Samurai: The Splinter and the Sword

Aircel Publishing's Samurai: The Splinter and the Sword (1988–present) is a three-issue miniseries that brings a gritty, mystical sword-and-sorcery sensibility to the samurai genre. Written and drawn primarily by Barry Blair and Patrick McEown, the story follows a lone warrior navigating a world of honor, betrayal, and supernatural conflict. Its stark black-and-white art and moody atmosphere helped define the independent comics aesthetic of the late 1980s, making it a cult touchstone for fans of mature, creator-driven adventure.