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子連れ狼 [Kozure Ookami] #22
Lone Wolf and Cub, Vol. 22: Heaven and Earth
Rain. Poison. Explosives. Vengeance. It's a deadly combination that forms a volatile mixture of deceit, betrayal, and hate as the final showdown between Lone Wolf assassin Ogami Itto and his nemesis Retsudo begins. While the torrential rains continue to pound Edo, the fiery Retsudo and his bloodthirsty Yagyu army rush along the banks of the swelling Hatcho River, racing to beat a load of explosives that's traveling down the other side, heading right into the hands of the vengeful samurai Ogami. Meanwhile, the cunning poisoner Abeno sees his chance to destroy both sides as they run headlong on their collision course -- he's going flood all of Edo! Forced to put their battle aside, Ogami and Retsudo find themselves fighting side by side to save all of Edo from the floods, while Ogami's little son Daigoro wanders alone, fighting for his life and searching for his father! It's a deluge of evil, and it threatens to wash away all that stands in its path!
287 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
8 people are currently reading
296 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 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 17, 2022
[9/10]
The meeting face to face between Ogami Itto and RetsudoYagyu cannot be postponed any longer. Nature itself has unleashed a devastating storm over Edo, as the leader of the clan Yagyu gallops at the head of an army of retainers towards the place where a lone swordsman, accompanied by his three year old son, awaits. Ogami Itto and his son Daigoro have donned white silk clothes, signifying their willingness to die for the cause of revenge against the clan who plotted their downfall.
This is one of the most intense episodes in the series, filled with last minute surprises and carnage on a scale never reached before.
>>><<<>>><<<
A word of warning before I start recapitulating the events: these later albums reference everything that has gone on before, so any commentary about them is bound to be filled with spoilers.
I really don’t see how anybody can dip their toes and start reading from album 22 without losing a lot of the implications and the emotional charge that the authors have so painstakingly built up to a frenzy of blood.
So, if anybody is afraid I will reveal the outcome of the final battle, remember to go back to the beginning, and start your journey there.
>>><<<>>><<<
The Last Fistful may be a reference to Retsudo having to scrap the bottom of the barrel when it comes to available swordsmen, after Lone Wolf has annihilated every killer sent against him by the Yagyu and their allies.
The first story in the album nevertheless deals with some unfinished business from the previous volume. The dastardly poisoner Abe Tanoshi has managed to confuse me a little when I wrote him off in that review. He is revealed here to have faked his own suicide in a last attempt to escape his well deserved punishment.
After Ogami Itto refuses to sully his blade with the blood of a vermin, it is the turn of Retsudo to see through the deception and remark that a true bushi cannot do battle with somebody who has not the slightest idea about honour.
An incensed poisoner responds to this disgusted dismissal with increased hatred against those above him and plots a new betrayal: taking advantage of the deluge of rain and wind, Tanoshi heads towards a river flood gate that he plans to open in order to wash away the field of battle. Killing both Itto and the Yagyu, Tanoshi hopes to hide his shame and to return to the service of the Shogun
Totekirai is an important part of the battle plan envisioned by Ogami Itto, something that has been keep under wraps until the moment of battle arrives.
As Retsudo rides to the field with his warriors, a lone cart drawn by a couple of horses races against time and the flooding waters to reach Itto before his enemies.
Little Daigoro stands by the rising waters to point the cart driver in the right direction.
A flashback episode gives us an idea of how this plan came about and what totekirai means [a very powerful explosive put in bottles with a short fuse that can be thrown as grenades]
Heaven and Earth As the storm reaches its peak, the Lone Wolf stands before the army of the Yagyu with his dothanuki battle sword at the ready. By his side, little Daigoro is ready to do his part. The chest filled with ‘totekirai’ bottles is meant to give him a fighting chance against adversaries much bigger and much more proficient at killing than a little boy.
Retsudo’s last card, the one he has put all his hopes on, is a special movement called the ‘Sword Wheel’ in which the Yagyu warriors are proficient. Not even the formidable Lone Wolf can escape from the double circle of running warriors that can strike him from any direction at any given moment.
Retsudo has not included Daigoro in his battle plans, though.
And in the heat of battle, the two adversaries have forgotten Tanoshi, who instead of threatening the field of battle, is actually flooding most of the capital city.
Fire on the River of Blood
Both Ogami Itto and Retsudo Yagyu have in the past demonstrated they are inflexible in the pursuit of their final reckoning. But there is something above revenge, above thirst for power, above wows of Meifumado. Readers who have patiently followed the events know that this is called ‘bushido’ , the way of the samurai, a rigid code of honour that both Itto and the Yagyu subscribe to, no matter how far from the letter of the law they have strayed.
So they both put away their swords and take the chest of explosives across the freezing waters in a last ditch attempt to save the city from destruction.
Little Daigoro is also left behind in the rush to stop the rushing waters.
Nature may solve the dilemma of who will win the final duel all by itself.
>>><<<>>><<<
By this point in the series, I feel driven to reach the finish line, something I could probably do in a single afternoon. My earlier decision to do justice to the artwork and the storytelling from these two masters of the genre by reviewing each album separately is slowing me down considerably, but in compensation I get to pay more attention to details as I practically read each album twice.
I haven’t said anything lately about the stark, powerful, dynamic strokes of the pen that infuse each panel with energy and beauty. I cannot even imagine how the story would look in colour or under the direction of a different artist. [The cover of the present album is one I particularly dislike, with its fake suggestion that Retsudo kidnaps Daigoro and its bright colours]
As far as the script goes, the series has ‘jumped the shark’ a couple of albums earlier in regards the ability of Itto to kill everything that comes his way, but there is more to the series than simple slaughter: the panoramic view of Edo period Japan, the social study, the personal interactions, the emotional intensity reached in these later albums.
Individual ratings are losing their meaning in the context of the series as a whole: I might be tempted to give three stars to some of Abe Tanoshi stories and laugh from time to time at the hero worshipping of Itto, but at the end of each album, I still go “Wow!” – Kojime and Koike have done it again!
The meeting face to face between Ogami Itto and RetsudoYagyu cannot be postponed any longer. Nature itself has unleashed a devastating storm over Edo, as the leader of the clan Yagyu gallops at the head of an army of retainers towards the place where a lone swordsman, accompanied by his three year old son, awaits. Ogami Itto and his son Daigoro have donned white silk clothes, signifying their willingness to die for the cause of revenge against the clan who plotted their downfall.
This is one of the most intense episodes in the series, filled with last minute surprises and carnage on a scale never reached before.
>>><<<>>><<<
A word of warning before I start recapitulating the events: these later albums reference everything that has gone on before, so any commentary about them is bound to be filled with spoilers.
I really don’t see how anybody can dip their toes and start reading from album 22 without losing a lot of the implications and the emotional charge that the authors have so painstakingly built up to a frenzy of blood.
So, if anybody is afraid I will reveal the outcome of the final battle, remember to go back to the beginning, and start your journey there.
>>><<<>>><<<
The Last Fistful may be a reference to Retsudo having to scrap the bottom of the barrel when it comes to available swordsmen, after Lone Wolf has annihilated every killer sent against him by the Yagyu and their allies.
The first story in the album nevertheless deals with some unfinished business from the previous volume. The dastardly poisoner Abe Tanoshi has managed to confuse me a little when I wrote him off in that review. He is revealed here to have faked his own suicide in a last attempt to escape his well deserved punishment.
After Ogami Itto refuses to sully his blade with the blood of a vermin, it is the turn of Retsudo to see through the deception and remark that a true bushi cannot do battle with somebody who has not the slightest idea about honour.
An incensed poisoner responds to this disgusted dismissal with increased hatred against those above him and plots a new betrayal: taking advantage of the deluge of rain and wind, Tanoshi heads towards a river flood gate that he plans to open in order to wash away the field of battle. Killing both Itto and the Yagyu, Tanoshi hopes to hide his shame and to return to the service of the Shogun
Totekirai is an important part of the battle plan envisioned by Ogami Itto, something that has been keep under wraps until the moment of battle arrives.
As Retsudo rides to the field with his warriors, a lone cart drawn by a couple of horses races against time and the flooding waters to reach Itto before his enemies.
Little Daigoro stands by the rising waters to point the cart driver in the right direction.
A flashback episode gives us an idea of how this plan came about and what totekirai means [a very powerful explosive put in bottles with a short fuse that can be thrown as grenades]
Heaven and Earth As the storm reaches its peak, the Lone Wolf stands before the army of the Yagyu with his dothanuki battle sword at the ready. By his side, little Daigoro is ready to do his part. The chest filled with ‘totekirai’ bottles is meant to give him a fighting chance against adversaries much bigger and much more proficient at killing than a little boy.
Retsudo’s last card, the one he has put all his hopes on, is a special movement called the ‘Sword Wheel’ in which the Yagyu warriors are proficient. Not even the formidable Lone Wolf can escape from the double circle of running warriors that can strike him from any direction at any given moment.
Retsudo has not included Daigoro in his battle plans, though.
And in the heat of battle, the two adversaries have forgotten Tanoshi, who instead of threatening the field of battle, is actually flooding most of the capital city.
Fire on the River of Blood
Both Ogami Itto and Retsudo Yagyu have in the past demonstrated they are inflexible in the pursuit of their final reckoning. But there is something above revenge, above thirst for power, above wows of Meifumado. Readers who have patiently followed the events know that this is called ‘bushido’ , the way of the samurai, a rigid code of honour that both Itto and the Yagyu subscribe to, no matter how far from the letter of the law they have strayed.
So they both put away their swords and take the chest of explosives across the freezing waters in a last ditch attempt to save the city from destruction.
Little Daigoro is also left behind in the rush to stop the rushing waters.
Nature may solve the dilemma of who will win the final duel all by itself.
>>><<<>>><<<
By this point in the series, I feel driven to reach the finish line, something I could probably do in a single afternoon. My earlier decision to do justice to the artwork and the storytelling from these two masters of the genre by reviewing each album separately is slowing me down considerably, but in compensation I get to pay more attention to details as I practically read each album twice.
I haven’t said anything lately about the stark, powerful, dynamic strokes of the pen that infuse each panel with energy and beauty. I cannot even imagine how the story would look in colour or under the direction of a different artist. [The cover of the present album is one I particularly dislike, with its fake suggestion that Retsudo kidnaps Daigoro and its bright colours]
As far as the script goes, the series has ‘jumped the shark’ a couple of albums earlier in regards the ability of Itto to kill everything that comes his way, but there is more to the series than simple slaughter: the panoramic view of Edo period Japan, the social study, the personal interactions, the emotional intensity reached in these later albums.
Individual ratings are losing their meaning in the context of the series as a whole: I might be tempted to give three stars to some of Abe Tanoshi stories and laugh from time to time at the hero worshipping of Itto, but at the end of each album, I still go “Wow!” – Kojime and Koike have done it again!
September 2, 2020
I found it a little disappointing, to be honest, how all those explosives - the entire reason for most of the comic to have happened, all the assassinations, in the first place - ended up being wasted like the way they were. They had their reasons in-universe, but it wasn't a very climactic way to go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2019
Phenomenal.
May 30, 2019
3 – 3.5 stars
Volume 22 of the Dark Horse Lone Wolf & Cub series seems to set up the final confrontation between Itto and the remnants of the Yagyu clan. We also have the wily Chief taster/poisoner Abe Tanoshi who is hoping to play both sides of the feud against each other with the aim of seizing sole influence over the Shogunate.
‘The Last Fistful’: Shows us how effective Abe Tanoshi’s attempt at faking his own death are in the eyes of a seasoned warrior like Retsudo. As with Itto before him, the aging ninja refuses to sully his sword with the death of such a man. After playing with the pathetic poisoner for a few moments he leaves him quivering on the floor, but is his disdain misplaced? Perhaps even one who so obviously does not have the courage to follow the way of the bushi can still pose a threat.
‘Totekirai’: A wild storm rages around Edo, the worst in a century, and Lone Wolf awaits the delivery of his secret weapon in the battle against the Yagyu. We flash back to when Itto first met the ship captain and explosives expert Nagasakiya. It was a lucky meeting, if luck you call it, as Itto had taken on a contract to kill the very official who was hoping to extort everything he had from Nagasakiya. Thankful to the assassin for having saved his life and honour, the captain pledges himself to help him and Itto sees a way that the man who so handily makes and uses explosives might aid him in his quest.
‘Heaven and Earth’: Yagyu and his forces finally track down Itto and ready themselves for the final confrontation. Meanwhile, Abe has hatched a plan to open the flood gates of the river and destroy both of his opponents in one fell swoop. As Yagyu approaches Lone Wolf & Cub Daigoro reveals the totekirai explosives, but Itto explains that these are not for him to use to destroy the Yagyu contrary to the way of the warrior, but rather to give Daigoro the fighting chance he deserves. Both father and son are committed to the path of vengeance equally, but can even a prodigy like Daigoro stand against even one Yagyu warrior? Thus he has been given a weapon to even the odds. Yagyu agrees and unleashes the famous Sword Wheel of the Yagyu upon his opponent. It looks as though Itto may have finally met his match and that his path of vengeance will end in failure, but there are two things that the Yagyu did not count on: the resourcefulness of Daigoro and the venageful ignorance of Abe Tanoshi.
‘Fire on the River of Blood’: In the moment of the culmination of their feud Itto and Retsudo find themselves forced to become allies if they are to save Edo from destruction at the hands of Abe Tanoshi and his foolishness. Putting aside their hatred for a greater cause the two warriors race with the ship captain Nagasakiya to save the day, while Daigoro, recovering from his actions in the previous story, looks frantically for his missing father.
Volume 22 of the Dark Horse Lone Wolf & Cub series seems to set up the final confrontation between Itto and the remnants of the Yagyu clan. We also have the wily Chief taster/poisoner Abe Tanoshi who is hoping to play both sides of the feud against each other with the aim of seizing sole influence over the Shogunate.
‘The Last Fistful’: Shows us how effective Abe Tanoshi’s attempt at faking his own death are in the eyes of a seasoned warrior like Retsudo. As with Itto before him, the aging ninja refuses to sully his sword with the death of such a man. After playing with the pathetic poisoner for a few moments he leaves him quivering on the floor, but is his disdain misplaced? Perhaps even one who so obviously does not have the courage to follow the way of the bushi can still pose a threat.
‘Totekirai’: A wild storm rages around Edo, the worst in a century, and Lone Wolf awaits the delivery of his secret weapon in the battle against the Yagyu. We flash back to when Itto first met the ship captain and explosives expert Nagasakiya. It was a lucky meeting, if luck you call it, as Itto had taken on a contract to kill the very official who was hoping to extort everything he had from Nagasakiya. Thankful to the assassin for having saved his life and honour, the captain pledges himself to help him and Itto sees a way that the man who so handily makes and uses explosives might aid him in his quest.
‘Heaven and Earth’: Yagyu and his forces finally track down Itto and ready themselves for the final confrontation. Meanwhile, Abe has hatched a plan to open the flood gates of the river and destroy both of his opponents in one fell swoop. As Yagyu approaches Lone Wolf & Cub Daigoro reveals the totekirai explosives, but Itto explains that these are not for him to use to destroy the Yagyu contrary to the way of the warrior, but rather to give Daigoro the fighting chance he deserves. Both father and son are committed to the path of vengeance equally, but can even a prodigy like Daigoro stand against even one Yagyu warrior? Thus he has been given a weapon to even the odds. Yagyu agrees and unleashes the famous Sword Wheel of the Yagyu upon his opponent. It looks as though Itto may have finally met his match and that his path of vengeance will end in failure, but there are two things that the Yagyu did not count on: the resourcefulness of Daigoro and the venageful ignorance of Abe Tanoshi.
‘Fire on the River of Blood’: In the moment of the culmination of their feud Itto and Retsudo find themselves forced to become allies if they are to save Edo from destruction at the hands of Abe Tanoshi and his foolishness. Putting aside their hatred for a greater cause the two warriors race with the ship captain Nagasakiya to save the day, while Daigoro, recovering from his actions in the previous story, looks frantically for his missing father.
April 24, 2016
The first of many climatic battles has already happened! And to think that there are 6 volumes left, wow! Finally, the Yagyu clan attacks in full force, a force that was only seen near the midpoint of the series.
Though used for another, much meaningful purpose, all of Ogami Itto's blood money, all thousands of ryo has been purchased for something to be used against the Yagyu. Yet because of some crazy man (curse you, Abe!), such huge investment was utilized to save Edo instead of defeating Retsudo.
There's a team-up here, and that is a great sight to see. I'm certain that the alliance is just temporary, yet the chemistry between the two characters as buddies made me happy.
Daigoro, now a fearsome warrior like his wolf dad was badass, but I felt pity on him, especially at the end of the volume. Poor Daigoro, having to experience and witness such deaths and bloodshed.
There are six more volumes left and I ready. Oh yeah, let us finish this.
Though used for another, much meaningful purpose, all of Ogami Itto's blood money, all thousands of ryo has been purchased for something to be used against the Yagyu. Yet because of some crazy man (curse you, Abe!), such huge investment was utilized to save Edo instead of defeating Retsudo.
There's a team-up here, and that is a great sight to see. I'm certain that the alliance is just temporary, yet the chemistry between the two characters as buddies made me happy.
Daigoro, now a fearsome warrior like his wolf dad was badass, but I felt pity on him, especially at the end of the volume. Poor Daigoro, having to experience and witness such deaths and bloodshed.
There are six more volumes left and I ready. Oh yeah, let us finish this.
January 12, 2024
Sona adım adım yaklaşırken Daigorocuğumu Retsudo'nun kucağında görünce önce bir korktum. Spoiler veya değil, korkacak birşey yok.
Ogami Itto'nun "Yaşlanmışsın Retsudo" yorumuna Retsudo'nun "Senin yüzünden" demesine çok güldüm. Adam senelerdir Itto'yu öldürebilmek için hain planlar yapıyor. Kendi çocukları dahil katledilmedik insan kalmadı. Tabi yaşlanır.
Ve sonunda gizem çözülür, altınların nereye gittiği belli olur. Altınlarla Ogami Itto, oğlu Daigorocuğumun savaşta sıkılmaması için "totekirai", yani bir çeşit el bombası satın almıştır. O kadar altın o kadarcık totekirai mi eder bana sormayın dönemin Japon ekonomisine hakim değilim ama ben daha çok geleceğe yönelik Daigoro'ya yatırım yapar diye düşünmüştüm.
Kılıç Çemberi taktiği gerçekten hiç centilmence değil ama Ogami gibi bir düşmana karşı da son seçenek olabilir. Nasıl bu tuzaktan kurtarılır düşündüm düşündüm içinden çıkamadım, zaten babişkosunun yardımına da Daigoro yetişti. Bu sırada Yagyu Retsudo ve Ogami Itto'nun Edo'yu kurtarmak için düelloyu bırakıp, kılıçlarını toprağa saplayıp, omuz omuza vermesi çok acayipti. İkisi de birbirinin başka nedenlerden ölmesini istemiyor.
Son bölüm Kan Akan Nehrin Üzerindeki Ateş'te Daigorocuğumun "babaa, babaaa" diye bağırması içimi dağladı. Kılıçta kan göremeyince nasıl sevinmiştir yavrucak.
Daigoro <3
Ogami Itto'nun "Yaşlanmışsın Retsudo" yorumuna Retsudo'nun "Senin yüzünden" demesine çok güldüm. Adam senelerdir Itto'yu öldürebilmek için hain planlar yapıyor. Kendi çocukları dahil katledilmedik insan kalmadı. Tabi yaşlanır.
Ve sonunda gizem çözülür, altınların nereye gittiği belli olur. Altınlarla Ogami Itto, oğlu Daigorocuğumun savaşta sıkılmaması için "totekirai", yani bir çeşit el bombası satın almıştır. O kadar altın o kadarcık totekirai mi eder bana sormayın dönemin Japon ekonomisine hakim değilim ama ben daha çok geleceğe yönelik Daigoro'ya yatırım yapar diye düşünmüştüm.
Kılıç Çemberi taktiği gerçekten hiç centilmence değil ama Ogami gibi bir düşmana karşı da son seçenek olabilir. Nasıl bu tuzaktan kurtarılır düşündüm düşündüm içinden çıkamadım, zaten babişkosunun yardımına da Daigoro yetişti. Bu sırada Yagyu Retsudo ve Ogami Itto'nun Edo'yu kurtarmak için düelloyu bırakıp, kılıçlarını toprağa saplayıp, omuz omuza vermesi çok acayipti. İkisi de birbirinin başka nedenlerden ölmesini istemiyor.
Son bölüm Kan Akan Nehrin Üzerindeki Ateş'te Daigorocuğumun "babaa, babaaa" diye bağırması içimi dağladı. Kılıçta kan göremeyince nasıl sevinmiştir yavrucak.
Daigoro <3
December 20, 2020
Este tomo se suma a los tres anteriores en donde nos van dando la misma historia en lugar de historia por capítulo. El enfrentamiento final entre Yagyu y Ogami al fin sucederá.
Este tomo es bellísimo por muchas razones diferentes. La primera es que entendemos cómo Ogami compró los explosivos, y vemos la historia de cómo conoció a ese comerciante y como sus destinos se ligaron.
También vemos por qué nadie asesina al monstruoso Abe y el autor aprovecha para seguir aramando su mitología de los samuráis y del honor en general.
También vemos a Yagyu llegar con 100 hombres más o menos pero cuestionar el honor de Ogami al tener explosivos. Sin embargo Ogami explica por qué los tiene y es una razón que no me esperaba absolutamente para nada, que nuevamente construye a los personajes y deshace esa noción de Yagyu de que Ogami había perdido su honor.
Y luego suceden cosas muy interesantes que obligan a Ogami y a Yagyu a trabajar juntos y esas escenas son monstruosamente maravillosas. Porque además no es una cooperación forzada, ambos personajes entienden que necesitan el uno del otro y actúan de esa manera.
Gran tomo, que cambia el status de la historia completamente, me produjo muchas emociones que no esperaba sentir y me sigue manteniendo muy interesado en qué continuará para Itto y Daigoro.
Este tomo es bellísimo por muchas razones diferentes. La primera es que entendemos cómo Ogami compró los explosivos, y vemos la historia de cómo conoció a ese comerciante y como sus destinos se ligaron.
También vemos por qué nadie asesina al monstruoso Abe y el autor aprovecha para seguir aramando su mitología de los samuráis y del honor en general.
También vemos a Yagyu llegar con 100 hombres más o menos pero cuestionar el honor de Ogami al tener explosivos. Sin embargo Ogami explica por qué los tiene y es una razón que no me esperaba absolutamente para nada, que nuevamente construye a los personajes y deshace esa noción de Yagyu de que Ogami había perdido su honor.
Y luego suceden cosas muy interesantes que obligan a Ogami y a Yagyu a trabajar juntos y esas escenas son monstruosamente maravillosas. Porque además no es una cooperación forzada, ambos personajes entienden que necesitan el uno del otro y actúan de esa manera.
Gran tomo, que cambia el status de la historia completamente, me produjo muchas emociones que no esperaba sentir y me sigue manteniendo muy interesado en qué continuará para Itto y Daigoro.
December 22, 2021
Lobo 22
Aquí como a la mitad finalmente llega el encuentro entre los dos contrincantes, bastante desequilibrado, ya que 1 trae todo su clan..
SPOILERS
Terribles spoilers
Cliffhanger a medias al final
4 star
Aquí como a la mitad finalmente llega el encuentro entre los dos contrincantes, bastante desequilibrado, ya que 1 trae todo su clan..
SPOILERS
Terribles spoilers
Cliffhanger a medias al final
4 star
July 17, 2023
“Samurai swords kill samurai. Killing scum such as you would foul our blades.”
June 1, 2022
The 22nd collection of Lone Wolf and Cub feels like its nearing the end. Once again, these stories are just one long tale. We finally learn the purpose for all that money Ogami was saving... and I was disappointed that . Also while it was nice to have another recurring villain in Abe, he's outstayed his welcome.
I appreciated that Daigoro, Ogami, and Retsudo have strong moments in this collection.
I appreciated that Daigoro, Ogami, and Retsudo have strong moments in this collection.
April 19, 2012
Anothar great GREAT volume. Incredible showdown with the yagyu, Storm messing up with everything, the use of ogami's ryos, and the UNEXPECTED PLOT TWIST that changes everything! Well, not EVERYTHING, but it sure makes us question what will happen next.
I can't stop reading anymore, best money i've spent this year.
I can't stop reading anymore, best money i've spent this year.
February 21, 2020
Lamento el hecho que no pude hacer reseñas por partes, así que me sale adelantar la reseña como tal del presente libro. Considero que fue un tomo excelente, de hecho es uno de mis favoritos hasta ahora y comienza cerrando (a mi parecer) el arco argumental relacionado con la figura del probador de comida del emperador; quien fue un antagonista de cuidado para ambas partes.
Pero tambien fue un tomo en el cual se dio un breve acercamiento de lo que será el gran conflicto final.
Pero tambien fue un tomo en el cual se dio un breve acercamiento de lo que será el gran conflicto final.
July 3, 2025
I'm worried that this five-star may be a bit premature, but I get the sense now that the series is about to race towards its conclusion. Unlike many of the other volumes where it was easy enough to give individual chapters their own ratings, everything here pretty much runs straight together, one story after the next. More action, more ruminations on what it means to be bushi, more cunning plans, and a continued showcased bond between father and child. Good stuff.
January 18, 2022
Brilliantly written
The emotional roller coaster that is this series is mind blowing. I turn the pages, sitting on the edge of my seat, hanging on every word, every frame rooting for the hero knowing he has to die. He is obligated to die no matter what happens.
The emotional roller coaster that is this series is mind blowing. I turn the pages, sitting on the edge of my seat, hanging on every word, every frame rooting for the hero knowing he has to die. He is obligated to die no matter what happens.
July 31, 2024
Epic entry that sees Ogami Itto and Retsudo Yaygu finally face off in their long awaited dual, only for poisoner Abeno try to trip them up for his own gain. Koike delivers another superb read as the story starts to draw to its conclusion, contrasting the honorable dual between Itto & the Yaygu against the cruel Abeno, who would risk innocent lives for his own gain. It is matched by Goseku Kojima's gorgeous yet gritty art, especially in depicting the epic battle. Still one of the best manga's ever.
September 14, 2025
We are reminded of how pathetic the Poisoner is. And Yagyu and Ogami set up for what appears to be their final confrontation. But there are more books in the series . . . The art is mostly good but a few pages are genuinely terrible. Every chapter ends on a cliffhanger.
March 3, 2020
A bit of a detour on our way toward the final battle but pretty cool that we finally know why Itto was stockpiling gold.
April 16, 2020
This was a good one.
January 9, 2021
The final battle commences
January 31, 2021
I prefer the Sienkiwiecz covers over these Wagner ones, I think.
I would have thought this'd be a perfect volume for a history/study of explosives in Japan afterword but I guess not.
I would have thought this'd be a perfect volume for a history/study of explosives in Japan afterword but I guess not.
August 22, 2021
Same as the first. Fantastic art, engaging action stories, not much to the characters.
March 6, 2022
The very definition of dramatic pacing. Genius work.
December 24, 2022
Itto and Yagyu, the wolf and the tiger set aside their blood feud to save Edo from a foolish poisonous troll. Neat!
July 18, 2023
4.5 stars
July 8, 2025
Because we're so close to the end, the end of these last volumes, the action and suspense have a choke hold on me!
August 27, 2021
Starting to burn toward the end...
February 27, 2013
Spiel mir das Lied vom Tod
"The Last Fistful"
Abe-no-Kaii will sich aus der für ihn so böse gelaufenen Geschichte rausschleichen auf seine typische verderbte Art - und sein für Samurai so abstoßendes Wesen könnte ihm dabei helfen.
"Totekirai"
Ein weiter Rückblick in die Vergangenheit Ogami Ittos erklärt, wieso der Bombenbauer so verbunden ist mit dem einsamen Wolf.
"Heaven and Earth"
Ich musste bei dieser sehr beeindruckenden Geschichte direkt an "Der Herr der Ringe" denken - "My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill before this is over". Auch der Giftmeister, sowohl von Retsudo als auch Itto verschont, greift nochmal in die Handlung ein, und wie es scheint, eher für das Böse als für das Gute. Wiederum überraschen die Autoren den Leser durch eine überraschende Wendung - Yagyu Retsudo ist halt im Inneren doch ein Samurai, der seine Verantwortung kennt. Quentin Tarantino würde diese Geschichte bestimmt mit Westernmusik unterlegen, und sie würde perfekt passen.
"Fire on the River of Blood"
Für die Rettung der Hauptstadt Edo arbeiten sogar ein Wolf und ein Tiger zusammen; selbst Daigoro ist dabei nur nebensächlich und muss sich allein auf der Suche nach seinem Vater durch einen Leichenberg und eine überschwemmte Stadt kämpfen.
Wiederum ist das endgültige Aufeinandertreffen Retsudos und Ittos aufgeschoben, und wiederum zeigen sich keine Ermüdungserscheinungen sowohl in den Zeichnungen als auch in der Qualität des Plots. Diese Manga-Reihe ist ein Jahrhundertereignis.
"The Last Fistful"
Abe-no-Kaii will sich aus der für ihn so böse gelaufenen Geschichte rausschleichen auf seine typische verderbte Art - und sein für Samurai so abstoßendes Wesen könnte ihm dabei helfen.
"Totekirai"
Ein weiter Rückblick in die Vergangenheit Ogami Ittos erklärt, wieso der Bombenbauer so verbunden ist mit dem einsamen Wolf.
"Heaven and Earth"
Ich musste bei dieser sehr beeindruckenden Geschichte direkt an "Der Herr der Ringe" denken - "My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill before this is over". Auch der Giftmeister, sowohl von Retsudo als auch Itto verschont, greift nochmal in die Handlung ein, und wie es scheint, eher für das Böse als für das Gute. Wiederum überraschen die Autoren den Leser durch eine überraschende Wendung - Yagyu Retsudo ist halt im Inneren doch ein Samurai, der seine Verantwortung kennt. Quentin Tarantino würde diese Geschichte bestimmt mit Westernmusik unterlegen, und sie würde perfekt passen.
"Fire on the River of Blood"
Für die Rettung der Hauptstadt Edo arbeiten sogar ein Wolf und ein Tiger zusammen; selbst Daigoro ist dabei nur nebensächlich und muss sich allein auf der Suche nach seinem Vater durch einen Leichenberg und eine überschwemmte Stadt kämpfen.
Wiederum ist das endgültige Aufeinandertreffen Retsudos und Ittos aufgeschoben, und wiederum zeigen sich keine Ermüdungserscheinungen sowohl in den Zeichnungen als auch in der Qualität des Plots. Diese Manga-Reihe ist ein Jahrhundertereignis.
September 12, 2020
Still good. Still frusrating. Not very fond of the weirdness that is the poisoner. Makes absolutely no sense that they have not killed him yet. Ok, he's a cowardly worm, but... he's causing major problems and the only reasons not to kill him are the values Lone Wolf has explicitly rejected.
Also the cover artist is getting more annoying. The scene depicted in this volume's cover doesn't happen until the next volume. And the clothes are wrong for this and at least the next volume. It's a large plot point when Lone Wolf and Cub start wearing all white silk. Which this artist is ignoring.
Still. Still. The interior art remains amazing. The story completely engrossing.
Also the cover artist is getting more annoying. The scene depicted in this volume's cover doesn't happen until the next volume. And the clothes are wrong for this and at least the next volume. It's a large plot point when Lone Wolf and Cub start wearing all white silk. Which this artist is ignoring.
Still. Still. The interior art remains amazing. The story completely engrossing.
April 23, 2013
22 down...6 to go. Boom goes the dynamite (or rather totekirai).
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