is born and nothing was held back.  The sound effects did it for me.  Every one of them popped off the page in surround sound.

All of this comes together to create something necessary in a book about ninjas.  Movement.  Part of the skill and beauty of martial arts is seeing fast strong graceful movements.  The action on the page moves so fast at times I thought Brad called up Peter Jackson and put the 48 frames per second in his panels.

For great fights and the beginnings of what looks to be a world spanning tale of this family, get in on this new comic book at your favorite local store on Feburary 6th!