Among the best-known tales in Japanese history, the legend of the 47 Ronin and their epic mission to avenge their disgraced master epitomizes the samurai code of honor. It has been said, “To know the story of the 47 Ronin is to know Japan.” Retold through the ages, the legend at last comes to comics in a meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated miniseries from Mike Richardson (Star Wars: Crimson Empire, The Secret), Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo, Rocketeer Adventures), and editorial consultant Kazuo Koike (Lone Wolf and Cub, Crying Freeman)! Stan Sakai, a Japanese American comic creator, has long been a fan favorite with many awards to his name. In recent years he has focused heavily on his creator owned character, Usagi Yojimbo, a rabbit samurai whose adventures have spanned near 150 issues. Sakai is quite familiar with Japanese and samurai culture, while also a master of sequential art, so this new project should certainly show off his talents in a spectacular new series. But even more exciting is the addition of Kazuo Koike to the team. Koike is a legendary Japanese mangaka and novelist, who is very knowledged in samurai and Japan during the Edo Period (when the tale of the 47 Ronin took place). Most American fans will know Koike from his work alongside Goseki Kojima on many samurai manga that Dark Horse has previously published. Koike’s most popular manga, Lone Wolf and Cub, spawned several live action movies that helped make the career of Tomisaburo Wakayama (the villain in Black Rain) and were quite huge cult hits in America as the Shogun Assassin series. The combination of Koike and Sakai at Dark Horse, which is often known for its samurai comics, is practically guaranteed as a success amongst bushido comic fans and anyone else looking for a great sequential art bridge between America and Japan.

Issue #1 of 47 Ronin is set to release November 7th, with a script by Mike Richardson. Recounting this sweeping tale of honor and violence in all its grandeur, chapter one details the tragic incident that would seal the fate of Lord Asano and set forty-seven of his vassals on a years-long path of vengeance. You can check out a beautiful 6-page preview of the comic below.