“Samurai Jack” #5 is the final chapter in the Threads of Time story arc authored by Jim Zub, and illustrated by “Samurai Jack” conceptual artist Andy Suriano. The threads of time are actual artifacts from the Rope of Eons, a magical strand of rope that Aku used, and (thought he) destroyed in time past. When the Rope of Eons is assembled it uses what Aku calls chrono-magic to manipulate time. In essence the completed artifact will, as per usual, send Jack back into the past to “undo the evil that is Aku.”

As threads these pieces of the rope are drawn to each other, leading Jack through several adventures where we learn the power of the threads, and Jack finishes assembling the rope. In this final chapter the being who possesses the final thread is Aku. Jack feels it is destiny to find the final thread. Aku thinks he is just using a piece of floss to clean up after dinner. Such is the world of “Samurai Jack,” even the most evil villain in the universe is an absent-minded, clueless, yet ruthless dictator. The humor is well timed, and welcome.

While the dialogue is simple and brisk, the story and all its events within this final chapter put a “Samurai Jack” seal on the new comic book series. Something awesome happens, something horrible happens (and we are talking horrible), and in the end we get that Jack flavored goodness that makes the fans come back for more.

When I first began reviewing the series I threw a hope out there that we have all been craving – an end to the series via Jack's victory over time, and over Aku. Now I am not so sure I want to see the end. The Threads of Time story arc had one chapter that was iffy. The rest have delivered in spades, including this latest installment. The next story arc should be just as good, if not better. As a fan of Samurai Jack I hold that the comics must faithfully reflect the television series. Jack, the Prince of Samurais, becomes hyper-focused on destroying the evil wizard overlord Aku by some fantastic means. Jack successfully pursues the means, only to face a terrible dilemma at the end of the quest. Either because of his own foolishness, his inability to see the big picture, or just by sheer bad luck Jack fails to kill Aku, or go back in time, yet still he maintains his focus.

That is what brings satisfaction to the fan base. However, the next arc must put aside magical items for the time being, and give Jack either a purpose greater than his own to pursue, or give him another means to travel back in time that adds a refreshing perspective to the story. What I don't want to experience is exhaustion. Through four seasons of “Samurai Jack” and through the comic book series the plight of Samurai Jack has remained fresh, and interesting, if not wholly bizarre on occasion. He then becomes an asset to IDW, and hopefully the writers and artists following Zub and Suriano deliver at, or above their standard. (Good luck with that.)

I believe one day we may see the end of Aku, and Jack's victory. But not anytime soon . . . please.

Issue #5 gets four stars, the new series gets five stars. Welcome back Jack!