New Releases by Kazuo Koike

Früher war Ogami Itto der offizielle Henker des Shoguns, was ihn zu einem der wichtigsten Männer des Landes machte. Aber nach einer hinterhältigen Verschwörung fiel er in Ungnade. Auf der Suche nach Rache beschließt er, zum Söldner zu werden, und reist mit seinem kleinen Sohn Daigoro durch das mittelalterliche Japan. Schon bald schreiben die beiden ihre Legende als einsamer Wolf mit Jungem – Lone Wolf & Cub. Geschrieben von Kazuo Koike und illustriert von Gôseki Kojima, markiert LONE WOLF & CUB einen Wendepunkt in der Comic-Geschichte. Dieser zeitlose Klassiker ist ein Muss für alle Fans von Comics und Mangas. Von Frank Miller bis Quentin Tarantino und bis hin zur Fernsehserie The Mandalorian, die Arbeit von Kazuo Koike und Gôseki Kojima inspiriert nachhaltig Künstler und Produktionen auf der ganzen Welt. Nach über fünfzig Jahren seit der Erstveröffentlichung gilt dieser Manga zu Recht als absolutes Meisterwerk

Vater und Sohn sind endlich wieder vereint, während Yagyu-Oberhaupt Retsudo in die Vergangenheit des Clans blickt, und das Geheimnis des Yagyu-Briefes in greifbare Nähe rückt.

Der herrenlose Samurai Ogami Itto und sein Sohn Daigoro stellen sich erneut dem Spionclan der Kurokuwa und die Vergangenheit um Antagonist Retsudo der Yagyu wird beleuchtet alles unter dem Hintergrund eines minutiös recherchierten feudalhistorischen Japan.

Im dritten Band des japanischen Meisterwerks, das bis heute Erzähler wie Quentin Tarantino und Frank Miller beeinflusst, wird Licht ins Dunkel der Hintergründe um Ogami Ittos Rache gebracht und der junge Daigoro muss sich gleich mehrfach selbst beweisen. Die Reise durch das feudale Japan geht unnachgiebig weiter – mit Herz, Charme, Trauer, Mut und jeder Menge Action.

Kazuo Koike''s samurai epic is a tour de force of graphic fiction, and Lone Wolf and Cub Gallery Edition features selections of the late Goseki Kojima''s spectacular illustration reproduced at original size on heavy-stock art paper to preserve the work in detail as it exists today, as close as one can come to owning these rarest of artworks. Including in its entirety the final titanic clash between Ogami Ittō and Yagyu Retsudo. this deluxe volume is must for collectors and for enthusiasts of the finest comic art ever created. Reproduced from high-resolution scans at original size from the original art created over forty years ago! Accompanied by corresponding reproductions in English. Lone Wolf & Cub is an internationally acclaimed classic of graphic fiction.

The bloody road to hell ends here! The final confrontation between the Lone Wolf rōnin Ōgami Ittō and Retsudō Yagyū is finally at hand, as the two ultimate swordsmen face off in a titanic struggle for the ages to settle their scores once and for all--and determine the fate of the Lone Wolf''s Cub, little Daigoro! Created by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, Lone Wolf and Cub has sold over a million copies of its first Dark Horse English-language editions, and this acclaimed masterpiece of graphic fiction comes to an epic conclusion in this larger-format, value-priced omnibus edition. The acclaimed classic by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima with cover by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley was an Eisner and Harvey Award winner and sold over one million copies of the original Dark Horse series!

Koike and Kojima''s tale of how the ninja Hattori Hanzo helped Tokugawa Ieyasu become the shogun who united Japan is in its fifteenth and final volume. All of the action, suspense, political intrigue, and love will come to an end. But before Ieyasu can claim his position, there will be much misery, murder, and tragedy on this already blood-soaked road. The path to the shogunate is a long and arduous journey, made easier by such a vassal as Hattori Hanzo, but in this last volume of Path of the Assassin, Koike and Kojima will tell us just how difficult that journey can be. "Instead of the many stories of the episodic Samurai Assassin, Koike and Kojima are unfolding a huge story arc, with comparable artfulness." -Booklist

The swords of Ōgami Ittō and Retsudō Yagyū stand waiting for the mortal enemies'' final confrontation, but Yagyū is imprisoned in Edo Castle, with conniving poisoner Abeno as his warden. Retsudō has two deadly options--take Abeno''s prepared meals and be slowly poisoned or refuse and die of hunger and thirst! Created by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, Lone Wolf and Cub has sold over a million copies of its first Dark Horse English-language editions, and this acclaimed masterpiece of graphic fiction is now available in larger format, value-priced editions. "The stories in this collection are so well written it is easy to want to read them again and again. But what truly makes it is the art. Beautiful and flowing, many frames are works of art." -geeksofdoom.com

With his ninja assassins exterminated by Togo Shigekata, Mamiya Rinzo plays his final card to stop the rogue swordsman''s crusade for retribution: the ruthless Roshiya Ushidonki warriors Rinzo trained in Russia. But another foreign fighter has arrived in Japan--Rinzo''s abandoned daughter, on her own quest for vengeance! Kazuo Koike''s Lone Wolf and Cub is an acclaimed masterpiece of graphic fiction, and New Lone Wolf and Cub is the long-awaited sequel to this groundbreaking manga. Illustrated by Hideki Mori and translated by Dana Lewis.

Like leaves circling a maelstrom, Ogami Ittō and his mortal enemy, Yagyū Retsudō, are drawn inexorably by currents of vengeance toward their final confrontation. As torrential rains pound Edo, Yagyu''s forces race to find Ittō before a boatload of explosives provides the Lone Wolf the means to destroy the Yagyu, once and for all! Created by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, Lone Wolf and Cub has sold over a million copies of its first Dark Horse English-language editions, and this acclaimed masterpiece of graphic fiction is now available in larger format, value-priced editions.

With waves of warriors seemingly incapable of killing ronin swordmaster Ōgami Ittō, the Shogun opts for stealth and subterfuge to attack the Lone Wolf. Using a network of prostitute spies to corner Ittō, a master poisoner waits in the shadows to accomplish what razor-sharp steel could not! Created by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, Lone Wolf and Cub has sold over a million copies of its first Dark Horse English-language editions, and this acclaimed masterpiece of graphic fiction is now available in larger format, value-priced editions.

Yagyu Retsudo''s failure to stop Ōgami Ittō, has brought an ultimatum from the Shōogun: kill the Lone Wolf or face execution. But Yagyu will not go forth empty handed. To aid his cause, the Shogun places the Firewatchers--his own elite bodyguards--under Yagyu''s command! Created by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, Lone Wolf and Cub has sold over a million copies of its first Dark Horse English-language editions, and this acclaimed masterpiece of graphic fiction is now available in larger format, value-priced editions.

Yagyu Retsudo will stop at nothing to kill Itto Ogami--even sending his last child and only daughter to kill the Lone Wolf while keeping the vendetta quiet. And if his daughter can''t finish the job quietly, Retsudo is prepared to take his feud public and offer a reward for Itto that should have every bounty hunter, ronin, and peasant out for Itto''s head! Created by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, Lone Wolf and Cub has sold over a million copies of its first Dark Horse English-language editions, and this acclaimed masterpiece of graphic fiction is now available in larger format, value-priced editions.

Crying Freeman, the deadliest assassin of the 108 Dragons clan of the Chinese mafia has taken a bride, and she has passed the harsh tests of the Dragons and been given a new name, Hu Qing Lan, "Tiger Orchid." And despite Freeman''s Japanese heritage, he has been chosen to become the eventual leader of the Dragons. But someone inside the Dragons wants Freeman dead, and Tiger Orchid should make a fine hostage to draw Freeman into the open . . . where a monstrous killer awaits! Written by manga legend Kazuo Koike, creator of Lone Wolf and Cub and Samurai Executioner, and illustrated by the acclaimed Ryoichi Ikegami, Crying Freeman is manga at its most adult: intensely violent, morally ambiguous, and boldly erotic. • Featuring an all-new translation, Dark Horse''s Crying Freemanis the first English-language edition of the title in the original non-westernized format! • From the writer of Lone Wolf and Cub, Lady Snowblood, andSamurai Executioner!

Once a humble ceramics artist, the infamous assassin known as Crying Freeman has risen in power to become the head of the 108 Dragons, the most powerful criminal organization on earth. But power has its price, and there is no end to the number of rival groups gunning for 108 Dragons''s turf--and for Freeman''s head. Faced with an army of kidnappers and a host of assassins, each more deadly than the last, how long can Freeman''s luck hold out? Will the Dragons be torn apart by warring rivals or poisoned by betrayal from within? Will Freeman''s sensitive, compassionate heart be the Dragons''s redemption or their downfall? Can Freeman and his loved ones survive the painful realities that come with living in a world of vicious gangland warfare? All questions will be answered in this, the final volume of Crying Freeman! * Long out-of-print in America, the Dark Horse edition of Crying Freeman is the first English translation of the title in the original Japanese format!

Cult leader Naiji Kumaga is poised for a hostile takeover of Japan. He has the tools--1000 submachine guns in a land with few firearms--but needs expert hands to wield them, and the assassins of the 108 Dragons definitely have what it takes. Kumaga''s plan: capture the Dragons'' leader, Crying Freeman, and replace him with a trained double. Snatching the world''s deadliest killer is a tall order, but maybe not too tall for the merciless giant, Tohgoku Oshu! • Long out-of-print in America, the Dark Horse edition of Crying Freeman is the first English translation of the title in the original Japanese format!

A failed assassination attempt brings into Freeman''s possession Muramasa, the Devil''s Sword, an ancient samurai blade that brings misfortune and death to any who possess it. Wishing to spare Freeman and tame the sword''s malevolent spirit, Tiger Orchid, Freeman''s wife, takes the blade to Kowloon to train with a legendary swordmaster. But she''ll need to find him in Kowloon Castle, a slum so riddled with crime and destitution that it officially doesn''t exist. But its dangers are all too real, and even a possessed sword may not be enough to stop a gun-toting criminal army bent on selling Tiger Orchid into slavery! Written by the legendary Kazuo Koike, creator of Lone Wolf and Cub, and illustrated by the incomparable Ryoichi Ikegami, Crying Freeman is adult manga at its most challenging: dark, violent, morally complex, erotically charged, and regarded worldwide as one of the classics of adult graphic fiction.

If Art of War tactics and ninjitsu arts pique your interest, Path of The Assassin is the quasi historical samurai manga you''ve been waiting for! From the legendary comics creators Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima of Lone Wolf and Cub fame comes the story of Japan''s greatest shogun and his rise to power through the battles and intrigues of his late teens. Central to the story is a young ninja who must go to great lengths in order to secure victory for the boy who would become the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Based loosely on fabled tales of the age, Path of the Assassin is an exciting and sexy series.

From the pen of Kazuo Koike, of Lone Wolf and Cub fame, comesLady Snowblood. A story of pure vengeance, Lady Snowblood tells the tale of a daughter born of a singular purpose, to avenge the death of her family at the hands of a gang of thugs, a purpose woven into her soul from the time of her gestation. Beautifully drafted and full of bloody, sexy action, Lady Snowblood lives up to its title and reputation. • From Kazuo Koike, writer of Lone Wolf and Cub, Crying Freeman, and Samurai Executioner. FOR MATURE READERS

As samurai were losing their bearings in a time of change, Yuki brought back the demonic spirit of vengeance. And the good part about this last volume of Lady Snowblood is that she saved her most hated targets for last. Yet, in the midst of a maelstrom of sex and violence, the reader will still catch a few glimpses of warmth and human compassion. That''s because Kazuo Koike, the creator of the popular Lone Wolf & Cub manga, knows how to build around good characters, and Lady Snowblood is certainly no exception. See how it all ends in volume 4, the second part of "Retribution." • From Kazuo Koike, writer of Lone Wolf & Cub, Crying Freeman,and Samurai Executioner. • Lady Snowblood is published in the authentic Japanese format. FOR MATURE READERS

Lady Snowblood is a woman born with a singular purpose, revenge. Revenge for the death of her father at the hands of greedy criminals. Revenge for the life of her mother, who birthed her in a prison to continue this demon''s path of death. Sometimes this path is odd, sometimes sexy, often painful, and always violent. By means of a world''s worth of skills, Lady Snowblood will find her revenge. But who knows what lies at the end of this path. • Skillfully written by Kazuo Koike of Lone Wolf and Cub fame and master-drafted by Kazuo Kamimura, Lady Snowblood is a sexy story of a woman bound by dire desires.

The path of revenge can have many twisted turns, and Lady Snowblood''s is no exception. Born in a prison, a product of her mother''s grudge, Yuki is a child of hell. What will she do for revenge? Pose as a nun? Become another woman''s lover? Possibly. In this volume we learn about Yuki''s training and youth, see her woo some allies, and embark on the first steps of her angry path. Written by Kazuo Koike of Lone Wolf & Cub fame, Lady Snowblood is a tale of a woman''s path in hell. FOR MATURE READERS

Separated from his son while battling Yagu assassins, Itto Ogami''s mission of retribution heats to a boil as he cuts through any obstacle to find his missing child. But little Daigoro, though a mere toddler, is the son of the most formidable and resourcefull samurai in the land. Though alone in a cruel world, Daigoro has the heart of a warrior! Created by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, Lone Wolf and Cub has sold over a million copies of its first Dark Horse English-language editions, and this acclaimed masterpiece of graphic fiction is now available in larger format, value-priced editions.

Koike and Kojima''s story of the famed ninja, Hanzo Hattori and his trials and tribulations protecting the shogun-to-be, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Each page builds upon the relationship between the two warrirors and the women they love. Path of the Assassin, printed in the same size format as Lone Wolf and Cub and Samurai Executioner, this title is a wonderful addition to the Koike and Kojima samurai collection. • Published in the original Japanese format and unretouched which keeps the art intact. • This is a fifteen-volume story starring the legendary ninja and Kill Bill reference Hanzo Hattori. FOR MATURE READERS.

Kazuo Koike''s Lone Wolf and Cub (Dark Horse) is an acclaimed masterpiece of graphic fiction, and New Lone Wolf and Cub is the 21st century sequel to this groundbreaking manga. Ogami Itto, the Lone Wolf, and his nemesis, Yagyu Retsudo, lie dead on the field of their titanic duel. Ogami''s young son, Daigoro, will not leave his father''s side and none dare help the child - none save Togo Shigetada, a samurai on a desperate and deadly mission of his own!

The roads of feudal Japan are rife with brigands ready to separate travelers from their purses. For Ogami Itto and his infant son, the road is even more treacherous, as agents of the shogun and the assassins of Yagyu Retsudo dog their every step. But each step on the bloody road brings the Lone Wolf and his Cub ever closer to Yagyu... and to vengeance! Lone Wolf and Cub has sold over a million copies of its first Dark Horse English-language editions, and this acclaimed masterpiece of graphic fiction is now available in larger format, value-priced editions.

Ronin samurai Ogami Itto and his young son Daigoro travel a dark road, beset by enemies sworn to destroy the Lone Wolf and his Cub. But how did Ogami, once the shogun''s loyal retainer and trusted executioner, become a dishonored fugitive marked for death by the shogun himself? What hidden forces moved to destroy Ogami''s family and fuel his relentless quest for retribution? Lone Wolf and Cub has sold over a million copies of its first Dark Horse English-language editions, and this acclaimed masterpiece of graphic fiction is now available in larger format, value-priced editions.

"Parental advisory: explicit content"--Cover.

A master ninja''s duty is to protect the boy who would grow up to become Shogun and unify Japan.