Pretty great comic here. I learn a lot about Ninjak - and like it. He's an assassin, and really James Bond-y. Could have a ton of potential. He's hired by the Spider-Aliens - nice turn - with Alexander - to fight against Aric. Turns out that Alex changes sides - sympathetic - and all are against him. Colin seems to be the best kind of fighter - one that knows when to fight and when to run. That makes the fight more even and interesting. The fact that he RUNS from Aric when he has the armor on is great. It makes him a REALISTIC fighter. This isn't just some beat each other to a pulp until one gets unconscious again. Both are wise to avoid each other - neither is one of those kind fighters. I could easily see Aric falling asleep at some time and getting executed by Colin. Great back and forth - and not much happened... But it is told in a fashion that is incredible.
Troubleshooters ATTACK!
One of the greatest strengths of the Valiant Universe is its commitment to the real world outside your window. And much of the New Universe started in this vein. While this is somewhat realistic, and I like the focus on the real consequences and world - these characters are a bit strange and dull. I love the story being outside of just the giant robot suit - the Iron Man as a girl thing. But this comic isn't all that interesting. For example, the kids all steal the stuff, and go collect evidence illegally on the 'villain' of the time, even though Jen has told them NOT to. And this cover, with four characters attacking and using each of the tools - but the one just doing the YO JOE pose in the background, to say the least, is silly.