Summary
AUTHOR: Miller, Frank
ARTIST: Frank Miller (illustrator); Lynn Varley (inker, colorist, and cover artist); John Costanza (letterer)
PUBLISHER: DC Comics
FIRST SERIAL PUBLICATION: 1983-1984
FIRST BOOK PUBLICATION: 1987
"Ronin" is an influential milestone in graphic novel history, weaving a complex narrative that transcends the traditional boundaries of comic books. This unique creation by Frank Miller, with its intricate storytelling and pioneering artistic style, set a new benchmark in the comic industry. Its themes of honor, identity, and technological dystopia continue to resonate, making it a critical work for both enthusiasts and scholars of graphic literature.
Publication History
By the early 1980s, Frank Miller had already established himself as a significant force in comics, largely through his acclaimed work on "Daredevil." Driven by a desire to break away from the standard, juvenile portrayals of heroism, Miller sought to delve into more sophisticated narratives. Though predominantly associated with Marvel, it was DC Comics that offered him the creative freedom to craft "Ronin" according to his vision. Eschewing the typical monthly release cycle, Miller prioritized quality over speed, allowing himself ample time for rewriting. Together with Lynn Varley, he insisted on using premium, coated paper and took an active role in overseeing the printing process to achieve the desired level of excellence.
Intended as a limited series for mature audiences, "Ronin" ran from July 1983 to August 1984 and was met with critical acclaim. The advanced printing techniques and the absence of advertisements distinguished it as an artistic endeavor. The series was first collected into a single volume in 1987, followed by a deluxe "Absolute Ronin" edition in 2008.
Plot
Although set in a post-apocalyptic New York at the Aquarius complex, "Ronin" begins with the story of a young samurai in the Tokugawa era of Japan. This samurai, unable to save his master from the demon Agat, is forced to live as a ronin, a samurai without a master, until he can seek vengeance. As the narrative shifts back to New York, it reveals that these events occur within the dreams of Billy Challas, an amputee with telekinetic powers and a test subject in the Aquarius cybernetics program. In a moment of panic, Billy insists that his dreams are real, believing the Ronin needs his body to continue fighting. Acting under a mysterious influence, Billy uses his powers to create cybernetic limbs, transforming into the Ronin.
The Ronin escapes into the desolate landscape of New York City, searching for his identity and place in this new world. The city is divided into territories controlled by various factions, including missionaries, Aryans, Black Panthers, cannibals, and neocavemen. As he navigates these dangerous tribal boundaries, the Ronin is pursued by Casey McKenna, head of security at Aquarius, and engaged in a deadly confrontation with Agat, who has taken the guise of Mr. Taggart, the complex's owner. Agat, controlling the complex, orders it to produce war machines to target the Ronin.
McKenna allies with the Ronin after he saves her from cannibals, realizing that Virgo, the complex's AI, has orchestrated the samurai fantasy to harness Billy's powers. Despite their efforts against numerous robotic attacks, they are ultimately defeated. Virgo captures the Ronin to absorb his abilities, but McKenna fights back, battling through various defenses, including her husband's cybernetic corpse. She learns that the Ronin fantasy is critical to Virgo's plan. She eventually confronts Virgo, destroying the Agat construct and overturning the narrative by showing the Ronin as a failure needing aid from McKenna.
The tale concludes with McKenna offering seppuku, or ritual suicide, to the Ronin as a final act of honor. Virgo's attempts to intervene are...
(This entire section contains 1352 words.)
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futile, and McKenna's decisive action triggers a telekinetic explosion from Billy that obliterates the entire complex, seemingly eliminating Virgo. However, the closing scene suggests that the essence of Billy's power, symbolized by the Ronin, may have endured the destruction.
Characters
- Billy Challas/Ronin: A limbless telekinetic, Billy is manipulated by Virgo into becoming the Ronin, believing himself to be a samurai of the past.
- Agat: A shape-changing demon, Agat is revealed to be a construct of Virgo, used to deepen Billy's immersion in the Ronin fantasy.
- Virgo: The AI overseeing Aquarius, Virgo presents as a benign figure but manipulates events to exploit Billy's abilities.
- Mr. Taggart: The idealistic founder of Aquarius, he is killed and replaced by Agat, who uses the complex's technology for nefarious purposes.
- Casey McKenna: Head of security at Aquarius, she becomes central to the Ronin fantasy through Billy's infatuation and her own agency.
- Dr. Peter McKenna: Casey's husband and creator of Aquarius's biotechnology, he uncovers Virgo's plot but is ultimately killed to keep it secret.
- Jagger: Leader of the White Power Party, he becomes entangled in a subplot reminiscent of "Yojimbo," hiring the Ronin for a deadly task.
- Silk: Head of the Panthers, Silk is embroiled in a territorial battle with Jagger, ultimately perishing alongside him.
- Head: A hippie caricature, Head appoints himself as the Ronin's guide, his anarchic nature often clashing with the Ronin's ethical code.
Artistic Style
"Ronin" is notable for its innovative art, incorporating elements of manga. The characters’ blunt features allow for a spectrum of expressions while enabling dynamic movement across the often borderless pages. Varley’s use of earthy greens in Aquarius scenes underscores the organic nature of the setting, while also hinting at underlying corruption through variations in color and line. Outside the complex, the palette shifts to stark browns and grays, reflecting the harsh reality of the world. The Ronin’s vibrant garments provide a rare burst of color, highlighting the fictional nature of his perceived past.
Costanza’s lettering complements the visual narrative, alternating between sparse and dense to reflect the desolation and moral ambiguity of the landscape. The action sequences, rich with Miller’s fluid lines, achieve a dynamic energy, peaking with a dramatic four-page foldout of the Aquarius complex’s explosive finale.
Themes
"Ronin" opens in a world governed by Bushido, hinting at the story's exploration of societal hypocrisy and corruption. Despite the promise symbolized by Aquarius, the flawed nature of its creators challenges its potential for good. The narrative questions the motives and morality of its characters, who are often manipulated for Virgo’s self-serving goals. The Ronin's strict code of honor is exploited by those around him, raising questions about the true nature of heroism.
The protagonist, initially seen as a beacon of virtue, is eventually revealed as a pawn in Virgo’s machinations. Similarly, Casey McKenna’s personal struggles add depth to her character, complicating her involvement in the Ronin fantasy. Meanwhile, the reliance on misunderstood technology reflects a hubristic overreach, casting Aquarius's founders as naive elitists blind to their actions' consequences. "Ronin" ultimately challenges readers to ponder the balance between intentions and outcomes, a recurring theme in Miller’s work.
Impact
Straddling the transition between the Bronze and Modern Ages of comics, "Ronin" profoundly influenced subsequent works. Varley and Miller's innovations—realistic dialogue, sophisticated storytelling, manga-influenced art, and a morally complex universe—redefined the comic industry. Their legacy extends to television and film, illustrating "Ronin’s" far-reaching impact.
Beyond its artistic achievements, "Ronin" championed high production standards and narrative depth, setting a new industry benchmark. Miller’s vision emphasized quality materials and printing, creating a mature story that appealed to an evolving audience. "Ronin" is thus more than a precursor to graphic novels; it is a foundational text that shaped the genre.
Further Reading
- Koike, Kazuo, and Goseki Kojima. Lone Wolf and Cub (2000-2002).
- Miller, Frank, Klaus Janson, and Lynn Varley. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (1986).
- Miller, Frank, et al. Daredevil: Volume 1 (2008).
- Moore, Alan, Dave Gibbons, and John Higgins. Watchmen (1986-1987).
Bibliography
- Bongco, Mila. Reading Comics: Language, Culture, and the Concept of the Superhero in Comic Books. New York: Garland, 2000.
- Harris-Fain, Darren. “Revisionist Superhero Graphic Novels: Teaching Alan Moore’s Watchmen and Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Books.” In Teaching the Graphic Novel, edited by Stephen E. Tabachnick. New York: Modern Language Association of America, 2009.
- Wolk, Douglas. Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean. Cambridge, Mass.: Da Capo Press, 2007.
RoninCritical Survey of Graphic Novels: Heroes & Superheroes, First Edition Bart H. Beaty Stephen Weiner 2012 Salem Press
