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Lone Wolf & Cub #4
Lone Wolf and Cub, Omnibus 4
Once the loyal and respected retainer of the shogun and now a discraced exile, master swordsman Ogami Itto travels a path of vengeance with his young son, Daigoro. As the authors of the honorable Itto's fall, the Yagyu clan will stop at nothing to bury their secret treachery, and Itto will stop at nothing to bury the Yagyu! 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.
696 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2014
2 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Kazuo Koike
562 books295 followersKazuo Koike (小池一夫, Koike Kazuo) was a prolific Japanese manga writer, novelist and entrepreneur.
Early in Koike's career, he studied under Golgo 13 creator Takao Saito and served as a writer on the series.
Koike, along with artist Goseki Kojima, made the manga Kozure Okami (Lone Wolf and Cub), and Koike also contributed to the scripts for the 1970s film adaptations of the series, which starred famous Japanese actor Tomisaburo Wakayama. Koike and Kojima became known as the "Golden Duo" because of the success of Lone Wolf and Cub.
Another series written by Koike, Crying Freeman, which was illustrated by Ryoichi Ikegami, was adapted into a 1995 live-action film by French director Christophe Gans.
Kazuo Koike started the Gekika Sonjuku, a college course meant to teach people how to be mangaka.
In addition to his more violent, action-oriented manga, Koike, an avid golfer, has also written golf manga.
Early in Koike's career, he studied under Golgo 13 creator Takao Saito and served as a writer on the series.
Koike, along with artist Goseki Kojima, made the manga Kozure Okami (Lone Wolf and Cub), and Koike also contributed to the scripts for the 1970s film adaptations of the series, which starred famous Japanese actor Tomisaburo Wakayama. Koike and Kojima became known as the "Golden Duo" because of the success of Lone Wolf and Cub.
Another series written by Koike, Crying Freeman, which was illustrated by Ryoichi Ikegami, was adapted into a 1995 live-action film by French director Christophe Gans.
Kazuo Koike started the Gekika Sonjuku, a college course meant to teach people how to be mangaka.
In addition to his more violent, action-oriented manga, Koike, an avid golfer, has also written golf manga.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 6, 2024
It's a sword and sandal movie on paper, a superbly written one. What's not to love?
July 4, 2021
Raga, che dire: si vola proprio in questo volume. Tavole mozzafiato e scenari di un fascino assurdo, ancora più del solito.
July 4, 2016
In this volume we see more of the Yagyu storyline play out, and we also see more of Cub in solo stories.
A few things I forgot to mention in previous reviews. The baby cart the Lone Wolf uses is awesome. Think of a baby stroller tricked out like a James Bond car. He had blades hid on it earlier, but then in later volumes he installed a repeating rifle that can fire something like 40 shots at once. It's saved him more than once so far.
Also, the covers of all the omnibus volumes are by Frank Miller, who did the covers for the FIRST Comics Lone Wolf and Cub series back in the 80s.
A few things I forgot to mention in previous reviews. The baby cart the Lone Wolf uses is awesome. Think of a baby stroller tricked out like a James Bond car. He had blades hid on it earlier, but then in later volumes he installed a repeating rifle that can fire something like 40 shots at once. It's saved him more than once so far.
Also, the covers of all the omnibus volumes are by Frank Miller, who did the covers for the FIRST Comics Lone Wolf and Cub series back in the 80s.
June 21, 2021
- Per quanto tempo ancora intendono vivere nell’infamia, questo accattone e il suo poppante?!
- Finché non vi avrò completamente sradicati, Yagyû. Anche a costo di diventare demoni del meifumadô. Anche a costo di divorare carne e bere sangue, anche se ridotti a un cumulo d’ossa! Sapremo trascendere i sei sentieri e le quattro vite!
Volume stupendo, il migliore sino ad ora.
La narrazione ormai è totalmente orizzontale e il singolo episodio smette di essere una piccola storia a sé stante ma diventa a tutti gli effetti una tessera che va a comporre il mosaico della resa dei conti tra Itto e il clan degli Yagiû.
Chiude il volume il solito articolo di approfondimento, questa volta dedicato all’evoluzione delle strategie militari nelle varie epoche.
Edizione ottima e imperdibile.
- Finché non vi avrò completamente sradicati, Yagyû. Anche a costo di diventare demoni del meifumadô. Anche a costo di divorare carne e bere sangue, anche se ridotti a un cumulo d’ossa! Sapremo trascendere i sei sentieri e le quattro vite!
Volume stupendo, il migliore sino ad ora.
La narrazione ormai è totalmente orizzontale e il singolo episodio smette di essere una piccola storia a sé stante ma diventa a tutti gli effetti una tessera che va a comporre il mosaico della resa dei conti tra Itto e il clan degli Yagiû.
Chiude il volume il solito articolo di approfondimento, questa volta dedicato all’evoluzione delle strategie militari nelle varie epoche.
Edizione ottima e imperdibile.
March 30, 2016
As somebody else said in another review, this series gets better and better as it goes on. The story is starting to come together, the plot thickens (slowly) - and you can just breathe in the atmosphere.
I think some of the illustrations aren't really that clear, though. It's lucky that characters sometimes say "I killed a man back there!" because otherwise I'd still be wondering what had happened in the midst of blur and gore. Otherwise, though, fun, deep, and with a particular beauty.
I think some of the illustrations aren't really that clear, though. It's lucky that characters sometimes say "I killed a man back there!" because otherwise I'd still be wondering what had happened in the midst of blur and gore. Otherwise, though, fun, deep, and with a particular beauty.
September 4, 2016
You'd think by now I'd expect each volume to rip my heart to shreds, but somehow I'm still surprised every time.
May 12, 2021
This series should be retitled. Whoever run up getting done up or Child Abuse for Dummies would more accurate. Is a interesting view into a time and culture? Yep but oh man is the body count high.
August 30, 2023
In this volume, Ogami Ittō steals a secret Yagyu letter, effectively throwing down the gauntlet, and Yagyu assassins ramp up their attacks in response. There are few standalone chapters as the main plot takes the driver's seat.
In a flashback, we learn that Yagyu Retsudo had been planning his treachery against Ogami Ittō for years, beginning before Ogami was even granted the post of executioner.
In one story, a friendly doctor asks Ogami all the burning questions that the reader has been thinking for 1500+ pages. How can you justify endangering a child this way? Don't you love your son? Don't you want him to be safe? Even if this violent path is necessary for you, what the hell is wrong with you dragging a toddler into it?? Can honor truly demand this??
Kazuo Koike's illustration continues to astound me. A two page spread of a cabin in the woods in the rain (p500-501) could be framed and hung on the wall; it's so rich I forgot it was black-and-white. And Daigoro's little face and body expressions...when a village soothsayer freaks out at his eyes, at what they indicate he's seen, at his unnatural composure--the reader can see exactly what she means. It's there on every page, both his innocence and his tragic maturity of spirit. It's uncanny.
In a flashback, we learn that Yagyu Retsudo had been planning his treachery against Ogami Ittō for years, beginning before Ogami was even granted the post of executioner.
In one story, a friendly doctor asks Ogami all the burning questions that the reader has been thinking for 1500+ pages. How can you justify endangering a child this way? Don't you love your son? Don't you want him to be safe? Even if this violent path is necessary for you, what the hell is wrong with you dragging a toddler into it?? Can honor truly demand this??
Kazuo Koike's illustration continues to astound me. A two page spread of a cabin in the woods in the rain (p500-501) could be framed and hung on the wall; it's so rich I forgot it was black-and-white. And Daigoro's little face and body expressions...when a village soothsayer freaks out at his eyes, at what they indicate he's seen, at his unnatural composure--the reader can see exactly what she means. It's there on every page, both his innocence and his tragic maturity of spirit. It's uncanny.
February 6, 2020
If you're wondering what a comic book is doing on a Daoist monk's reading list, I understand. But this is no mere graphic novel; this is a work of high Japanese literature. The storytelling is stunning, the graphics are powerful, and the message and compelling feel of this masterpiece of graphic fiction will keep you turning the pages and earn the whole omnibus an honored spot in your library, too.
September 16, 2015
These books just keep getting better. There is still an overload of predictable fight scenes, but also interspersed with more character development. I'm still not totally sure if there is actually an overarching plot or merely a premise, but I don't entirely mind - the art is beautiful and each chapter a neat story.
November 6, 2017
I've heard of late that some look down on Lone Wolf & Cub because, I don't know, it's too accessible to Westerners or too...whatever.
I'm still loving the series. It seems to be moving in an actual arc, and a lot of things went down in this book. There were some stories that were very short, with a ton of imagery and next to no words, which is something that might irritate me if I were buying comic books once a month, but (particularly in this omnibus form) built suspense very well.
As always, the view on Japanese history is fascinating. There was no level of degeneracy not stooped to, it seems. But even the degenerates were better than the ruling elite.
Funny how that works out. Four stars instead of five, primarily because I had a really hard time parsing the action shots, and they were really important here.
I'm still loving the series. It seems to be moving in an actual arc, and a lot of things went down in this book. There were some stories that were very short, with a ton of imagery and next to no words, which is something that might irritate me if I were buying comic books once a month, but (particularly in this omnibus form) built suspense very well.
As always, the view on Japanese history is fascinating. There was no level of degeneracy not stooped to, it seems. But even the degenerates were better than the ruling elite.
Funny how that works out. Four stars instead of five, primarily because I had a really hard time parsing the action shots, and they were really important here.
September 11, 2025
I think Lone Wolf and Cub was full of innovative stories with creative variation in the first two omnibus volumes. This variety began to wane in the third volume, and in this fourth volume a lot of the themes and plotlines really started to feel redundant and blended together. This is not true of all the stories. For example, the story "Naked Worms" made for a creative use of the river laborers. But, in many ways, the stories seem to make use of less sprawling illustrated panels and less creative plot devices than earlier stories.
Having said that, I remain a fan and committed reader. This volume gives us a few memorable moments, such as Itto's first major clash with the Yagyu, and an emotional separation of Itto and Diogoro. I'll be moving quickly to the next volume to see that separation resolved.
Having said that, I remain a fan and committed reader. This volume gives us a few memorable moments, such as Itto's first major clash with the Yagyu, and an emotional separation of Itto and Diogoro. I'll be moving quickly to the next volume to see that separation resolved.
October 11, 2025
This is now my new addiction!!!
A beautifully told story with hand drawn animation!
Where you learn about Japanese historical culture and lots of martial arts and political intrigue.
This is perfect for me and I am devouring them!
It's based on a samurai who is politically outplayed and loses his station and family. Just him and his boy are out to seek revenge!
I don't throw 5 stars around much. but this is totally a 10 stars!!! a 100 stars!!!!! a 1000 stars...... it's just great! Don't consider it, just read it!!!!
ENJOY!!!
A beautifully told story with hand drawn animation!
Where you learn about Japanese historical culture and lots of martial arts and political intrigue.
This is perfect for me and I am devouring them!
It's based on a samurai who is politically outplayed and loses his station and family. Just him and his boy are out to seek revenge!
I don't throw 5 stars around much. but this is totally a 10 stars!!! a 100 stars!!!!! a 1000 stars...... it's just great! Don't consider it, just read it!!!!
ENJOY!!!
July 22, 2018
LW&C continues to get better with every volume. I had thought about creating a list of chapters for those wanting just to read the main storyline and skip standalone chapters, but at this point you may as well just read every chapter, since it all ties in. Even chapters that don't appear at first to have anything to do with the main plot end up tying in somehow.
July 18, 2024
Things ramp up. There are more direct attempts to take out Ogami Itto. We also get some stories which are more about culture than the protagonist. But then we get some sequential chapters, rather than one-and-done stories, where Itto and the Yagyu clan escalate their attacks. This feels like things are coming to a head and yet I see so many volumes still to go.
April 2, 2018
These short stories are great. I especially liked Beku-no-ji, Wife of the Heart, and The Tears of Daigoro. The story with the Yagyu clan is picking up. The art is suffering a tad. This volume will leaving you wanting to read the next for sure.
September 13, 2023
4.9/5
The first third of this series ends on a fantastic note! DAMN! The art somehow improves from top-notch to... I don't know, over-the-top-notch. The drama continues to unfold in riveting ways, with Itto's rivalry with the Yagyu Clan coming to a head. Goddamn, I'm excited for book five...
The first third of this series ends on a fantastic note! DAMN! The art somehow improves from top-notch to... I don't know, over-the-top-notch. The drama continues to unfold in riveting ways, with Itto's rivalry with the Yagyu Clan coming to a head. Goddamn, I'm excited for book five...
December 15, 2025
Was a bit torn on this one because I was psyched about the increased focus on the larger plot (and the way things end in this volume!) but was not a huge fan of the ramped up sexual violence and innocent collateral damage.
April 29, 2019
4.5 stars
September 8, 2019
Maybe the best drawing of action ever with a slowly progressing story being opened up with additional background. Will definitely keep on with this series!
February 9, 2020
Read by Adam
November 1, 2022
WE ENTER MEIFUMADO.
March 24, 2025
Still awesome. Still badass.
April 13, 2025
One of the most fantastic, gripping comics I've ever read. Beautiful artwork, thrilling and dynamic action, top-notch samurai adventure.
June 23, 2025
I was very satisfied with most of the stories in this collection. They were thrilling mad easy to follow.
July 14, 2024
As with previous omnibus volumes, I read this with a book group a half at a time separated by at least weeks.
The first half have a number of stories that seem to take place back-to-back in the same winter season and even into the spring. It is the first set of stories that have this feel to them.
1 Chains of Death - Lone Wolf gets attacked by assassin's working for Yagyu. They try burning Lone Wolf and Cub. They try wrapping him in chains. Lone Wolf tries talking them out of it. Pretty good, certainly good art, but not great. But sets the stage for the book.
2 The Infinite Path - We get more of Lone Wolf's past and why Yagyu wants him dead. This is all about Lone Wolf becoming the official Executioner. Well told though somewhat culturally confusing.
3 Thread of Tears - Lone Wolf chooses to fight a grief-stricken women. And doesn't stop the duel when Cub falls through ice. We get to see how different Lone Wolf is, even in that world. Otherwise this story is a beautiful slice of life in the winter.
4 Beku-no-ji - a complicated setup but a good one. a soldier? becomes a thief in order to hire Lone Wolf for revenge. There is some lying and there are some truths. There is a trap and lots of death. It is not clear if this is the way it was supposed to end. Samurai versus Stampede - not sure it would have worked out that well for the Samurai.
5 Wife of the Heart - prostitution and bridge building. Not sure I'm sold on the bridge design being that significant, but I think I was supposed to be.
6 Wandering Samurai - Another complicated setup. A formerly upstanding samurai is now in a degraded state. And has to do deal with the behavior of his peers. Which changes based on what is said and what is witnessed. An awesome but somewhat confusing ending. Lone Wolf is asked what he would have done in some situation. What his answer means exactly feels like it has some nuance to it.
3.5 of 5 (leaning to 4)
===
In the latter half of this book we all of a sudden seem to be in a continuing sequence - which is kind of awesome
7 Echo of the Assassin - Lone Wolf gets attacked - this feels like a standalone - but it also feels like the tipping point for dealing with his enemies. There is a lot of conversation in this one - and questioning of Lone Wolf's parenting.
8 Naked Worms - This one is set around river crossing as done by paid bearers. The beginning part of the story is gross, awful but believable. And then Lone Wolf becomes a bearer - and we know he's got some secret purpose. And by the end of the story he acts on it. And it is a direct throw-down to what comes next
9 The Yagyu Letter: Prologue - A short intro to the next set of stories
10 The Yagyu Letter - Lots of combat in this one. And a big body count. But it moves the story along.
11 The Tears of Daigoro - Directly continues and more of the same. So lots of combat and a body count. This ends with a Cub only story.
12 The Fisherwoman's Love - Just cub in this one. A good standalone - but really absolutely continues from the previous.
And then this volume just ends with essentially a huge cliffhanger
3.5 (leaning to 4)
The first half have a number of stories that seem to take place back-to-back in the same winter season and even into the spring. It is the first set of stories that have this feel to them.
1 Chains of Death - Lone Wolf gets attacked by assassin's working for Yagyu. They try burning Lone Wolf and Cub. They try wrapping him in chains. Lone Wolf tries talking them out of it. Pretty good, certainly good art, but not great. But sets the stage for the book.
2 The Infinite Path - We get more of Lone Wolf's past and why Yagyu wants him dead. This is all about Lone Wolf becoming the official Executioner. Well told though somewhat culturally confusing.
3 Thread of Tears - Lone Wolf chooses to fight a grief-stricken women. And doesn't stop the duel when Cub falls through ice. We get to see how different Lone Wolf is, even in that world. Otherwise this story is a beautiful slice of life in the winter.
4 Beku-no-ji - a complicated setup but a good one. a soldier? becomes a thief in order to hire Lone Wolf for revenge. There is some lying and there are some truths. There is a trap and lots of death. It is not clear if this is the way it was supposed to end. Samurai versus Stampede - not sure it would have worked out that well for the Samurai.
5 Wife of the Heart - prostitution and bridge building. Not sure I'm sold on the bridge design being that significant, but I think I was supposed to be.
6 Wandering Samurai - Another complicated setup. A formerly upstanding samurai is now in a degraded state. And has to do deal with the behavior of his peers. Which changes based on what is said and what is witnessed. An awesome but somewhat confusing ending. Lone Wolf is asked what he would have done in some situation. What his answer means exactly feels like it has some nuance to it.
3.5 of 5 (leaning to 4)
===
In the latter half of this book we all of a sudden seem to be in a continuing sequence - which is kind of awesome
7 Echo of the Assassin - Lone Wolf gets attacked - this feels like a standalone - but it also feels like the tipping point for dealing with his enemies. There is a lot of conversation in this one - and questioning of Lone Wolf's parenting.
8 Naked Worms - This one is set around river crossing as done by paid bearers. The beginning part of the story is gross, awful but believable. And then Lone Wolf becomes a bearer - and we know he's got some secret purpose. And by the end of the story he acts on it. And it is a direct throw-down to what comes next
9 The Yagyu Letter: Prologue - A short intro to the next set of stories
10 The Yagyu Letter - Lots of combat in this one. And a big body count. But it moves the story along.
11 The Tears of Daigoro - Directly continues and more of the same. So lots of combat and a body count. This ends with a Cub only story.
12 The Fisherwoman's Love - Just cub in this one. A good standalone - but really absolutely continues from the previous.
And then this volume just ends with essentially a huge cliffhanger
3.5 (leaning to 4)
April 26, 2024
LONE WOLF & CUB (PRESTIGE EDITION)
PRINTING:
- Hardcover;
- Dust jacket;
- Bookmark;
- Large format.
CONTENT:
- Introduction;
- Eleven chapters;
- Historical articles;
- Gallery of covers;
- Glossary;
- Approximately 800 pages.
PROS:
- Chapters made of independent stories built around a central plot;
- Controlled narration constantly renewed to avoid repetition;
- A perfect balance between plots and action scenes;
- An expressive artwork highlighting sumptuous scenery and fierce combat;
- A documented historical context with great educational virtues.
CONS:
- Some chapters more dispensable and less engaging than others.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Series in twelve volumes;
- Suggested for mature readers;
- Adapted into films in the 1970s;
- Frank Miller's inspiration for "Ronin";
- Quentin Tarantino's inspiration for "Kill Bill";
- Jon Favreau's inspiration for "The Mandalorian."
TARGET AUDIENCE:
- Seinen readers;
- Fans of graphic novels.
- Feudal Japan enthusiasts;
RELATED READING:
- "Kamui Den" by Sanpei Shirato;
- "Lady Snowblood" by Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura;
- "A Tree in the Sun" by Osamu Tezuka.
RECOMMENDATION:
* * * * *
PRINTING:
- Hardcover;
- Dust jacket;
- Bookmark;
- Large format.
CONTENT:
- Introduction;
- Eleven chapters;
- Historical articles;
- Gallery of covers;
- Glossary;
- Approximately 800 pages.
PROS:
- Chapters made of independent stories built around a central plot;
- Controlled narration constantly renewed to avoid repetition;
- A perfect balance between plots and action scenes;
- An expressive artwork highlighting sumptuous scenery and fierce combat;
- A documented historical context with great educational virtues.
CONS:
- Some chapters more dispensable and less engaging than others.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Series in twelve volumes;
- Suggested for mature readers;
- Adapted into films in the 1970s;
- Frank Miller's inspiration for "Ronin";
- Quentin Tarantino's inspiration for "Kill Bill";
- Jon Favreau's inspiration for "The Mandalorian."
TARGET AUDIENCE:
- Seinen readers;
- Fans of graphic novels.
- Feudal Japan enthusiasts;
RELATED READING:
- "Kamui Den" by Sanpei Shirato;
- "Lady Snowblood" by Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura;
- "A Tree in the Sun" by Osamu Tezuka.
RECOMMENDATION:
* * * * *
September 29, 2020
The continued journey across Japan of a quest to clear the family name. Diagoro, the "cub" has taken a great fall and is found by former Samari and his son that has down syndrome. Father and son farm the land and play together, a simple but fulfilling life. the Samari's son finds Diagoro and brings him to his father attention. They take Diagoro home and help him to recover, watching over him. The father tells his son to protect Diagoro above all else. Their hope is family will come looking for the toddler. But murderous assassin's after Diagoro's father find them first. the former Samari and his son die to protect Diagoro. So Diagoro must keep moving hoping his father will find him.
April 15, 2014
Features the beginnings an epic main plot and some of the best art the series has
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