Rising Sun #1 Review

Writers: Ron Marz + David Rodriguez

Artist: Martin Coccolo

Rating: 7 of 8

Rising Sun #1

Simply put, Rising Sun is just a fun story, an easy read and one you'll speed through very happily. It's a classic adventure, following a group of warriors in 12th century Japan. All hailing from different clans, most of them work well together, though there's some noticeable dissension from single-minded Takara.

This helps add to the group's dynamic and makes things more interesting, instead of everyone getting along. The main thrust of the issue's the group battling a dragon and dealing with the deadly consequences for one of their number. Coccolo's art really packs the scene with tension, as you get a real sense he's fighting for his life.

The opening scene's filled with some great action and, for the most part, noticeable group cohesion. From Hotaru's swirling blade attack to Totsuo's Seven Spirit Strike, the scene's brimming with awesome action scenes, only adding reasons to enjoy the issue.

Even towards the end, Marz and co pack the scene with intrigue and a growing sense of dread. At the end, I'm really unsure how the group's going to escape alive, which only gives readers more reason to pick up the next issue. One of my only criticisms is that I think the art didn't make it clear that Takara was a woman, which we only find out through dialogue.

Overall, a great debut, which I highly recommend. Great action, varied, eerie enemies and a wide range of costumes that help to make the characters stand out. Most definitely worth a read.