Action Lab Entertainment 2019
Written by Massimo Rosi
Illustrated by Ludovica Ceregatti
Coloured by Renato Stevanato
Lettered by Mattia Gentili
The honour of the samurai is like a stone. None seems to win the siege: the Emperor’s army is marching south to help Black-Spit destroy the Shogun fortress. Black-Spit tries something suspicious: a meeting with Swollen-Cheeks to make them surrender. But something bad is happening behind the Black-Spit's intentions.
I cannot tell you enough just how damn good this book is. There is this grace, beauty and tragedy happening within these pages whose siren call no man or woman can resist. Just the way that this is told has this amazing rhythm to it. This honours the way that Samurai should be seen and how a culture tends to treat those they consider an outsider. War is full of greed and the power of those who wield it have nothing in mind other than their own selfish glory. The way this story touches you and how it expands their viewpoint of the world is up to them but it's here in these pages, the power to change your views.
The way that this is structured is extremely well done. As we see the story & plot development unfold through the pages and the pacing carries us along like a petal on the wind we learn more about these characters as they develop further and their characterisation expands. Gajin of course is more a tool to be used by Swollen-Cheeks and he knows this and lets him for his life ended when his love was killed. There is this whole complicated and layered storytelling going on here that you see and acknowledge but doesn't feel essential and yet at the same time it really is. Also I love that this is a period piece as much as anything else so that we see the use of what would considered modern warfare, at the time anyway, up against that which is strictly considered old school it's really rather delightful.
The interiors here are just as strong, delicate, impactful and powerful as the writing is. The linework is absolutely stunning to behold I mean the way the the varying weights are utilised to create this attention to detail that we see is mind blowing. From the patterns in the various robes to the how Black-Spit looks and then there are the building and the equipment and all of it has the same level of work and craftsmanship to it. The composition that we see inside the panels with their angles and perspective and how the page layouts are utilised show this amazing eye for storytelling. The colour work here is just as impressive keeping all the patterns coloured just right. The utilisation of light sources to create shading and shadows is marvellous.
The introduction of new characters here has timed exceptionally well and for a change it really is nice to see another species make their debut. This new character whom we meet is a very welcome addition and what they do and add to the story is sensational. The layers and the complexity of what we see is beautifully done and just the over sense of peace and love that emanates from the story is so palpable and every time I turn a page there is something new to take my breath away.
This is unique, without like equal or parallel. Don't believe me read for it for yourself.