Aspen Comics is celebrating ten years and they are celebrating it with ten new series over ten months, their “10 for 10” initiative. The first of those series hit shelves this week, Legend of The Shadow Clan #1.

Meet the Himura family. They are like any other family living in the city: kids in school, parents working to make ends meet. But unbeknownst to even them, their ancestors held a dark secret: they were a clan of ninja in feudal Japan, in the employ of a prominent leader. But when that leader was murdered under mysterious circumstances, the Himura Clan was blamed, and forced to flee, going into hiding. Over the centuries, the descendants lost track of the ancient ways. They came to America, abandoning their sordid past to distant memory. However, recently, their secret has been discovered–their ancient enemy has returned, and won’t rest until every member of the Himura clan is killed. Now, the Himura family must rediscover their long-forgotten birthright if they hope to have any chance of surviving the onslaught to come, and along the way, they will learn the Legend of The Shadow Clan.

The first issue is a great set up and something I didn’t expect at all. The first issue starts off with a great action sequence, like a high octane movie looking to hook you right away. There’s some very cool art at this point, with a two page spread that’s panels are cut in a catchy way. From there we shift to a quieter story of the Himura family, getting to know each of the characters and the mystery building. From high octane to a slow build of mystery, an interesting shift in speed and action.

And it’s all entertaining. How the Himura family interacts, and their reactions to each other is realistic. It gives you a great sense of who everyone is and their personality types quickly.

Then the issue wraps up with more of a mystery, returning us to the assailants from the beginning, but shedding no more light as to who they are or what they want.

The art is backed up with excellent art. There’s some nice sequences and uses of panels and page. I expect solid art from Aspen Comics and this issue is exactly that.

This is the beginning of a big initiative for Aspen and a hell of a start. Here’s hoping the rest of the comics are of this quality, because it’ll be a great year in comics. The fact that all of the first releases are $1 is just icing on the cake. There’s no excuse to not get each of these first issues and try something new.

Story: David Wohl Art: Cory Smith Color: John Starr

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Aspen Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review