Shinobi: Ninja Princess #6
Writer(s): Martheus Wade
Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade (Art) Janet Wade (Colors)
Cover Artist(s): Martheus Wade
32pgs./ FF/ All Ages
$3.99
Captured and alone, Shianndrea is faced with the realization that the world may just be better off with her in the custody of her father. Meanwhile, Kim, Turra, and Ai conduct a suicide mission to rescue their friend. But is it enough to save them all?
SHINOBI: NINJA PRINCESS #4
Writer(s): Martheus Wade
Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade, Janet Wade
Cover Artist: Janet Wade
32 pgs./ All Ages/ FC
$3.99
Oni (Demon): After the escape of Shianndrea and her team in New Tokyo, the Oni sets his
sights on the southern security outpost of the Toshigawa Clan. Master Gaudient chooses a team to assist their fellow ninja but orders Ai and Shianndrea to stay behind. The girls make the risky decision to join the battle anyway. Meanwhile, Hamasuke’s anger from being “overshadowed” could prove to be the downfall of the Toshigawa Clan.
Shinobi: Ninja Princess is an entirely fun and entertaining series, though it is equally obvious that its appeal will be limited to a specific few. The story here follows Shianndrea (Shinobi) and her group of friends/ninja clan. As her team leader/crush Kim heads off on a mission to attack a marauding demon, she and Ai are forced to stay behind in order to protect the compound or protect their own safety. Of course, as they both have a bit of rebellious teenage spirit in them, this curfew does not last long and they soon catch up with the action.
Some might read this and think that it is a bit formulaic, and to be fair it is, but it is at least a formula that works. It is maybe reminiscent of something that someone might see on television on a Saturday, though probably one of the later morning shows that adults might want to watch as well. The concept is kind of ludicrous, like a Teen Titans version of a ninja clan, but this comparison holds in a different sense, because part of what helps to make the characters in this series to be relatable is that they are people first and heroes second. So when Shianndrea first wakes in the morning, she is more worried about whether her team leader notices her, and then realizes that she needs to shower after each mission, because her suit leaves her smelling sweaty.
This fun series is unlikely to surprise anyone with its story or its characters, but by equal measure both the story and the characters are compelling enough in their simplicity. It is a series that reaches its potential almost completely but still ends up being only above average as a series. It is not the kind of series that will make friends recommend it to one another, but equally there are very few that will walk away from this saying how disappointed that they were with the experience.
Story and Art: Martheus Wade
Story: 7.6 Art: 7.6 Overall: 7.6 Recommendation: Read
Action Lab provided Graphic Policy with a free copy for review.
CRIMSON SOCIETY TPB
Writer(s): Mike Hunau
Artist Name(s): Carlos Trigo
Cover Artist(s): Carlos Trigo
In the very near future, supernatural beings live among humans in peace, yet Jack Crimson finds his life as a werewolf frustrating, and wants nothing more than a cure. Desperate to free himself from this curse, he makes a series of decisions leading him down an unexpected path. Join Jack as he makes his way through this dark new world.
128 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC $14.99
FIGHT LIKE A GIRL # 4 (OF 4)
Writer(s): David Pinckney
Artist Name(s): Soo Lee
Cover Artist(s): Soo Lee
ROUND FOUR! Amarosa has made it through three trials that have all tested her in ways she couldn’t imagine. Though her fourth trail is colossal in more ways than one, finding out what makes her special may be the key to her success. The question is…will she figure it out in time?
32 pgs./ Teen/ FC $3.99
GRONK: A MONSTER’S STORY VOLUME 1 TPB
Writer(s): Katie Cook
Artist Name(s): Katie Cook
Cover Artist(s): Katie Cook
Colorist: Kevin Minor
Gronk is a monster… and not a very good one. Follow Gronk’s adventures as she leaves the monster world and joins up with her new family! Enjoy the first year’s worth of comics from this popular, all-ages webcomic in a wonderful, full color collection!
64pgs./All Ages/ FC $9.99
HERALD: LOVECRAFT AND TESLA# 3 (of 3)
Writer(s): John Reilly
Artist Name(s): Tom Rogers (pencils), Dexter Weeks (ink, color, letters)
Cover Artist(s): Tom Rogers
A botched break-in attempt of the Athenaeum Library ends at the barrel of a gun as Cthulhu Cultists interrogate Lovecraft and Tesla while looking for their own copy of the Necronomicon. In Rome, two old men approach a young artist to discuss the nature of sacrifice.
32 pgs./Teen/ FC $3.99
HEROCATS OF STELLAR CITY #4
Writer(s): Kyle Puttkammer
Artist Name(s): Marcus Williams, Ryan Sellers (i), Matt Hearns (c) Brianna Higgins (l)
Cover Artist(s): Marcus Williams
Dangerous sinkholes are opening all over Stellar City and it’s up to the Hero Cats to save the day! Ace, Midnight, Cassiopeia, Belle, Rocket & Rocco explore an underground world filled with new friends and adventures.
32 pgs./ All Ages/ FC $3.99
HOLY F*CK #3
Writer(s): Nick Marino
Artist Name(s): Daniel Arruda Massa
Cover Artist(s): Daniel Arruda Massa (regular), and Kaylie McDougal (limited variant covers)
Jesus takes the fight directly to Zeus and Isis, the two mythological gods leading a horde of desperate, worship-hungry deities! But do Jesus, Satan, and Sister Maria actually stand a chance? And can they keep their sh*t together long enough to stop the coming madness?
Includes two limited variant covers by Kaylie McDougal, limited to 1,500 copies each.
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/$4.99 Variant
EHMM THEORY: EVERYTHING AND SMALL DOSES TPB
Writer(s): Brockton McKinney
Artist Name(s): Larkin Ford
Cover Artist(s): Larkin Ford
What do you get when you cross a bloodthirsty, universe-traveling carnival monkey with a time-displaced, foul-mouthed kitten & his best friend? The epic second volume of Ehmm Theory! Gabriel Ehmm takes on incredible new freaked-up foes with the help of his talking cat Mr. Whispers and the telekinetic werewoman named Mindwolf in the brain-melting tale that has folks saying “Oh my macaroni nuts, this is a wild treat!” Collects Ehmm Theory: Everything and Small Doses #1-4.
128 pgs./ Mature Readers / FC $14.99
PIRATE EYE: EXILED FROM EXILE # 2 (of 4)
Writer(s): Josiah Grahn
Artist Name(s): Carl Yonder
Cover Artist(s): Carl Yonder
Smitty has lost everything twice-over, and now nothing is out of bounds as he desperately seeks a score large enough to buy his way back to safety. His former crewmate, now a feared captain, means to ensure Smitty’s continued misery, instead. They can’t both succeed.
32 pgs./Teen/ FC $3.99
PLANET GIGANTIC TPB
Writer(s): Eric Grissom
Artist Name(s): David Halvorson, Will Perkins, Phil Sloan
Cover Artist(s): David Halvorson
Two genetically engineered teenage astronauts crash land on a fantastic planet and are forced to grow up in a world filled with rock monsters, giant insects, smoke ninjas, and a cruel Queen who wants their powers. And that’s just on the first day. Collects PLANET GIGANTIC #1-4.
128 pgs./ Teen/ FC $14.99
PRINCELESS: THE PIRATE PRINCESS #2
Writer(s): Jeremy Whitley
Artist Name(s): Rosy Higgins, Ted Brandt
Cover Artist(s): Rosy Higgins, Ted Brandt
Bedelia and Adrienne have a new teammate in Raven, The Pirate Princess. She’s tough, smart, fun-loving and she’s on an epic quest for revenge. When her quest clashes with Adrienne’s, sparks will fly and only one princess can come out on top!
32 pgs./Teen/ FC $3.99
SHINOBI: NINJA PRINCESS TPB
Writer(s): Martheus Wade
Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade, Adam Shaw, Janet Wade
Cover Artist(s): Janet Wade
Shianndrea Toshigawa is just your average, ordinary ninja-in-training. On the run from the Azumi ninja clan, Shianndrea trains with the legendary Toshigawa clan to embrace the mysterious power within her, all the while, navigating the life of a teenage girl. Shinobi: Ninja Princess is 192 pages of martial arts action and all ages fun. Collects Shinobi: Ninja Princess #1-6!
192 pgs./ Teen/ FC $19.99
STRAY #2 (of 4)
Writer(s): Vito Delsante
Artist Name(s): Sean Izaakse
Color Artist(s): Ross Campbell
Cover Artist(s): Sean Izaakse & Ross Campbell (s), Shawn McGuan (v)
Rodney, the former Rottweiler, buries his father and resolves to find the killer. But will his former teammates, the TeenAgents, help him or hold him back? Be here for…The Funeral of the Doberman! Limited Edition Variant cover by Shawn McGuan on 1500!
32 pgs./Teen/ FC $3.99/$4.99 Variant
ZOMBIE TRAMP #8
Writer(s): Jason Martin, Dan Mendoza
Artist Name(s): Winston Young
Cover Artist(s): TMChu (regular, risqué variant), Dan Mendoza (limited variant), Andrew Pepoy (Valentine variant)
Risque variant cover (limited to 2000): TMChu
Artist variant cover (limited to 1500): Dan Mendoza
Valentine Variant cover (limited to 1500): Andrew Pepoy
Janey’s prize possession, her copy of the Necronomicon that helps her blend in and survive as an undead zombie tramp amongst the living, has gone missing. Now can she retrieve the book even though its new owner stirs long lost feelings as well? It’s Valentine’s Day Zombie Tramp style! Also look for the first appearance of an all new character soon to have her own series!
Features a variant cover by Dan Mendoza (limited to 1500 copies) and a risqué variant cover (limited to 2000 copies) and a special Valentine Variant by Andrew Pepoy (Afterlife with Archie) (limited to 1500 copies).
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/$4.99 Variant
VAMPLETS: THE NIGHTMARE NURSERY VOLUME 3 HC
Writer(s): Gayle Middleton and Dave Dwonch
Artist Name(s): Amada Coronado (a), Bill Blankenship (c)
Cover Artist(s): Amanda Coronado (a), Bill Blankenship (c)
The shocking conclusion to the Nightmare Nursery saga! Destiny Harper is in deep trouble, and she will need the help of Rasket, Lycinda and the Vamplets themselves to thwart the plans of the evil Vammette. Will Destiny Harper get back home, or will she be trapped on the nightmare world of Gloomvania forever?
48 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC $15.99
Action Lab Entertainment’s popular coming of age action series, Shinobi: Ninja Princess is well into its run with issue 4 coming soon. Now, Series creator Martheus Wade is introducing new fans to the world of Shianndrea “Jetta” Toshigawa with a new tie in webcomic.
These 1-4 page webstories weave into and out of the existing 6 issue mini series published by Action Lab Entertainment. Each story will give readers more information on the characters and world of this martial arts adventure as well as serve as a gateway for new readers.
The stories mix the lighter side of the series and answers those burning questions fans have been asking for such as “how did the Azumi Ninja Clan get the contract to find Shianndrea Toshigawa in the first place?” and “What do young ninjas do to blow off steam?”
The free webisodes are available at the official Jetta website at http://toshigawa.com/
SHINOBI: NINJA PRINCESS #2
Writer(s): Martheus Wade
Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade (Pencils, Inks, Colors) Marvin Chevealier (color assists)
Cover Artist: Tressina Bowling
32 pgs./ FC/ All Ages
$3.99
After successfully completing her first mission, Shianndrea is allowed to accompany Kim on reconnaissance to New Tokyo in order to spy on the Azumi Ninja Clan. Things can’t be better! However, just when things are getting cozy between the two ninja, Ai joins the mission, making these three ninja a crowd.
SHINOBI: NINJA PRINCESS #1
Writer(s): Martheus Wade
Artist Name(s): Martheus Wade (Pencils and Inks) Marvin Cheveallier (Color assists) Janet Wade (Ink assists) Kevin Williams (Copy Edit)
Cover Artist(s): Martheus Wade (Main Cover) Tressa Bowling (Variant Cover) Limited to 1500 copies
32 pgs./ FC/ All Ages
$3.99 (reg.) /$4.99 (var.)
14 year-old ninja princess Shianndrea Toshigawa and her strike team have a new mission: spy on their rivals, the Azumi Ninja Clan, and discover what secret dealings they have with the evil Emperor of Japan. But when the plan goes awry and fellow ninja Hamasuke is captured, can Shianndrea overcome her lack of confidence and save him before it’s too late?
Variant cover limited to 1,500 copies!
In Shinobi by Martheus Wade and published by Action Lab, 14 year-old ninja princess Shianndrea Toshigawa and her strike team have a new mission: spy on their rivals, the Azumi Ninja Clan, and discover what secret dealings they have with the evil Emperor of Japan. But when the plan goes awry and fellow ninja Hamasuke is captured, can Shianndrea overcome her lack of confidence and save him before it’s too late?
Although the image of ninjas which we know is one which was made up for Japanese theater, it is nonetheless one which stays with us. They were not shrouded in all-black and many other aspects of what we think that we know of them in modern culture is also somewhat incorrect. It is fairly common in comics that ninjas have the same general appearance, if it is the Hand or the Foot Clan. Shinobi: Ninja Princess is not even particularly new in terms of its inaccuracies. Despite no evidence of such a role ever existing, there is not really such a thing as a ninja princess, but the idea of ninja princess is evident in many instances in the genre.
In terms of what the creative team has put together here though all of this is irrelevant. Lacking an original story, the writer has put his own spin on the sub-genre here, writing some characters that are a bit more engaging than the average ninja. The reason is that the focus here is not on stealthy assassination, but almost a coming-of-age story. There is a younger focus to this story, not necessarily in the demographic readership, but the story is full of playfulness. This is mostly between the characters, but it is written in a way which allows the reader to partake in the fun as well. At the same time the art is a perfect complement to the story as it focuses on a fun and almost sassy style for the lead heroine Shinobi.
The end result is a decent read. It is not going to compete with some of the heavy hitters in the medium, in either concept or characterization, but it is not trying to either. It seems as though the creative team is just trying to tell a fun story, and they have mostly succeeded. This story might be one that parents might want to invest in for their kids. The story would be fun enough for parent and child alike, achieving that uncommon bridge between generations.
Story and Art: Martheus Wade
Story: 7.3 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.8 Recommendation: Read
Action Lab provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
