Kozure Ookami
Lone Wolf & Cub

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TL:DR
Initially episodic and a little repetitive at the start but then gets really, really good half way through.

Story: 7/10
The manga is inseparable from the era it was written in: a spate of terrorist attacks, rampant political corruption and student protests. This manga makes a point to emphasise that Itto is one of the last ‘true samurai' (multiple people are moved to tear by this), how the rest of society has forgotten bushido, the lords are corrupt or have forgotten their duty, etcetera and I don't think it's a big leap to suggest the manga is the author's reaction to the world around them.

The first 70% ... of the manga are episodic, unconnected stories with little relevance to the overarching plot except a few that builds on Itto's backstory or the machinations of his nemesis. However, they do build up the characters and some of Itto and Daigorou's backstory. They also cover the pair's philosophy and show us how our protagonists react to the world. They are not bad, individually interesting but they're fairly repetitive and feel a little aimless.

This is not aided by the fact that the majority of fight in the early manga are entirely uninteresting. They are extremely short (not usually more than a page or two), not very visually interesting and there is hardly ever a single moment where the reader believes that Itto could lose a fight. And if he does lose? Well, it was actually on purpose you see. Yeah, the fights are not that interesting to begin with.

Then we get to the latter 30% of the manga, and it goes from decent to absolutely amazing. When the author gets serious with the overarching plot, I couldn't put the manga down it was so intense. I was flying through the volumes, I simply had to see what was next. I wish we got here sooner but reading this manga was worth it for this.

Character: 7/10
Itto is less a real personality and instead the idealised personification of bushido. He is not exactly complex, he simply does whatever the most ‘samurai’ thing it is possible to do in the situation. As a modern westerner, it is interesting to see how one was supposed to live the complicated Bushido way of life.

Daigorou is the least realistic depiction of a child I can think of. Actual child soldiers are more child-like than this. I think it fits the themes of the manga but the way he behaves is almost distractingly unbelievable.

Retsudo is quite similar to Itto but I actually found him more interesting though I won't spoil it.

The one-off characters in the episodic episodes are more hit or miss. Sometimes they'll be interesting but they re-use the same archetypes a lot.

Art
Absolutely phenomenal for the most part, the character design, the facial expressions, nearly everything.

Overall: 8/10
Good but sort of dissapointing considering it's reputation. If it had gotten to the real meat of the story sooner instead of all the episodic fluff then I think this could easily be a 9. However, I do recommend this manga for the real story in the latter half of the manga, it's spectacular. I'm not saying that the episodic stuff is bad, I enjoyed my time with the first half of the manga but the final arc is just so good that it makes the rest look kind of dull.

La siguiente reseña está en Español e Inglés (traducida con el apoyo de DeepL)
La versión leída es la traducción al español por Riki_Oh

Español

La historia se desarrolla durante el Japón feudal, de señores y samurais, no se brinda una fecha específica, más podemos suponer que sucede entre 1700 - 1800 dada la posición de Itto (Kogi Kaishakunin) o la evolución en la presencia de elementos característicos del intercambio cultural europeo (las armas de fuego), aunque otros prominentes aspectos como el clan Yagyu tuvieron su relevancia durante 1500 - 1600, por ende, recalcando lo evidente, es ficción que utiliza elementos históricos para dotar de “realismo” a su ... narrativa.

Estructurado en formato serial, con un hilo principal narrativo presente cada cierto tiempo en capítulos dedicados a lo más esencial del viaje de venganza de padre e hijo hasta que acaparan la recta final. Mientras que las historias seriales tienen el propósito de afianzar la construcción de su contexto histórico en lo social o espiritual, además de contener elementos narrativos que serán de importancia para la venganza.

Durante los capítulos episódicos se exploran las diferentes facetas de Edo, haciendo notable la extensa investigación conseguida por su autor, Kazuo Koike, para la representación de una época de completo interés si alguna vez te ha sido atractivo el “Japón clásico”. En esas historias secundarias hay magos, comerciantes, prostitutas, los antecedentes de la yakuza, agricultores, criadores de aves, monjes, pescadores, ninjas, o por supuesto, samurais y ronins. Por medio de todo tipo de situaciones conoceremos algún desconocido sector de la antigua sociedad, cada una teniendo en común la misma temática en cuánto a su estructura, la venganza.

No sólo el dúo protagónico está en su viaje de venganza, en la mayoría de situaciones las personas con quienes se topan tienen su propia venganza. De ahí que sea una travesía hostil y violenta, la brújula moral no está demarcada sobre la construcción occidental de valores como el perdón o amor, prima el honor y el deber provenientes (mayormente) del confusionismo japonés, denominado “Bushido”.

De hecho, varios capítulos están dedicados a ser una reflexión filosófica y espiritual acerca del camino del guerrero y la ruta de venganza de padre e hijo. No soy lo suficientemente conocedor en religión oriental para afirmar que lo he entendido por completo o cercano, más tampoco me parece correspondiente calificarlas de inentendibles o pretenciosas. Su presencia en la historia es fundamental, aún si no entiendes completamente lo implicado, si captas la solemnidad de lo descrito.

Para los personajes secundarios que participan durante cada trama episódica se utiliza lo necesario en lo justo para entender las capas que les conforman, el realismo también es conseguido por caracterizarlos como tal, de personajes y no únicamente excusas para el enfrentamiento episódico. Siempre se entiende por qué sucede la venganza y en que afecta a sus involucrados, ni tampoco hay una visión pesimista o detrimento de quiénes vivieron en la época, las historias se permiten, de vez en cuándo, atisbos del amor, cariño, piedad y lealtad, el lado amable de la humanidad. En conjunto, cada capítulo es tratado con tacto y dedicación, convirtiendo lo sucedido en creíble.

Y es importante ese realismo en lo humano para contrarrestar el desarrollo de lo espectacular, específicamente, Itto es tan buen guerrero que podría afectar el interés en las peleas debido a la falta de peligro y riesgo. Una de las formas para evitar el desgaste del lector frente a las frecuentes peleas, es la amplia versatilidad en cuánto al enfrentamiento y cómo sucede. Katanas de todos los tamaños, variedad de lanzas, o las armas especiales de Ninjas y autoridades; en la versión que leí se incluyen extensos comentarios sobre las armas utilizadas, la forma en que eran usadas y quienes las empuñaban.

Durante la travesía hay un ambiente generalizado de decaimiento, pérdida de los valores tradicionales y temor al futuro, si bien su principal propósito (posiblemente) sea caracterizar todavía más la rectitud y costumbrismo de Itto, al haber tanto realismo involucrado en la construcción de su mundo puede que una de las consecuencias inesperadas es la proliferación del típico pensamiento “todo tiempo pasado era mejor”. Sea o no intención del autor, me gusta que, sin importar la época, las personas siguen siendo personas.

Los mejores ejemplos son el trío protagónico, Itto con su actitud seria e ideales inquebrantables está en línea con el propósito de la historia, llamado por varios personajes “el último samurai”, alguien quien respeta las lecciones del Bushido a cada momento y acción hasta donde se lo permite su propio camino de venganza. Tener un carácter inquebrantable e inspirador también es una forma de complejidad y realismo, justificando su constante fuerza a lo largo del manga.

Diagoro es meramente un niño, su evolución es de madurez a temprana edad, imitando y luego asumiendo los ideales que observa en su padre, llegando a participar en varios de los esquemas de asesinato. La representación de la inocencia perdida de quienes son obligados a vivir en un entorno hostil, a la par de como aún puede haber rectitud e integridad entre los que crecen en medio de la violencia.

Sin embargo, mi personaje favorito es el villano, Retsudo Yagyu, la cabeza de la familia “Yagyu”, el único culpable detrás de una tragedia que se convierte en ríos de sangre. No, nunca hay una justificación de su actuar que podría considerarse de correcta o rectificadora para estándares modernos, plenamente es egoísmo y hambre de poder, pero me resulta imposible de odiar o detestar, tal como Itto, podríamos considerarlo, irónicamente, una de las personas más “correctas” sea por sus ideales, el inquebrantable carácter, la inacabable persistencia, el respeto y odio que podrías llegar a tener por tu peor adversario.

Para corresponder a los elementos tan sólidos de su narración, es necesaria la visión gráfica para representarlo, dibujado por Goseki Kojima, no es exageración calificarlo como uno de los mangas mejor dibujados, todavía más si pensamos en la época en que fue publicado. Bien suele mencionarse que los caballos representan uno de los mayores retos para un artista, en Kozure Ookami abundan los caballos. Desde páginas completas donde se nota la energía y fuerza de sus movimientos, en doble página en las que suelen estar varios o presentes en medio de las emocionantes batallas.

Las mismas batallas tienen una enorme complejidad en su trazo, los personajes y sus movimientos, la fiereza de los cortes y fuerza de los golpes, en una cuidada maquetación, dedicada a sentar la tensión del enfrentamiento. Varios de mis paneles favoritos son los que narran a diferentes niveles lo que está sucediendo y lo que podría suceder, utilizando las miradas y sombras.

Y cuándo no está en la acción hay dedicación a la representación mundana de la sociedad en sus pequeñas acciones, sea comer un pequeño postre en la calle o cruzar un río, en las mismas también se presentan diferentes escenarios japoneses que recuerdan a los clásicos de Ukiyo-e. Es un trabajo visual donde cada parte es admirable, y en conjunto, es impresionante.

Mencionando un poco su trascendencia porque la considero relevante dada su importancia histórica, ejerció un impacto en el género (para varios es la máxima obra de samurais), extendiéndose todavía más gracias a las adaptaciones Live Action. También es bastante reconocido en occidente porque populariza (y considerada como origen) del tropo “hombre rudo en viaje con un niño” presente en diferentes medios y formas sean en el cómic (Road to Perdition), videojuego (The Last of Us) o el cine (Logan).

Entendería porque alguien al terminarlo no quedaría igual de impresionado o impactado como fue en mi caso, porque no hay una marcada empatía o vinculación con los personajes dado lo sólido de su carácter y áspero del camino, sin embargo, quienes lo piensen en su totalidad y en el valor de sus partes, reconocerán a una obra admirable. Al violento viaje de padre e hijo para cobrar venganza de la vida que les fue robada.

English (Translated with DeepL.com (free version))

The story takes place during feudal Japan, of lords and samurai, no specific date is given, but we can assume that it happens between 1700 - 1800 given the position of Itto (Kogi Kaishakunin) or the evolution in the presence of elements characteristic of European cultural exchange (firearms), although other prominent aspects such as the Yagyu clan had its relevance during 1500 - 1600, therefore, emphasizing the obvious, it is fiction that uses historical elements to provide "realism" to its narrative.

Structured in serial format, with a main narrative thread present from time to time in chapters dedicated to the essentials of the father and son's journey of revenge until the final stretch. While the serial stories have the purpose of strengthening the construction of its historical context in the social or spiritual, in addition to containing narrative elements that will be important for revenge.

During the episodic chapters the different facets of Edo are explored, making remarkable the extensive research achieved by its author, Kazuo Koike, for the representation of an era of complete interest if you have ever been attracted to "classical Japan". In these side stories there are magicians, merchants, prostitutes, the background of the yakuza, farmers, poultry breeders, monks, fishermen, ninjas, or, of course, samurais and ronins. Through all kinds of situations we will get to know some unknown sector of the ancient society, each having in common the same theme in terms of its structure, revenge.

Not only the protagonic duo is on their journey of revenge, in most situations the people they encounter have their own revenge. Hence it is a hostile and violent journey, the moral compass is not demarcated on the western construction of values such as forgiveness or love, honor and duty (mostly) coming from the Japanese confusionism, called "Bushido".

In fact, several chapters are devoted to a philosophical and spiritual reflection on the warrior's path and the father and son's path of revenge. I am not knowledgeable enough in Eastern religion to say that I understood it completely or even close to it, but I don't think it's appropriate to call them unintelligible or pretentious either. Their presence in the story is fundamental, even if you don't fully understand what is implied, you grasp the solemnity of what is described.

For the secondary characters that participate during each episodic plot is used just enough to understand the layers that make them up, realism is also achieved by characterizing them as characters and not just excuses for the episodic confrontation. It is always understood why revenge happens and how it affects those involved, nor is there a pessimistic view or detriment to those who lived in the era, the stories have, from time to time, glimpses of love, affection, pity and loyalty, the kind side of humanity. Overall, each chapter is treated with tact and dedication, making what happened believable.

And it is important that realism in the human part to counteract the development of the spectacular, specifically, Itto is such a good warrior that it could affect the interest in the fights due to the lack of danger and risk. One of the ways to avoid reader burnout because or the frequent fights is the wide versatility in how the fighting happens and how it happens. Katanas of all sizes, a variety of spears, or the special weapons of Ninjas and authorities; the version I read includes extensive commentary on the weapons used, how they were used and who wielded them.

During the journey there is a generalized atmosphere of decay, loss of traditional values and fear of the future, although its main purpose (possibly) is to further characterize Itto's rectitude and custom, since there is so much realism involved in the construction of his world, perhaps one of the unexpected consequences is the proliferation of the typical thought "all times past were better". Whether or not the author intended it or not, I like that, regardless of the era, people are still people.

The best examples are the protagonist trio, Itto with his serious attitude and unwavering ideals is in line with the purpose of the story, called by several characters "the last samurai", someone who respects the lessons of Bushido at every moment and action as far as his own path of revenge allows. Having an unwavering and inspiring character is also a form of complexity and realism, justifying his constant strength throughout the manga.

Diagoro is merely a child, his evolution is one of maturity at an early age, imitating and then taking on the ideals he observes in his father, eventually participating in several of the assassination schemes. The representation of the lost innocence of those forced to live in a hostile environment, as well as how there can still be righteousness and integrity among those who grow up in the midst of violence.

However, my favorite character is the villain, Retsudo Yagyu, the head of the "Yagyu" family, the sole culprit behind a tragedy that turns into rivers of blood. No, there is never a justification for his actions that could be considered correct or rectifying by modern standards, fully selfishness and hunger for power, but I find it impossible to hate or detest him, just like Itto, we could consider him, ironically, one of the most "correct" people either for his ideals, the unbreakable character, the unending persistence, the respect and hatred you could have for your worst adversary.

To correspond to the solid elements of its narrative, it is necessary the graphic vision to represent it, drawn by Goseki Kojima, it is not an exaggeration to qualify it as one of the best drawn manga, even more if we think of the time in which it was published. It is often mentioned that horses represent one of the greatest challenges for an artist, and in Kozure Ookami there are plenty of horses. From full pages where the energy and strength of their movements can be seen, to double page spreads where several of them are present in the middle of the exciting battles.

The battles themselves have an enormous complexity in their stroke, the characters and their movements, the fierceness of the cuts and force of the blows, in a careful layout, dedicated to setting the tension of the confrontation. Several of my favorite panels are the ones that narrate at different levels what is happening and what could happen, using looks and shadows.

And when not in the action there is dedication to the mundane representation of society in its small actions, be it eating a small dessert in the street or crossing a river, in the same are also presented different Japanese scenarios reminiscent of the classics of Ukiyo-e. It is a visual work where each part is admirable, and as a whole, it is impressive.

Mentioning a bit its transcendence because I consider it relevant given its historical importance, it exerted an impact on the genre (for many it is the ultimate samurai work), spreading even more thanks to the Live Action adaptations. It is also quite recognized in the West because it popularizes (and considered as origin) of the trope "tough man on a journey with a boy" present in different media and forms be it in comics (Road to Perdition), video game (The Last of Us) or cinema (Logan).

I would understand why someone after finishing it would not be equally impressed or shocked as it was in my case, because there is no marked empathy or bonding with the characters given the solidity of his character and rough road, however, those who think about it in its entirety and the value of its parts, will recognize an admirable work. To the violent journey of father and son to take revenge for the life that was stolen from them.

I have tried to like this manga, I have tried to force myself to keep going because I know it's a classic. A part of me is even disappointed in myself for dropping this series but I have to be honest with myself, nothing can please everyone.

I respect this manga. I respect the art, it's fantastic. I respect the themes, not everything is as simple as good and bad. I respect the amount of research that was done to create an authentic feudal japan setting.

My biggest issue with this series is the episodic format. I understand this is a completely subjective thing and from ... an objective point of view this is a really bad reason to not be a fan of something, but personally I prefer a consistently flowing story. I dropped this series after the 19th chapter and have been told that eventually it reaches a continuous arc, but that is apparently near the end of the series. Some information flows through between chapters but it's very minor and you will basically be dealing with the same two main characters the whole way through. These are also long chapters, eventually some reaching over 50 pages. So to continuously have to slog through these long chapters for some self contained story that doesn't even matter in the grand scheme of things is not a good pay off in my opinion.

There was a chapter or two about the MC's past and why he does what he is doing now, they were easily the best chapters I managed to read. You will get bits and pieces of character development flowing through but it's very minor.

If you're like me and don't care much for episodic series, then you might not be a fan of this. It definitely has good qualities, don't get me wrong. If you like episodic series then by all means please give it a try, you will probably enjoy it.