Lone Wolf 2100 Omnibus
Written by Mike Kennedy
Illustrated by Francisco Ruiz Valesco
Colored by Francisco Ruiz Valesco and Studio F
Lettered by Digital Chameleon, Sno Cone Studios, and Jason Hvam
Cover by Francisco Ruiz Valesco
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: June 5, 2013
Cover Price: $24.99

Dark Horse has just released an omnibus version of Lone Wolf 2100“”the dystopian, post-apocalyptic adventure inspired by the classic manga Lone Wolf and Cub. From the collaborative team of Mike Kennedy and Francisco Ruiz Velasco, Lone Wolf 2100 contains the first four books in the series, collecting over 300 pages of organically engineered sentient Ronin action!

The world has been ravaged from a great war between humans and Emcons (Emulation Constructs)”” genetically produced cybernetic/biological beings. A virus known as the War Spore took out hundreds of thousands of people once the war ended and continues to pave a path of death and destruction. The Cygnat Owari Corporation, the very organization that created the Emcons, now rule the world with an iron fist. Cygnat Owari eventually forces Itto, one of their top Emcons, to kill their lead scientist and his master, Dr. Ogami, whom he was sworn to protect. Promising to safeguard Ogami’s daughter, Daisy””who happens to have within her the means of survival for the human race””Itto leaves Cygnat Owari’s corrupt clutches behind, bringing Daisy with him. In order to survive and make good on his promise, Itto must evade and battle highway thieves and militaristic squads known as Vapor Fist, as well as other mutated and advanced forms of Emcons.

Kennedy’s story throughout the omnibus is focused and rich with excitement. It is at times fast and when needed, steady. He does an excellent job of detailing the progression of Itto’s emotions and abilities, proving his capability to adapt with humanity while retaining his cybernetic calmness.

Velasco’s art is awesome! The panel’s images have a good mix between a cartoon and manga style. The futuristic, robotic and diseased world is vibrant with a perfect blend of colorful and sometimes drab pictures. His character depictions jump off the page in the brutally illustrated fight scenes that remind me quite a bit of Ryan Ottley’s art in Invincible.

If you are a fan of Samurais and Ronins, you should purchase Lone Wolf 2100. If you like stories about dystopian civilizations where life threatening circumstances are around every corner, you should purchase Lone Wolf 2100. If you like kick-butt action and a thoroughly enjoyable read, you NEED to purchase, you guessed it, Lone Wolf 2100!