It seemed that with the death of his children and the Kurokuwa that Retsudo Yagyu had run out of pieces to put into play against Ogami Itto, but that proves not to be the case in "Twilight of the Kurokuwa," Volume 18 of the Lone Wolf and Cub manga epic by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima. For the first time in the series the Shogun makes an appearance (although we never see his face), and we can only speculate as to what impact this will have on the blood feud;

(88) "Firewatchers of the Black Gate" finds Retsudo Yagyu leading the Shogun's annual pilgrimage to the family mausoleum. As part of this ritual we learn about the Shogun's bodyguards, the Firewatchers (the Kemuridome-Shu), who are also the warriors assigned to ensure all fires are out along the route; each carries a section of ladder that can be joined together with others. The Shogun, concerned that Ogami Itto's actions are eroding the Shogunate, tells Retsudo to solve this problem within a month or forfeit his own life. Retsudo then orders the Firewatchers to kill Ogami Itto, and in this story we see their first attempt.

(89) "The Immortal Firewatchers" continues the quest of the Firewatchers to kill Ogami Itto, who is trying to get to Edo by water. However, as such things often do, this fight comes down to a duel between Ogami Itto's Suio-Ryu and Habrui Genbu, Kuromon Kemuridome-Shu.

(90) "Paper Money" brings together several themes we have seen in earlier stories. Again, rather than helping to slay Ogami Itto, there is someone who want's Lone Wolf's help. However, this time, it is not his sword that is desired, but rather the money he has collected on the Assassin's Road.

(91) "Lifeline" finds Daigoro once again separated by his father because he had been distracted. Now Daigoro struggles to catch up with his papa, following the two tracks of the baby cart that Lone Wolf pushes across the sandy beaches. This is another one of the classic stories in this series where the dialogue is at a minimum and it is Goseki Kojima's drawings that carry the story.

(92) "Twilight of the Kurokawa" reveals that not all of the Kurokawa ninja have been slain by Ogami Itto. Retsudo Yagyu visits the retirement home of the Kurokawa, where there are five old men who had served their code for fifty years and now live out their final years in Kurokuwa village. Retsduo relates what Ogami Itto has done (represented by Kojima's artwork) and "asks" for these old men to use their famous sword wheel, which has never been defeated, to kill Lone Wolf and Cub.

After the bloody two-parter that begins this collection, the final trio of stories suggests a quiet before the storm, or at least a significant lull in the action. The ebb and flow of this grand saga is part of its strength, for this is not a bloodbath from start to finish. In fact, the fights are the least compelling part of the narrative for me. Instead, I focus on the character development, the historical detail, and, of course, the relationship between father and son. I am now two-thirds of the way through the Lone Wolf & Cub story and continue to look forward to reading the next episode each night before retiring. As soon as I finish I will probably start it over again, to better appreciate how Koike and Kojima put their masterpiece together.

If you are reading this review then you have most likely read the past 17 or so books in this series and are hopelessly lost in the tale. Will the wolf win? If so, will he live? You know these answers from the very begining so don't bother asking now. At this point I think we must ask...if the wolf and cub correct in continuing? Don't say YES without thinking. The wolf is no longer killing the guilty or those he is paid to. Now he is fighting people with hearts as good as his, and samari that follow the code of the sword as closely as him. How much is one mans revenge worth? Read on my friends we shall know the answer soon.

The Shogun himself enters into the story, imploring Retsudo to remove the wolf plaguing the landscape. The Yagyu are already mocked at court for their failure, and the Shogun makes it clear that the Yagyu honor is at stake. He lends Retsudo his elite group of firewatchers- unparralleled fighters under the direct service of the Shogun.

In the second half of this volume, a desperate and half-blinded Retsudo calls upon the true last of the Kurokawa - a retired group of ninja, now aged and crippled, but still deadly. They have fulfilled their years of servitude to the Yagyu, but Retsudo insists that they perform one last mission: Kill Ogami Itto!

As this series progresses, and spirals further into the depths of sacrifice for duty, the whole concept of Ogami vs Retsudo fades, as does good vs evil. They both seem to be men trapped by their roles, trapped by their obligations, destined to agony by their senses of responsibility- Itto to his road of hell, and Retsudo to his blood line.

If you are interested in a critique of Budo, and a sharp critical gaze into the intricacies of Japanese origins of honor and duty, you must read these books.

I have the complete collection of Crying Freeman graphic novels. What impresses me most of Ikegami's work if the realism of his drawings and the beauty of his characters. In "Shades of Death" the hero, Yo Hinomura, a.k.a Crying Freeman marries Emu Hino. Both Yo and Emu acquire different Chinese names, and Yo is officially announced as the successor of the leader of the 108 Dragons clan. Before getting a chance to go honey mooneing Emu is kidnapped presummably by the grandaughter of the Dragon's leader, and now it is up to Yo to rescue Emu and find what are the intentions behind Emu's kidnapping... to know more read the novel... I love this series, I read it cover to cover , again and again, every time I enjoy it more. I look forward to more works by Mr. Ikegami.

This book is totaly amazing. Exellent artwork, great storyline and naughty bits for those that like them. The artwork is so good that it shows the facial structures of characters from all over the world. Plus the heroe's really cute. Ikegami can draw better than most manga artists. His work is very realistic and not simplified like other artists do. Crying Freeman is supposed to be serious and I'm glad that they've kept it that way. Not bad at all. Highly recommended.

Ryoichi Ikegami, a Japanese Gekiga illustrator known his fluent and sexy paintings. Men and women he paints are beautiful, realistic and sexy. I love them!  Japanese Gekiga (graphic novels) typically has system of division of labor, story-tellers and illustrators. Ikegami is working with several story-tellers. Be careful. Ikegami's works are usually for adult readers. They sometimes contains sexual and violent scenes. A young and promising Japanese ceramist is kidnapped by HongKong Mafia and made up to be an assassin. After the long and tough training, he becomes an expert assassin and the leader of the family. Once he was seen his killing by a Japanese woman and try to kill her, but they fall in love and get married. This story is about the adventure of violence and love. Sometimes Ikegami's works go too far to the extent of losing its realism, but in this series, well maintained.

Finally, a book that takes on the Earth Systems instead of a collection of unconnected Earth facts. Dr. Art's talent for describing the big picture through an interconnected systems approach provides the tool I've been waiting for as an educator and as a citizen of the global community. This readable and beautifully illustrated book is going to be the guide my students use as they travel the Earth Systems. With Dr. Art's guide my students will learn about why the Earth is so extraordinary and what Earthlings can do when they think globally. I can't wait to share Dr. Art's Guide to Planet Earth with my fellow teachers and my friends. Thank you Dr. Art.

This book is a rare gem! The concepts are described both visually and textually--even an adult could grasp the principles expressed here. It is a book every child in America should read or should read to his/her parents. Armed with this information, I now know how global warming occurs and how matter is recycled. If all of the adults governing our planet would read this easily understood manual, the world would indeed be a better place. Art Sussman, I thank you, my kids thank you and the world thanks you. Dr. Sussman is truly the Art of Science.

The striking cover art by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley for Volume 7 of the Lone Wolf and Cub manga epic is one of his best, but I have to think it would have been more appropriate for Daigoro to be on the cover because in "Cloud Dragon, Wind Tiger," two of the five stories focus on the Cub rather than Lone Wolf. Kazuo Koike continues to provide a few additional details about the quest Ogamii Itto has taken along the assassin's road, but the emphasis has become a bit more about character than violence at this point in the tale. Furthermore, those characters being studied are now, more often than not, others besides the title characters. "Cloud Dragon, Wind Tiger" offers up five more episodes:

(34) "Dragnet" has the Yagyu clan trying to find a way to kill Ogamii Itto without seeming to break their promise not to do so as long as the ronin stays out of the Edo Funai. Their plan is to have the police round up the Lone Wolf as a common criminal. But, of course, Ogamii rises to the challenge, seeing it as the perfect die to die.

(35) "Night Stalker" is the first of the volume's two Daigoro stories, in which the youngster becomes enthralled by a lumber center while waiting for his father to return. In his explorations Daigoro stumbles up the handiwork of another assassin. This story relies primarily on Goseki Kojima's artwork as the dialogue, as you would expect, is rather minimal.

(36) "Cloud Dragon, Wind Tiger" provides us another glimpse into the past life of Lone Wolf as the assassin encounters a man he had met in his former life. The title story is about a duel that has been a long time coming and serves as a fitting reminder that Lone Wolf is not the only former samurai of honor. Certainly a worthy story for providing the title of this volume.

(37) "Inn of the Last Chrysanthemum" is another classic story in which Lone Wolf and Cub are essentially minor characters. This is really the story of Oi-Chan, one of the "Put-Out Girls" at the Inn. She persuades father and son to spend the night at the Inn, although she has been promised to another that night. Eventually we learn the story of her family's disgrace that has forced her to this position (which involves several scenes of sexual violence), and how Oi-Chan now has an opportunity to exact her revenge. (The cover art is for this story.)

(38) "Penal Code Article Seventy-Nine" basically says that age is no excuse for breaking the law. This Daigoro story has the three year old once again waiting for his father to return and going off to investigate something of interest: this time a festival. Also there is "Quick Change" O-Cho, the famous pickpocket and her bag man. Pursued by the police, she gives a wallet to Daigoro and "If you keep this for me, I'll give you a Mon, okay? Promise...?" Of course, neither the thief nor the police can understand the importance of those words to a son who has observed that once hired, you did what your client orders to the last. We will also learn that Daigoro knows another word besides "Papa." Another extremely moving story from Koike and Kojima.

The three "guest stars" of the last three stories are all extremely well drawn characters and you become so captivated reading about their lives that you forget they are but incidental characters, never to be seen again after the tale is done. You know, I am going to stop counting how many times I think that I have just finished reading the best volume in this series. I am just going to continue reading one episode a night and savoring them. Just do not explain why I have waited this long to start enjoying one of the classic "comic book" stories of the 20th century.

Following in the footsteps of the earlier editions, Ogami Itto continues in his slow but unfaltering quest to reveal the crimes of the Yagyu. And the Yagyu are aware... In this issue Itto and his son Diagoro face a Yagyu dragnet, a lone samaurai from an execution past, a young woman willing to give her life to avenge her family, and Diagoro witnesses the murder of a princess. Amid the varying side plots the intensity continues to build - how should a lone man and a young child with no material resources continue against the odds of a clan, luck and life pitted against them ? This is again, a fabulous book....

The fact that I know there are 28 volumes in the Lone Wolf & Cub epic certainly enters into how I read the stories collected in Volume 25, "Perhaps in Death." If I was reading Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima's epic manga as a regular comic book then the way the final confrontation between Ogami Itto and Retsudo Yagyu is being drawn out may very well have driven me crazy. But given the perspective of the long view there can be a greater appreciation for how these final impediments only add to the grandeur of the conflict. Although poisoning the blades of the two samurai failed to kill either one of the foes, Abe-No-Kaii has revealed the Yagyu letter to the Shogun and Retsudo is now under house arrest:

(122) "Perhaps in Death" focuses on Okan as she obeys Retsudo Yagyu's orders and uses the Wolf Fire to call forth the grass to Edo to aid their master. Meanwhile, Abe-No-Kaii watches over Retsudo while trying to come up with a new poison plot and Ogami Itto learns that his foe may be delayed in returning to the place where their two swords are standing in the ground.

(123) "Tales of the Grass: Oyamada Shume" is the first of a trilogy of stories on how the grass, members of the Yagyu clan hidding in secret by living as ordinary folk throughout Japan, respond to the call, of the Wolf Fire. Not only must they pass along the signal, they are also required to fake their deaths.

(124) "Tales of the Grass: Nakodera Busho" finds the call of the Wolf Fire coming next to a priest while ringing his temple bell.

(125) "Tales of the Grass: A Day Like Any Other" is the final story of this trio about the grass being called to Edo, and one of the most upsetting tales in the Lone Wolf & Cub saga. I have been reading one episode an evening before going to sleep, and it was difficult to sleep after this one.

(126) "Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, and Brunch" finds Abe-No-Kaii deciding to use Retsudo Yagyu's pride against him since the old man refuses to eat or drink anything set before him by the servants of the master poisoner. But Kaii's spies also report that Retsudo is just sitting there, not even lying down to sleep. The story continues the developing effort to make Retsudo a nobler figure, both in contrast to Kaii and even in comparison to Ogami Itto.

(127) "By His Own Hand" finally returns us to Ogami Itto and Daigoro, who are being watched by the Shogun's bugyo. In a shack by the shore the young boy practices repeatedly with a long stick, suddenly rushing at his father and whacking him. Those watching have figured out the meaning of the two swords stuck in the ground and the hundred mounds each covered with a stone, but they cannot understand the lesson that is being taught by father to son.

I sure hope the final volume of Lone Wolf & Cub is published soon (it has already been delayed almost a month) so that I do not have a gap in my reading experience, but certainly I could appreciate the lesson if that turns out to be the case. I have not bothered to find out the original schedule these comics were published, but assuming a montly schedule this volume would mark ten years worth of stories and I would be hard pressed to name another comic book that maintained this high of a standard for so long a period of time. When you step back and look at the epic in its totality you can appreciate the way Koike and Kojima are putting the pieces into place, slowly but surely.

Yagyu Retsudo, the mortal enemy of Lone Wolf and Cub is finally brought up on charges of treason against the Shogun for the infamous Yagyu letters. Awaiting trial under the care of the poisoner Abe who plots to kill him still, Retsudo summons the 'Grass' in a final attempt to change his fate - ninja infiltrators hidden for generations among the Samurai families all over Japan. Duty, the main tenet of Bushido is evident in the way the ninja obediently destroy all traces of their former lives (and in some cases, their offspring as well) as farmers, soldiers, and priests, to answer Retsudo's call to arms. Elsewhere, Ogami Itto patiently awaits his promised duel with Retsudo while teaching son Diagoro what it means to wield the sword of the Samurai.

Having followed the saga of Ogami Itto and his son Diagoro since book #1, I must say the stories keep getting better and better. While there is less of the violent physical encounters that characterized Itto's earlier adventures, the tales depicted in the book are no less gripping. I particularly liked the focus on the other major character of the series, Itto's nemesis Yagyu Retsudo. One could almost admire the man for his tenacity, honour, and Bushido spirit, despite his ruthlessness.

Sometimes it is hard to remember that Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima are maddening slow in parceling out clues about the secret message hidden in the Yagyu letter because our attention is always riveted on the particular tale being told in the manga epic of Lone Wolf & Cub. Volume 14 of the saga, "Day of the Demons," offers up the next four episodes of Ogami Itto's path along the Assassin's road:

(69) "One Rainy Day" is another poignant tale that takes place while Daigoro is waiting for his father to return from an assassination. A samurai renders the judgment of the people of twenty-six villages and slays the Daikansho, a corrupt local official. By taking responsibility for the killing, Harada Zenbe spares the peasants from being punished. After the official investigation, he will be allowed to commit seppuku. While waiting under house arrest, he encounters Daigoro--but only on days when the sun shines.

(70) "O-Shichiri Man" refers to the special runners who delivered letters written by the lord of Han, each of whom is assigned a shichiri (17 miles) over which to run. They are granted the samurai right to kill (up to three people) to make sure the mail is delivered. However, this particular O-Shichiri has to contend with the hatred of his wife because of something he has done. Eventually Ogami Itto becomes involved in the matter--after a really neat demonstration of his skill with a sword--until the tale reaches the twist at the end that we have come to expect in such tales.

(71) "The Kyushu Road" is over 100-pages long and finds Ogami Itto beset by masked assassins, including the spear instructor for Kuroda Han. The question becomes why the Kuroda are aiding the Yagyu, and Ogami Itto is invited to ask that question of Lord Kurdo himself. In doing so, we learn a bit more about the Yagyu letter.

(72) "Day of the Demons" is a story of the persecution of Christians in Japan during this period. Daigoro finds a young girl to play with, but when she and her family are rounded up as Christians, he stands by his new friend. Given a charge by the girl's dying mother, Daigoro is asked by his father: "You want to finish what she asked of you?" We know the answer to that question and we suspect the sort of heartbreak we will find at the end of this unforgettable story."

Once again I marvel at the way Koike and Kojima weave together all sort of different stories as they prolong our enjoyment of the journey Ogami Itto and Diagoro take as they life in Meifumado, at the juncture of the six paths and the four lives. For me the violence and the sex are so secondary to the character studies being offered up in these stories. Koike and Kojima are able to give the characters who appear in single episodes a sense of depth that makes their lives (and usually their deaths) a rich part of the tapestry. I have been reading one episode a night before I go to bed and I will probably start all over again once I finish "Lone Wolf and Cub" to better appreciate the grand design of this epic comic.

Lone wolf and cub is a fantastic set of stories. Here we have another collection of great stores from the classic Japanese series.

It's usually hard to comment on these stories uniquely. They all reflect and explain Japanese culture and for that reason alone are a fine addition to any person collection or bookshelf. The storytelling is fantastic and the artwork first rate.

The second story in the segment WAS available in regular comic book form. I suspect there may have been some change in order in printing. If you like me thought the series was totally published in order, it may force you to check out some eariler issues to make sure you missed nothing.

As for the tears, they involve the last story. It deals with an encounter with a group of Japanese Christians who were hunted down, bounties offered on them and given the choice of denying Christ and Mary or death. Any faithful Catholic reading this story will be moved particularly when you consider events in Indonesia and China these days. It brings to mind the passage: "Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me bofore others , I will deny before my heavenly Father" (Mt. 10:32-33) Of course nobody familar with the culture of Japan will be shocked since faithfulness unto death to any cause is a part of the culture.

Reguardless of the reason you buy it, buy it.

Although it is too early to tell what it portends for this manga epic, the story of Lone Wolf and Cub moves into a new stage by the end of Volume 9 "Echo of the Assassin." Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima set up this shift by continuing to tell tales that tend to focus more on supporting characters than on Ogami Itto's journey on the assassin's road:

(45) "Wife of the Heart" refers to O-Chiyo, a young woman who endures all sorts of shames because of her respect and love for a samurai who bore a punishment in her stead. Now he dreams of building a bridge across the Omono, if only he can convice his lord to listen. Then Ogami Itto arrives and the story takes a couple of very interesting twists in what proves to be a rather touching little tale.

(46) "Wandering Samarai" is another one of these tales that deals with the concept of bushido as the title character, a rogue swordsman-for-hire, seeks not only a duel with Ogami Itto, but the ronin's judgment. The first two stories of this volume have in common the worthiness of Lone Wolf's opponents, an element that has become increasing prominent as the series continues.

(47) "Echo of the Assassin" offers another interesting variation on this theme as Lone Wolf meets up with a stranger who unnecessarily help him fend off assassins from the Kurokuwa ninja clan. The stranger argues with Lone Wolf about his chosen path and what he is doing to Daigoro (whose vocabulary expands by about ten words in this episode).

(48) "Naked Worms" is not the title story for this volume but it is the most important one despite a title that does not lend itself to being overly promoted. The title refers to the lowly river porters, the hadaka-mushi, who carry travelers across the Oi river. When Ogami Itto shows up and wants to join this band of ruffians, their boss suspects something, but is willing to see how it plays out. Of course, we know this has to be another one of Lone Wolf's cunning subterfuges and assume he is simply waiting for his next victim to come cross the river. However, what makes this one interesting is that we are wrong on that score and our expectations as to what will happen next in this epic is going to change radically at this point.

(49) "The Yagyu Letter: Prologue" is a short tale whose sole purpose is for the leader of the Yagyu to announce that Ogami's latest deed has violated their agreement, and they will now send the full power of their confederates and assassins to kill Lone Wolf and Cub.

Obviously, things will continue to get most interesting in the next couple of volumes. Clearly, what is past, is prologue to what is to come. I continue to read these stories at the rate of one and night in anticipation of the end of the tale sometime early next year.

My decision this fall to start reading the manga epic Lone Wolf & Cub, one episode a night before going to bed, appears to be a masterstroke of timing since the 28th and final volume of the series was due out this week. Volume 21, "Fragrance of Death" continues the novel-within-the-novel that began with the previous volume, "A Taste of Poison." The Shogun, tired of the pathetic attempts of Retsudo Yagyu and his retainers to kill Ogami Itto allows the head of the Yagyu clan to use the services of Abe-no-Kaii, the head of the Kuchiyaku, the "official mouths" of the Shougn who taste his food for poisons. Abe-no-Kaii is a master of poisons, but by this point in the story he has failed several times to kill his prime target, Daigoro, or the boy's father. But the attempts continue in his own quest to control the power of the Shogunate in the five stories collected in this volume:

(103) "Poison Currents" is the story that will convince you once and for all that Ogami Itto really is a demon; or, at least, is beyond being a mere human. Abe-no-Kaii actually poisons himself to help set the trap that finally succeeds in rending Ogami Itto helpless. Or does it?

(104) "Flood of Fire" finds the desperate master poisoner making an attempt on the life of Retsudo Yagyu and risking everything he had done on this desperate ploy.

(105) "Fire, Water and Poison" tells of Abe-no-Kaii fleeing the wrath of the Yagyu clan, but still trying to come up with a plan to save his life by being the one to kill Ogami Itto.

(106) "Fragrance of Death" finally answers the question as to what Ogami Itto did with all the gold he has been receiving for the many assassinations he has accomplished along the Assassin's Road. But at the same time, father and son require the cutting of some habutae, the unbleached white silk funeral clothes of Japanese tradition. Along with the recovery of his gold, this can only portend that we are coming to another significant moment in this epic quest for vengeance and restored honor.

(107) "Kaii's Lullaby" tells of Abe-no-Kaii's final gambit to poision Lone Wolf and Cub, as well as the story of how he came to be the master taster for the Shogun. It is not surprising that Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima are able to invest even a wretched monster like Abe-no-Kaii with some small aspect of sympathy. Of course, this all just ups the ante for the payoff in what may well prove to be the last major skirmish before the final battle is joined.

The ebb and flow of this story has been most impressive, especially since it is not until these recent volumes that Koike and Kojima have ketp such a tight narrative focus for so long. But clearly things have changed significantly now that Ogami Itto and Daigoro have entered Edo. The only problem is, I do not think I want this story to end.

Crying Freeman -- a brutally efficent assassin who releases an uncontrollable stream of tears when he kills. Paired with Fu Ching Lan, his beautiful wife, he is the leader of the 108 Dragons, a chinese mafia gang. Excellent reading, and defintely a must have.

Abe-No-Kaii has had the last laugh, so to speak, and Volume 27 "Battle's Eve" sets the stage for the final confrontation between Ogami Itto and Retsudo Yagyu, whose blades still stand in the ground awaiting their return on the field where they fought. But having learned nothing from the demise of the Yagyu and Ura-Yagyu, all cut down by Lone Wolf's sword, Retsudo sends forth the grass as well:

(133) "To Protect and Defend" is probably a literal translation of the Japanese title for this story, but it certainly fits. Daigoro remains on the beach to guard the swords and encounters a man who makes imado-yaki, (roof tiles). It seems the swords and standing in special clay, the sort that can be used to make tiles that can resist fire. If this is the last Daigoro story then it has an ironic element that is most appropriate. All this time by the river a quartet of police officers have been keeping an eye on Daigoro, and like the readers of these stories they have been affected by the samurai spirit of the little boy and are moved to help him in his duty. As always, this Daigoro story is a poignant episode of this epic saga.

(134) "For Whom to Die" tells of Retsudo Yagyu's efforts to convince the Shogun of his loyalty. After all, Retsudo remains under house arrest because of the Yagyu letters and he cannot resume his duel with Ogami Itto until he is freed. Fortunately, the grass have arrived in force to help their master in his hour of need.

(135) "Way of the Warrior, Way of Man" contrasts Retsudo Yagyu's final orders to the grass to kill Ogami Itto and Daigoro in obedience to the way of the warrior. Meanwhile, father and son enjoy the gift of the way of mankind, visited for a fleeting moment upon a father and son trapped in meifumado, a land beyond hope.` Again, Koike and Kojima show their ability to provide the saga with an ebb and flow, allowing the eye of the storm to pass over the characters befoe the final battle begins.

(136) "Battle's Eve" finds the cops have been recalled from their watch and they leave as the first of Yagyu grass arrive. The time has come for the two blades to be taken from the ground and for the battle to resume. But this time Ogami Itto must cross swords with the greenest shoot.

(137) "Grasses That Never Flower" reveals another reason why Ogami Itto dug all those holes on the beach as the Yagyu grass make a final full assault on father and son. Even at this point, over a decade into the saga, Koike and Kojima come up with new ways of trying to kill Lone Wolf.

I was hoping that the final volume of the Lone Wolf & Cub series by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima would have been published by the time I finished Volume 27, but that has proven not to be my karma. Publication has been delayed on Volume 28 over a month (so far) and now for the first time in 138 days I do not have a Lone Wolf & Cub story to read tonight at bed time. However, I do have the six movies based on the epic manga series and they should help me pass the time. Then again, I might have to just reread the entire series up to this point to better appreciate the final episodes left to be told. "Lone Wolf & Cub" is an epic tale, regardless of the fact that it is merely a "comic book."

The Yagyu grass planted accross the country has been recalled. The secret spies that have, some for five generations lived among the people and given the Yagyu the power to rule the country through the Shogun have been uprooted for two purposes:

To save their leader from the wrath of the Shogun and finally to destroy the Lone Wolf who has slain every other Yagyu except for Retsudo. Any tactic is fair game. What will be the result of the penultimate assault on Itto? Will the grass be cut? Will they slay Itto, or is something even more subtle in the works?

Buy this second to last issue to find out.