By Josh Begley A worthy retelling of the classic Japanese story.
Creative Staff
Story: Mike Richardson
Art: Stan Sakai
Color: Lovern Kindzierski
Letters: Tom Orzechowski and Lois Buhalis
Editorial Consultant: Kazuo Koike
What They Say
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!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
The saying goes that to know the story of the 47 Ronin is to know Japan. A true tale of honor, duty, and sacrifice, the 47 Ronin were the vassals of Lord Asano, who was forced to commit seppuku by edict of the Emperor and whose lands and holdings were seized by the government. These 47 warriors engaged in a long plot to avenge their lord and regain his honor while at the same time honoring the code of Bushido, and this is why this story has resonated so much in Japanese culture.
Lord Asano was a well-respected, honorable daimyo and in 1701 he had to make a trip to Edo to spend time in the Shogun’s court. However, being a country lord whose han was many miles away from the palace, Asano needed instruction in proper court etiquette, which he attempted to learn from an official named Kira Yoshinaka. Kira demanded a bribe for his instruction, which Asano would not pay being as Kira was only doing his duty as a court official. Kira never forgot the incident and delighted in insulting Asano at every chance he got. He finally provoked Asano too far and the Lord, losing his temper, drew his sword to kill the odious man. Unfortunately, drawing a sword within the Shogun’s palace was an act punishable by death and even though Asano committed seppuku, his honor and lands were stripped from him.
A worthy retelling of the classic Japanese story.Creative Staff:
Story: Mike Richardson
Art: Stan Sakai
Color: Lovern Kindzierski
Letters: Tom Orzechowski and Lois Buhalis
Editorial Consultant: Kazuo Koike
What They Say:
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!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
The saying goes that to know the story of the 47 Ronin is to know Japan. A true tale of honor, duty, and sacrifice, the 47 Ronin were the vassals of Lord Asano, who was forced to commit seppuku by edict of the Emperor and whose lands and holdings were seized by the government. These 47 warriors engaged in a long plot to avenge their lord and regain his honor while at the same time honoring the code of Bushido, and this is why this story has resonated so much in Japanese culture.
Lord Asano was a well-respected, honorable daimyo and in 1701 he had to make a trip to Edo to spend time in the Shogun’s court. However, being a country lord whose han was many miles away from the palace, Asano needed instruction in proper court etiquette, which he attempted to learn from an official named Kira Yoshinaka. Kira demanded a bribe for his instruction, which Asano would not pay being as Kira was only doing his duty as a court official. Kira never forgot the incident and delighted in insulting Asano at every chance he got. He finally provoked Asano too far and the Lord, losing his temper, drew his sword to kill the odious man. Unfortunately, drawing a sword within the Shogun’s palace was an act punishable by death and even though Asano committed seppuku, his honor and lands were stripped from him.
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