子連れ狼 [Kozure Ōkami] #1

Against a stark black background, the cover of this 1970 Futabasha volume presents a weathered rōnin cradling a young child in his arms — the two figures rendered in brooding, painterly tones by artist 小島剛夕 that immediately convey both tenderness and quiet menace. Writer 小池一夫 and artist 小島剛夕 set the tone for 子連れ狼 right here: a lone warrior bound to the small, wide-eyed boy he carries, the pair looking out with the kind of steely composure that promises an unforgettable journey through feudal Japan.