Sons of Fate Origins

When samurai master Daiki Jinjaku is shipwrecked near the coast of Africa in the 17th century, he takes on an apprentice from the local tribe, training him not only in the art of war, but also the mental, and often philosophical, side of being a warrior. Jinjaku takes on this task as much from his sadness over his permanent separation from his son, as for the talent he recognizes in his student. The story unfolds with a great deal of visual energy, offering beautiful, flowing renderings of battle scenes, samurai lessons, and heady discussions, and the impeccable color work adds multiple moody dimensions. Unfortunately, the story is often bogged down by wordiness. The flow is further disrupted by Jinjaku’s very melodramatic phrasing, and some cuts to what Jinjaku’s son is up to that don’t connect with the main story. Deshong (Mermaids/Sirens) has a good story and the artistic skills to render it, but some writing help would have helped. (BookLife)