Ronin Island Vol. 1

by Greg Pak, Giannis Milonogiannis (Illustrator)

Overview

After a mysterious attack wipes out the major cities 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 peasants, 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: there is a new Shogun and the Island is expected to pay fealty in exchange for protection from a new enemy...a mutated horde that threatens to wipe out all humanity. Written by bestselling author Greg Pak (Mech Cadet Yu, Totally Awesome Hulk) and beautifully illustrated by Giannis Milonogiannis (Old City Blues, Prophet), Ronin Island Volume One explores an idealistic coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a morally gray time of war where the reasons for fighting are questioned at every turn. Collects issues 1-4.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781641445764
Publisher:	BOOM! Studios
Publication date:	12/18/2019
Series:	Ronin Island
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	112
File size:	62 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	15 - 18 Years

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