Kichiro pines for his love, Mitsuko, who’s promised to his brother for marriage. Meanwhile, the vampire assassin, Raven, who killed Kichiro’s father, is still at large and brings his forces to attack Mitsuko and Orochi’s wedding ceremony. During the attack the vampires claim many victims, and some of the humans fall prey to their fangs and their bites.

In previous reviews I have made mention of the artwork on the book and its unceasing beauty. There’s no drop in quality with this issue.

However, I want to focus on the writing for this review. One of the great things about vampires attacking in Feudal Japan happens to be the characters discovering the laws of the vampire for the first time. I enjoyed Kinchiro figuring out his enemies’ weaknesses as he would any normal adversary.

Additionally, I found the love triangle and the familial conflict to be interesting and enriching.

Bushido has been a great Halloween read, and I have been excited to explore a new frontier not only in the Samurai guarded Japan, but also a dark, alternative past where menacing vampires stalk the night.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Rob Levin Artist: Jessada Sutthi Publisher: Image and Top Cow Price: $2.99 Release Date: 10/16/13