Writer: Jim Zub
Artist: Andy Suriano

Every few years a kids cartoon comes along that really pushes what you can do with that specific corner of animation. Batman: The Animated Series, Beast Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender. Samurai Jack was one of those shows. Critically acclaimed, with the awards and viewing figures to back it up, it’s a wonder that we’ve had to wait this long for a Jack comicbook. Now that we DO have one, does it actually live up to the legacy of the animated series?

If you’re unfamiliar with the premise, don’t worry, this book replicates the classic opening to the TV show, giving you everything you need to know in precisely four panels. Written by Jim “Zub” Zubkavitch of Skullkickers fame, the story weaves a tale of time-travel, gladiators, ancient magic and a robot known as Robuttinski, The Butt Blaster! Jack himself seems perfectly in-character, and it’s clear that Zub understands the specific alchemical formula of humour, action and artistry that Samurai Jack is known for. This is the first issue of a five-part story arc, so if you’re looking for a traditional Jack-esque done-in-one story, you won’t find that here.

Andy Suriano is the artist on this book, who is no stranger to Samurai Jack, having served as character designer on the original cartoon. Which explains why, had I not looked at the credits on the covers, I could have sworn this was drawn by Tartakovsky himself! The lines are sharp and the tone of the universe is consistent with what we all know as the Jack universe. Aliens, Robots, Monsters – all are present and accounted for with as much imagination and dynamism as you’d expect.

It’s to this books credit that it could easily have been an episode of the cartoon. It’s not quite up there with the best the show had to offer but it’s only the first issue and I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next issue. I may even check out the rest of IDWs Cartoon Network range, if they’re as good as this then I won’t be disappointed. Another point I’d like to bring up is that this book is completely all-ages. There aren’t enough book out there that appeal to both adult and younger readers . If you have kids then this would make for excellent bed time reading – for both kids and parents!

Rating: 8/10.

The writer of this piece was: David McIntyre aka (Big Dave)

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