I also did not like the exceedingly literal interpretation of the text. Even if there is no story, per se, the comic read like a collection of images rather than a coherent whole. Overall, I think the transitions between illustrations need work. The text would say "The carpenter uses a master plan of the building," and the frame would show a modern-day carpenter. Then, in the very next frame, it would say "You must practice constantly" and the illustration would be of a young samurai hitting a dummy with a wooden katana with no transition whatsoever.Īlso, the chronological shifts between ancient and modern day interpretations of the text bothered me. For example, the text would say "Your teacher is a needle, and you are the thread" and the illustration would be of an old man with a needle and thread. However, the artwork matched itself literally to the text. I guess that's understandable to an extent, as the purpose of the comic is to relate Musashi's work. The art was simple and generally clear, but the color scheme was a bit dull, especially for the action scenes, while a more vibrant red or black could have brought the images more to life.Īlso, the comic itself had no development or story behind it. However, while I appreciated the concept behind this comic, I'm afraid the execution made me give it 1.5 stars. The purpose of this SmarterComics series is to take the written works of old masters, in this case Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings, and spin it anew with illustrations to make the works more accessible to the public. Whether youre dueling with corporate accountants or muscled muggers, this book teaches you that a great strategy trumps any cutting remark or hollow-tipped blade.įull Disclosure: I won this as a GoodReads giveaway. No matter what obstacles you face or enemies you encounter, youll be able to emerge victorious once you understand that conflict isnt just about crossing swords: its about matching wits and following through on a larger plan.Ī favorite among generals, businessmen and other contemporary warriors, the lavishly illustrated SmarterComics edition of The Book of Five Rings is a guide to the underlying principles of triumph. Success is not a fluke it is a way of being. His emphasis on mastering not only your environment but yourself ultimately empowers you in all aspects of life. Musashis expertise extends beyond the technical how-to of swordplay into the deeper philosophy of successful combat.
His insights on how to defeat any opponent are still relevant 400 years later in a world where winning isnt just a resume builder, but an absolute necessity. What can you learn from a 17th century samurai? Plenty, if that samurai happens to be Miyamoto Musashi, the master strategist who started fighting at age 13 and never lost a fight in his sixty match career.
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