The Book of Five Rings: A Graphic Novel

“Truly a tribute to the original [classic]. There is a tremendous amount of depth and insight into this work, an exploration of the five elements of life (the ‘five rings’ of the title) that represent the cosmic Buddha. Readers get complex but eminently readable explorations of each ring and are led to see them all together as an overriding philosophy that enriches and broadens the life of any reader.” —Jason Sacks, Comics Bulletin   “This graphic adaptation of Musashi’s seventeenth-century treatise on the martial arts makes careful, effective use of imagery to emphasize both the narrative and instructional aspects of the original text. . . . Musashi’s lessons, in their focus on preparation and mindfulness, can easily be applied to most areas of life. Kutsuwada’s art is delicate and clean, balancing the physiological dynamics of swordplay with a clear-eyed appreciation of Musashi’s natural environment. An engaging, thoughtful update of what could be esoteric.” —Publishers Weekly