It was good. It was an interesting read to compare both and see how they decided to show each and the difference on characterization. Specially Blackthorn that are basically two pretty different characters on each one. The 80's one is more happy and interested on learning about japanese culture, whole the new one feel more grounded and just trying to survive another day to get the shit out of Japan. My wife felt that the 80's version explained better the background political conflict, because of the narrator and the more explicit translation. While the new version was more show don't tell and some of the motivations on the conflict could be lost if you don't pay attention.