Samurai 1 & 2

So, a while ago I went into the comic shop. I have what is called a “file” there, where those faithful stewards of my every purchasing-whim hoard for myself and those like unto me (be warned, we are many) all the comics we deem necessary for survival. Naturally though, I always meander over to the shelves wherein lie all of the week’s new books. Of course the week mentioned above was no different. One of the books that I purchased that fateful day happened to be (surprise, surprise) “Samurai: Heaven and Earth”. Now, you have to understand that I purchase numerous comics, and it just so happened that at that particular time I had many a’ book to read. So it was that I somehow forgot about this wonderful book until this week when I noticed issue #2 on the shelves of the newly arrived.

What a grave mistake I had made in not reading the first one right away! When I picked up issue #2, I immediately went home, found #1, and got to reading. Soon I found myself in the midst of a circa 1700’s Japanese stew of war and romance, of fealty and love. It was pipin’ hot, and I must say that I was very much impressed by the classical tale that burst into action so perfectly before my love-struck eyes.

“Samurai: Heaven and Earth” is written by Ron Marz. Marz seems to be an expert in understanding the classic elements of a good samurai story. There is loyalty and duty first, exhibited by the hero of the tale, Asukai Shiro. Shiro’s undying fealty to his word along with his literal un-dying, provide the drive for the over-arching plot of this series. Bravery is second, and we get to witness the bravery of those that would fight against countless foes, just so that they might die with honor. And, naturally, ridiculous amounts of impossibly delicious fighting resulting in beheadings, halvings, seppuku, and David vs. Goliath style scenarios are third. Trust me brother, this book’s got them all!

Not only does this book reach near-perfection in quickly, but well-done storiosity, but the art, the art, the art. The art is excellent, plain and simple. From the well drawn and realistically detailed pencils and inks by Luke Ross, to the superb colors by Jason Keith, each page bursts with life, death, love, and fire. Honestly the art on the interior of both issues is far better than the covers that bind them. The layout is so extremely well done, that I am left jokeless.

Alas, my friends, jokeless am I. “Samurai: Heaven and Earth” is just plain good. It is like “Conan” with more manners, more subtlety, more color; and personally, I love Conan. Issues 1 & 2 were so good, that I am going to have to ask the honorable souls at my comic shop to add this one to the file. Enjoy this books, folks. It is pure enjoyment, and (I hope) will only get better.