A sequel toFrank Miller’sclassicRoninis coming soon.Roninwas Miller and artist Lynn Varley’s six-part series that ran from 1983 to 1984 about a reincarnated samurai who reawakens in a dystopian New York City with the opportunity to kill the reincarnation of his master’s killer. The series launched to critical acclaim and accolades.
40 years after the last issue ofRoninhit shelves,Ronin Risingis set to follow up on the classic tale, with Frank Miller returning to the writer’s chair (as well as interior art for two chapters, and the cover art, seen directly below) and Philip Tan and Daniel Henriques joining him as artists. Further below, readers can find a preview of the panels to come in the hotly anticipated sequel, arriving on October 8. Anticipation forRonin Risinghas been building since the initial launch ofFrank Miller Presents in 2022. Now, that vision is finally coming to fruition.
Frank Miller Revives Ronin for a Rising Sequel
Coming Out October 8
Coming from Frank Miller Presents and Abrams ComicArts,Ronin Risingis the long-awaited sequel to the 80s classic. The press release for the story confirms thatthe October release will arrive in the form of a Collector’s Edition Hardcover, as well as a Manga Edition. The Manga Edition will be published by Kana, the manga imprint for Abrams ComicArts. In addition, the book will feature a foreword fromDC Comics legend Jim Lee, Miller’s layouts, concept designs by Tan, six full-page wraparound variant covers.Ronin Rising’spress release features the following synopsis for the story:
A cursed Ronin. Psychological manipulation by a sentient AI. A security commander turned savior. And a postapocalyptic biotech war in the demon-teeming pits of a twenty-first century New York. This is the world ofFrank Miller’s Ronin Rising, the highly anticipated sequel to the influential cyberpunk comics classic by the legendary Eisner Hall of Fame cartoonist. On October 8th, 2024, Frank Miller Presents and Abrams ComicArts will publishFrank Miller’s Ronin Risingin two stunning editions: a hardcover Collector’s Edition and a paperback manga edition from Kana, Abrams ComicArts’s new manga imprint.
Meanwhile, Jim Lee’s foreword for the book says this:
Four decades ago, a work emerged that would redefine the boundaries of the comic book medium. Frank Miller’sRoninburst forth from the pages of DC Comics, a visionary masterpiece that dared to challenge convention and ignite the imaginations of readers worldwide.Roninstands as a testament to the boundless creativity and unbridled ambition of its creator… As we celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Ronin, let us not only pay tribute to its singular brilliance but also reaffirm our commitment to the limitless potential of the comic book medium. At the time, although Miller was at the peak of his creative and commercial powers (and soon to climb even higher with his seminal work to come in Batman), he fearlessly took the opportunity—with great risk—to do something completely unexpected and original. So let us raise our voices in celebration of Frank Miller’s Ronin, a true masterpiece of the graphic storytelling tradition. May its legacy endure for another four decades and beyond, inspiring countless generations to dare, to dream, and to embark on their own epic quests for truth and redemption.
Frank Miller’s 80s miniseries was more than just a beloved piece of work, it was also an influential one. What makes the series a classic is that it proved influential in the progression of the cyberpunk genre. In that sense,Ronin Risinghas a lot of expectations to live up to, but the foreword from Lee seems to suggest that the sequel more than lives up to those expectations. At the very least,Ronin Risingpromises to make for a great anniversary special, while also, in Lee’s words,“reaffirm[s] our commitment to the limitless potential of the comic book medium.”
Frank Miller: His 9 Best Comics
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The Influence of Frank Miller’s Ronin
How Ronin Rising Can Follow That Legacy
WIthout Frank Miller’sRonin, works that took after its creative influence would either look very different or not exist at all.Ronininspired a generation of artists and writers to create, and now,Ronin Risingbrings that influence into the modern era. Those who never heard of Ronin today can useRonin Risingas a jumping-off point, offeringFrank Millerand co. the potential to inspire an entirely new generation of creators as they did four decades ago.
Ronin Risingwill be released from Frank Miller Presents and Abrams ComicArts on October 8.
