When an isolated island in the East China Sea is under siege, the inhabitants are forced to put their differences aside to fight their common foe. Ronin Island, a five issue mini-series from BOOM, starts this month.

Written by Greg Pak (Star Wars, Firefly, Mech Cadet Yu) and illustrated by Giannis Milonogiannis (colours by Irma Kniivila), Ronin Island is an engaging tale. It has a simple, low key beginning; its the 1800’s. It’s graduation day for two of its young fighting students. One has Japanese heritage, the other Korean. Male and female, in a competition for fighting victory. But before long, the entire island is being threatened!

The story has a folksy rhythm, with a bit of good-natured joking and patient lecturing from the elders. The pace suggests that we are seeing the groundwork being laid for a saga. The illustrations, expressions, and locations by Milonogiannis are dramatic and touching. Kniivila has a nice touch with colour; never too heavy, and reminiscent of watercolour paintings.

Things are off to a good start in Ronin Island. The story is leading to some great things already, so now’s the time to get on board. You should give it a look!

BOOM Studios, Ronin Island #1, $3.99 for 26 pages of content. Assume Teen rating

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!!