For enthusiasts of compelling samurai narratives, “Lone Wolf and Cub” stands out as an essential read. This iconic manga, penned by Kazuo Koike and brought to life by Goseki Kojima, is now being re-released by Dark Horse in exquisite Deluxe Edition hardcovers. Volumes 1 and 2 are currently open for pre-order, each priced at $55. The inaugural volume is scheduled for release on December 9th, with the second volume following in March of next year.
“Lone Wolf and Cub” originally serialized across 28 volumes from 1970 to 1976. The series narrates the poignant saga of Ogami Itto, who once served as the shogun`s esteemed executioner. Itto`s life is tragically overturned when he is falsely accused by the manipulative Yagyu clan. With his wife brutally murdered, he becomes a ronin, embarking on a perilous journey of vengeance while single-handedly raising his young, three-year-old son.
This fresh iteration of the classic manga is presented in an impressive oversized format (7″ x 10″), allowing readers to fully appreciate the intricate details of the artwork. Each hardcover boasts a refined grainy texture, burnishing, and elegant foil-stamped lettering and illustrations. Convenience is added with a built-in ribbon bookmark, and the books are printed in the authentic right-to-left manga style. Spanning 720 pages, Deluxe Edition Volume 1 encompasses the entirety of “Lone Wolf and Cub” Volumes 1 and 2, along with select stories from Volume 3.
The second volume of the “Lone Wolf and Cub” Deluxe Edition maintains the identical oversized hardcover dimensions and also runs to 720 pages. While featuring a distinct character illustration, it preserves the premium cover aesthetics, including the grain texture, foil-stamped lettering, and the practical ribbon bookmark. This volume compiles the remaining content of Volume 3, alongside the complete Volumes 4 and 5 of the original series.
In this continuation of the narrative, Itto presses on with his unwavering pursuit of vengeance, confronting numerous adversaries while steadfastly safeguarding his son. As the death toll mounts, the Yagyu Clan escalates their efforts, dispatching both an elite assassin and a formidable swordsman from a rival faction in a determined bid to eliminate Itto permanently.
Lone Wolf and Cub Omnibus Editions
For those seeking the complete collection of the manga, Dark Horse also provides omnibus editions. These are typically priced at $25 each, offering a more standard quality compared to the premium deluxe versions. Many of these omnibus editions can frequently be found on sale for approximately $20.
- 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 movies are also great
Over many decades, “Lone Wolf and Cub” has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its masterful blend of a profound story of fatherhood with intense, unbridled violence. It is widely recognized as one of the most influential manga series ever created, often credited with pioneering the genre of a formidable guardian embarking on a dangerous quest to protect a child. Its enduring legacy is further cemented by its adaptations into various films and television series throughout the years.
Between 1972 and 1974, a series of six “Lone Wolf and Cub” films were released. Currently, the complete collection is available on Blu-ray as part of the Criterion Collection, priced at $50 (a 50% discount from its original $100 price). This special offer is available until July 27th. These films are known for their raw and violent depictions, and the Criterion Collection enhances them with meticulous digital restorations, high-quality uncompressed monaural soundtracks, and a wealth of supplementary bonus features.
For those interested in other premium manga releases, you might explore the ongoing “Vagabond Definitive Edition” series. Additionally, an updated list of current deals and upcoming pre-orders is provided, featuring titles like the forthcoming “Planetes Deluxe Edition” from Dark Horse Manga.
Other Notable Deluxe Edition Manga Series:
- 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