Relates the true story of masterless samurai (ronin) who avenged their lord's death and came to represent the ultimate ideal of self-sacrifice.

Japan's enduring national legend comes to comics! The tale of the 47 Ronin and their epic mission to avenge their wronged master epitomizes the samurai code of honor, and creators Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai have done justice to their story! Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated, this collection of the acclaimed miniseries recounts this sweeping saga of honor and violence in all its grandeur. Opening with the tragic incident that sealed the fate of Lord Asano, 47 Ronin follows a dedicated group of Asano's vassals on their years-long path of vengeance! * From Mike Richardson (Star Wars: Crimson Empire) and Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo)! * Tons of bonus art and behind-the-scenes extras! "If you're a fan of the samurai genre then this is a no-brainer... if you've never given it a chance then this is the perfect gateway book to the genre." —Comic Bastards "Stan Sakai makes Japan all the more exciting with this comic, and Richardson's narrative builds an epic tale reminiscent of Kurosawa's greatest films." —Graphic Policy

A classic tale that will captivate lovers of Japan, history, and epic adventure alike. Japan's most celebrated tale of chivalry, loyalty and revenge--and the basis for a Hollywood feature film starring Keanu Reaves--47 Ronin is the epic tale of a heroic band of Samurai warriors who defy the Japanese Emperor to avenge the honor of their fallen master. The story begins in 1701 when the noble Lord Asano attacks an official at court. His punishment is swift and harsh--the Emperor orders Lord Asano to commit ritual suicide (harikiri). His lands are confiscated, his family exiled, and his Samurai warrior brigade is disbanded--becoming Ronin or masterless, wandering renegades. While appearing to follow the Emperor's instructions, the 47 Ronin plot in secret for many years, biding their time until the moment to strike is right. Like the story of the Knights of the Round Table, the Ronin's deeds became legendary, iconic examples of courage, cunning and loyalty in an age when the Samurai were true heroes and honor was something worth dying for. John Allyn's vivid retelling, with a foreword by scholar and film advisor, Stephen Turnbull, presents this epic of Japanese literature in its correct historical context.

One of the most difficult things to grasp is that samurai are taught never to allow their emotions to get the better of them. We are born and raised to serve our lord and shogun. Our code dictates selflessness and death to be more honorable than failure, whether on the battlefield or even over the most insignificant dispute. In eighteenth-century Japan, the lord of a samurai clan is sentenced to death for an assault on castle grounds. As dictated by law, the clan must exact revenge on the one responsible for their lord’s death. However due to circumstances, the shogun forbids any such act, placing a band of masterless samurai at odds with themselves and the martial code by which they live and die. After much trial and hardship, the clan does the unthinkable and defies the shogun’s mandate in order to fulfill their duty to their late lord. In doing so, these legendary warriors will be forever remembered for inspiring the Way of the Warrior back into the hearts of their countrymen.

A novelization based on the film starring Keanu Reeves from legendary author Joan D. Vinge. From ancient Japan's most enduring tale, the epic 3D fantasy-adventure 47 Ronin is born. Keanu Reeves leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the 47 Ronin. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors. 47 Ronin is helmed by visionary director Carl Erik Rinsch (The Gift). Inspired by styles as diverse as Miyazaki and Hokusai, Rinsch will bring to life the stunning landscapes and enormous battles that will display the timeless Ronin story to global audiences in a way that's never been seen before. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai's breathtaking account of Japan's most famous historical legend reaches its extra-length conclusion, as Lord Asano's loyal retainers take their revenge! THE EPIC FINALE! Special oversize final issue for the same low price! From Mike Richardson (_Star Wars: Crimson Empire_) and Stan Sakai (_Usagi Yojimbo_)! "_47 Ronin_ is a book to watch . . ." IGN

In the wake of Lord Asano's tragic death, Oishi and his loyal samurai set their revenge in motion, with a plot that will span many months while taking a tremendous toll on its participants! Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai continue the famous fact-based legend from Japan's history. This is the definitive modern retelling of the tale of the 47 Ronin! "Mike Richardson is always one step ahead of his readers." -Martijn Form, _Silver Bullet_

After months of meticulous planning, Lord Asano's retainers launch a daring midnight raid on the man who brought his ruin and death. The moment of reckoning arrives in this penultimate chapter of Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai's authentic take on Japan's greatest historical legend! This. Is. Fantastic.� Comics Crux

Lord Asano is goaded into an assault by a corrupt court official in the Shogun's palace, and then forced to commit seppuku! Learning that Asano was sentenced without a proper investigation, his retainers set in motion a plan to enact revenge on the official whose insults proved too much for Asano to bear. By Mike Richardson (_Star Wars: Crimson Empire_) and Stan Sakai (_Usagi Yojimbo_), in consultation with manga giant Kazuo Koike (_Lone Wolf and Cub_)!

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, Stan Sakai, and editorial consultant Kazuo Koike! 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! A gorgeous new adaptation of Japan's enduring "national legend"! From writer Mike Richardson (_The Secret_) and artist Stan Sakai (_Usagi Yojimbo_)! ** Created in consultation with manga giant Kazuo Koike (_Lone Wolf and Cub_)! ** "Sakai's artwork is still as stellar and simple as you know it to be. His characters own their space on the page and his composition is so effortlessly meaningful."-ComicBookResources.com