Frank Miller's Ronin

[megladon8]

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/513WRBDT72L._SS500_.jpg

Read it today.

It's easily one of the best graphic novels I've ever read. The only Miller work I like better is "Year One".

A beautiful, epic story, incredible artwork, and a mind-blowing ending.

I loved it.

Discuss.

[Babylon23]

I don't really have much to add other than to say I agree with you entirely. Ronin is a remarkable book and easily one of Miller's best. I read this when it was first published, then again about 2 years ago and the story still stands the test of time.

[megladon8]

I don't really have much to add other than to say I agree with you entirely. Ronin is a remarkable book and easily one of Miller's best. I read this when it was first published, then again about 2 years ago and the story still stands the test of time.


The ending left me with a few questions, though...maybe you can clear them up for me a bit.


***SPOILERS AHEAD***


Was the whole story of the ronin and the demon and whatnot really just something in Billy's head that he made come to life, or was that thrown in there as a red herring?

And in the very last shot, when he and his lover are still alive, is it because he basically saved their lives with his mind?

It reminded me a lot of Akira.

[Scrubz]

Recently read it myself. Personally I like it better than Year One just cuz it was an original work. Year One is still awesome though. The high concept idea of the invalid with mind powers who essentially makes up his own fantasy was awesome. If you liked Ronin definitely check to Ghost In the Shell 1&2. The TV series is great as well and is set in its own universe.

Just wish Miller was channeling his early work in All Star Batman and Robin...

[megladon8]

Just wish Miller was channeling his early work in All Star Batman and Robin...

Yeh, I really don't know ho that series went downhill so badly.

The first issue or two I actually found pretty interesting - it was a Batman I'd never seen before, and while I'm as big a Batman-buff as you'll find, even I admit that characters tend to get stale after 60+ years. So something different was a welcome change.

But now it's just...bad.

All-Star Superman, however, is one of the best titles being released right now, IMO. It feels like a tim-warp to golden age Superman...it's wonderful.

[Scrubz]

The ending left me with a few questions, though...maybe you can clear them up for me a bit.


***SPOILERS AHEAD***


Was the whole story of the ronin and the demon and whatnot really just something in Billy's head that he made come to life, or was that thrown in there as a red herring?

And in the very last shot, when he and his lover are still alive, is it because he basically saved their lives with his mind?

It reminded me a lot of Akira.

From my understanding the whole Ronin backstory was a figment of Billy's imagination. He was living out his fantasy. As for the ending, it could be Billy literally becoming the Ronin in physical form.

[Scrubz]

All-Star Superman, however, is one of the best titles being released right now, IMO. It feels like a tim-warp to golden age Superman...it's wonderful.

Morrison and Quitely on All Star Superman is indeed amazing. Issue 8 was fabulous. Quitely's artwork has so much depth and emotion. It is a shame a lot of people don't respect it. JLA Earth 2 is one of Morrison's best Justice League stories. Martian Manhunter and Aquaman kick so much @ss in that story.

[megladon8]

From my understanding the whole Ronin backstory was a figment of Billy's imagination. He was living out his fantasy. As for the ending, it could be Billy literally becoming the Ronin in physical form.


I didn't think of it that way, but I really like that.

I actually got a little teary at the end...and when you find out about Billy's real-life back story.

It really is a beautiful work, and I loved that in every issue, there was a two-page spread of an aerial view of New York City, and in each issue it gets more and more engulfed by the Aquarius.

[ChairthrowerLad]

Likes:
1) Grant Morrison
2) Good Anime (i.e. Shinichiro Watanabe, GITS)
3) Carlos Pacheco
4) Franz Ferdinand
5) Phil Lamar

I like early 20th century Austrian Dukes too man....of course I am refering to Phil Lamar....Sweet gorilla of Manila!!

Edit: I also read Ronin recently and it was pretty good.

[Scrubz]

I like early 20th century Austrian Dukes too man....of course I am refering to Phil Lamar....Sweet gorilla of Manila!!

Edit: I also read Ronin recently and it was pretty good.

Man if he hadn't been assassinated he wouldn't have spawned an awesome Scottish band.

[ChairthrowerLad]

Man if he hadn't been assassinated he wouldn't have spawned an awesome Scottish band.

Phil Lamar was assassinated? and he has a band named after him!?!? :confused:








:p