Hero (ComicsOne)

    (ComicsOne, 2004)
™ and © 2004

This is the official adaptation of the movie directed by the acclaimed Zhang Yimou, nominated for an Oscar in 2003 and recently released by Miramax. As played by Jet Li, the warrior, aptly named “Nameless,” is summoned to the inner court of China’s emperor, who is uniting the country after years of bloody civil war.

The king now asks “Nameless” to recount how he protected his liege by defeating the three infamous assassins Sky, Flying Snow, and Broken Sword. What follows are dizzying sword battles, martial arts masters, and heartache, which brings “Nameless” into the king’s confidence. But is he truly a loyal subject or just intent on getting close enough to use his secret technique of “death within 10 paces”?

Fittingly, this graphic novel has a more compelling narrative than the typical Hong Kong kung fu fare and even sports a conclusion different from the film. Blending portraits and paintings, Ma tosses in the expected whirling speed lines but succeeds in making a heroic tale.

— Oliver Chin
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