47 Ronin

author: Stan Sakai

name: Wayne

average rating: 4.09

book published: 2014

rating: 5

read at: 2014/05/22

date added: 2014/05/22

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'47 Ronin' by Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai is a brilliant graphic novel version of the classic true story from Japan. The level of detail in story and art makes this a superior graphic novel.



It's a revenge story with honor. Lord Asano is tragically murdered and his property sold. His loyal samurai turn ronin and seek revenge on the man who did this. It's an incredible story. Even more so because it's true. This is a famous story in Japan and has become more known in the West recently through a couple excellent graphic novel adaptations and a not so excellent movie adaptation that added strange supernatural elements to a story that is great without them.



It's a story that Mike Richardson has wanted to tell for 25 years. Having Stan Sakai do the art was a stroke of genius because his art and panels are evocative of the period and some of the original woodcuts. At the back of the graphic novel are articles and interviews with the 2 creators, as well as one about Kazuo Koike (Lone Wolf and Cub) who gave creative and historical input. There is an article about Ogata Gekko who created beautiful woodblock prints in the latter half of the 1800s to illustrate the story. There is a lot packed in and it's truly a great story. "To know this story is to know Japan."



I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this amazing graphic novel.





via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://ift.tt/Rg8LFv