“Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance” (子連れ狼 子を貸し腕貸しつかまつる), Rare Alternate Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1972, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) S226

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1972 for the first release of Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (子連れ狼 子を貸し腕貸しつかまつる), directed by Kenji Misumi and starring Wakayama Tomisaburō as Ogami Ittō—former shōgun executioner turned rōnin assassin—travelling the roads of Japan with his young son Daigorō. The film is the first of the celebrated six-film Lone Wolf and Cub series, adapted from the legendary manga by Kazuo Koike and Gōseki Kojima, and remains one of the most iconic father-and-son revenge sagas in Japanese cinema.

Importantly, this is the rare alternate photographic B2 design from the original 1972 first-release campaign, rather than the more commonly encountered standard artwork.

Design
A superb, remarkably restrained alternate design built around one of the defining images of the entire franchise: Ogami Ittō carrying Daigorō on his back, standing against an expansive white ground. Wakayama’s severe, controlled expression and the child resting against his shoulder distil the central contradiction of the series—extreme violence and paternal devotion existing side by side.

At upper right, the title appears within a brilliant vermilion block:

「子連れ狼」

alongside the full subtitle:

「子を貸し腕貸しつかまつる」

— approximately, “Child for hire, sword-arm for hire.”

The stark monochrome photography, extensive negative space and vivid red typography give the sheet an unusually modern, almost minimalist character for a 1972 jidaigeki campaign.

Smaller details reward closer viewing: at lower left, Ittō pushes the famous weaponised baby cart, while a row of expressive drawings of Daigorō’s face provides a direct visual connection to the original manga. Additional monochrome action stills along the lower portion hint at the extraordinary swordplay to come without overwhelming the principal father-and-son image.

The result is a particularly sophisticated first-release design and a distinct, materially different poster from the standard B2 campaign artwork.

Condition
Very Good+ original condition. The poster was previously folded and has subsequently been stored flat. The original vertical and horizontal fold lines remain visible, together with light associated creasing, minor surface handling and modest edge wear consistent with an original theatrical poster from 1972.

Importantly, the main photographic image remains strong and highly presentable, with excellent contrast and vivid vermilion typography. We have fully taken the condition into account when pricing, and once professionally framed the poster should display excellently.

Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.

This poster is an original Japanese theatrical B2 from the 1972 first-release campaign, rare alternate photographic design.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is over 54 years old!

Certificate of Authenticity included.