Graphic Novel Review: Samurai: Heaven and Earth by Ron Marz, Luke Ross, Jason Keith

Samurai: Heaven and Earth is simply astonishing. Both the artwork and the story are just gorgeous. It is the story of Shiro, a Samurai warrior who was the only survivor in a great battle. He returns home to find his love, the beautiful Yoshiko, only to discover that she has been taken by the victors in the battle. Determined to find her, he sets off to the stronghold of the Warlord Hsiao, only to then find she has been sold and sent to Europe.

What follows is an incredible tale of love and devotion, of Shiro’s vow to Yoshiko that nothing on Heaven or Earth will keep them apart. Shiro travels to Europe, meets the Musketeers, and even lands in the palace of Versailles. He will do anything and go anywhere to get Yoshiko back.

The story is mesmerizing and riveting and each view is a dream. The pages look like paintings, they are so lush and vivid. The battle scenes are action-packed and vividly intense. The sword fight with the Musketeers is just unbelievable and realistic. The page where the Musketeers and Shiro are in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles is just glorious. The light literally bounces off the page. Incredible!

Samurai: Heaven and Earth is one of the most beautiful and evocative comics I’ve ever seen. Shiro is an incredible hero. He’s determined, completely ruthless, and vicious in battle, yet so tender and devoted to Yoshiko. It’s quite the contrast and completely compelling. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

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Article Author: Gina Ruiz

Gina MarySol Ruiz is a freelance writer, poet and book reviewer. Gina has maintained several blogs over the years. Gina is also a columnist with Blogcritics.org. She has also been a panelist for the Cybils awards two years running in the Graphic Novel category.

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  • Samurai: Heaven And Earth (vol. 1) Samurai: Heaven And Earth (vol. 1)

    How far will a man travel for love? What battles will he fight? Will he cross heaven and earth to be by the side of the woman he loves? Beginning in feudal Japan of 1704, Samurai: Heaven & Earth follows ...

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