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Manga and Anime, distinctly Japanese forms of mass media, play important roles in Japanese society. These forms of media are culturally significant as they evolved from traditional art forms, reflect society and have plots that have roots in other culturally significant stories, objects and history. More than simply culturally significant, these art forms play a large role in the everyday lives of Japanese citizens due to their popularity and abundance.

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Have you ever read a manga or seen an anime about samurai? Rurouni Kenshin? Vagabond? Afro Samurai? The genre is wide spread and ever popular.  But have you ever given some thought as to the genre’s origins? This man, Kazuo Koike-sensei, wrote the story of Lone Wolf and Cub, the manga that started the idea of romanticizing the samurai and thus creating the genre. 

He won the Hall of Fame Eisner Award in 2004.

Read more of this week’s featured mangaka.

It was announced today that Kamala Film has acquired the film rights to Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima’s Lone Wolf and Cub. The film already has Fast And Furious/Better Luck Tomorrow director Justin Lin attached to direct and David Janet Peoples (12 Monkeys) will write the script.

For more details, read after the break.

“In the feudal era of Japan, Ogami Itto is the elite executioner for the Shogun until the ruthless Yagyu clan frames him in an attempt to gain the position. His name dishonored and his wife murdered, Itto and his infant son Daigoro wander Japan as assassin for hire Lone Wolf and Cub. Ultimately, Ogami Itto strives for revenge against the Yagyu clan.” -mangareader.net