Ronin Island #5 is published by BOOM! Studios. It is written by Greg Pak with art by Giannis Milonogiannis and colors by Irma Kniivila.
We’re almost halfway through the series and I’m super excited but also getting that sinking feeling when something you enjoy is about to come to an end. Initially it seemed Hana would be the one doing what’s right, but it seems that responsibility has now been thrust upon Kenichi as he refuses to bow to the Shogun.
That isn’t to say Hana is wrong though. She stayed as a way to make sure the others were protected as the young Shogun clearly doesn’t care about anyone’s survival except his own and the walls of his castle. Despite their different choices, we have seen a lot of growth for both Kenichi and Hana.
For the first time, we got a little insight into their younger childhood (because they’re still kids and all). Kenichi at one point tried to befriend Hana, but it was his mother that refused to allow him to play with her. All the while, Hana did what we’ve seen her do many times now, bottle it up, shrug it off, and walk away. All the way back to her poorly insulated home and bedridden, sickly mother. Hana definitely had a hard childhood, but just because he was well off doesn’t mean Kenichi had it easy either. At least, I feel like that’s the message we’re supposed to get from this flashback.
There’s also a very familiar lesson everyone is learning right now, a lesson that anyone who has read ancient history will understand: just because someone has the bloodline of a ruler, doesn’t mean they should be a ruler. This Shogun is far too young, naive, and spoiled to actually understand the gravity of the situation and make decisions based on that understanding.
Instead, it’s more like a game to him. It’s entertainment. Because no one will ever tell him he’s wrong, nor will they let him die. Even Sato stays unwaveringly loyal. I mean, he makes some good points, but ultimately his justification is just something to make himself feel better about his choices.
So, we have Hana dealing with a spoiled brat and trying to keep people alive, meanwhile Kenichi is dealing with, not only Byōnin (zombie mutants), but bandits who want to find the island where the rest of his people live. This issue has made a big set-up so I’m betting the next issue, as the official halfway point, is sure to be intense and you aren’t going to want to miss out.
OVERALL SCORE: 9 / 10
Make sure you pick up Ronin Island #5 from your local comic shop!
Happy reading!
