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     Blood and Bushido presents an interesting approach to the Samurai Era plot. Set during the Edo Period, Samurai, Vikings, and Catholic Priests meet in a Pacific Theater that is nothing short of brilliant!

     Opening on the high seas somewhere in the Atlantic, an unlikely alliance occurs between a group of Vikings and priests from the Iberian Peninsula (that’s where Portugal and Spain are located for you geographically challenged). The captain of the Vikings is Onud Grimkell, the victim of a successful mutiny. Bounded by gratitude Grimkell volunteers himself and crew to be the bodyguards of the priests as they set forth to establish missions in Japan.

     Upon arriving in Japan, the Priest and Vikings encounter both welcomed opportunity and tragedy. Entering in the middle of a family feud between two Samurai brothers, the group finds themself in one hell of a mess. Added to the stress is that one of the Samurai is interested in the tenets of Christianity while the other not. The Vikings and priests find a noble ally in the ninja warrior Nobugachi who is sent to guide and keep watch over the group as they seek out Lords whom are interested in their message.

     The plot of this story is very interesting and well done, especially how the creator brings together Vikings and priests in this story. In reality, this relationship was nothing short of adversarial as Viking raids often resulted in the murder and plundering of many priests and monasteries throughout Europe. Also, the integration of the Catholic Church’s essentially failed attempts (thankfully) at permanent missions in Japan is a welcomed twist in the overly saturated market of Samurai tales.

     It is really very hard to judge a full story on just 32 pages of story, but this beginning is essentially known to make or break a series. So, while the premise to Blood and Bushido deserves the utmost praise, the story and artwork fortell a very doubtful future.

     The actual delivery of this story is downright amateur. The dialogue is choppy making the story confusing to labor through. And despite this rich plot with its potentially dynamic characters and settings, Blood and Bushido seems to move into a common direction encountered in the art forms created in societies where Western European descendants often set the pace of the culture. Those not of Western European descent are often depicted as either the noble savage or the evil savage. Basically, this means that, as the story progressed, the only 3D characters are usually the Western Europeans or their descendants, with the non-White characters providing mere supportive roles as mystical teachers of the divine or the evil bastards that desire to destroy everything.

     Even scarier is the artwork, which is downright childlike and does nothing for this potentially epic tale. Yes, there are a few cool fighting scenes including a Viking getting his tongue cut off, but truly other than this, the artwork in this comic is embarrassing.

     But despite all of this, I stand by this comic, but only if it gets a major face-lift. Blood and Bushido could be a full blown award-winning series, in fact, it is so cutting edge, it makes the mind bleed with excitement. Blood and Bushido, could follow in the tradition of the successful historical/sci-fi fiction Indy hit Red Star. Blood and Bushido is a challenging piece of historical fiction that I can actually see inspiring a movie or mini-series at least! The criticisms set fort are here not as a discouragement, but rather a challenge to the creator to take Blood and Bushido back and do it over - give it the attention and dedication it deserves. I personally implore you-Blood and Bushido is a story that MUST BE TOLD!

     Send your comments and or questions about this article to jenniferj@ybfree.com.

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