Nick Falk (text), Tony Flowers (illus.), The Race for the Shogun’s Treasure (Samurai vs Ninja #2), Random House, 1 April 2015, 88pp., $9.99 (pbk) ISBN 9780857986368
There are some specific nuances carried over from the first book to the next, particularly so in terms of understanding the humour and one or two references to events in the previous title. But essentially readers would be able to pick up this second title in the Samurai vs Ninja series, The Race for the Shogun’s Treasure, and easily become immersed in the language and the antics of these silly ancient warrior brothers without a hitch.
Once again, ten Japanese-numbered chapters embrace their characteristic slapstick, gruesome and gross style of comedy and underhanded plays as Kingyo-Sama (Master Goldfish, head of samurai) and Buta-Sama (Master Pig, head of ninja) battle it out to reign supreme. The shogun ruler calls the fiesty, dim-witted warriors to his Edo Castle in Tokyo to embark on a perilous expedition to reclaim his precious, stolen Oguma-za (the Great Bear). Their desperate need to prove their power becomes nothing short of a ridiculous debacle with many a chilli-launching, samurai-flinging, belly-boinging and sock-shoving fighting frenzy to be had along the way. The circular plot is simple with some page-turning hurdles to overcome, and a couple of little twists towards the end. Young readers will delight in the sick sense of humour of Nick Falk and the equally hysterical, and superbly detailed drawings by Tony Flowers that neatly fit in and around the text.
Boys in particular will be racing to get their hands on the newest titles in the Samurai vs Ninja series. Suitable for readers from age seven.
Reviewed by Romi Sharp