The Book of Five Rings: A Graphic Novel

This timeless classic (The Book of Five Rings) on warrior strategy and principles written by the Japanese sword saint, Miyamoto Musashi, is a book that is a must read for anyone who is involved in the martial arts. I have read several different versions and translations of this classic book in the past; however, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this graphic novel version adapted by Sean Michael Wilson, illustrated by Chie Kutsuwada and based on the translation by William Scott Wilson was absolutely fantastic. The basic five principles of combat Musashi emphasized in his fighting system includes "Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Emptiness. I was also very pleased to see Musashi's two-sword (Niten Ichi-ryu) system being emphasized in this text. The lessons he teaches are based upon his own observations and study of Zen and other esoteric writings. Even though he is most known for his expert Japanese swordsmanship, he emphasized to be familiar with all weapons to be a complete warrior. The great illustrations really make this story come alive. In conclusion, this book is for anyone who is serious about his martial arts education. However, I do suggest you also read other translations along with this wonderful graphic novel version. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Wakizashi-jutsu: An official manual of Bushi Satori Ryu)

The CD's came in paper sleeves, the printing and design are not high-tech, but this was unimportant as I was putting it on my IPod anyway. The name of the company/Producer is "Infofount" I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The book of Five Rings is not an "everyone" read, I was surprised to find an audio version. Having read a few English translated written ones here and there; I looked forward to one I could listen to while driving. I was not disappointed. Ross Armetta is the main voice and is very entertaining. The narration is intermingled with music clips and sound effects such as drums, gongs, etc. The translator I believe is Urara Tsukamoto and though I did no "page by page" comparison, it was a good referenced translation and explained in a martial arts context. I had no problem following or understanding the concepts explained. There were times I went back and listened to a section more than once to let it sink in to my own personal grasping. The use of Japanese terms was good, and gave the reading a better flair than merely saying long sword, short sword. I would have to agree that it was a unique translation and enjoyable in and of itself. I would purchase from Infofount again. In fact I have already ordered their "Sun-Tzu's Art of War" and if it is as good as this one I will be quite pleased.

Beautiful book. Captures the essence of the passages from the original book, and the artwork is wonderful. Made a nice gift for a martial artist. Also, looking at reviews, looks like a huge amount of people are getting this confused with the original text, and other editions of the book. This is the graphic version of the book, and it’s a gorgeous piece of work.

Any list of vital books for a student of war, either includes Miyamoto Musashi’s the Book of Five Rings or it is incomplete. The Graphic Novel with illustrations by Chie Kutsuwadais a surprisingly fine adaptation of the original. For the less than dedicated student, the material well captures the intent of this master swordsman and is appropriate as the warrior finished his life as an artist. Some of his drawings should have been included, but text and illustrations are worth consideration. This is my second read into this work and a number of details captured my attention. His biography is somewhat scant. He is understood to have lived from 1584-1645. Tradition has it that the book of Five Rings was given to one of his students about 2 weeks before the Master’s death. He gives his full name as Shinmen Musashi-no-Kami Fujiwara no Harunobu. This would make him the son of another sword master and the later addition to his name. Mushashi was a court name suggesting he had become the governor of Mushashi province. This is important as he is also described as a Ronin. The term suggests one who is a samurai, but serving no master. By tradition a Ronin would has foresworn his family connection, no small thing in Japan and had lost or been dismissed by his sworn master/lordly employer. This last point susggest some loss of honor. My read was that he was a Japanese version of a gunslinger, or a a Knight -errant. A traveling fighter seeking adventures, more specifically to fight duels. One can think of some version of early Clint Eastwood, sitting in a tea house, with plenty of room to swing his two swords, and a clear view of all entrances. Musashi speaks of winning 60 odd duels beginning at age 13. Ther never seems to have been any noble purpose for his fights. At most he is there to prove that the is no ultimate school teaching the ultimate fighting technique. There is only the fight and the fighter’s reflexes. While best known as a swordsman, Musashi is clear that a warrior needs to master all weapons. How he would have felt about firearms is an interesting question. No doubt the thought of a fool launching many pellets from beyond bow distances and killing many would have violated his sense of honor. Of the important things he has to say in The Ring are particulars that are still taught, if hardly in his Buddhist inspired language. Musashi teaches, learn one, learn 100. We would say, identify the pattern and habits and work against them. Mushashi teaches: Understand what cannot be seen by the eye. We teach situational awareness. Mushashi : Victory is in knowing the rhythm of your opponents. Now: Get inside their decision-making cycle. On the other hand, Musashi is all but fixated on the individual warrior. Ther is minimal reference to fighting as an army or in other than how personal tactics can have strategic application. In contrast, Sun Tzu, of China will warn to always leave an escape route open to your enemy rather than give them the strength of desperation. Musashi demands total awareness and full-time concentration by a would be warrior, Sun Tzu warns that and an army cannot defend in all directions at all times. Honor is a central theme for Musashi,. The closest he come to fighting for causes, or greater good is when he is hired by a local lord and is there by dedicated to serve the needs of his adopted house. A very insightful addition to this Graphic novel is the Afterword. There is a reason for 5 rings. The use of elementals was a convention not original to Musashi. Much of what is not obvious to a western reader has a basis and a logic and that too adds to the understanding a reader may achieve. My musings are what they are. The Book of Five Rings is a master class for the ages. Read and Contemplate.

I'm not a manga (comic book) reader, but I really enjoyed this version of the book. The drawings bring everything to life, and to be honest, make the book more readable. From my perspective, some of these translated Eastern philosophy styled books are utterly boring and feel like things are "lost in translation." I usually prefer books like this in audio version, but Mr. Wilson has made them thoroughly readable via graphic illustrations. Like it so much I bought one of his other books.

They’re great books!

I got this as an Eid gift for my then 6year old son. He loves it! It keeps his attention and is easy enough for him to understand. He has a little trouble pronouncing the names but that is to be expected. Overall, I highly reccommend this book to anyone interested in Japan and martial arts.

いい作品です。The story is written in very understandable way!

The book is in Black and white , so if people are expecting a color mode , be careful . The graphics are really nice and the text is clear . Side notes will help the reader understand subtle Japanese terms such as Hour of The Tiger ( 4:30 am ) All in all a decent book , slightly high priced .

A graphic interpretation of the legendary Sword Master's work. Gives an easy intro to his philosophy and even some technique. Great fun and encouraged me to train even more with my trusty old bokken. If you are at interested in sword work it is worth the read.

mir bekannten GN von Wilson, hat auch diese fuer mich keine Schwaechen. Die Geschichte ist grafisch und schreiberisch gut umgesetzt. Zwar koennten die Wilson-GN's etwas guenstiger sein, doch das ist nur meine persoenlich Meinung.

I've read the non-graphic novel version of this book several times and when I went to read it again I wanted something different. I really liked the way it was interpreted.