Who doesn't know the legendary Samurai? Their codes of honor, the art of wielding the sword, their appreciation of art and culture, a Japan closed to the world… We all know bits and pieces of bushido culture. But very few people know the story of Kurusan Yasuke, the one and only Black Samurai in the history of Japan. It is the story of a man, who by the force of his work will become a respected warrior in a Japan suspicious and closed to foreigners. This legendary man has inspired many. Recently, several projects are dedicated to highlighting the unique destiny of this man. Among these creations, come a book by Serge Bilé, and a Netflix animated series. This comic is another milestone in the stories revolving around Kurusan Yasuke. 
Becoming a Samurai in a country suspicious of foreigners:
We are in a feudal Japan at the end of the 16th century. The Daimyo (military governor) Oda Nobunaga was at war to unify the country while the country reluctantly opened up to European Jesuits. A Jesuit named Allesandro Valignano landed in 1579 with his African slave, Joseph, in the town of Kiyosu where Nobunaga resided. Right away, the Japanese are both frightened and fascinated by this strange, tall and strong man. Very quickly, Joseph finds himself in the service of Nobunaga and put under his protection. The latter, eager to know his new servant so different from him, will make sure that Joseph is educated in the Japanese language and culture. It is Nobunaga himself who will give him the name that will be inscribed in the legend: Kurusan Yasuke (Mr. Black). 
Thus begins Yasuke's journey to reach his extraordinary destiny as a samurai and Nobunaga's confidant.
A volume quite faithful to the story of Kurusan Yasuke:
Unlike other fictional heroes, Kurusan Yasuke did exist. Unfortunately, the history and journey of this legendary man have been poorly referenced, so we have very little knowledge about him. Thierry Gloris (script) and Emiliano Zarcone (artist) try, through this first volume, to shed some light on this unique character. It is believed that he came either from Ethiopia, Sudan or Mozambique (among the Makua tribe). One of the key sources that inspired the creation of this volume is the memoirs of Oda Nobunaga.
On the 23rd of the second month, a black servant came from Christian countries. He looked like he was 26 or 27 years old, his whole body was black like that of an ox. He was solid and had presence. Moreover, his strength was greater than that of 10 men combined.
Historians disagree on the context of Yasuke's arrival in Japan. Was he a slave? Bodyguard? Considering the division of social classes in Japan at that time, some believe it is unlikely that Yasuke was simply a slave. But that's the choice made by the creators of the album. It is used to 'denounce' the slave trade and the hypocrisy of people in the West and religious orders. But that's not the central part of the story. 
The volume focuses mainly on Japanese characters and the unfolding of historical events that we know. There are times when Yasuke finds himself relegated to the background. This allows other historical figures to set up the events to follow. The result is an album that stands out thanks to a fluid and well-written story.
Sober and realistic drawings bring Yasuke to life:
The reader sees through the details of the drawings that the creators have done important historical research. Whether on the importance of honor in the warrior class or the appearance of the characters (hairstyles and clothes). Unfortunately, the lack of documentation on Yasuke forces the creators of this comic to romanticize Yasuke's interactions with the Japanese, to fill in the blanks of the story. On the other hand, for a reader who does not know the history of Kurusan or feudal Japan, snippets of fiction do not frustrate the veracity of history. The authors of this comic have bet on the realism of the drawings. This style removes the reader's ability to think that this story is pure fiction. Devoid of whimsical or caricatured graphic elements, Kurusan adds a human quality that makes the man of legend. 
Overall impressions:
It is a very successful first volume. With sober and realistic pencil strokes, and a meticulous eye on detail, Gloris & Zarco "light the spot" on a character little known in history. We discover the legend as a man and witness the marks he will leave in history. For lovers of historical comics and samurai, this one is a must for his collection, while waiting for the second volume. Kurusan is an album published by Delcourt and available in bookstores.
