This comic book took me completely by surprise. It looked as though Greg (X-Men: Phoenix - Endsong) Land or Ariel (Space Ghost) Olivetti provided the detailed and textured cover art, but to my surprise, Luke Ross was the one responsible. His style has developed take a quantum leap forward. I've always been generally lukewarm to Ron Marz's writing as well, and exotic period pieces such as this one have never been my cup of tea. Nevertheless, I found myself drawn into a world of war and honor. Marz has taken the lessons he learned on CrossGen's The Path, cast aside the fantasy/super-hero elements and crafted the beginnings of engaging epic story of love and war.
Asukai Shiro is one of Lord Tokudaiji's most skilled and devoted warriors, a samurai who fears not death, only dishonor. There's only one thing in the world more important to him than his duty to his lord, and that is his love for a woman named Yoshiko. On the eve of a battle with barbarians that he is not expected to survive, Shiro visits with her, and they share a night -- perhaps their last night -- that neither will ever forget. When the battle breaks, Shiro's actions surprise even himself, and the battle has an unforseen outcome, consequences and victims.
Greg Land apparently rubbed off on artist Luke Ross during their time with CrossGen comics, because Ross's work here is stronger than I've ever seen it before. I'd always considered Ross to be a rather conventional super-hero artist... capable, but not much more. His work here is far more than capable, and it boasts a clear Land influence. A Gene Colan-esque look also makes itself known at a couple of points. The central characters boast a lovely sense of grace, and I appreciated the unflinching look at a sort of warfare the world doesn't see anymore. Jason Keith, also a CrossGen alum, provides wonderfully rich and textured colors, adding depth and realism to the line art.
Marz offers plenty of information as to the conflict here in the script, but when it comes to the love scene, he wisely backs off and lets the art tell the tale. The script no doubt calls for the nudity we see in this powerful scene, but it doesn't come off as gratuitous. There's a real passion and tenderness to be found in that encounter. The love the two characters share for one another comes shining through.
Forget the samurai swords and exotic flavor of this comic book. Ultimately, Marz is telling a story about love in the middle of a war. He's just opted to set it in a different kind of war. Cold Mountain explores the idea in the Civil War. Pearl Harbor did the same in World War II. The story here is simple but strong, but the best reason to check out this quiet debut is to witness a transformation in the work of Luke Ross. 7/10
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
