47 Ronin #1
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- £1.49
Publisher Description
Among the best-known tales in Japanese history, the legend of the 47 Ronin and their epic mission to avenge their disgraced master epitomizes the samurai code of honor. It has been said, "To know the story of the 47 Ronin is to know Japan." Retold through the ages, the legend at last comes to comics in a meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated miniseries from Mike Richardson, Stan Sakai, and editorial consultant Kazuo Koike! Recounting this sweeping tale of honor and violence in all its grandeur, chapter one details the tragic incident that would seal the fate of Lord Asano and set forty-seven of his vassals on a years-long path of vengeance!
• A gorgeous new adaptation of Japan's enduring "national legend"!
• From writer Mike Richardson (The Secret) and artist Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo)!
• Created in consultation with manga giant Kazuo Koike (Lone Wolf and Cub)!
"Sakai's artwork is still as stellar and simple as you know it to be. His characters own their space on the page and his composition is so effortlessly meaningful."-ComicBookResources.com.
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.
