Sadly do not think this volume is for me. I really like the art style and the overall atmosphere of the comic but something is just not doing it for me. The first bit feels like a second volume that the introduction. I felt lost reading the start or again felt like I had missed a full volume. As much as there needs to be more badass female heros this just flopped for me.

Roku, a graphic novel written by Cullen Bunn, auteur extraordinaire, especially on his creator owned works such as the terrific Harrow County.

On this title, he teamed up with artist Ramón F. Bachs, colorist Stéphane Paitreau, and letterer Dave Sharpe.

This mini-series could have been titled « The Girl Who Knew Too Much ».

Roku is a character initially created by Matt Kindt and Clay Mann for the valiant comic Ninjak. However, this series requires no previous knowledge of the character, and is hence a perfect jumping on point.

Formerly Angelina Alcott, Roku was an agent of MI-6. She died, and was resurrected, but altered. Deprived of her memories, of empathy and compassion, mystically enhanced with psychic abilities (mind reading, mind control, and telekinesis), she’s been made the deadliest assassin in the World.

When her first mini begins, she’s acting as a freelance assassin. After a successful mission, she’s tasked with retrieving a mysterious weapon about to be put up for auction in Moscow.

The nature of this particular and extremely dangerous weapon will put Roku face to face with her past, and make her question her life.

This graphic novel is non-stop genetic and tech powered action, with an hint of espionage. Rather unusual for Cullen Bunn, this is a comic of little words. The art isn’t very detailed which, combined with a fast paced story, makes for a little too quick read. However, the action sequences are well executed, served by an adequate layout. Furthermore, the colors are vibrant, and they render particularly well when seen on a digital device.

Read in TPB form, some recaps are a little repetitive, but do not distract too much from the unfolding story.

The ending is clever, and sets up what could become a very interesting series. However, I have the feeling it would be better served as a series of minis, rather than a monthly that might stretch it too much.

Thanks to Netgalley, Valiant Entertainment, & Diamond Books Distributor for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.

An exciting, quick read about an altered human-turned assassin. Echoes of BW, but a definitely different take on the idea. I look forward to more installments in the story.

Being made a weapon at the price of her humanity, Roku is the world deadliest assasin. Violently yet beautifully drawn the missions of Roku are displayed, be it murder, retrieving or saceguarding.