The manga `Lone Wolf and Cub,` skillfully crafted by Kazuo Koike and illustrated by Goseki Kojima, is widely recognized as a pivotal samurai epic. Dark Horse is now making this celebrated series available in stunning new Deluxe Edition hardcovers. The first two volumes are currently open for pre-order, each priced at $55. Volume 1 is scheduled for release on December 9, with Volume 2 following in March of next year.
About the `Lone Wolf and Cub` Manga
Originally serialized from 1970 to 1976 and spanning 28 volumes, this manga tells the poignant and brutal story of Ogami Itto. Once the shogun`s esteemed executioner, Itto is framed by the scheming Yagyu clan, leading to his downfall. After the tragic murder of his wife, he embarks on the solitary path of a ronin, raising his three-year-old son alone while relentlessly pursuing vengeance.
Deluxe Edition Features
This revamped edition of the classic manga is presented in an impressive oversized 7″ x 10″ format, designed to allow readers to fully appreciate the intricate details of the artwork. Each hardcover boasts a tactile, grainy texture, burnishing, and features elegant foil-stamped lettering and illustrations. For convenience, a built-in ribbon bookmark is included, and the manga is printed in the traditional right-to-left reading format.
- Deluxe Edition, Volume 1: This 720-page tome encompasses the entirety of the original `Lone Wolf and Cub` volumes 1 and 2, along with several stories from volume 3.
- Deluxe Edition, Volume 2: Also comprising 720 pages, this volume maintains the same luxurious oversized hardcover format and premium cover aesthetics as the first, but with a different character illustration. It collects the remainder of original volume 3, as well as volumes 4 and 5.
The narrative in these volumes continues Itto`s unwavering quest for retribution, forcing him to confront numerous formidable enemies while fiercely protecting his young son. As the body count rises, the Yagyu Clan escalates their efforts, dispatching both an elite assassin and a highly skilled swordsman from a rival clan to finally put an end to Itto`s vendetta.
Omnibus Editions
For those interested in collecting the complete manga series, Dark Horse also offers standard omnibus editions. Each of these is typically priced at $25, though they do not feature the same premium quality and design as the Deluxe Versions. Many of these omnibus editions are currently available at a discounted price, often around $20.
Available `Lone Wolf and Cub` Omnibus Editions:
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 1
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 2
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 3
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 4
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 5
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 6
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 7
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 8
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 9
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 10
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 11
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 12
The `Lone Wolf and Cub` Films
For decades, `Lone Wolf and Cub` has received critical acclaim for its masterful intertwining of a poignant theme of fatherhood with unbridled violence. The series is widely regarded as one of the most influential manga of all time, credited with pioneering the genre of a powerful protector accompanying a child on a perilous journey. Its rich legacy has inspired numerous adaptations, including acclaimed films and television series.
Six `Lone Wolf and Cub` films were released between 1972 and 1974. The complete collection is currently available on Blu-ray for $50 (originally $100) as part of the Criterion Collection`s 50% off sale, which runs until July 27. This set offers a visceral and bloody cinematic experience, significantly enhanced by Criterion Collection`s digital restorations, uncompressed monaural soundtracks, and a wealth of bonus materials.
Other Notable Deluxe Edition Manga
For more information on other premium manga releases, you might want to explore the ongoing `Vagabond Definitive Edition` series. Below is a concise list of other prominent manga series available in Deluxe Edition format:
- Berserk – 14 Volumes
- Blade of the Immortal – 10 Volumes
- Hellsing – 3 Volumes
- Lone Wolf and Cub – 2 Volumes
- Planetes – 2 Volumes
- Trigun / Trigun Maximum – 6 Volumes
- Vagabond – 6 Volumes
- Vinland Saga – 8 Volumes