Chainkata Ashcan # 1
Writer/Artist: Daniel Warren Johnson
Colorist: Mike Spicer
Letterer: Rus Wooten
Cover Date: November 2026
Rating: 09/10
Daniel Warren Johnson once again brings his loud, boisterous storytelling to a new series that’s basically “chicks with chainsaws in space” – a concept every teenage boy or man would enjoy. The story follows Luma, a chainsaw-wielding warrior queen traveling the cosmos in search of a mysterious power. Though she only wants peace, violence and terror relentlessly pursue her through every black hole. Her combat style is the titular “chain kata,” a chainsaw-based martial art akin to using a gun.
True to form, Johnson holds nothing back when displaying the more abstract elements of his work, and “Chainkata” is no exception. It brings out the best in his storytelling, adding plenty of emotional beats to balance the sheer intensity of the premise. The narrative underscores how a warrior queen who truly wants peace is constantly plagued by violence she cannot escape. This feels tragic on every level, but it helps readers feel Luma’s pain and root for her on every page, with plenty of heart anchoring the premise. Johnson’s art, presented in glorious black and white, is a tour de force, unleashing the brutality of action sequences fans will absolutely enjoy. Its stylish punk-rock/manga vibe shines with such enthusiasm that every clash is captivating, bringing the wild side of this space opera to life. Even when the fast pacing and overdone, depressing inner monologues threaten to overwhelm the story, they don’t slow its momentum one bit.
“Chainkata” continues to showcase the greatness of Daniel Warren Johnson’s vivid, high-octane storytelling, delighting fans everywhere. Though it’s a new series, it looks set to stand the test of time alongside “Murder Falcon” and “Do A Powerbomb,” delivering high energy while showing everyone that chicks with chainsaws can indeed be epic.
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