NINJA KAIDAN #5, from Blackbox Comics on November 30th, 2022, brings the arc to a close when Yuki Sato is given an ultimatum by Petrovich – turn over the prototype armor or Marybeth dies.
The Details
- Written by: Eric Palicki
- Art by: Lucas Meyer
- Colors by: Adriano Augusto
- Letters by: Dezi Sienty
- Cover art by: Lucas Meyer (cover A)
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: November 30, 2022
Is It Good?
NINJA KAIDAN #5 ends the intriguing story on a hopeful note for the future of Yuki Sato and his powerful ghost armor. Eric Palicki ties up the loose threads and establishes a new status quo for several characters, and while the final act lacks a crescendo, the net effect is somewhat satisfying.
The crux of Palicki’s script comes down to Petrovich’s final ultimatum. The only armor left is the prototype still in Yokai headquarters, and if the prototype is destroyed, the only one left to recreate it is Marybeth Sands. So, Yuki must retrieve the armor or risk Marybeth’s life.
The pieces are present for great dramatic tension when Yuki is presented with a seemingly impossible choice. However, the dramatic tension is lacking because the choice isn’t that impossible. Marybeth was complicit in Petrovich’s schemes, so Yuki isn’t completely desperate to save her. Yuki also knows it would be better to destroy the prototype and lose his own life rather than risk the damage Petrovich would cause if he gets the armor. In other words, Palicki’s setup in this issue makes Yuki’s choices less difficult, so the outcome lacks a dramatic punch.
Still, the threads are wrapped up completely, so you do get a sense of satisfaction at the end. The pacing is good, the dialog is excellent, and there’s a gut-punch moment from Petrovich that solidifies his role as a villain.
Meyer and Augusto deliver the goods (even if Yuki doesn’t) on art duties. For a small publisher, Blackbox knows that art quality counts in a crowded comic market, so we appreciate it when a publisher taps artists who can compete with the Big 2. Meyer’s lines are clean, crisp, and powerful. Myer’s coloring complexity. And the overall look of the comic is excellent.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with Yuki Sato confronting Porfiry Petrovich and his hired toughs outside the burning home containing Yuki’s armor. Petrovich still holds Marybeth hostage, and his demand is simple – retrieve the prototype armor or Marybeth dies.
Yuki heads to Yokai HQ to retrieve the prototype with Petrovich remaining outside with his men. Both Yuki and Marybeth realize her life holds very little leverage, so Yuki dons the prototype armor and begins taking out Petrovich’s men who followed Yuki into the building.
We conclude the issue with multiple deaths and a new future.
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Final Thoughts
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NINJA KAIDAN #5 ends the series with a satisfying albeit sedate ending. The pacing, dialog, and final conclusion hit their marks, and the art is top-notch. However, the setup for the ending lacks dramatic punch, resulting in an anti-climactic finale.
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