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Ninjak pursued agent K-2 to Mexico after his backup betrayed MI6 and shared government secrets with a villain organization. But, Ninjak found that the situation was worse than anticipated as the Coalition is involved, and are trying to tap into Deadside to take control. He assembled a team with Livewire, Dr. Mirage, and Punk Mambo and flew into battle on the sentient command center GIN-GR.

After a rocky landing, GIN-GR is not responding to Livewire, and they get confronted by the Jonin, Ultimo, Linton March, and Kostiy the Deathless from the Coalition. Following fighting and some cheesy banter, Ninjak and Livewire break away and head to the Coalition’s base of operations.

As they investigate ways to destroy the place, Ninjak and Livewire learn that the Coalition has kidnapped a member of Unity. Dr. Mirage and Punk Mambo are still fighting Kostiy and Linton when Dr. Mirage’s husband Hwen taps into Linton and finds the Coalition’s plans.

Christos Gage wrote another wild issue of Ninjak. The story arc began as a basic problem of jealousy but has expanded into destruction and different plains of existence. We didn’t get to see much in the way of Ninjak’s cool spy gadgets and warrior weapons, but it compensated with cool fight sequences for several characters. The reveal of who is held captive (no spoilers, here) should make for an intense conclusion in Ninjak #9.

The art by Juan José Ryp and colors by Jordie Bellaire are busy and bright. Ninjak’s team looks capable and filled with attitude, while their opponents are unsettling and creepy. The panels are drawn with variety and creativity, which show the battle from several angles, giving a cool look at the mayhem.

-Amanda Sheriff