Lot Details
| Series Title | Frank Miller's Ronin |
|---|---|
| Story Title | Ronin |
| Issue Number | 1 |
| Volume | 1 |
| Cover Date | 1983 |
| Cover Price | $2.50 |
| Genre | Science Fiction, Martial Arts, Noir |
| Age Era | Copper Age |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| Artist | Lynn Varley |
| Cover Artist | Lynn Varley |
| Character Appearances | Ronin (unnamed samurai protagonist), various supporting characters in dystopian New York |
Frank Miller - Ronin Bundle #1, #2, #3 & #4
(Includes Buyer's Premium)
Lot Details
| Series Title | Frank Miller's Ronin |
|---|---|
| Story Title | Ronin |
| Issue Number | 1 |
| Volume | 1 |
| Cover Date | 1983 |
| Cover Price | $2.50 |
| Genre | Science Fiction, Martial Arts, Noir |
| Age Era | Copper Age |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| Artist | Lynn Varley |
| Cover Artist | Lynn Varley |
| Character Appearances | Ronin (unnamed samurai protagonist), various supporting characters in dystopian New York |
Ronin
Published by DC Comics between July 1983 and August 1984, Ronin is a six issue limited series written and illustrated by Frank Miller with colors by Lynn Varley. The project originated after Miller's departure from Marvel Comics, where his work on Daredevil had already established his interest in bushido and martial arts cinema. Seeking greater creative autonomy, Miller negotiated a deal with DC publisher Jenette Kahn that granted him creator ownership and significant control over production standards. The narrative presents a stylistic blend of cyberpunk and samurai fiction, following a masterless warrior reincarnated in a dystopian, near future New York City.
The series is noted for several technical and formal milestones that deviated from standard American comic production of the early 1980s. It was printed on heavy, coated Baxter paper stock, which allowed for the nuanced, painterly aesthetic of Varley's colors and the detailed crosshatching of Miller's pen work. Each issue was double sized at 48 pages and notably lacked external advertisements, a decision intended to maintain the immersion of the reading experience. Artistically, Miller utilized Ronin to experiment with storytelling techniques influenced by Japanese manga, such as the works of Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima, and European bande dessinée artists like Moebius. These influences manifested in cinematic pacing, expansive splash pages, and a four page fold out illustration in the final issue.
The cultural impact of Ronin is primarily found in its role as a precursor to the "Prestige Format" and the modern graphic novel. By securing creator rights and targeting an older audience with mature themes, Miller helped pave the way for the creator owned movement and the establishment of DC’s Vertigo imprint. The series also served as a stylistic bridge to Miller's later work on The Dark Knight Returns. Beyond the comic medium, the visual language and premise of Ronin provided a significant creative foundation for subsequent pop culture works, most notably serving as a primary inspiration for the animated series Samurai Jack. Its legacy remains tied to its successful integration of international art styles into the American mainstream and its early advocacy for artist driven production.
C4 Collectibles Auction
April 3 - April 13, 2026
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Bidding Range
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Increment
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|---|---|
| $0.00 - $50.00 | $1.00 |
| $50.00 - $100.00 | $5.00 |
| $100.00 - $500.00 | $10.00 |
| $500.00 - $1,000.00 | $25.00 |
| $1,000.00 - $5,000.00 | $50.00 |
| $5,000.00 - $10,000.00 | $100.00 |
| $10,000.00 - $20,000.00 | $200.00 |
| $20,000.00 - $50,000.00 | $500.00 |
| $50,000.00 - $100,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| $100,000.00+ | $5,000.00 |
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