The Ronin saga unfolds in the second installment of this iconic samurai cyberpunk story’s sequel — published by Frank Miller Presents. Written, edited, and laid out by Frank Miller, drawn by Philip Tan and Daniel Henriques, and lettered by John Workman, Ronin: Book Two #2 takes this tale to another ambitious level that screams modern classic. It’s safe to say there is no other book like it on the market right now.
The story picks up directly after the events of Ronin: Book Two #1. Casey and her son, Billy, duke it out against a powerful demon for most of the issue, showing off more of Billy’s incredible abilities. These scenes reveal more about Billy — particularly the link between him, his namesake Billy Challas, and the ronin. This dynamic issue also marks the return of Virgo, the artificial intelligence.
Miller used the first issue to catch readers up on the events of Ronin and introduce the basic premise of the follow-up. Now, the writer leans into the high stakes of the story and rolls out the red carpet for all the drama and action to unfold. This issue explores the relationship between bravery and fear. While Casey has faith in Billy’s abilities, she is still his mother and worries about the boy’s safety. She pushes Billy to unleash his full potential but fights against her natural maternal instincts to keep him away from danger.
Miller utilizes the panoramic style of the comic book to his benefit, as the dialogue and narration are divided into smaller bubbles rather than big chunks. This helps to emphasize certain ideas since the author will repeat phrases or words to drive home the significance of what the characters are feeling in each moment. Workman’s lettering conveys the tone, passion, and volume remarkably well. It’s as if the reader can actually hear these voices and the subtle nuances when they read the book.
If fans thought Tan and Henriques’ art in the last issue was as good as it would get, the artists will blow readers away with Ronin: Book Two #2. There are no shortcuts taken here. Every page is masterfully composed and detailed to the highest degree, exploding with innovative designs that stimulate emotion and excitement. There isn’t a single boring panel, as every drawing serves a bigger purpose and can stand on its own. While it would be sacrilege to do so, it isn’t too difficult to imagine someone pulling these double-page spreads from the comic book and pinning them up on a wall to look at and admire.
What’s clear about Ronin: Book Two #2 is Miller and his collaborators are having fun. They’re telling the story they want to tell and pushing each other to create the best and most imaginative comic book possible. At the same, it’s a worthy sequel to an already legendary tale.
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