I feel like there aren’t many of us reading this book now but it’s brilliant and will get the attention it deserves when Keanu’s film based on this story is released. No, not this exact story but the story Richardson and Sakai are using from medieval Japan. The story is spot on and I’m certain that the legendary Kazuo Koike has a lot to do with that.

The dialogue is a great translation while the art is a bit on the cartoony side for my taste. I’m used to the manga styling’s of Lone Wolf and Cub for my Samurai tales so they’re my preference. That being said, Sakai nails the expressions and the period “feel” of backgrounds and clothing. I like how appealing and light the cartooning is because the serious nature of the story is a much lighter read. My wife picked this book up and started reading it based only on the art. My preference aside, this is masterful work and, I’ll take more Period “historical” tales from Richardson and Sakai any time – Musashi Myamoto please?

A final note: If you’re interested in this tale I would suggest trade waiting. My suggestion only applies if you’re unfamiliar with the 47 Ronin and the Samurai code of living & dying known as Bushido. If you are and you haven’t picked this up you’re doing yourself a disservice.