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Disgrace not thy honor…
To those whose pursuit of happiness lies in their creations, whose sole purpose in life is to conceive the perfect idea with their minds and to create this concept with their hands. That is the story of a true artisan.
In Swordsmith: Assassin #1, two generations of sword-smiths, both of exceptional talent, have two vastly different points of view as to how they should conduct business. The father, Hideko Ono of the “old” generation, chooses only to sell his wares to the noblest of Samurai warriors, whilst the son, Toshiro Ono, seeks greater recognition and wealth. Before long, Toshiro ends his apprenticeship after years of sweat, toil and tutelage at his father’s feet, and begins his own ascent as a great sword-smith.
Toshiro's long apprenticeship soon pays off, as he finally surpasses his father’s talent and begins to sell his swords to anybody who can meet his costs. His father disagrees with this philosophy and soon falls ill, with Toshiro tries to make amends, but Hideko only sees failure in his son’s actions. Before his death, Hideko says to Toshiro that he has brought much dishonor to the family name.
After his father’s demise, and still having the weight of his father’s words on his soul, Toshiro is honored with the task of presenting a sword to the Shogun. Upon his return from the Shogunate, Toshiro will be faced with trials so taxing, they will set him on a path of revenge to reclaim every sword he has ever forged, and reclaim the honor he lost with each transaction.
Though the story will seem familiar to some, it is written in such a way as to seem more poignant in this rendition. The art lends itself to the words of an awesome script, words of triumph and despair and loss. I think this comic book would make an excellent novel, and I can’t wait for the further tales of Toshiro. To me, the gripping despair he faces is compellingly poignant, and oddly inviting.
I am willing to follow this story gladly- won’t you?
8.5/10
On sale July 1st.
John H
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