I’ll start off here, by saying, after knowing the story of the 47 Ronin, and then reading this finale for the five book series. I feel like I should have been turned onto this series, way before, but only person to blame is myself. So, I know I will be picking up all five from Dark Horse, and here is the link, directly to the 47 Ronin. As this is a historical story by nature, and from the looks of it, stay true to the actual story, that occurred in 1701, it still feels riveting and will have your eyes glued to the screen, or page, or whatever medium you read in, from start to finish. I can say, as I finished, I feel as if I missed something grand, and it’s a good thing I can still buy them.
Michael Richardson, writer for 47 Ronin, captures the personality of the main Ronin, and this is what I could surmise from just book #5. He captures every detail of how these 47 men, no, samurai, served their lord after his death and by acting steadfast in their honor and their lord achieved their goal, and still remained honorable till the very end. Accepting what they did as just, and still wrong! Even though, those who may read 47 Ronin, know the ending of the story, or those who don’t, you feel connected to these Samurai, and the way they go about completing their mission: Revenge for their Fallen Lord.
The art put forward by Stan Sakai, fits perfectly for the lore and the story of the 47 Ronin. It reminds me of the art for Dilbert when it was on the WB. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a knock at either, and the surprised, eye popping moment for the 47 during the final battle showed me that. But nonetheless, the detail to clothing, the facial expression clearly portrayed and the intense battle from start to finish, were all engrossing. Nothing was left to imagination, and this allowed for the full picture to be put forth and drawn!
The 47 Ronin, an amazing story told of honor, revenge, patience, duty, and diehard loyalty, was a story told by many for those very reasons. And its retelling, with Richardson and Sakai, allow the story to be revitalized and retold again, in a new format, to a new generation. To allow people to know, that even though situations seem bleak and at the end, you can still pull it in the end, and do what really is right. And I don’t mean to go and kill somebody revenge plot!
Writer: Mike Richardson
Art & Cover: Stan Sakai
Editorial Consultant: Kozue Koike
Color: Lovern Kindzierski
Lettering: Tom Orzechowski & Lois Buhalis