47 Ronin
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
Japan's enduring national legend comes to comics! The tale of the 47 Ronin and their epic mission to avenge their wronged master epitomizes the samurai code of honor, and creators Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai have done justice to their story! Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated, this collection of the acclaimed miniseries recounts this sweeping saga of honor and violence in all its grandeur. Opening with the tragic incident that sealed the fate of Lord Asano, 47 Ronin follows a dedicated group of Asano's vassals on their years-long path of vengeance!
* From Mike Richardson (Star Wars: Crimson Empire) and Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo)!
* Tons of bonus art and behind-the-scenes extras!
"If you're a fan of the samurai genre then this is a no-brainer... if you've never given it a chance then this is the perfect gateway book to the genre." —Comic Bastards
"Stan Sakai makes Japan all the more exciting with this comic, and Richardson's narrative builds an epic tale reminiscent of Kurosawa's greatest films." —Graphic Policy
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Lord Asano, honorable but na ve in the ways of the Shogun's court, offends court functionary Kira Yoshinaka by refusing to give in to the latter's crass demands for a bribe. What follows is a campaign of harassment and sabotage by Kira; finally pressed too far, Asano draws his sword on the functionary an unforgivable violation of the Shogun's regulations. Asano is ordered to commit seppuku (ritual suicide), his lands are seized and his household is scattered. Kira's victory appears complete, save for one thing: the determination of Asano's legion of faithful retainers men willing to go to legendary extremes to win justice for Asano. Emerging as one of Japan's most popular folk tales (perhaps similar to our own Robin Hood), despite the censorship laws of Genroku-era Japan, the story of the 47 ronin (masterless samurai) has been adapted many times in almost every conceivable medium. Richardson, whose day job is Dark Horse publisher, and Sakai (much-honored creator of Uasgi Yojimbo) treat the source material with respect and skill, Richardson's craft as a storyteller is more than matched by Sakai's ability to convey both thoughtful introspection and lightning-fast action in a series of still drawings. The result is a homage more than worthy of its source material.
