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Kodansha USA

Musashi (New Edition)

Musashi (New Edition)

Regular price €36,75
Regular price €39,95 Sale price €36,75
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Author:
ISBN:
9781568366487
Pages:
984
Language:

Release Date:
Feb 11, 2025

EXTERNAL STOCK. Will be dispatched in 14-19 days.
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ABOUT

Eiji Yoshikawa’s classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman. New Edition features a new cover design by the creator of Slam Dunk and Vagabond, Takehiko Inoue!
Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai--without really knowing what it meant--he regains consciousness after the battle to find himself lying defeated, dazed and wounded among thousands of the dead and dying. On his way home, he commits a rash act, becomes a fugitive and brings life in his own village to a standstill--until he is captured by a weaponless Zen monk.

The lovely Otsu, seeing in Musashi her ideal of manliness, frees him from his tortuous punishment, but he is recaptured and imprisoned. During three years of solitary confinement, he delves into the classics of Japan and China. When he is set free again, he rejects the position of samurai and for the next several years pursues his goal relentlessly, looking neither to left nor to right.

Ever so slowly it dawns on him that following the Way of the Sword is not simply a matter of finding a target for his brute strength. Continually striving to perfect his technique, which leads him to a unique style of fighting with two swords simultaneously, he travels far and wide, challenging fighters of many disciplines, taking nature to be his ultimate and severest teacher and undergoing the rigorous training of those who follow the Way. He is supremely successful in his encounters, but in the Art of War he perceives the way of peaceful and prosperous governance and disciplines himself to be a real human being

He becomes a reluctant hero to a host of people whose lives he has touched and been touched by. And, inevitably, he has to pit his skill against the naked blade of his greatest rival.

Musashi is a novel in the best tradition of Japanese story telling. It is a living story, subtle and imaginative, teeming with memorable characters, many of them historical. Interweaving themes of unrequited love, misguided revenge, filial piety and absolute dedication to the Way of the Samurai, it depicts vividly a world Westerners know only vaguely. Full of gusto and humor, it has an epic quality and universal appeal.

The novel was made into a three-part movie by Director Hiroshi Inagai. For more information, visit the Shopping area

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STANDARD, PRIMARY, DM AND VARIANT COVERS

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

PRODUCT TYPES

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

  • Large, hardcover collections
  • Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
  • Typically 800-1000+ pages
  • Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

  • Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
  • Collect shorter runs or story arcs
  • Usually 300-600 pages
  • Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

  • Standard-sized hardcover books
  • Collect 6-12 issues typically
  • Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
  • Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

  • Softcover collections
  • Standard comic book size
  • Usually collect 4-6 issues
  • Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

  • Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
  • Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
  • Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs