Recommended Reading - Usagi Yojimbo by Randy Lander Last Updated: December 9, 2005 Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Frequency: Monthly Price: $2.99 Status: Ongoing Series (19 trades are currently available, collecting all of volumes one and two of the series and #1-75 of the current Dark Horse series, and the series is up to issue #89) Jumping-On Points: Despite being an immensely long-running series, Usagi Yojimbo is remarkably approachable. Unless the book happens to be in the middle of a multi-part story, any given issue should provide a good jumping-on point. Some of the Fantagraphics trades (the first seven) can be hard to find due to their tendency to drop out of print, so if I were to recommend a trade to start with other than volume one, I'd say that volume 10, The Brink of Life and Death, is a particularly good one. Those seeking a recent issue might want to check out #90, which should feature a new jumping-on point as the "Treasure of the Mother of Mountains" story will have concluded. Creators: Written/Illustrated by Stan Sakai Website: The Usagi Yojimbo Dojo (A phenomenal resource for Usagi fans, with an updated news section, a store, messageboard, cast of characters section, various downloads, fan art, etc.) The Basics: A noble masterless samurai roams a fantastic land with parallels to feudal Japan, seeking to serve justice, help his friends and the downtrodden and get by in a world while retaining his sense of honor. My Overview: With Cerebus and Bone concluded, Usagi Yojimbo might have a claim to being the longest-running independent comic book series on the market. With a vast and ever-expanding cast of interesting characters, a strong central lead in his noble ronin Usagi and polished, perfect cartooning, Stan Sakai has made Usagi Yojimbo a must-read for years on end. Sakai has clearly done the research into feudal Japanese culture, and Usagi reflects a love of that culture, from its historical figures and events to the more fantastic monsters and legends, all blended into one seamless whole. Over the course of Usagi's life, Sakai has paid homage to everything from manga (Lone Wolf & Cub) to film (Kurosawa nods abound) to cultural events (with stories of gunpowder and Christianity making their way to Japan from the west). The stories are always entertaining and accessible, despite having a long and storied history and intricately connected cast of supporting characters. Even better, despite having worked on the property for years, Sakai always manages to offer up new characters, new plots and new twists in pre-existing stories that keeps the book fresh. Whether you're a new reader or one who has been following Usagi Yojimbo for years, this book is always worth reading. Who's It For?: Fans of feudal Japanese culture, those who love Kurosawa films and anyone with a penchant for solid action comics and great cartooning. Currently Available Trades: Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 1: The Ronin (Collects stories from Albedo, Critters, Doomsday Special & Usagi Yojimbo Summer Special) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 2: Samurai (Collects Usagi Yojimbo #1-6 with an introduction by Mark Evanier) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 3: The Wanderer's Road (Collects Usagi Yojimbo #7-12 and Turtle Soup with an introduction by Robert Asprin) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 4: The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 1 #13-18 with an introduction by Alejandro Jodorowsky) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 5: Lone Goat and Kid (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 1 #19-24 with an introduction by Stan Lee) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 6: Circles (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 1 #25-31 with an introduction by Jeff Smith) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 7: Gen's Story (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 1 #32-38 & Critters #38 with an introduction by Sergio Aragones) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 8: Shades of Death (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 2 #1-8 with an introduction by William Stout) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 9: Daisho (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 2 #7-14 with an introduction by James Robinson) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 10: The Brink of Life and Death (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 3 #1-6 & Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 2 #13-16 with an introduction by Kurt Busiek) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 11: Seasons (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 3 #7-12 & Usagi Yojimbo Color Special #4 with an introduction by Lynn Johnston) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 12: Grasscutter (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 3 #13-22 with an introduction by Will Eisner) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 13: Grey Shadows (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 3 #23-30 with an introduction by Max Allan Collins) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 14: Demon Mask (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 3 #31-38 and stories from Dark Horse Presents #140, Dark Horse Presents Annual 1999, Wizard #97, Oni Double Feature #10 & Dark Horse Extra #20-23 with an introduction by Paul Dini) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 15: Grasscutter II (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 3 #39-45 with an introduction by Greg Rucka) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 16: Shrouded Moon (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 3 #46-52 with an introduction by Scott Shaw) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 17: Duel at Kitanoji (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 3 #53-60 with an introduction by Jack Davis) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 18: Travels with Jotaro (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 3 #61-68 with an introduction by Peter Laird) Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 19: Fathers and Sons (Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 3 #69-75 with an introduction by Matt Wagner) Space Usagi (Collects Space Usagi:Warrior #1-3, Space Usagi: Death & Honor #1-3, Space Usagi: White Star Rising #1-3, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #47 & Usagi Yojimbo Color Special #3) Reviews: Backtracking: Usagi Yojimbo Books 8-12 Usagi Yojimbo #61 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #66 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #68 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #69 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #70 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #71 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #72 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #73 Usagi Yojimbo #74-75 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #77 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #78 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #79 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #80 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #81 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #82 Usagi Yojimbo #83 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #84 Snapshot: Usagi Yojimbo #85 Usagi Yojimbo Book 16: The Shrouded Moon TP Usagi Yojimbo Book 17: Duel at Kitanoji TP Space Usagi TPB The Art of Usagi Yojimbo HC Recent Issues: USAGI YOJIMBO #86 Synopsis: Tomoe and Usagi find themselves cast into Noriko's slave pits and discover the secret to what Noriko has her slaves mining. Later that night, however, Noriko has an even bigger secret to reveal to Tomoe, one that deepens the connection between the two enemies and reveals a long mysterious crime for Tomoe. Review: This story is a big one, and the events going on are definitely deserving of that length. Sakai expands on Tomoe's history, more or less moving her to the role of central figure in this story, especially in this issue, while Usagi is relegated to a role of hostage and sidekick, for the most part. It's an unusual role reversal and an unusual choice to push the protagonist to the side to such a degree, but it really works, and Noriko is absolutely one of the most evil villains Sakai has developed, even more clearly evil when we learn of her past treachery in the last half of the book. There are any number of directions the story could go from here, and I'm curious to see where the story leads. A deeper relationship between Tomoe and Usagi seems possible given their confined space and the danger surrounding them. Certainly Tomoe will have some important decisions to make as the story moves on. And the fate of Noriko will certainly be interesting to watch, to see if she is a recurring foe or one who will meet her end in a story that is doing a great job of definining her. Highlights: Usagi's reflexes, Motokazu's intelligence and presence in his brief encounter on the road and the shocking revelations that Noriko has to offer to Tomoe Quote: "Don't thank me. I should have left you and reported to Lord Noriyuki. I've betrayed his trust in me." "Yeah. But, well... I've still got my hand." -Tomoe and Usagi USAGI YOJIMBO #87 Synopsis: A discovery in the mine leads to further insight into Noriko's plan and who she's working for, as well as dire predictions for the fate of Usagi, Tomoe and the other slaves. Fortunately, an ally from outside the area has made his way in to help. Review: Five chapters deep into a seven chapter story, the actual shape of the story is more or less clear, and so there isn't much in this issue in terms of surprises. However, that's more or less a result of Sakai's disciplined plotting, and while there may not be any big surprises, there are certainly any number of memorable moments. Motokazu in particular has come into his own in this arc, and while Noriko is almost cartoonishly wicked, I find her a believable and interesting character as well as a good villain. Sakai sort of telegraphs the reveal of what Noriko plans to do with the slaves, and makes Usagi and Tomoe seem a little slow on the uptake as a result, but it's an interesting twist and political maneuever added to the plot as the reader has been able to figure out up to this point. Highlights: It's all about Motokazu this time out. The gall to break through a friendly barricade, the intelligence to imitate a Tokage lizard to avoid discovery and the tense infiltration of the camp and breakout of his friends are all the best moments of the issue. Quote: "We were ordered not to let anyone through those gates, weren't we? Then we would be going against orders if we went in there." -Geishu guard, justifying his fear of the plague USAGI YOJIMBO #88 Synopsis: The slaves make their escape, leading to a final confrontation with Noriko and her mercenaries Review: After all the build-up, this is the climax of "The Treasure of the Mother of Mountains" story. That means a payoff to the big story arc, the conflict between Noriko and Tomoe, as well as the smaller ones, like Usagi's one-eyed antagonist, the guilt of the poacher who discovered the mining spot in the first place and Motokazu's role in the escape. As with issue #87, the structure of the story means that there's not much in the way of surprise, but there are some great combat sequences, poetic justice for Usagi's antagonist and a nice (almost literal) hoisting by her own petard of Noriko. I confess that I don't quite buy Tomoe's remorse in regard to Noriko, as it seems like a bizarre reaction after everything that has gone on and the tenuous nature of their newly revealed familial connection, but it's certainly within the realm of possibility, given the way that emotions strike different people differently. Highlights: A well-paced escape, as the quiet of the night and a few stealthy kills gives way to a massive rush of chaos. Usagi's showdown and darkly comical bit of justice served on his foe. Tomoe having to face down Noriko with Motokazu involved as both ally and potential hostage. Quote: "I'll kill all of you if even one of them gets away!" -Noriko, employing the "Darth Vader management technique" USAGI YOJIMBO #89 Synopsis: Noriko, abandoned at the bottom of a sealed mine, tries to fight her way free... or so it would appear. Meanwhile, the after-effects of recent events is decided in Lord Noriyuki's court. Review: Much of this issue is given over to the kind of harrowing, surprising escape from seeming doom that is usually reserved for heroes. This is an indication of one of the strenghts of Sakai's work, his focus on making his villains thoroughly villainous and yet very real and three-dimensional, with their own goals and lives outside of their roles as antagonist. Sakai creates quite the harrowing journey for Noriko, making good use of her role as antagonist and uncertain future as a result to create real tension, and ends the journey with a moment that could easily be cliche if not done correctly. As is often the case in Usagi tales, "The Treasure of the Mother of Mountains" resolves in sort of a bittersweet way, with uncertain victory for the heroes. Noriko's fate is left uncertain, and there is no justice served upon the treacherous lord who was responsible for the events. However, there is a very proud moment for one of the characters and a nice, "back to normal" moment to close out the story, leading to a very satisfying ending. Highlights: The extensive escape sequence with Noriko, the perfectly timed revelation of Motokazu's fate and a friendly moment that tells a lot about the Usagi/Tomoe relationship to close things out. Quote: "I am Noriko, the blood princess! I am not meat for the likes of you scavengers!" -Noriko Email Randy Lander comments about this column.