A Ninja Named Stan
Written by Mike Wittenberger
Art by Delia Gable
Letters by Mike Wittenberger
Cover by Delia Gable
Edited by Amanda Hendrix
Archaia Entertainment
Release Date: March 27, 2013
Cover Price: $14.95
You can tell, just by looking at this book, that A Ninja Named Stan is a labor of love by the creators. And, usually that’s when a comic book shines. This book, however, could use a little bit more shining.
Writer Mike Wittenberger tells the tale of Stan, an all-around loser, who is driven over the edge emotionally and decides to become a ninja private eye. Sounds good, right? In theory this should be an awesome comic; unfortunately, the execution keeps it from living up to its true potential. I realized about halfway through that this book isn’t really a Ninja P.I. book, it’s a love story, and a pretty cute one at that. However, the writing is a little sloppy and it takes WAY longer than it should to get to the point. This could’ve been a two-issue series, there’s really no need for it to be a full-length trade. Having said that, there are some adorably cute romantic moments between Stan and his love interest, Andrea. The thing that bothered me most is that on occasion, there’s some very gratuitous bad language. Now, I’m NOT a prude by any means, but the needless use of it almost made me feel uncomfortable.
Artist Delia Gable is a young up and comer and, if she wants, she’ll one day be a really good artist. Her style reminds me of an amalgimation of many different indie artists, but she does have a style that’s all her own. The thing that I really loved is how every character looked unique. NO two characters looked anything alike. I really hope that she works on her art career, because I can easily see her going far in this business.
All in all, I really can’t recommend this book. It’s cute, but not $14.95 cute. Like I said earlier, if this was a one-shot of two-issue prestige mini, then I would say pick it up. But, the story really drags, a lot of it is unnecessary, and although the art is good, it’s not enough to save this book.
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