SAMURAI JACK #1 Review


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Is our hero’s latest epic quest really a story that needs to be told?  Read on to find out.

The official description from IDW:

Cartoon Network’s hit animated series is back at IDW! The legendary samurai known only as ‘Jack’ is stranded in a strange future ruled by the demonic wizard, Aku. His quest to return back to the past has tested him many times, but now the stakes are higher than ever. Can an ancient relic known as the Rope of Eons finally take him home? Writer Jim Zub (Skullkickers, Street Fighter) and artist Andy Suriano (Character Designer on the original Samurai Jack TV series) begin a new era of samurai adventure!

Samurai Jack 1_CI have to say, opening this issue, I was instantly impressed with how authentic the piece turned out. Following a general re-cap we’re quickly thrust into the beginnings of a romp that’s sure to please devoted followers that have been missing this property.

Jim Zub lends his pen in order to allow this cartoon to be reborn within the confines of these pages.  He brings dialogue that fits within the context of what fans are sure to expect while offering some elements to beef up his translation.  By implementing a cadence that remembers what made the TV series popular in the first place, the scribe brings something unique to your local shop.  There were some moments where the content came off a bit corny, but this is an adventures staring a samurai that’s out of his own time, so it’s to be expected.

The art by Andy Suriano is not a perfect translation of what we saw on Cartoon Network, as the illustrator embraces extra line-work while keeping the core details of the franchise vibrant and alive.  You can see the reverence for the title buried within each panel, yielding a treat for the eyes as this affair gets rolling.  The visual side of this equation is pleasing but there were a couple panels that seemed to be a tad bit over developed.

Samurai Jack #1 is a great beginning to something that’s bound to be memorable. Recommended.

4/5

fourstar

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