Ronin Island #1
| Writer | Greg Pak |
| Artist | Giannis Milonogiannis |
| Cover Price | $3.99 |
After a mysterious attack wipes out the major cities of 19th century Japan, Korea, and China, survivors from all three lands find refuge on a hidden island and build a new society.
Hana, the orphaned daughter of Korean peasants, and Kenichi, son of a great samurai leader, have little in common except for a mutual disdain for the other. But these young warriors will have to work together when an army invades the island with shocking news: there is a new Shogun and the Island is expected to pay fealty in exchange for protection from a new enemy...a mutated horde that threatens to wipe out all humanity.
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Comicsverse - Entertainment
Mar 06, 2019Layered with intrigue and detail, RONIN ISLAND #1 by Greg Pack and Giannis Milonogiannis is an ornate first issue. The new BOOM! Studios series -- about an island community of warriors and survivors who face off with a monstrous enemy -- is utterly satisfying. Read Full Review
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10
Comicsverse - Molly Barnewitz
Mar 06, 2019Layered with intrigue and detail, RONIN ISLAND #1 by Greg Pack and Giannis Milonogiannis is an ornate first issue. The new BOOM! Studios series -- about an island community of warriors and survivors who face off with a monstrous enemy -- is utterly satisfying. Read Full Review
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10
Horror DNA - James Ferguson
Mar 25, 2019Ronin Island sets a fantastic foundation with this issue. I am pulled in, hook, line, and sinker and I can't wait to see what Hana and Kenichi will survive this oncoming assault from the horde. Ronin Island sits in this awesome Venn diagram of samurais and monsters and there's nothing bad about that idea. Read Full Review
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9.7
Graphic Policy - pharoahmiles
Mar 09, 2019Overall, a powerful story that proves how engaging and entertaining a storyteller Greg Pak is. The story by Pak is heartfelt, action packed, and at times funny. The art by the creative team is beautiful and complements the story well. Altogether, a well-done debut that instantly invests the reader in this world. Read Full Review
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9.6
Black Nerd Problems - Mikkel Snyder
Mar 05, 2019All in all, Ronin Island #1 is a devastating strong opener of an issue. No panel is wasted, no narrative beat feels unused. It's a quick, rapid-fire page turner that slowly invites the reader into the world and shines a little more light each time your eyes devour the stellar storytelling and beautiful art. This is something you're gonna want in your pull, folks. We're lucky that we get to see the start of the epic of saga that is Ronin Island. Read Full Review
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9.6
Comic Watch - Trey Campbell
Mar 23, 2019A truly unique book that presents a great blend of Asian culture before providing a very interesting source of conflict. Read Full Review
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9.5
The Pop Break - Rachel Freeman
Mar 06, 2019Greg Pak could be building a bridge between two worlds and I will happily stand in the middle and help usher people across it. Giannis Milonogiannis's detailed art and Irma Kniivila's colors bring this story (that could easily be a show) to life. It reminds me a bit of Avatar: The Last Airbender in that it has a bit of a light-hearted feel, but can also very easily get serious. It's something that kids and adults can appreciate and enjoy. Read Full Review
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9.5
Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith
Mar 10, 2019I loved the first issue of Ronin Island. With the right mix of action, intensity, humor, and mystery, it has all the makings for a fantastic series. Read Full Review
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9.0
But Why Tho? - Kate Sanchez
Mar 05, 2019Overall, the book is a good first issue and sets up the trajectory of the story. When I read the synopsis that there would be mutants essentially invading an island, I was worried that they wouldn't be coming until at least three issues in. I'm glad I was wrong and this leaves me anticipating some action scenes in the next issue. Read Full Review
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8.5
The Brazen Bull - Robert Zadotti
Mar 06, 2019Ronin Island #1 hits all the right notes in a standout first issue, taking time to present the world as vividly as possible before introducing the conflicts we can look forward to in future iterations of its story. Read Full Review
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8.4
Multiversity Comics - Alexander Jones
Mar 07, 2019"Ronin Island" #1's compelling script and artwork kick off the series on the right foot. Read Full Review
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8.0
Monkeys Fighting Robots - Corey Patterson
Mar 06, 2019A BOOM! Studios original story filled with the epic clash of civilizations in a world of samurais. Read Full Review
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8.0
ComicBook.com - Megan Peters
Mar 06, 2019When their homeland comes under a supernatural threat, this apparent samurai story transforms into something more, and fans will be left eager to pick up a new issue to flesh out this debut's big cliffhanger. Read Full Review
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7.7
Graphic Policy - Alex K Cossa
Mar 06, 2019It may seem that I wasn't a fan of this book, but that's not the case; I really enjoyed Ronin Island #1, and aside from a few minor things, which may very well never be an issue again in future issues, now that we've gotten to know the characters a little more. This is a fun read, and certainly one worth checking out if you're curious. Read Full Review
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7.2
IGN - Jesse Schedeen
Mar 06, 2019Ronin Island features a compelling setting but needs to focus less on monsters and more on characterization. Read Full Review
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6.0
Comic Book Corps - Clayton Hinojosa
Mar 05, 2019There's not much more to say about this issue unfortunately. In my final thoughts I only hope Greg Pak will take a step back and focus a little more on developing these two characters on what I assume will be some sort of journey so that we may care a bit more on what may happen to the Island they love so much. Read Full Review
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6.0
Newsarama - Pierce Lydon
Mar 11, 2019Despite some strong art from Giannis Milonogiannis, Ronin Island #1 is an uneven introduction to the series. Read Full Review
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6.0
Geek-O-Rama - Lonnie
Mar 13, 2019. Greg Pak writes a 1950's American values speech that leaves me puzzled. The social structure is mythical, the equality between classes and sexes is utopian. Frankly, the reader is asked to set aside most known history to slide into the fable. Read Full Review
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N/A
GWW - D. Ivester
Mar 05, 2019The art and coloring by Giannis and Irma do a great job bringing a very fun tone to the issue. What could've been another dreary story instead tries to give everyone a bit of soul with how they all try to look out for each other. The cartoony style may not grab everyone immediately but I found it to remind me a bit of the Avatar: The Last Airbender in terms of its tone. Characters don't take themselves too seriously until they need to be and the book just sets out to try to be fun. Even though I didn't find myself being taken by our two main characters, I still think this was enjoyable enough to continue into the next issue. Ronin Island can definitely grow to be something great as Kenichi and Hana set off to defend their home. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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8.0
Loved the story and art. I look forward to issue 2.
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7.5
It was a decent start and I'll read at least one more of the series to see if it's something I'd like.
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8.0
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8.0
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6.5
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6.0
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