Comic Review: Samurai Jack #1

In a partnership between IDW and Cartoon Network, Samurai Jack is finally getting a continuation of the epic story of the lone samurai flung to a far distant future by an evil sorcerer. Jim Zub, writer of Skullkickers and Pathfinder, joins with Andy Suriano, one of the original character designers on the show, to continue the story of Samurai Jack in comic form.

 

The story begins with Jack wandering the desert, searching for knowledge from a seer. Jack seeks a way to fix this terrible future that he’s been flung to, and it seems that the answer to his problems may be finding the Threads of Time. His quest for the first Thread leads Jack to an underground arena where he must fight five gladiators before claiming his prize.

Jim Zub takes his writing sensibilities and love of the original cartoon and makes a completely enjoyable first issue with them. Jack, as he so often was in the comic, is often silent, speaking his sword and actions more than his words. Zub captured the often odd and strange world that Jack existed in perfectly in this issue, making Jack face off against giant cactus men and more as he begins a new journey. It’s the start of a new chapter in Jack’s quest, and so many fans of the show have been waiting for it.

Andy Suriano absolutely kills the art, which is to be expected. Suriano previously acted as a designer and artist on the show, which makes him an obvious and inspired choice for the artist of this new comic. Suriano imbues the comic with much of the show’s aesthetic, which ties it well into the show, but he also does enough of his own thing to give the comic it’s own voice.

This was honestly one of my most anticipated comics of the last half of the year, and it did not disappoint. It’s a nice new chapter is Jack’s journey and is wonderfully presented. Plus, it’s just great to have Jack back.

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