The Witcher: Ronin manga free preview showcases Geralt's troubles in Japan

Once again, the fabled monster hunter manages to both benefit and irritate the populace.

In September 2021, CD Projekt launched a Kickstarter campaign to seek funds for The Witcher: Ronin, a Witcher-based manga. It struck me as odd at the time—does CD Projekt really need Kickstarter's help to launch a new Witcher project?—but the studio explained that the real goal was "to see if this new concept for The Witcher would be something that fans would be interested in," which it was, and the campaign was a huge success.

The Witcher: Ronin's Kickstarter campaign promised an exclusive hard copy edition, although a normal version would also be available through traditional retail channels. Dark Horse revealed today that its take on the story will be released in October, along with a free sample of what fans may expect.

The plot is set in Edo-period Japan, but the preview chapter follows a familiar pattern: Geralt arrives in town, has a brawl with the local tough guy, obtains a contract, slips into a moral quagmire, tries his hardest, and irritates everyone. It's not really complicated in terms of these things, but it checks all the boxes.
Dark Horse's The Witcher: Ronin is available for preorder now for $20 from a variety of online retailers, and is set to hit comic shops on October 19, followed by bookstores on November 1.