47 Ronin Hardcover – March 25, 2014

My father took me to see the movie Chūshingura (the 47 Ronin), by the Japanese director Hiroshi Inagaki, when I was a kid. The story is based on true events, but it has gained mythical standing and has become a core tale of Japanese culture. I have seen the movie many times since. The story has been recreated by a number of artists. Here we have a telling by the graphic novelist Stan Sakai, who created the Usagi Yojimbo novels that I read with my son when he was young.The story that Stan Sakai tells closely follows the story of the Chūshingura and Sakai was clearly influenced by Inagaki's movie. There is a scene before Lord Asano commits Seppuku, where he walks through the blossoming cherry trees that is in both the movie and the book. This scene has always stuck in my mind for its beauty and sadness.One of the themes that is stronger in the movie is the egotism of Asano. He is goaded and abused by Lord Kira. For a time he tries to put up with the abuse, but finally he snaps, he anger overcoming his control and he attacks Kira in the Shogun's palace. By the action he causes terrible pain for all of those around him.If Asano were stronger, as strong as his 47 loyal retainers and his wife, the tragedy would not have happened. So part of the story to me has always been about Asano's weakness and flaws.In enjoyed Stan Sakai's retelling of this complex tale. It was a change to revisit the story in the medium of a graphic novel.

The writing of Mike Richardson, teamed with the art of Stan Sakai, beautifully depicting the story of the 47 Ronin in graphic novel/comic book form.If you know Usagi Yojimbo, a graphic novel written and illustrated by Stan Sakai, then you already know you'll love this book.If you don't know Stan Sakai at all, or his previous work, but are looking for a great read, get this book.If you just want to read a version of 47 Ronin, get this book.'To Know the Story of the 47 Ronin, is to Know Japan'. This is definitely true. There is no better explanation for Japan's history then this (true) story.Get this book.

The story of the 47 Ronin is quite famous and combines politics, revenge, and honor in service of the code of Bushido. The story line in this particular version is quite simplified, as probably fits a graphic novel format. The art work by Stan Sakai, of  Usagi Yojimbo Saga Volume 1  fame is simply superb. Glorious colors, inspired by Japanese woodblock prints, enhance the wonderful composition of each frame. This is a beautiful book retelling a legendary story.

Stan Sakai does the 47 Ronin. What's not to love? Of course, if you're not already an Usagi Yojimbo fan, you might want to check out some of his other stuff first. Purists will note minor deviations from the traditional tale, undertaken to help the flow of the graphic novel. But if you're willing to forgive that, this is a novel and engaging approach to a story that has already been told in so many varied media.

While I loved Usagi Yojimbo, this falls very short. It is not very entertaining, but it is very historically accurate. It is definitely a lot better than Keanu Reeves theatrical version, but that is not saying much either. This comic does not go into great detail about Japanese and samurai culture as it should. While not for children, it is a nice educational-entertainment comic hybrid contribution on the exploration of Japanese history.

Simple illustration yet so beautifully naratedLove it..i love all stan sakai works anyway, it just create a beautiful image to understand the situation of the story told.

Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai. Great story and Art of code and honor in medieval Japan. OK I am not from that era or place but the story and art make you compelled to understand. Great Art by Stan.

Very pleased with story and artwork. Was a big fan of Stan Saki as a teenager and this brought back memories.

I had expected a book with the same level of visual impact as the film ”chushingura” has…but no….the frames are too crowded, too filled with angry look-alike faces, in confusing numbers…in the film, which i have seen many times (it used to play in a berkeley theater once a year), the death scene of lord asano is stunning in its power and beauty…not so in this graphic novel…here the backstage intrigues are emphazised, rather than the injustice of the sentence…the dedication and honour of the ”ronin” are made clear, but the lead-up to the conflict, and the depth of corruption at the court, are passed over too quickly…the seppuku of lord asano is shown in just a few frames, and his death poem, which is poignant and emotional (at least in translation) is not even quoted…in the movie the climax is reached in the ritual scene of seppuku, and the avenging ronin become an aftermath, a logical follow-up…in this text, the impression is, i am sorry to say, mostly arguing, angry faces…a disappointment…

Completely satisfied.

Perfect

Excellent rendition of the story. Beautifully drawn.Left with a sense of loss and injustice.Would suggest everybody reads this.

Not what I expected not a book for adults in that respect more of children's book .