Bushido details the events of a samurai fighting vampires in Feudal Japan.  Normally I would begin with plot review and offer some idea of the feasibility of the premise for entertainment value.  For this review, I must begin with an account of the artwork. Jessada Sutthi artistically captures details, particularly light and shadows, in brilliant forms.  Because of the natural light setting of the book, the panels have this soft glow to them, as if you can see the dust flying in the light rays.  When action happens at night, Sutthi blends the moonlight with minimal lighting to keep the images dark yet visible.  One never guesses the action going on from frame to frame.  Much of the score for this book has been earned based on that artwork alone.

As for the story, the idea of the samurai element blended into the vampire motif is nothing new.  Blade incorporated the idea of the lone swordsman fighting the bloodsuckers in the cinematic version.  This does chronicle an orphan raised to wield the sword and defend the code of the Samurai.

Yes, the story does have its share of non-vampire related drama and the requisite twists found in many samurai movies; nevertheless, it does get the added bonus of vampire entertainment.

With beautiful artwork and vampire threats, Bushido transports you back to feudal Japan to fight vampires and earn your honor.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Rob Levin Artist: Jessada Sutthi Publisher: Image and Top Cow Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 10/2/13