For manga enthusiasts seeking a captivating samurai epic, “Lone Wolf and Cub” is an essential read. This influential series, penned by Kazuo Koike and illustrated by Goseki Kojima, is now being released in new Deluxe Edition hardcovers by Dark Horse. The first two volumes are available for preorder at $55 each. Volume 1 is set to release on December 9, with Volume 2 following next March.
“Lone Wolf and Cub” originally ran for 28 volumes from 1970 to 1976. The manga tells the compelling story of Ogami Itto, who once served as the shogun`s executioner. Framed by the rival Yagyu clan, he loses his prestigious position. After his wife is tragically murdered, Itto embarks on the perilous path of a ronin, seeking vengeance while raising his three-year-old son alone.
This new Deluxe Edition presents the classic manga in an oversized 7″ x 10″ format, allowing readers to fully appreciate the intricate artwork. The covers boast a grainy texture, burnishing, and feature foil-stamped lettering and illustrations. Each volume also includes a built-in ribbon bookmark and adheres to the traditional right-to-left manga reading format.
The first Deluxe Edition book, spanning 720 pages, collects “Lone Wolf and Cub” Volumes 1 and 2, along with several stories from Volume 3. The second Deluxe Edition maintains the same impressive oversized hardcover format and page count. It shares a similar cover aesthetic but features a different character illustration. Like the first, it includes premium features such as a grain-textured cover with foil-stamped lettering and a ribbon bookmark. This volume compiles the remainder of Volume 3, as well as Volumes 4 and 5.
The narrative continues to follow Itto`s relentless pursuit of retribution, battling foes while fiercely protecting his son. As the body count rises, the Yagyu Clan dispatches both an elite assassin and a skilled swordsman from another rival clan to eliminate Itto once and for all.
Lone Wolf and Cub Omnibus Editions
If you prefer to collect the entire manga series, Dark Horse offers omnibus editions. These are typically priced around $25 each, offering a more standard quality compared to the deluxe versions. Many of these omnibus editions are currently on sale for approximately $20.
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 1
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 2
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 3
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 4
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 5
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 6
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 7
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 8
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 9
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 10
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 11
- Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 12
The Lone Wolf and Cub Movies Are Also Excellent
“Lone Wolf and Cub” has garnered critical acclaim for decades, weaving a poignant tale of fatherhood with unbridled violence. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential manga series of all time, credited with popularizing the genre of a powerful protector accompanying a child on a dangerous journey. Over the years, it has been adapted into numerous films and television series.
Six “Lone Wolf and Cub” films were released between 1972 and 1974. The complete collection is currently available on Blu-ray for $50 (originally $100) as part of The Criterion Collection`s 50% off sale, a promotion that concludes on July 27.
This brutal and bloody film collection is enhanced by The Criterion Collection with digital restorations, uncompressed monaural soundtracks, and a wealth of bonus materials.
For details on other premium manga, explore our article on the “Vagabond Definitive Edition” series. Below is a list of other notable Deluxe Edition manga titles.
Quick Look: Other Deluxe Edition Manga Titles
- Berserk – 14 Volumes
- Blade of the Immortal – 10 Volumes
- Hellsing – 3 Volumes
- Lone Wolf and Cub – 2 Volumes
- Planetes – 2 Volumes
- Trigun / Trigun Maximum – 6 Volumes
- Vagabond – 6 Volumes
- Vinland Saga – 8 Volumes