Comic Review: Ronin Island #2

Ronin Island #2

BOOM! Studios

Writer: Greg Pak

Artists: Giannis Milonogiannis & Irma Kniivila

Ronin Island is a staunch tale of unity beyond differences, looking at separations that hopefully make us stronger together. Here I am again, staring down a Greg Pak book and enjoying it. I swear that I’m not actively choosing only Pak books, but I’m incredibly happy I keep stumbling onto them. Once you see his name, you know the book’s going to be fun. This truth holds for Ronin Island and BOOM! Studios knows it; increasing the issue count from five to twelve. I suggest it for younger readers since it’s a breezy read with samurai action.

Since it’s only issue #2, the story is still building up. We know is that the island has people of different Asian nations who were fleeing conflict a few generations ago. They are under the belief that their nations’ ruling parties fell back during said conflict. Unfortunately, this information is in question since a shogunate hand appears on the island telling them to fall in line. Being a self-governing body for generations, the islanders don’t take kindly to the order and fight against it. The conflict is cut short when the real enemy arises, demon-like creatures called the Byonin, storming farmland nearby. A monstrous reckoning hails from the Mainland and only uniting with the island’s people will push it back.

The basis for inter-island difference is shown in Hana and Kenichi. Hana comes from a working-class Korean family on the island that lives to make ends meet. Kenichi comes from a near-royal Japanese family with great importance on the island. The two are rather blunt analogs of the classes making up the society. While their competition conflicts are minor, they play a significant role in painting what the sides think of the other. Elder Jin is my favorite character so far because she steps in and shows how this shouldn’t divide them. She has old ideals but is open to the future’s new ones. The characters aren’t done developing yet, but give them time and the analogs will prove to be more.

Milonogiannis’ art lends itself to kinetic sequences and it looks awesome. Whenever there’s a person charging in the comic book, you can see them running as if it were animation. Kniivila’s colors show the island as a sanctuary from ashes that holds its rough past in its heart. I really like this art team and their work kinda reminds me of Avatar: The Last Airbender comics’ character design. The characters have great outfits that demonstrate their personalities and backgrounds. The facial expressions are vibrant and loud, easily conveying emotion in a wonderfully fun way.

Overall, it’s a fun story in its beginnings with cartoon-like art that adds to the atmosphere. The danger is around and the tale is forming, but it’s not fully there yet. I recommend it for younger readers but it’s definitely good for anyone who wants to scratch that A:TLA art style itch.