BOOM! Studio presents the collected works, The Complete Okko.

This trade book collects the adventure story of the ronin Okko, written and drawn by HUB (Humbert Chabuel). The four previously translated volumes are reprinted here, along with the fifth volume, presented in English for the first time.

The saga takes place in feudal Japan in approximately the year 1100. The lead character, Okko, tries to save his sister’s life and begins the journey through various lands and environments. As he serves his master, he gains knowledge. There are powerfully magic characters that can help or hinder him!

This massive volume (564 pages!) is one of the most breathtaking and ambitious stories that have ever been tackled in comics. The visuals are astonishing for their originality and detail. The characters are well rendered. The environments look unique and authentic. The coloring is a bit dull and heavy, with an over-reliance on earth tones. The color muddies the line work, and often works against the flow of the story. But, perhaps like Okko, we must persevere. The rewards are worth the additional time we invest in looking at the visuals!

The amount of detail in the story via dialogue and captions are likewise daunting, but amazing. This is no casual read; it requires paying attention and investing oneself into the story. Our payoff? accompanying a character through years of transition and growth; gaining a real appreciation for the history and culture of ancient Japan, and being able to revel in the beauty of how well this tale is presented.

If you are into ronins and warrring clans in ancient Japan, this is well worth the cover price!!

BOOM Studios The Complete Okko $39.99 for 564 pages. Mature readers: Violence and sexuality

By Alan Spinney

After a career of graphic design, art direction and copywriting, I still have a passion for words and pictures. I love it when a comic book comes together; the story is tight, and the drawings lead me forward. Art with words... the toughest storytelling technique to get right. Was this comic book worth your money? Let's see!!