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47 Ronin #1-5
47 Ronin
L'immortale leggenda nazionale giapponese diventa fumetto! I creatori Mike Richardson (The secret) e Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo) rendono reale il meraviglioso racconto di una vendetta, sotto la sapiente guida editoriale di Kazuo Koike, l'autore di "Lone Wolf and Cub". L'epica missione dei fedeli guerrieri giapponesi per vendicare il loro capo incarna il codice d'onore e "47 Ronin" racconta questa saga di lealtà e dovere in tutta la sua violenza.
152 pages, Hardcover
First published March 4, 2014
39 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Mike Richardson
341 books19 followersMike Richardson is an American publisher, writer, and Emmy-winning producer. In 1986, he founded Dark Horse Comics, an award-winning international publishing house located in Milwaukie, Oregon. Richardson is also the founder and President of the Things From Another World retail chain and president of Dark Horse Entertainment, which has developed and produced numerous projects for film and television based on Dark Horse properties or licensed properties.
In addition, he has written numerous graphic novels and comics series, including The Secret, Living with the Dead, and Cut as well as co-authoring two non-fiction books: Comics Between the Panels and Blast Off!.
In addition, he has written numerous graphic novels and comics series, including The Secret, Living with the Dead, and Cut as well as co-authoring two non-fiction books: Comics Between the Panels and Blast Off!.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
December 10, 2025
(B+) 78% | Good
Notes: The art imbues an antique mood, relayed all fable style, nice poignant scenes but ends too clean and dryly reconciled.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #1-2 ◦ Issues #3-4 ◦ Issue #5
Notes: The art imbues an antique mood, relayed all fable style, nice poignant scenes but ends too clean and dryly reconciled.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #1-2 ◦ Issues #3-4 ◦ Issue #5
November 9, 2024
Read the hardcover just for the additional features...what a fantastic GN! The story of the 47 Ronin is extremely important to understanding bushido; one could argue that it is the purest 'distillation' of the concept. The abandonment of family and social position will shock most readers; the calculated plans for revenge are unequaled in history.
August 23, 2015
Set in feudal Japan, 1701, Lord Asano is sent to the court of the Shogun where he lets his temper get the better of him and draws his blade against Kira, an insidious court advisor - a forbidden act within the Shogun’s palace. Though clearly tricked by Kira, honour demands that Asano pay for his crime with his life. Learning of his lord’s death, Asano’s chief retainer, Oishi, leads a small group of loyal followers who make it their mission to see Kira dead - they are the 47 ronin.
Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai’s adaptation of the 47 Ronin is a poor one. The script is clunky with dull scenes playing out too quickly and/or with little explanation and roughly drawn characters that were hard to care about. That might partly be because of the story’s age - older stories from centuries ago tend to be quite choppy and Richardson might just be being faithful to the style - but that doesn’t change how it reads.
The characters are very simplistic and broad - Asano is the honourable one, Kira is the villain, Oishi is the hero - but I also didn’t find the story especially interesting in itself. It’s a straightforward revenge tale, albeit very Japanese. And speaking of Japan, there needed to be more explanation of this story’s elements.
For example, my biggest question was what Asano was doing in the Shogun’s palace to begin with - why are the landowners obligated to attend the Shogun’s court every few years for a certain amount of time? And when they’re there, they’re just doing busywork like making tatami mats - why? Kira’s full name is Kira Yoshinaka, Kozuke-no-suke, but it’s not apparent that Kozuke-no-suke is a job title. No clue as to what that job is either - advisor, I guess?
(I know there are extensive essays at the back of the book explaining it all but I shouldn’t have to read an essay afterwards to understand key plot points from the preceding comic.)
Certain scenes felt unnecessary like when Oishi spends a year (or however long) pretending to be a drunk to throw off Kira’s spies. Then he decides enough time has passed, kills the spies, and launches the assault on Kira’s house. Why wait a year keeping up the pretence - why not just go for it to start with seeing how easy it was to get rid of them? Other subplots like Some Guy breaking off his relationship with Some Girl and then later revealing they secretly married and had a kid were completely pointless. Considering how slowly the story moved anyway, these additions could’ve been cut.
I’m a Usagi Yojimbo fan so I liked Stan Sakai’s artwork especially as it’s rarely coloured like it is here. Sakai’s period detail captures the era’s atmosphere well and, like his work on Usagi, he’s very restrained on the violence, keeping the blood and gore largely off-panel.
Kazuo Koike, the Lone Wolf & Cub creator, is credited as an editorial consultant on this book though I’m not really sure what he brought to the table. Maybe he’s an expert on this story or something? Maybe Japanese audiences wouldn’t accept a version of their story written by a Westerner so Koike adds the requisite nationalism/credibility?
Technically speaking, 47 Ronin is a decent comic. It does have some narrative weaknesses which might be down to Richardson as I’ve read a couple of his other comics before and didn’t care for them either. Perhaps if another writer (Sakai?) had taken on the script, it would’ve made for a better book but he’s also the Dark Horse publisher so it’s his call at the end of the day! It’s also a very dry, passionless retelling that I couldn’t get excited about - 47 Ronin just wasn’t for me.
I might still check out the Keanu movie though which could be good for a laff! (“Woah - you killed my friend? NOT cool, bro! Like, I’m totally Japanese!”)
Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai’s adaptation of the 47 Ronin is a poor one. The script is clunky with dull scenes playing out too quickly and/or with little explanation and roughly drawn characters that were hard to care about. That might partly be because of the story’s age - older stories from centuries ago tend to be quite choppy and Richardson might just be being faithful to the style - but that doesn’t change how it reads.
The characters are very simplistic and broad - Asano is the honourable one, Kira is the villain, Oishi is the hero - but I also didn’t find the story especially interesting in itself. It’s a straightforward revenge tale, albeit very Japanese. And speaking of Japan, there needed to be more explanation of this story’s elements.
For example, my biggest question was what Asano was doing in the Shogun’s palace to begin with - why are the landowners obligated to attend the Shogun’s court every few years for a certain amount of time? And when they’re there, they’re just doing busywork like making tatami mats - why? Kira’s full name is Kira Yoshinaka, Kozuke-no-suke, but it’s not apparent that Kozuke-no-suke is a job title. No clue as to what that job is either - advisor, I guess?
(I know there are extensive essays at the back of the book explaining it all but I shouldn’t have to read an essay afterwards to understand key plot points from the preceding comic.)
Certain scenes felt unnecessary like when Oishi spends a year (or however long) pretending to be a drunk to throw off Kira’s spies. Then he decides enough time has passed, kills the spies, and launches the assault on Kira’s house. Why wait a year keeping up the pretence - why not just go for it to start with seeing how easy it was to get rid of them? Other subplots like Some Guy breaking off his relationship with Some Girl and then later revealing they secretly married and had a kid were completely pointless. Considering how slowly the story moved anyway, these additions could’ve been cut.
I’m a Usagi Yojimbo fan so I liked Stan Sakai’s artwork especially as it’s rarely coloured like it is here. Sakai’s period detail captures the era’s atmosphere well and, like his work on Usagi, he’s very restrained on the violence, keeping the blood and gore largely off-panel.
Kazuo Koike, the Lone Wolf & Cub creator, is credited as an editorial consultant on this book though I’m not really sure what he brought to the table. Maybe he’s an expert on this story or something? Maybe Japanese audiences wouldn’t accept a version of their story written by a Westerner so Koike adds the requisite nationalism/credibility?
Technically speaking, 47 Ronin is a decent comic. It does have some narrative weaknesses which might be down to Richardson as I’ve read a couple of his other comics before and didn’t care for them either. Perhaps if another writer (Sakai?) had taken on the script, it would’ve made for a better book but he’s also the Dark Horse publisher so it’s his call at the end of the day! It’s also a very dry, passionless retelling that I couldn’t get excited about - 47 Ronin just wasn’t for me.
I might still check out the Keanu movie though which could be good for a laff! (“Woah - you killed my friend? NOT cool, bro! Like, I’m totally Japanese!”)
March 5, 2021
Mike Richardson, Stan Sakai, and Lovern Kindzierski worked together to bring one of Japan's most infamous legends to vivid life. This graphic novel depicted feudal Japan and reworked this story of bloody politics and bloodier honour.
I have seen the movie of the same name, a long time ago, but have never read any original text or other version of this story. I had forgotten much of the contents and so found this emotional, harrowing, and engaging throughout. Despite the limited text I managed to gather the full scope of the story, even if the style of illustration was not my personal favourite.
I have seen the movie of the same name, a long time ago, but have never read any original text or other version of this story. I had forgotten much of the contents and so found this emotional, harrowing, and engaging throughout. Despite the limited text I managed to gather the full scope of the story, even if the style of illustration was not my personal favourite.
January 16, 2021
A new edition of Mike Richardson's and Stan Sakai's book originally published in 2008. The story takes place in feudal Japan, and it shows how 47 Ronin avenged the wrongful death of their master.
The story is well paced, and has the lingering smell of dread hanging over it - at least for me, who sees the imagined trap of honour as a special kind of human-devised hell.
Stan Sakai's art is almost European in flavour, and he handles action scenes well.
(Kindly received an ARC from Dark Horse Books through Edelweiss)
The story is well paced, and has the lingering smell of dread hanging over it - at least for me, who sees the imagined trap of honour as a special kind of human-devised hell.
Stan Sakai's art is almost European in flavour, and he handles action scenes well.
(Kindly received an ARC from Dark Horse Books through Edelweiss)
February 5, 2017
Not bad at all . It's a quick read and a very touching story of loyalty .
July 11, 2015
I liked this telling of the 47 Ronin story a lot. I've heard that there are a number of different versions; this seems to be based on the only version I've heard, so it was all already familiar to me. But I thought Richardson did a really good job of telling it, and Stan Sakai's art is great--inspired by Ogata Gekko's woodblock prints, and it shows. I think I'd still like to read (or watch?) a version in which the characters feel a little more real to me, but that's always the trouble I have with legends. The people involved tend to become symbols and then it's harder to view them as individuals. Still, this graphic novel is very well done, and I'm glad it was recommended to me!
February 25, 2020
My first introduction to 47 Ronin by the way of the film produced by Keanu Reeves. I haven't watched the movie yet but this was certainly a better to get acquainted with the story of Japan, as they say "To know this story is to know Japan". 47 Ronin is the story from Japan of 1700s and is a saga of Samurais and Shoguns.
As the basis it's a story of taking revenge to restore the honor of their master but this is a story of a way of life, which tells us that honor is above everything else and you should not abandon your principles, no matter what.
This was lovely read and it was nice with the drawings being wonderful. This was a lovely Graphic Novel.
I have always loved comics, and I hope that I will always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics or Diamond Comics or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I Love comics to bit, may comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
As the basis it's a story of taking revenge to restore the honor of their master but this is a story of a way of life, which tells us that honor is above everything else and you should not abandon your principles, no matter what.
This was lovely read and it was nice with the drawings being wonderful. This was a lovely Graphic Novel.
I have always loved comics, and I hope that I will always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics or Diamond Comics or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I Love comics to bit, may comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
May 7, 2015
Richardson, from Dark Horse comics tells the story, in words, a labor of love after more than 30 years since he had initially heard the story; Stan Sakai, who is known for his Dark Horse samurai rabbit series, Usagi Yojimbo, draws the story, and classic historical manga storyteller Kazuo Koike (Lone Wolf and Cub, with Goseki Kojima) consulted on the story. This is one of an endless number of versions of a classic historical Japanese story focusing on the code of Bushido.
“To know this story is to know Japan," is the epigraph, an old Japanese saying about this piece of history, though in one of the several essays that follows the story we learn from Sakai that the version we see lovingly, faithfully created is just one version and probably is a little too neatly dividing up the good guys and bad guys. Too neat, maybe. The actual events happened in the eighteenth century, feudal times, where a nobleman named Kira insults another nobleman named Asano. During the quarrel in the palace of the Shogun Asano draws his sword on Kira, a crime punishable by death. Asano commits seppuku, his family stripped of its possessions and his samurai were cast adrift as ronin. Then the real story develops, one of loyalty, self sacrifice, vengeance. The Bushido code.
The book is well written, well paced, pretty simply and straightforwardly and lovingly told, with reverence that a westerner like Richardson feels he owes to a Japanese tradition. It's an interesting tale, but is maybe a little too reverential, especially give what Sakai reveals. I'd like to read a bit edgier version, and they exist, I know, but what this has to offer is gorgeous artwork from Sakai, informed by meticulous research in to history and art of the time. Included in the book are some of the work of Ogata Gekko, whose prints formed inspiration for this story. It's really beautifully done.
“To know this story is to know Japan," is the epigraph, an old Japanese saying about this piece of history, though in one of the several essays that follows the story we learn from Sakai that the version we see lovingly, faithfully created is just one version and probably is a little too neatly dividing up the good guys and bad guys. Too neat, maybe. The actual events happened in the eighteenth century, feudal times, where a nobleman named Kira insults another nobleman named Asano. During the quarrel in the palace of the Shogun Asano draws his sword on Kira, a crime punishable by death. Asano commits seppuku, his family stripped of its possessions and his samurai were cast adrift as ronin. Then the real story develops, one of loyalty, self sacrifice, vengeance. The Bushido code.
The book is well written, well paced, pretty simply and straightforwardly and lovingly told, with reverence that a westerner like Richardson feels he owes to a Japanese tradition. It's an interesting tale, but is maybe a little too reverential, especially give what Sakai reveals. I'd like to read a bit edgier version, and they exist, I know, but what this has to offer is gorgeous artwork from Sakai, informed by meticulous research in to history and art of the time. Included in the book are some of the work of Ogata Gekko, whose prints formed inspiration for this story. It's really beautifully done.
February 28, 2018
Moc dobré, moc pěkné. Jsem životní fanoušek historického Japonska, tudíž nadšení. A Stan Sakai? No pecka :) Příběh budete nejspíš znát, nebo nějakou jinou variaci na něj. Kresba je...no, pro mě ze začátku zdánlivě dětská, ale postupně jsem si zvykl a už mi to nepřišlo. Důvod jsem pochopil až na konci. Moc pěkné i doplňkové stránky obsahu na konci. 3,5 nebo slabší čtyři hvězdy.
October 14, 2018
So many 47's! I love it! The cartoony artwork is simplistic and might be seen as unfitting for the seriousness of the story, but still manages to be expressive and violent when need be. As far as I can tell, the swordplay is authentic, so there are no useless flashy moves here, and the clothing and architecture are spot on as well.
The respected role of samurai has fallen on dark times. Individuals who were viewed as examples to be followed are now corrupt. When a daimyo is provoked into an act that leads to his being forced into seppuku, some of his retainers decide that avenging him is more impotant than their own lives. Honor was rarely taken so far in a story. I was never more impressed by violence before, because this time it has a purpose. At the same time there is focus on interpersonal relationships. In order to carry out their revenge the retainers must give up their old lives which will bring tears to their loved ones and certain death to themselves.
Asano is invited to the shogun's palace for a reception. There is more pressure on his performance than he realizes. A poor showing can risk affecting his whole family and he begins on the wrong foot when his gift is seen as too small by Kira Yoshinaka, the court official tasked to teach him etiquette. Asano refuses to pay more and makes an enemy of Kira who works to sabotage his student. Asano draws the line at being publicly humiliated by Kira and draws his sword on him, an act punishable by death in the shogun's palace. The investigator sides with Kira even before questioning Asano to prevent a scandal in his own family. Asano's unwillingness to defend himself seals his fate: his lands and wealth are confiscated by the shogunate, his family is disinherited and Asano himself is pushed toward seppuku. It is now that the story truly begins, when Asano's loyal retainers decide how to proceed.
The respected role of samurai has fallen on dark times. Individuals who were viewed as examples to be followed are now corrupt. When a daimyo is provoked into an act that leads to his being forced into seppuku, some of his retainers decide that avenging him is more impotant than their own lives. Honor was rarely taken so far in a story. I was never more impressed by violence before, because this time it has a purpose. At the same time there is focus on interpersonal relationships. In order to carry out their revenge the retainers must give up their old lives which will bring tears to their loved ones and certain death to themselves.
Asano is invited to the shogun's palace for a reception. There is more pressure on his performance than he realizes. A poor showing can risk affecting his whole family and he begins on the wrong foot when his gift is seen as too small by Kira Yoshinaka, the court official tasked to teach him etiquette. Asano refuses to pay more and makes an enemy of Kira who works to sabotage his student. Asano draws the line at being publicly humiliated by Kira and draws his sword on him, an act punishable by death in the shogun's palace. The investigator sides with Kira even before questioning Asano to prevent a scandal in his own family. Asano's unwillingness to defend himself seals his fate: his lands and wealth are confiscated by the shogunate, his family is disinherited and Asano himself is pushed toward seppuku. It is now that the story truly begins, when Asano's loyal retainers decide how to proceed.
August 20, 2016
Such a sad story.
My girlfriend got this for me as a gift and I've been meaning to read it for sometime now, and finally got to. Really liked it.
This may be the 3rd or 4th different adaptation of the 47 Ronin story I'm reading. A great one too. Thanks mostly to Stan Sakai which I love, his artwork is amazing.
It's about 47 Samurai and their faith to their master. About Bushido and their patience and devotion to get revenge for their master's death.
Really great pace, and an easy read. Wonderful artwork and of course based on a true story.
Recommended to anyone who's fond of Japan and Samurai's life.
My girlfriend got this for me as a gift and I've been meaning to read it for sometime now, and finally got to. Really liked it.
This may be the 3rd or 4th different adaptation of the 47 Ronin story I'm reading. A great one too. Thanks mostly to Stan Sakai which I love, his artwork is amazing.
It's about 47 Samurai and their faith to their master. About Bushido and their patience and devotion to get revenge for their master's death.
Really great pace, and an easy read. Wonderful artwork and of course based on a true story.
Recommended to anyone who's fond of Japan and Samurai's life.
July 21, 2018
I loved this one. I was actually unfamiliar with the tale of the 47 Ronin, which is a well known story in Japan. When an honorable feudal lord is unfairly forced to commit seppiku and lose his lands and status, his loyal samurai hatch and elaborate plot for revenge and to restore honor to his name. While not exactly a happy ending, it is a very powerful tale of loyalty. The art from Stan Sakai of Yosagi Ujimbo fame fits the story perfectly.
If you have any interest in graphic novels of feudal Japan, this is a must read. Highly recommended.
If you have any interest in graphic novels of feudal Japan, this is a must read. Highly recommended.
May 28, 2018
4 stars!
I really liked the art in this tho I wish there is more variation with the faces. Oftentimes, I couldn't distinguish one character from another. The background and movement work is great tho. The story is easy to follow albeit choppy is some places, but this is a minor issue for me given the page limitations for this medium. Overall, I think this is a good intro to the Japanese legend. Recommended!
I really liked the art in this tho I wish there is more variation with the faces. Oftentimes, I couldn't distinguish one character from another. The background and movement work is great tho. The story is easy to follow albeit choppy is some places, but this is a minor issue for me given the page limitations for this medium. Overall, I think this is a good intro to the Japanese legend. Recommended!
November 15, 2015
قصة ثأر يابانية
ايام ما كانت اليابان شبه فيلم الجزيرة
راجل مهم راح اشتغل عند راجل اهم
ف اكتشف انه فاسد ف التاني قاله لا فاكس انت معانا
ف رفض ف فضل ينرفزه ف طلع السيف وعلم عليه
ف دا عقوبته الموت
ف طبعا دا معناه انه مماتش بشرف
ف بيقرر اتابعه انهم ينتقموا ل شرفه علشان يرتاح ف قبره
ف يروحوا 47 ساموراي من خيرة الامبراطورية ويعملوا مدبحة
وبعدين يقولك الشرف يحتم علينا اننا نسلم نفسنا
يارب الرحمة من عندك
ف سلموا نفسيهم
ف اتحكم عليهم بالموت عن طريق الهاراكاري
غرامك انتحاري
الثأر من أغبي الافكار ع الاطلاق
يعني انا افهم واحد يقتل واحد اللي قتل
منطقي
لكن لا احنا هنبيد شعبكم
ويقولك شرف العايلة اتدنس
يعني لو شلت اكسوا وحطيت صميدة
شيلت الساموراي وحطيت نبوت
عادي جدا
الرسم حلو بس كدا مش اكتر ولا اقل ، الحبكة لطيفة والايقاع مشدود مشوفتش الفيلم ومظنش هشوفه
ايام ما كانت اليابان شبه فيلم الجزيرة
راجل مهم راح اشتغل عند راجل اهم
ف اكتشف انه فاسد ف التاني قاله لا فاكس انت معانا
ف رفض ف فضل ينرفزه ف طلع السيف وعلم عليه
ف دا عقوبته الموت
ف طبعا دا معناه انه مماتش بشرف
ف بيقرر اتابعه انهم ينتقموا ل شرفه علشان يرتاح ف قبره
ف يروحوا 47 ساموراي من خيرة الامبراطورية ويعملوا مدبحة
وبعدين يقولك الشرف يحتم علينا اننا نسلم نفسنا
يارب الرحمة من عندك
ف سلموا نفسيهم
ف اتحكم عليهم بالموت عن طريق الهاراكاري
غرامك انتحاري
الثأر من أغبي الافكار ع الاطلاق
يعني انا افهم واحد يقتل واحد اللي قتل
منطقي
لكن لا احنا هنبيد شعبكم
ويقولك شرف العايلة اتدنس
يعني لو شلت اكسوا وحطيت صميدة
شيلت الساموراي وحطيت نبوت
عادي جدا
الرسم حلو بس كدا مش اكتر ولا اقل ، الحبكة لطيفة والايقاع مشدود مشوفتش الفيلم ومظنش هشوفه
March 14, 2014
Richardson, Koike and Sakai.
Perfect glimpse into the meaning of bushido.
Perfect glimpse into the meaning of bushido.
January 8, 2016
The great are of Stan Sakai used to tell one of the greatest stories in the world.
March 25, 2021
A re-issue of the Mike Richardson/Stan Sakai book from 2012. In the liner notes Richardson talks about the 20+ years it took to actually get this book written. He was going to have someone else adapt it, he was looking for a different illustrator, there were a lot of "others" that may have taken place before we got this version. For the record, I'm not sure what a different author may have brought to this, but it's clear Richardson really wanted to tell this story and invested himself heavily in researching it and doing it justice.
The art from Stan Sakai is immediately and unmistakably his tone and texture. I think having him on art duty actually opens this story up to a wider audience as he's not one for graphic violence and blood is kept to a necessary minimum. I know that Richardson wanted the inspiration for the art to come from woodblock prints of this story and I think that's achieved here.
This is a pretty quick read and an interesting retelling of a very historic Japanese event that has seen different iterations over the years. An easy to get into primer for those unfamiliar.
The art from Stan Sakai is immediately and unmistakably his tone and texture. I think having him on art duty actually opens this story up to a wider audience as he's not one for graphic violence and blood is kept to a necessary minimum. I know that Richardson wanted the inspiration for the art to come from woodblock prints of this story and I think that's achieved here.
This is a pretty quick read and an interesting retelling of a very historic Japanese event that has seen different iterations over the years. An easy to get into primer for those unfamiliar.
March 2, 2019
ულამაზესი გრაფიკა რომ აქვს, ეგ ცალკე ამბავია, ისე კი კითხვისას დასაწყისშივე ამოკითხული სიტყვები დახეტიალობს გონებაში გამუდმებით: ის, რომ 47 "რონინის"(ბრჭყალების არსს კი მიხვდებით) ისტორიით იაპონელთა კულტურა და ხასიათი ზედმიწევნით წარმოჩნდება.
ასეა ეს ამბავი.
ასეა ეს ამბავი.
November 24, 2014
I'd never read the whole story of the 47 ronin before. Seeing that Stan Sakai was the illustrator was enough to make me pick this graphic novel up by itself, but I was also glad to finally get to read this story.
I can't exactly say that I enjoyed it, because it's a fairly depressing story; however, it's very representative of the mindset and culture in feudal Japan. It's interesting, but I still wish it could have turned out differently.
Stan Sakai's artwork is solid. It's funny seeing him draw humans instead of anthropomorphic characters, but the artwork suits the story and setting well.
Soooo.... a big thank you to the folks at Dark Horse for persevering and producing this book!
I can't exactly say that I enjoyed it, because it's a fairly depressing story; however, it's very representative of the mindset and culture in feudal Japan. It's interesting, but I still wish it could have turned out differently.
Stan Sakai's artwork is solid. It's funny seeing him draw humans instead of anthropomorphic characters, but the artwork suits the story and setting well.
Soooo.... a big thank you to the folks at Dark Horse for persevering and producing this book!
May 7, 2016
A head of household betrayed in the Imperial Court. Loyal servants who must avenge their master, but how? And how much are they willing to sacrifice to fulfill that duty?
My heart absolutely broke for the leader of the 47 ronin as he lost his lord and began his journey, and then broke again at several points through and after that journey. Richardson did a great job making this legendary story about people. Sakai is best known for Usagi Yojimbo, so we were quite impressed that Sakai knocks it out of the park with his art in a serious story with human characters. Instead of, you know, anthropomorphic rabbits.
My heart absolutely broke for the leader of the 47 ronin as he lost his lord and began his journey, and then broke again at several points through and after that journey. Richardson did a great job making this legendary story about people. Sakai is best known for Usagi Yojimbo, so we were quite impressed that Sakai knocks it out of the park with his art in a serious story with human characters. Instead of, you know, anthropomorphic rabbits.
January 28, 2023
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220206: memorable legend. art influenced by wood cuts. national myth about loyalty beyond death, perhaps how Japanese culture views itself, or wants to be viewed, and artwork that captures rough edges and gestural motion. this is the right parallel mediums of simple script, direct images. perhaps how I want to view feudal Japan...
220206: memorable legend. art influenced by wood cuts. national myth about loyalty beyond death, perhaps how Japanese culture views itself, or wants to be viewed, and artwork that captures rough edges and gestural motion. this is the right parallel mediums of simple script, direct images. perhaps how I want to view feudal Japan...
January 28, 2019
Excellent graphic novel, high quality hard back cover, really impressed with this book
March 26, 2021
(Zero spoiler review) 4.25/5
A simple tale, simply told, and one that I simply loved. I didn't know a thing about the 47 Ronin before opening the pages of this book. I've been on a bit of a Japanese culture trip of late. What with the Samurai series on Netflix being supremely interesting. Ghosts of Tsushima taking the video game world by storm, as well as the increasing amount of manga I've been dipping in and out of. It's fair to say, I have a growing soft spot for Japanese history, with this story being a rather wonderful accoutrement to that growing list of stories. There is on flashy language. No fancy writing techniques, and Stan Sakai's art is sublimely simple and whilst perhaps an acquired taste, once you are used to it, it certainly suits the method of storytelling rather well. The simple nature of it all really comes across like a children's fairy tale. Despite the occasional grim nature of the story, there is very little shown in the way of violence, which certainly made me wonder why it received the mature rating it did. Not only this, but I really felt there was enough story here to o a sixth issue, as the last segment of the final issue seems a tad rushed. Like there was more story left on the tale to be told. That aside, there really isn't much here to prevent you sharing this with all but very young children. The distinct lack of blood at times to accompany the sparse violence was a little disappointing, but wasn't enough to detract from this delightful little tale. It certainly inspired me to look deeper into this true tale, and learn a little bit more about it, which is yet another feather in the cap regarding the strength of 47 Ronin. Do check it out. 4.25/5
OmniBen.
A simple tale, simply told, and one that I simply loved. I didn't know a thing about the 47 Ronin before opening the pages of this book. I've been on a bit of a Japanese culture trip of late. What with the Samurai series on Netflix being supremely interesting. Ghosts of Tsushima taking the video game world by storm, as well as the increasing amount of manga I've been dipping in and out of. It's fair to say, I have a growing soft spot for Japanese history, with this story being a rather wonderful accoutrement to that growing list of stories. There is on flashy language. No fancy writing techniques, and Stan Sakai's art is sublimely simple and whilst perhaps an acquired taste, once you are used to it, it certainly suits the method of storytelling rather well. The simple nature of it all really comes across like a children's fairy tale. Despite the occasional grim nature of the story, there is very little shown in the way of violence, which certainly made me wonder why it received the mature rating it did. Not only this, but I really felt there was enough story here to o a sixth issue, as the last segment of the final issue seems a tad rushed. Like there was more story left on the tale to be told. That aside, there really isn't much here to prevent you sharing this with all but very young children. The distinct lack of blood at times to accompany the sparse violence was a little disappointing, but wasn't enough to detract from this delightful little tale. It certainly inspired me to look deeper into this true tale, and learn a little bit more about it, which is yet another feather in the cap regarding the strength of 47 Ronin. Do check it out. 4.25/5
OmniBen.
January 13, 2024
47 RONIN
AUTOR: MIKE RICHARDSON
EDITORIAL: DARK HORSE BOOKS
PÁGINAS: 151
Está es una adaptación de la historia de los Vasallos Leales, en la cual, 47 Samurais, buscan recobrar el nombre y prestigio de su señor. Hay que recordar que estás historias son durante la edad medieval en Japón y en el periodo del siglo XVIII, basada en una historia real.
Aquí los autores, transforman está historia clásica de Samurais de Japón en un comic bellísimo que nos relata la muerte de Lord Asano y la venganza del clan Asano y Oichi su fiel sirviente para buscar a Kira (la persona que hizo daño a lord Asano), este formato,nos muestra en pocas palabras y más imágenes e ilustraciones la travesía y la forma en que estos samurais salvaron el honor de su líder y murieron con reconocimiento.
Los temas tocados pese a ser fuertes nos muestran parte de la cultura japonesa de aquella época, y dónde un Ronin significa un "guerrero sin dueño" pese a que en realidad eran fieles vasallos de Lord Asano. La historia toca el tema del hará - Kiri o seppuku, una forma digna de quitarse la vida, además de términos como Daymio y Shogunato (términos de la estructura política Japonesa de la edad Media). Está es una historia noble y fuerte que debe ser conocida por todos.
AUTOR: MIKE RICHARDSON
EDITORIAL: DARK HORSE BOOKS
PÁGINAS: 151
Está es una adaptación de la historia de los Vasallos Leales, en la cual, 47 Samurais, buscan recobrar el nombre y prestigio de su señor. Hay que recordar que estás historias son durante la edad medieval en Japón y en el periodo del siglo XVIII, basada en una historia real.
Aquí los autores, transforman está historia clásica de Samurais de Japón en un comic bellísimo que nos relata la muerte de Lord Asano y la venganza del clan Asano y Oichi su fiel sirviente para buscar a Kira (la persona que hizo daño a lord Asano), este formato,nos muestra en pocas palabras y más imágenes e ilustraciones la travesía y la forma en que estos samurais salvaron el honor de su líder y murieron con reconocimiento.
Los temas tocados pese a ser fuertes nos muestran parte de la cultura japonesa de aquella época, y dónde un Ronin significa un "guerrero sin dueño" pese a que en realidad eran fieles vasallos de Lord Asano. La historia toca el tema del hará - Kiri o seppuku, una forma digna de quitarse la vida, además de términos como Daymio y Shogunato (términos de la estructura política Japonesa de la edad Media). Está es una historia noble y fuerte que debe ser conocida por todos.
September 17, 2021
I know there are many versions of this story and one day I will read them all. I was interested in this story because of my interest in the stories that relate to the martial arts. I am new to all of these and I thought this was a great format to indulge in. I vaguely remember the Keanu Reeves film of the same name. I may have to revisit that one. I look forward to reading other stories of the famed 47 Ronin. I also have to comment that I loved the artwork in this one and how easy to read it was. A beautiful story!
October 19, 2022
A gorgeous edition of a timeless tale. Required reading.
February 11, 2024
A fun little foray into Japanese history / legend. The sadness of revenge (is it every honourable?)
Courtesy of a north shore street library.
Courtesy of a north shore street library.
January 7, 2021
Historia que resulta especialmente estremecedora al saber que está basada en acontecimientos reales.
Además creo que arroja una reflexión obligada no solo acerca de la tenacidad de que es capaz el ser humano, sino de la vileza que pueden alcanzar los sistemas sociales y de hasta dónde es posible (¿y aceptable?) llevar el honor, la lealtad y otras virtudes antes de que se conviertan en otra cosa.
Además creo que arroja una reflexión obligada no solo acerca de la tenacidad de que es capaz el ser humano, sino de la vileza que pueden alcanzar los sistemas sociales y de hasta dónde es posible (¿y aceptable?) llevar el honor, la lealtad y otras virtudes antes de que se conviertan en otra cosa.
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