As Samurai Executioner continues moving into its own world of crime and punishment, honor and bushido, we are beginning to learn more about the characters and situations involved in Edo-era justice. We're learning about Kubikiri Asa, the Shögun's decapitator, and his stoic life. This man's joyless existence is backed by stories of his past as a child, and how they reflect on his present life. But we also learn more about the peace officers of the era. In particular, there's the character "Catcher Kasajirö," the charming young man who uses a hooked rope and chained cudgel with such great skill. With these two characters, one with the guilt of many generations, and one bearing the naiveté of a young buck, comes an odd sort of tenderness to a world of pain and death.

• Never before published in America, Samurai Executioner was the companion to one of the most seminal works of manga, Lone Wolf & Cub!

• Each volume comes shrink-wrapped and carries an 18+ content advisory.