Lone Wolf and Cub Omnibus Volume 1

author: Kazuo Koike

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.78

book published:

rating: 5

read at: 2013/06/12

date added: 2013/06/12

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'Lone Wolf and Cub Omnibus Volume 1' collects 16 stories from this iconic series that started in the 1970's. The stories take place in medieval Japan and follow Ogami Itto, a ronin, as he travels the land with his infant son Daigoro. Ogami's reputation is fierce and he seeks justice and revenge.



Kazuo Koike's stories are brilliant and depict a man who has been framed and ultimately wants revenge. He roams from village to village and always finds himself in the middle of a situation that can use his unique talent for violence. He is quick in battle and even quicker with his wits. Ogami is always one step ahead of his enemies, and, while that would seem contrived in other works, it serves to show the mind of a tactical thinker here.



The sparse artwork by Goseki Kojima perfectly illustrate the stories by Kazuo Koike. Serenity is broken by brutal violence. The art moves from spare outlines in peace, to vicious slashing lines during fights. There are many panels with no dialogue, but the pictures speak volumes. The brutality of fighting with edged weapons is not softened on these pages, so this is not a work for the faint of heart. The brutality of the assassin contrasts with the protectiveness of the father.



If you are not yet familiar with this series, I can not recommend it enough (unless the extreme violence is not appealing). The stories read like the very best in Japanese cinema, and Ogami Itto is a truly unique character.





via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/609297315?utm_medium=api&utm_source=rss