Samurai Executioner, Vol. 1: When the Demon Knife Weeps

首斬り朝 [Kubikiri Asa] #1

by Kazuo Koike, Goseki Kojima

From the creators of Lone Wolf and Cub comes Samurai Executioner. It's true! Few know of this precursor to the legendary ronin saga, but before Koike and Kojima created Itto Ogami, they created Kubikiri Asa, better known to Lone Wolf readers as Decapitator Asaemon. He was the equal to Itto, bearer of the sword Onibocho, the man charged with the duty of testing the swords for the shogun. Shogun Executioner is based on the decapitator himself, in life before his fatal duel with Lone Wolf. Expect the same legendary drama, frantic action, and stoic samurai stature, combined with the exemplary art and storytelling that made Lone Wolf and Cub one of the most popular and influential comic books in the world!

Genres: Manga, Comics, Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Japan, Japanese Literature

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Kazuo 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.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most intense manga series I have ever read. The art is reminiscent of Japanese brush painting and the action is fast and furious. The level of violence is high; not or the faint of heart. Really one of my favorite manga of all time - a really fantastic series!

[Jeff Lanter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been a while since I read Lone Wolf and Cub but I really enjoyed it and was happy to see Samurai Executioner, another series from the same creators, on sale in Comixology recently. Grim and often shocking, the 3-4 stories contained within this volume focus on a samurai who executes criminals. The samurai ends up being a bit of an investigator in addition to actually executing criminals and the book has a noir feeling where every character is bad and does bad things and inevitably meets a really bad and unavoidable fate. With that said, I think it is worth noting that this series does not shy away from depicting rape which happens a couple of times in this first volume. It is unsettling and there is a reason for it, it is just surprising to see it occur several times in one volume. The art is generally really good in this series and for me, this is a world that I can get lost in even though it is miserable. Best of all, I know the stories will be consistently good because these creators have proven they can do so over 30ish volumes in Lone Wolf and Cub.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Samurai Executioner is by the same creative team as Lone Wolf & Cub. Yamada Asaemon is the Shogun's sword tester. Typically he tests new swords on the corpses of executed prisoners. He also serves as a travelling executioner. Most of the stories revolve around the criminals he is there to execute. Their crimes are brutal and violent. This was written decades ago and contains more than one brutal assault of women, so be forewarned. The story of Yamada Asaemon himself is epic and coldblooded. The first story starts with the Shogun auditioning him and Yamada Asaemon shows just how cold-blooded he can be.

[Drew Canole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea why it took me so long to get to reading this series, as I thoroughly enjoyed Lone Wolf and Cub a few years ago. I suppose I was worried I would be disappointed.

This book lacks the great characters of Lone Wolf but retains the serialized story format. Each chapter contains a brief story that illuminates Japan's history, its historical politics, customs, and so forth; each story also contains some awesome action, drama, and an intriguing narrative that conclude in some unexpected ways.

The protagonist of this book isn't as relatable as the one from Lone Wolf, but its interesting seeing how cold and uncompromising he is (or put another way: how badass he is).

As for the translation I found its use of Japanese words frustrating as many were not in the glossary. The book could have used more footnotes to detail the meaning of words. I also found remembering names almost impossible (not a criticism, as I wouldn't want to translators to change the names, but it did hamper my ability to enjoy the book). It's certainly not as bad as a Dostoevsky novel - as the Japanese have an easier to understand name construction formula than Russians, but still difficult.

As Lone Wolf was driven by honour in politics, this book was driven by honour in executions and the penal system. It's interesting to see how important honour was in this period.

Note: the book seems to suggest that this series came out before Lone Wolf and Cub, but Wikipedia suggests that it started shortly after Lone Wolf and Cub began its serialization and ran with it for a few years. So, its more of a spin-off series than anything. If the latter assumption is true, it's miraculous that the illustrator was able to maintain his quality so well. It would of been nice if Darkhorse included more background information as these details are very hard to find elsewhere.

[Ill D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well maneuvering itself through the already well-trodden pathways trail-blazed by its classic forerunner Lone Wolf; with a title as a grim as Samurai Executioner the macabre and the malicious take the center stage here upon these newly explored byways. The implicit undercurrents that found themselves uncommonly manifested from yesteryear, are now uncovered and on main display for all to see. Eye-poppingly perforated with murder, rape, and kidnapping, just to name a few particular malfeasances, in many ways Executioner has more in common with audio-visual horror/splatter-punk cousins such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Hellraiser respectively . Strongly focused upon the grime and the gunk of humanity’s dark appetitive side, only its coolly applied historical accuracies and pantheistly inspired illustrations, seem to recall its predecessors gleams and glints of a more decidedly heroically stylized era.

In fact when shorn of its intrinsic Japaneseness, Executioner’s relationship to Wolf is more akin to that of apples and oranges than anything. They might spring form the same phylogenetic tree but the separate approaches to narrative could be anything but night and day within.

There’s some great stuff here but tread lightly, the saturation level of the lurid and the grisly thinly borders upon that of the Dahmer and the Gein.

[Jedi JC Daquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yamada Asaemon's story may not be as gritty and dark as The Lone Wolf's motivation to take the vendetta path, yet make no mistake, for Asa is right away faced with extremely tough challenges. The first two chapters alone set the tone of the book and establish the protagonist as a samurai worthy of testing the shogun's swords as an executioner.

Whereas Ogami Itto is more of an antihero ronin hell-bent on revenge, Asaemon's heart is a perfect model on discerning right from wrong, infallible yet hellishly brutal. Do not ever mess with this person, for he will not hesitate to decapitate you faster than a blink of an eye!

So yes, there are lots of decapitations in Samurai Executioner. Unlike Lone Wolf, Asa is more of a passive warriror, with scenes relatively tamer than Itto's. But I know that both of them are equals. Being just an executioner no way makes the story boring.

I'm also totally in love with the artwork, which perfectly reflects Japan in its shogunate era. Kojima's details are hauntingly realistic and expressive.

Samurai Executioner is a treasure. If you manage to get hold of this magnificent series, do not ever hesitate, read it.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4 and a half stars*
One of the most brutal and violent manga's I've ever read.

[Adam M · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima created this world that I really enjoy reading. Koike did exhaustive research on Edo-Period Japan and wrote books that try to recreate that time. There is a disclaimer at the beginning of all of these types of books he wrote that tell the reader "To preserve the flavor of the work, we have chosen to retain many Edo-Period terms that have no direct equivalents in English." Which is to say that there is a lot of attention paid to the detail and the creators are truly invested in this work.

This story will not be for everyone as it is both violent and graphic. These books were written in a different time about a different time. They have the same intensity and beautiful illustrations as the Lone Wolf and Cub, Omnibus 1 series, but feature a lot darker (if possible) story lines. It's about criminals and their executioner and that's really all there is to know. People WILL get beheaded in this book. Men will assault women. People will kill other people.

It's dark and brutal and somehow amazing story telling all at the same time. I read it online and the formatting moved it one panel at a time and I think it's a great way to read these and it slowly reveals the art allowing it to build as Kojima often illustrates in a gradual manner. I enjoy these for how different and how powerful they are, but be warned these are not your average graphic novels.

[Pierre Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic samurai comic

[Cam Garza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be super honest with you right how and tell you: I really don't know what to think about this manga.
It had had good artwork though in time it was kinda disconcerting since I'm used to umm, more defined(?) drawings, maybe it's because this is artwork is bordering on realistic instead of cartoon-ish, so it needs more detail, more lines to define the face, more shadows and lights, also, I've got the digital edition Where I live there aren't a lot of libraries or bookstores that have manga or that many books in english. Yeah, you can all go ahead and pity me, right about now. and in times it was kinda blurry, so I'm thinking that affected it too.

The storyline was good, it was interesting but I couldn't fully understand it because of all those japanese expressions, I really don't know anything about anything in that language, but I caught up with it because of the pictures, and I later discovered there is a Glossary at the end of the volume, so, yay for me and not knowing that from the beginning!

So, as Devlin's review, which I'm sure you've read, says: Recommended for mature readers.
Devlin, I must say, I totally second that.

I'll leave you with the last phrase in the volume,
Hate and love.
You'll figure it out when you finish reading it.
Camila out.

[Caryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was, very quickly, sick of rape scences and how weak and/or vulnerable or basically just messed up the women were in this book...I don't think I'll be picking up any more volumes of this.

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get in loser, we're drinking pee!

[Marquise · Rating 4 out of 5]

As would be expected from the Kazuo Koike & Goseki Kojima creative duo, both masters of the manga style and experts in samurai lore, this was a very good story.

This has some similarities with Lone Wolf and Cub in that the protagonist, executioner-in-chief Yamada Asaemon, nicknamed Kubikiri Asa by everyone, starts off in life much like Ogami-sama did, inheriting from his father a good position as the Shogun's executioner due to his skills with a katana. Plus, his appearance is also quite similar to Ogami Itto's, the same strong facial features and bushy eyebrows, the same rough-round-the-edges handsomeness. All of which makes sense since the creators are the same as for Lone Wolf, and from what I've read, this works as a prequel of sorts to the former, because Ogami and Asa shall meet eventually.

But in my opinion, Samurai Executioner is grittier and has more gore and violence than the other samurai tale by Koike & Kojima, at least this first volume does without a doubt. Not that it bothered me in the least, because I can see why it'd be like that given Yamada-sama's job and that he spends his days in a prison courtyard meting out death sentences by beheading. Also, perhaps because Asa has nobody with him whereas Ogami has his dear baby, he comes off as colder, more distant and aloof. Yet uncaring and unemotional he is not. There are a few scenes where he shows that he can be kind, and these gestures amidst so much brutality and blood are meaningful, give him layers of humanity that belie his reputation as a cold assassin that everybody thinks he is. I think I may even have grown fond of him by the end . . .

What can be uncomfortable, however, is to see how the condemned struggle at the moment of death. It can be really painful to read despite knowing what they've done to deserve the beheading (because Koike never shies away from stating the horrendous crimes committed, sometimes quite in detail), and the icy calmness Asa displays in these moments can be hair-raising. So consider yourself warned: your sensibilities won't be spared. If you are used to this type of plots, however, this might be a good read for you.

[Tita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another series that are worth collecting from the unbeatable duet Kojima & Koike, creators of Lone Wolf & Cub. The main character, Yamada Asaemon, would rightaway remind readers of Ogami Itto from Lone Wolf & Cub, since these two characters have similar positions.

Since Asaemon's occupation is a sword-tester for the Shogun (thus also a decapitator, as the swords should be tested on living beings as well), the first album emphasizes on the challenges and hardships of his job. Had the book been in color, blood-red would dominate the pages (the black/white arts of this album is already so powerful that I think coloring will only ruin the appearance).
The next albums (up to now, there are only three albums yet) are more varied in the stories. The episodes then reveal extreme conflicts and drama of life during the Edo period; all bringing the wisdoms of a warrior - a samurai, in this case. Keep in mind that the "Parental Advisory" sticker on the cover is not for nothing - the scenes are mostly vulgar and nerve-wrecking; very unsuitable for those under 18 years old.

Both the script and the artwork of this graphic novel have no flaw. Flow of events are nicely depicted so that you'll have your own 'movie' in your head. Japanese terms that can not be translated into English are explained in the Glossary section; which can enrich your understanding of the samurai culture back then.

Another winning point of this book is its format. It comes in a very compact size (very handy!) and has a simple cover design.

[Devlin Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samurai Executioner Volume 1: When the Demon Knife Weeps (Review)


Description from Dark Horse Comics:


From the creators of Lone Wolf and Cub comes Samurai Executioner. Before Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima created Itto Ogami, they created Kubikiri Asa, better known to Lone Wolf readers as Decapitator Asaemon. He was the equal to Itto, bearer of the sword Onibocho and charged with the duty of testing swords for the shogun. Samurai Executioner is based on the life of the decapitator before his fatal duel with Lone Wolf. Expect legendary drama, frantic action, and stoic samurai stature, combined with the exemplary art and storytelling that made Lone Wolf and Cub one of the most popular and influential comic books in the world!

• Never before published in America, Samurai Executioner was the precursor to one of the most seminal works of manga, Lone Wolf and Cub!

• Since the inception of the Lone Wolf and Cub publishing program in 2000, Dark Horse has sold over eight hundred thousand copies! And the series continues to sell thousands per month!

• For mature readers.



I think I found a new favorite story. Written by Kazuo Koike and illustrated by Goseki Kojima, this is a must-see manga if you love the “Way of the Warrior” comic art.

Such brilliant artwork, a pen-stroke as precise as a sword-cut and the writing carries its historical weight well. You can almost “live” within the images and the evolving story will leave you breathless.


Devlin

[Sud666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found out about this series on GR. I decided to go pick up a copy and I am glad that I did. Samurai Executioner is a look at Kubikiri Asa better known as Decapitation Asaemon. It is a story about the Edo-Period in Japan (1615-1868) and, in particular, about Asaemon. His duty is to be o-tameshiyaku (the sword tester of the Shogun). One "tests" a blade on bodies, usually those of condemned criminals.

Asaemon is a pretty cool character and epitomizes the concept of a samurai. The manga artwork is pretty good. The subject matter is mature, violent and there are many graphic scenes of death and sex. But this dark and mature story appeals for more than just the storytelling, it has a great background about the history of the period and has all sorts of little tidbits scattered through the story.\

If you like a dark and violent manga with an emphasis on Edo-Period history, then you will enjoy this manga as much as I did.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very dark, very brutal manga which follows the life of Yamada Asaemon, a samurai whose life is comprised entirely of maintaining swords and performing executions on whichever diabolical, mad, or tragic murderer is brought before him. Although the protagonist's personality is paper thin, and although the comic goes for grotesque, explicit shock value seemingly in every issue (the rape count hits double digits by issue 4), the villains tend to have some compelling substance to them (or at least a goofy Ace-up-their-sleeve), and the world it all takes place in is sufficiently gripping. The artwork is gritty, spirited, and very expressive, and the author subtly manages to explain Edo period Japan to his readers without a dull moment. A fast, ugly read, but in the end a worthwhile one.

[Coryke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a companion series (so to speak) to Lone Wolf and Cub, written by the same authors. In this, we follow the Shogun's executioner as he encounters the, shall we say, less savory elements of society. Often the stories focus on the characters who will be executed, though typically in a rather compassionate manner. This seems to follow the saying at the beginning of each volume: "punished is not the man himself, but the evil that resides in him." As such, those executed are not looked upon as simply criminals, but as human beings participating in evil behaviors. It may be a subtle distinction, but an interesting and compassionate one.

[Ryuta Fukuya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It could be said from first this story seems to be starnge from Westerner's view. ( I don't mention the plot for them who havn't read it.) But you can understand it as you proceed to read.
山田浅右衛門 was a real person in 江戸時代、like the decaptator Samson in France. He worked at 幕府 as a part time job because the executioner was considered as a unholy business. Kazuo Koike tried to describe 虚無感 thourgh view of the character who was destined to live as a unholy man.

[Timothy Morrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to confess, I love these types of comics, small portable and full of amazing culture rich stories. While traveling through this tale, you are surrounded by a somewhat Ancient Japanese world, where instead of the pistol,like what the Westerns used, the Samurai Sword is Lord and Master.....Timothy~

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling picture of feudal Japan. Historically fascinating and wonderful art. Slightly vulgar in places for shock value.

[I · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gritty samurai story

[Leah Coffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely LWaC redux, but interesting from a historical perspective - and of course, it's always gratifying to see justice meted out.

[Apiwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this intrigue taken into a groomed ronin executioner.

[Kathryn Baron · Rating 3 out of 5]

So. Nowhere as good as Lone Wolf and Cub. Less interesting new historical facts. Less poignant without Daigoro's perspective. More of the bits I didn't really care for. The artwork is still good, but doesn't seem inspired. I found I didn't really care about the protagonist. I don't think that's just because I already know his eventual fate.

[Xirimoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

diooossssssssss

[Dave Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire manga series is, in my opinion, the ultimate insight into the authentic lifestyle of actual Samurai of feudal Japan. It's protagonist is Yamada dubbed Kubikiri-Asa which literally translates to "neck chopper" in Japanese, why do you ask? Because he is the Shogun's head executioner (no pun intended). Why would you want to follow the exploits of a executioner? Because Koike weaves a tale of adventure and intrigue so well that he'll have the most sluggish snail reader turner pages quicker than if the pages where hot. Don't get me wrong there's more than blood and guts to this manga, there's Yamada's inner turmoil that he most wrestle with in a his silent samurai way, there's sticky situations with almost impossible positive outcomes but somehow, somehow our clever hero uses his wit to manipulate his surroundings and his katana to his advantage. To find out more, cop this at your local bookstore or order it online.

My prognosis: 10 burritos.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one afternoon. Though a pretty thick book, it is a small volume, and it does read fast once you sit down to read it. This is the story of an executioner, a very important position in feudal Japan. In this first volume, he rises to the position, then finds himself in different situations that test his loyalty to his duty and conscience. The character development on this work is excellent. The stories move in a fast pace, and the plots are also well developed. I will note this is a story for adults. There is violence and sex, but it is not gratuitous, rather it is an integral part of the stories. Overall, this is one I recommend, and I will continue to look for the rest of the series.

[Geoff Sebesta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just so good. Classic manga noir, like reading police novels from the 70s but with samurai. It veers between Son-of-Streetfighter protoTarantinoid badassery and the horrors of a serial killer dictionary, and it is dark stuff. More urine drinking than I'm comfortable with, though they do use it to make the complicated artistic point that drinking urine is gross. The storytelling is amazing even when the rending falling down, There were quite a few times that I couldn't tell what was going on, but I knew that a great number of people were getting killed, or some people were having sex, so that was okay.

[Holger Haase · Rating 3 out of 5]

First part of the Samurai Executioner Manga, apparently a spin-off from the Lone Wolf & Cub saga.

Main character here is actually a sword tester but as the swords tended to be tested on prisoners I guess describing him as an Executioner does the trick indeed.

In contrast to many other Manga there is no major overarching storyline to follow, just various short stories that can be read independently. They're all quick reads (lots of images, little text) but often raise quite a punch with various bits of unpleasantries that you wouldn't really expect in Western comics but that seem quite de rigueur with Japanese artists.