As popular as samurai tales are over in Japan, it seems like we get a cherry-picking of the best. Ruroni Kenshin, Lone Wolf and Cub and Vagabond are just a few of the titles. Not that I'm complaining about only getting the good stuff. Viz has been hosting Natsume Ono's House of Five Leaves over at their SigIKKI site, and it looks like it'll join the ranks of those high-end titles.
House of Five Leaves, as far as the story goes online, is about a ronin, a masterless samurai, who ends up helping a group called the House of Five Leaves in a kidnapping operation. He's alone and at the end of his wits, and over the course of the four chapters, finds himself naturally drifting towards joining this group. It's a bit of a slow boil, but the story has some real promise.
To an extent, the story reminds me of Rock's path in Black Lagoon, trying to walk the line between his upright and honest ideals and the dark side of those he's working with, all while still living a life that's truly enjoyable. Except here, things are more nuanced. And there's no Balalaika.
Ono's artwork gives the series a beautiful look to the classical world of the samurai. More wispy and airy than Vagabond, it gives an otherworldly feel to the work -- in a sense, it reminds me of some of the more classical art, with just a bit of an updated punch.
If you're looking for a lot of swordfighting and epic battles, Five Leaves isn't going to be your cup of tea. This is more for the person who wants to get caught up in some of the culture of Edo. So, if that sounds like a pleasant read for you (it certainly has been for me), then go ahead and check it out at SigIKKI's website. And Viz, I can't wait to see a print copy arrive in the mail!
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