47 Ronin #1

Dark Horse Comics founder Mike Richardson has been obsessed with bringing the Japanese legend of the 47 Ronin to comics for the better part of a quarter of a century. Now, with the help of artist Stan Sakai, he succeeds in beginning his tale of the Japanese legend (based in historical fact) of 47 former samurai turned ronin who attempt to avenge the honor of their former master.

Stan Sakai is the perfect choice to bring the story to life, although I'll admit it does take a little getting used to him drawing humans rather than katana-wielding rabbits. As good as his work is here, for someone going through months of serious rabbit ronin withdrawal (Sakai's work on Usagi Yojimbo was halted for him to work on this project), I can't wait to see him return to new stories of his creation.

The first issue of the five-issue mini-series is presented in a way that should appeal both to those who already know the story and those discovering it for the first time. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $3.99]