The 47 Ronin: A Graphic Novel

Another awesome book from Sean Michael Wilson. I have all of his Manga adaptations of classic Japanese texts including: Hagakure: The Code of the Samurai (The Manga Edition) , The Book of Five Rings: A Graphic Novel , and The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts: A Graphic Novel ... and they are all excellent books. I had heard of the story of the 47 Ronin, but this the first time I've seen it all the way through... and I really enjoyed it. From the book: "If you would let go of your private worry and deal with the essence of the matter, the criticism of other samurai would not bother you." Replace the word 'samurai' with whoever you feel you need to impress or be accepted by... and you have universal wisdom for life. The only slight challenge I had with the story was I found myself a little mixed up in the first chapter. But after that, the story is excellent, and I'm very happy with the art as well. Well worth the read!

This is a most accurate portrayal of the historical 47 Ronin that is celebrated in Japan on December 17. Artwork is exquisite and the story line matches the events as close as possible to the actual story. A good read to learn what loyalty is and it brings out the heart of Samurai code.

I read the Japanese story bout the legendary 47 Ronin (Masterless Samurai) many years ago but thought reading this graphic novel about this historical tale would be interesting to explore once again. I was not disappointed. The story is a familiar one and anyone who has read anything about Japanese history has heard this tale about how 47 Samurai avenge the death of their master, Lord Asano. After Lord Asano had to commit seppuku (Ritual Japanese Suicide), because he struck (but did not kill) an evil, ignorant and impolite official named Lord Kira, in another Lord's castle, his Samurai decided upon revenge but they devised a secret plan so that no one would be suspicious of their true goal and objective. Each Ronin (A Masterless Samurai) completely changed their personality, some becoming drunks, some pretending to be peasants and others pretending to be garden workers. Some of these Ronin were even able to work on the grounds and inside the castle where Lord Kira lived. Finally after two years the 47 Samurai put their plan into action and were able to avenge the death of their master. In the end to show they were indeed men of honor and followed the code of Bushido (Way of the warrior), all 47 Samurai committed seppuku. Even if you have already read the original book this graphic novel version really makes the story come alive. If you like graphic novels and Japanese Bushido (Way of the warrior) tales, you should check out this book. Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Samurai Heart: An old warrior's poetic tribute)

Great graphics

It's a great book, love the artwork.

Ok

Well told and well drawn. Some unhistorical and exaggerated details of Kira's behaviour were added. But this was necessary to support the modern reader's understanding of Asano's outrage. Well worth a look.

I'm familiar with the story of the 47 Ronin. This was a decent attempt at introducing the story to the Western reader. Yet, I felt that something was missing. I think the problem was its brevity. To truly honor the story, it deserves to be a longer graphic novel. I thought the illustrations were outstanding, as well as the text. I just wanted more. That's why I awarded it 4 stars rather than 5.

Arrived quickly and my friend loves it.

Well worth the purchase.

not earth-shattering, but a good solid re-telling of the famous story

Very poor book