47 Ronin #5 (of 5)

Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai’s retelling of the classic Japanese legend concludes in this oversized issue as the samurai of Lord Asano finally take their revenge on the man who cost them their honor and their master his life.

Even with the extra pages events feel a little rushed to wrap-up the remaining story in a single issue. There's certainly a good amount both action and bloodshed, but nothing gratuitous as the story is handled by Richardson and Sakai with the proper respect. Those who haven't been keeping up with the series might want to wait and pick up the entire collection as a graphic novel which I think may suit the story better than five separate issues.

I happy to see Richardson and Sakai bring to story to a satisfactory conclusion, especially as that means Sakai's responsiblities on the mini-series are done once again freeing him to do what he does best and return to beloved creation Usagi Yojimbo. For those of us with serious rabbit ronin withdrawal it can't come soon enough. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $3.99]