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 pa more
This is a historical retelling of 47 Ronin and is not a non-stop action-packed samurai story. It is a fantastic piece of Japanese history in an accessible format. If you are interested in a well put together story on samurai, it is for you. There will certainly be samurai action in the story, but don't let that be the only selling point for you, this story is so much more 5/5 Read Full Review
And honestly, that is probably the right choice. Few Americans would count "blind, unswerving loyalty" as an admirable character trait. It is much easier to enjoy if you know that the righteous are upheld, and the wicked punished. That makes for a much more palatable story, without the need to swallow moral quandaries along with the heroism. But it does make 47 Ronin a less interesting one. Read Full Review
Sure, 47 Ronin doesn't feel as grand as some of the other comics in stands right now, but it was well written, brilliantly drawn and for a first issue that has nothing but set-up, it was brilliant. Read Full Review
Off to a promising start, “47 Ronin” #1 provides flashes of the trouble and vengeance to come. With so much dedication to research, readers will feel like a forgotten time period has been brought back to life. With Sakai and Richardson giving equally solid work on this project, “47 Ronin” is on its way to becoming an elegant hit. Read Full Review
Sakai's art really meshes well with the story and delivers some beautiful shots like the splash page of the palace. Though its done quite simply all the emotions shine through with some great facial expressions. The mean faces that Kira makes really set me off; man do I hate that guy. Richardson and Sakai working as a team to tackle this great story means things will only get even better from here. I'm will definitely be checking out the next issue to see how they work this tale. Read Full Review
I don’t know if the average superhero fan is going to pick this book up and like it, but for someone like myself and several of my friends this is a great samurai book to read. It has a ton of traditional story elements, but remains interesting enough due to the presentation that it’s hard not to like. If you’re a fan of the samurai genre then this is a no-brainer to pick up this week, but if you’ve never given it a chance then this is the perfect gateway book to the genre. Read Full Review
The cover of the book kind of makes you think the story has some tie-in to Usagi Yojimbo with Sakai's name on the cover but that is not to be. The collaborative of the creative team suggests this is a passion project they have been working on for some time and they hit the mark with their first effort. Read Full Review
The first issue of the five-issue mini-series is presented in a way that should appeal both to those who already know the story and those discovering it for the first time. Worth a look. Read Full Review
The book looks amazing, which is no surprise since it is drawn by Stan Sakai. His careful cartoons tell this story perfectly. Obviously, there are no anthropomorphic animals here, but Sakai is a guy who can draw samurais. He knows the time period and it shows. There is a subtle level of detail in each panel that directs your eye and helps tell the story. 47 Ronin is a book to watch, without a doubt, even if you plan on just trade-waiting the thing. Read Full Review
47 Ronin is a story for the ages. It shows how little our world has changed and how people put such a high value on things like honour and loyalty. Plus a little bloodshed goes a long way to. Read Full Review
47 Ronin is about what you'd expect from Richardson and Sakai in terms of quality. It's good and up to its task, but nothing earth-shattering. There are certainly worse ways to spend your comics budget this week, but probably others that are more thrilling. Read Full Review
One of the most iconic stories that has captivated the attention of many in Japan for centuries comes to America in this new telling from Dark Horse Comics in a story that the author had been contemplating for a quarter century. With Stan Sakai on board as artist the tale covers the fall of Lord Asano which will lead to a need for bloody revenge in the series future as the man's subordinates fight to reclaim his honor and demonstrate their own along the way. Read Full Review
I really loved this, for a comic that I had no clue as to what it was all about, I was pleasantly surprised. If you’re a fan of samurai stories or even if you’re new to this stuff, I think you’ll enjoy this. Read Full Review
I wanted to like "47 Ronin" #1 more than I did, but the writing needs to catch up to the art. It's not bad, but it needs to be a little more engaging to the reader. Right now, it feels like the visuals are doing all the work to bring people back for a second issue. This could be a lot better, and hopefully we'll get that soon. Read Full Review
This issue lacks a lot of the action goes with this tale and focuses more on introducing us to the different characters setting up the story.Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but with this being a five issue mini-series, the story needs to pick up quickly or else the remaining issues will feel rushed.I believe that the first six pre-flashback pages would have been better spent later in the book telling the actual story and ending the book with Asano's trial.However,Anyone who is into history or Japanese culture should be entertain by this series, even with this flawed but promising opening issue. Read Full Review
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