STREET FIGHTER MASTERS: KIMBERLY #1, by UDON Entertainment on 12/13/23, introduces fighting fans to Kimberly Jackson, a street artist with a heart of gold, fists of fury, and a love for Bushinryu Ninjas.
The Details
- Written by: Chris Sarracini
- Art by: Panzer
- Colors by: Panzer
- Letters by: Marshall Dillon
- Cover art by: Genzoman (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: December 13, 2023
Is STREET FIGHTER MASTERS: KIMBERLY #1 Good?
Well, well, well. We love bringing new publishers into our review cycle, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to make introductions with UDON Entertainment. First up on UDON’s line of Street Fighter-inspired comics is STREET FIGHTER MASTERS: KIMBERLY #1, which introduces readers to one of the newer fighters in the Street Fighter Universe.
Chris Sarracini’s action-packed script centers on street artist Kimberly Jackson as she tags (spray paints) the new Belger Enterprises building in Metro City as an act of protest against Mr. Belger’s destructive ways. When Kimberly’s graffiti protest happens to coincide with Guy and Zeku’s explosive act of sabotage, the two teams team up to survive Belger’s security forces.
Readers already familiar with Kimberly from Street Fighter lore may recognize the character as Ninjastar, but this story takes place before Kimberly receives Bushinryu training or joins the ninja clan. In short, this issue serves as Kimberly’s origin story.
What’s great about STREET FIGHTER MASTERS: KIMBERLY #1? Sarracini’s script is slick, fast-paced, action-packed, and rock-solid. You learn all you need to know about Kimberly as she begins her journey toward Street Fighter greatness, and the ending promises more adventures to come for the fledgling ninja before she achieves Master status.
What’s not so great about STREET FIGHTER MASTERS: KIMBERLY #1? Technically, nothing. Sarracini delivers a solid script that knows what Street Fighter fans want and gives it to them. You could argue that the issue does give readers enough background on Kimberly’s history, but that’s a nice-to-have rather than a problem. Also, Kimberly’s opening narration is overly chatty, but that’s consistent with her personality.
How’s the art? Fantastic. Panzer presents a dynamic mix of Western aesthetics with clear Manga influences to give readers a comic that feels like a cutscene from the Street Fighter game.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s STREET FIGHTER MASTERS: KIMBERLY #1 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with Kimberly Jackson narrating her love of Metro City and her neighborhood, Old Burgh. Wealthy, unscrupulous industrialist Mr. Belger bribed, cheated, and stole influence with the city government to build a high-rise building as a front for his illegal activities. Kimberly decides it’s time to let Belger know exactly what she thinks of the destruction Belger is causing to her city.
Kimberly sneaks into the Belger building in the middle of the night to spray paint a massive slogan on the outer glass walls before the morning of the grand opening. Coincidentally, Guy and Zeku are in town to destroy the building with explosives in a bid to destroy Belger’s illegal business. Unfortunately, Kimberly is still inside when the explosions start.
We conclude the issue with rescue cranes, high-flying acrobatics, and a promise.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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STREET FIGHTER MASTERS: KIMBERLY #1 delivers a high-flying, fast-paced, action-packed origin story for one of Street Fighter’s most colorful masters. Sarracini finds a natural way for Kimberly to cross paths with the Bushinryu Ninjas and put her on her path to greatness, while Panzer’s art style is a perfect match for the Street Fighter aesthetic.
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