Review by Colin Credle
Ronin opens in 13th century Japan as Lord Ozaki recounts to his nameless Samurai the origin of his bloodsword, which assumes power from the blood of slain evil men. The power of the bloodsword protects the wielder from magic, but can only kill the shapeshifting demon Agat if it is fed with the blood of innocents. Aware of the danger, Agat sends minions, ronins and monsters to reclaim the bloodsword, quickly dispatching Ozaki. Now a lordless Samurai, our hero Ronin is called upon by the spirit of Lord Ozaki to pursue the death of Agat. This battle between Ronin and Agat would continue for 800 years unabated.
Fast forward to 21st century New York City, where we meet limbless Billy Challas using his telekinetic powers to manipulate cybernetic prosthetics designed by the sentient program Virgo. The biocircuitry complex is called Aquarius owned by Peter Taggart, and the cast is completed by Head of Security Casey Mckenna, wife of biocircuitry inventor Peter McKenna. Aquarius stands out in the middle of a decrepit, filthy, dystopic New York City. Ronin and the demon Agat bring their battle into Aquarius, with Ronin possessing Billy and Agat assuming the shape of owner Taggart. Virgo blows up Aquarius to defend Billy/Ronin from Agat/Taggart, then Virgo starts to rebuild Aquarius, expanding, improving, growing organically, even digging deeper into the Earth’s core.
During Frank Miller’s tenure with Daredevil, he dived into research on Samurai codes of ethics and history, and the idea of a Ronin untethered from any belief greater than themselves reminded him of the modern man bereft of anything greater to believe in. The influence of Kazuo Koiko’s classic manga Lone Wolf and Cub is well acknowledged by Miller, and the futuristic biocircuitry structure Aquarius that expands organically into New York City is reminiscent of Katsuhira Otomo’s Akira’s chamber deep in the bowels of Tokyo. Even so, Miller’s cross hatch serrated artwork is raw, distinctive, alluring and is seamless with his vision of organic, futuristic biocircuitry.
Miller’s tale plays with perception artfully, presenting beautiful 13th century Samurai scenes that then transform into a gritty New York City background. The biocircuitry grows, blows up, reassembles and takes on its own character. We should keep close eyes on McKenna, as her role ends up being integral to the overarching narrative, and the twists surprise. Although one or two moments seemed rushed, the overall story eclipses these moments with ongoing action, swordfights and trying to decipher who is fighting for whom and for what.
The original publication of the six issues was quite the event in 1983 as they were printed on high quality stock paper with no advertisements, recognising Miller as a well-established talent presenting an original story. Ronin remains a singular creation both inspired by genre classics and an immense influence on graphic novel storytelling afterwards. It’s place in the graphic novel canon is well deserved. Ronin is best appreciated in the 2008 Absolute edition, hardcover and slipcased. The size is perfect for Miller’s sweeping landscapes, multi-page fold-out panels and action sequences.
