Samurai’s Blood #4
Publisher: Image /Benaroya
Writer: Owen Wiseman
Artist: Nam Kim
Many men have been driven to do things they have regretted, either immediately or over a period of time. Certainly we all have had moments where we are forced into situations that irrevocably change us forever. This is the new theme for Samurai’s Blood. In issue #4, we see that the plan that Jun and Katashi have hatched to free Mayuko hasn’t worked. One thing that has, though, is the fact that Katashi’s fearlessness and savagery have made him king of the fighting arena. Jun thinks his only way to free his sister is to arrange a fight to the death between Katashi and Lord Tokugawa. Now, Tokugawa is probably one foot taller, and outweighs Katashi by one hundred pounds, but when a man is as skilled and determined as Katashi is, these things do not matter much. Katashi gouges out the eyeballs of the larger man, then crushes his skull beneath his foot. These acts of violence, coupled with his feelings of betrayal for Jun even putting him in this position, leave him with a very bitter taste in his mouth. All this not withstanding, there is a return of someone thought long dead as well, and this makes both men freeze in shock where they stand.
Once again (and unbelievably, I might add), Wiseman has upped the stakes with this story. It’s gone in many different directions from issue one until now, but the action, depth of story, and great characterization haven’t wavered one bit. I can’t honestly understand how this book keeps getting better every issue, but somehow it does. Kim’s artwork is solid throughout, as well. One scene in particular that grabbed my attention was a shot of an ancient palace that just looked amazing. Almost like a picture that was put in the book instead of a drawing. I would recommend this series again and again to anyone and everyone that is looking for a non-superhero book with story and art that brings the status quo to a new level. Rating 5/5
Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net
Debating on picking up the back issues or just waiting for the trade but either way I’m going to read this story!
@Speech- I would think the Tpb would come out in December/January since the last issue will drop in November (presumably). Either way, you can’t go wrong. Its a great book. 🙂
@speech – Trade will be out early next year, but if you want to read it now, you can get back issues online for only $1.99 per. Here’s the link: https://comics.comixology.com/#/series/6052
@OGWiseman- Thanks for stopping by and providing the info!
Appreciate it!