Ronin Island Vol. 1

by Greg Pak, Giannis Milonogiannis (Illustrator), Irma Kniivila (Colorist)

Overview

After a catastrophic event changes 19th century Japan, Korea, and China, two young soldiers must protect their peaceful island home from a warlord’s oncoming forces and newly mutated creatures that threaten to destroy the world as they know it.

After a mysterious attack devastates a great swath of 19th century Japan, Korea, and China, survivors from all three lands find refuge on a hidden island and build a new society. Hana, the orphaned daughter of Korean farmers, and Kenichi, son of a great samurai leader, have little in common except for a mutual disdain for the other. But these young warriors will have to work together when an army invades the island with shocking news: the Shogun has returned and the Island is expected to pay fealty in exchange for protection from a new threat...a mutated horde that threatens to wipe out all humanity.

Written by bestselling author Greg Pak (Mech Cadet Yu, Star Wars) and beautifully illustrated by Giannis Milonogiannis (Old City Blues, Prophet), Ronin Island explores an idealistic coming-of-age story against the backdrop of a morally grey time of war where the reasons for fighting are questioned at every turn.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684154593
Publisher:	BOOM! Studios
Publication date:	12/10/2019
Series:	Ronin Island
Pages:	112
Sales rank:	1,026,823
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)

Editorial Reviews

2020-02-17
Two young people must put aside their pride to protect their community and way of life in 19th-century East Asia.

After the Great Wind, a deadly and mysterious phenomenon, swept the three lands, survivors fled to an island in the East China Sea. Asian ethnic groups of varying status from rich to poor, including Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans, built a thriving community of islanders. That is until the day Gen. Sato, on the order of the current shogun, appears to them, demanding fealty from those whom he considers ronin, or masterless rebels. A monstrous threat has emerged from the remnants of the Great Wind, and everyone will be called upon to face this new horror. Pak takes the time to develop individual characters who have compelling motivations. The story does not pull punches when showing the repercussions of the choices characters make, regardless of whether they acted out of impulsivity or caution. Milonogiannis’ expressive illustrations are also distinct, from the characters’ outfits to their features and historical hairstyles. Despite the somewhat predictable reveal, the conflicts examined here between old traditions and new alliances and the fight for the greater good make for a thoughtful read for fans of supernatural horror. Besides the aforementioned ethnic groups, some Thai characters also play a role in this tale featuring an Asian cast.

An absorbing, beautifully rendered adventure. (Supernatural graphic fiction. 12-18)

Kirkus Reviews