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Usagi Yojimbo #34
Usagi Yojimbo: Bunraku and Other Stories
Follow these all-new full-color adventures of rabbit ronin Miyamoto Usagi as he wanders Edo period Japan on his warrior's journey.
Presented in color for the first time, the ongoing adventures of Stan Sakai's seminal and long running series are now being published by IDW. This first volume of all-new material continues the saga of Usagi Yojimbo with the three-part "Bunraku," where Usagi becomes embroiled in a puppet drama where the players are not quite what they seem! Will the aid of a supernatural ally be enough for Usagi to prevent more death?
Collects the first seven issues of Usagi Yojimbo published by IDW.
Presented in color for the first time, the ongoing adventures of Stan Sakai's seminal and long running series are now being published by IDW. This first volume of all-new material continues the saga of Usagi Yojimbo with the three-part "Bunraku," where Usagi becomes embroiled in a puppet drama where the players are not quite what they seem! Will the aid of a supernatural ally be enough for Usagi to prevent more death?
Collects the first seven issues of Usagi Yojimbo published by IDW.
184 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2020
About the author
Stan Sakai
888 books357 followersStan Sakai (Japanese: 坂井 スタンSakai Sutan; born May 25, 1953) is an artist who became known as an Eisner Award-winning comic book originator.
Born in Kyoto, Sakai grew up in Hawaii and studied fine arts at the University of Hawaii. He later attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. He and his wife, Sharon, presently reside and work in Pasadena.
He began his career by lettering comic books (notably Groo the Wanderer by Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier) and became famous with the production of Usagi Yojimbo, the epic saga of Miyamoto Usagi, a samurai rabbit living in late-sixteenth and early-seventeenth-century Japan. First published in 1984, the comic continues to this day, with Sakai as the lone author and nearly-sole artist (Tom Luth serves as the main colorist on the series, and Sergio Aragonés has made two small contributions to the series: the story "Broken Ritual" is based on an idea by Aragonés, and he served as a guest inker for the black and white version of the story "Return to Adachi Plain" that is featured in the Volume 11 trade paper-back edition of Usagi Yojimbo). He also made a futuristic spin-off series Space Usagi. His favorite movie is Satomi Hakkenden (1959).
Born in Kyoto, Sakai grew up in Hawaii and studied fine arts at the University of Hawaii. He later attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. He and his wife, Sharon, presently reside and work in Pasadena.
He began his career by lettering comic books (notably Groo the Wanderer by Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier) and became famous with the production of Usagi Yojimbo, the epic saga of Miyamoto Usagi, a samurai rabbit living in late-sixteenth and early-seventeenth-century Japan. First published in 1984, the comic continues to this day, with Sakai as the lone author and nearly-sole artist (Tom Luth serves as the main colorist on the series, and Sergio Aragonés has made two small contributions to the series: the story "Broken Ritual" is based on an idea by Aragonés, and he served as a guest inker for the black and white version of the story "Return to Adachi Plain" that is featured in the Volume 11 trade paper-back edition of Usagi Yojimbo). He also made a futuristic spin-off series Space Usagi. His favorite movie is Satomi Hakkenden (1959).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 12, 2020
Usagi Yojimbo: Bunraku and Other Stories collects Usagi Yojimbo #1-7 from IDW in color!
I caught up on my Usagi Yojimbo reading right before my son was born last year. He's turning one in a couple weeks so it's only appropriate that I read the newest Usagi Yojimbo volume.
In this collection of tales, Usagi encounters killer puppets, escorts a famous writer on a trip away from her abusive samurai husband, takes on a goblin not far from where his master was slain years ago, and joins up with old friends Stray Dog and Gen.
Reading new Usagi stories is like slipping into a favorite t-shirt, comforting and familiar. This volume is both a good jumping on point for new readers and a refresher for old readers. Stan Sakai's art is as crisp as ever. I thought color would be unnecessary, and I still think that to some extent, but Tom Luth's coloring is a nice addition. The coloring is understated and while I noticed some gradients, flat color for the most part. It reminds me of the coloring in Dark Horse's Moebius books.
I think I appreciate Stan Sakai's writing even more than his art, though. He manages to work Japanese culture into his tales without making it seem like he needed to shoehorn everything he researched into the tale. In Bunraku, it was puppetry. He's also a master at giving the audience what they need rather than what they want. We all wanted to see Usagi cut down Mura's husband but his final fate was much more satisfying the way things played out.
With Bunraku and Other Stories, Usagi Yojimbo continues to be one of my all time favorite series. Four out of five killer puppets.
I caught up on my Usagi Yojimbo reading right before my son was born last year. He's turning one in a couple weeks so it's only appropriate that I read the newest Usagi Yojimbo volume.
In this collection of tales, Usagi encounters killer puppets, escorts a famous writer on a trip away from her abusive samurai husband, takes on a goblin not far from where his master was slain years ago, and joins up with old friends Stray Dog and Gen.
Reading new Usagi stories is like slipping into a favorite t-shirt, comforting and familiar. This volume is both a good jumping on point for new readers and a refresher for old readers. Stan Sakai's art is as crisp as ever. I thought color would be unnecessary, and I still think that to some extent, but Tom Luth's coloring is a nice addition. The coloring is understated and while I noticed some gradients, flat color for the most part. It reminds me of the coloring in Dark Horse's Moebius books.
I think I appreciate Stan Sakai's writing even more than his art, though. He manages to work Japanese culture into his tales without making it seem like he needed to shoehorn everything he researched into the tale. In Bunraku, it was puppetry. He's also a master at giving the audience what they need rather than what they want. We all wanted to see Usagi cut down Mura's husband but his final fate was much more satisfying the way things played out.
With Bunraku and Other Stories, Usagi Yojimbo continues to be one of my all time favorite series. Four out of five killer puppets.
December 5, 2019
My first Usagi Yojimbo! I've been meaning to check out Stan Sakai's famous long running saga for a while, and now that he switched publishers and started the series with a new #1 I knew this was my chance to jump on this bunny samurai train. Everything about this series feels old school in a good way — shorter self-contained stories, more focus on storytelling than character building, and the art itself has that 'classic' feel. It's kinda rare nowadays to see comics done like this, so it was refreshing to read something that felt different. I really enjoyed it, and it made me want to go back and catch up on Sakai's older stories from the world of Usagi Yojimbo.
November 15, 2021
This is a cumulative review of the 35 volumes of collected Usagi Yojimbo stories that have been published to date. They span a 37-year history, across the first seven volumes published by Fantagraphics, across the next 24 volumes published by Dark Horse, and finally across the most recent three volumes published by IDW, bringing us to Usagi Yojimbo v35: Homecoming, published in 2021. This review does not include the volumes Space Usagi, Usagi Yojimbo: Yokai, Usagi Yojimbo: Senso, Usagi Yojimbo/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Complete Collection, or Chibi Usagi: Attack of the Heebie Chibis.
In a land very much like Japan, in a time very much like the early days of the Tokugawa Shogunate, when legions of samurai suddenly found themselves out of work in a war-torn land trying to get back to normal, a masterless samurai - a ronin - named Usagi Yojimbo walks the path of a student-warrior. He goes wherever fate takes him, living by his honor, his swordsmanship and by the grace of the friends he makes along the way. On his endless adventures, Usagi confronts wicked bandits, cruel tyrants, sinister assassins, and dire supernatural fiends. He often encounters humble folk plying their trade in an often cruel and harsh world (and along the way, learns a bit about their work, like brewing sake or weaving tatami mats).
He builds a vast cast of friends, allies and rivals, including the bounty hunter Gen, fellow samurai (and love interest) Tomoe, the ninja Chizu, the thief Kitsune, the noble lord Noriyuki, the stalwart Inspector Ishida, and of course, Usagi’s own son (and chip off the old block), Jotaro. And just as well, he builds no small list of enemies, including the dire Lord Hikiji (the power-hungry lord who is the very reason why Usagi no longer has a master), the Neko and Komori ninja clans, the Koroshi league of assassins, and the demonic ronin Jei. Amid all this, Usagi strives to uphold the warrior ideals of bushido and find a sense of enlightenment on his journey.
The stories are often funny, exciting, smart, sharp, tight, and occasionally touched with tragedy. They offer an informed look at medieval Japan, and pay no small number of homages to all kinds of cultural references both ancient and modern. Together, they reflect Sakai’s own journey to connect with his personal heritage and honor it with his stories. They are simultaneously suitable for adults and kids alike - despite all of the carnage, Sakai never descends into gruesome detail, and yet, the many scenes of battle never seem so sanitized that they lose their gravity.
The artwork is distinct and excellent. Sakai is a master of sharp line work (as well as lettering), and since he writes, pencils, inks and letters every issue solo, there is a uniformity and consistency to Usagi Yojimbo that you just don’t find in many other comics or cartoons. Until the last few volumes, it is all B&W, but Sakai’s sense of depth as well as his supremely skilled panel composition, pulls you in so deeply that you forget if it’s in color or not. You are under Usagi’s spell from the first page, and along for the ride, however long it goes.
To get an idea of the length, breadth and depth of how beloved an impactful Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo series has been, look no further than the introductions to each of the collected volumes published to date. There you will find a dazzling array of some of the finest talents in modern cartooning, who have a seemingly endless variety of ways to say how much they love Usagi Yojimbo, how impactful it has been on their own careers, and how great Stan Sakai has been himself as a goodwill ambassador for both cartooning and the Japanese culture he so masterfully serves throughout his stories.
For those who have not yet enjoyed these stories for the first time, a wonderful journey awaits you. Usagi Yojimbo was created during those days in the 80s when anthropomorphic martial arts characters were all the rage. And yet, Usagi Yojimbo stood apart almost immediately. He might have been a rabbit ronin in a world of talking, walking animals, but he never seemed to be drafting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or trying to comment on the martial-art zoo comic trend. From the beginning, Usagi Yojimbo, like its titular character, was determined to walk its own path, to be the best it could be, and to celebrate the things in life that are worth celebrating: devotion to one’s craft, honoring one’s family, upholding one’s obligations, serving one’s highest aspirations, accepting one’s limitations, and acknowledging one’s flaws.
The stories are largely episodic varying in length from just a few pages, to an entire collection. They often are self-contained, but just as often reference slowly building meta plots, or serve an entire, novel-length story on their own. Everything is delicately interconnected, and yet, without such a heavy continuity that one can not simply pick up any of these volumes and begin reading without skipping a beat. Such is this series, endlessly accessible and friendly to beginners, and endlessly rewarding to long-time fans for whom earned narrative developments deliver terrific dividends.
As with any series of this length, some moments in it won’t land as well with the reader as others. But there just are not that many lows with this - if you appreciate what Sakai is doing here, you’re likely to enjoy pretty much all of it. There are some volumes that really stand out, largely because they tell the biggest and most epic stories (v04: The Dragon Bellows Conspiracy, v12: Grasscutter, v15: Grasscutter II - Journey to Astuta Shrine, v17: Duel at Kitanoji, v19: Fathers and Sons, v28: Red Scorpion, v32: The Hidden, and v35:Homecoming all come to mind), but really, the entire catalog is worth enjoying on equal terms. It’s saying something indeed that the most recent volume of Usagi Yojimbo tells one of the most compelling and moving stories of the entire series. Some edges dull over time, but as a storyteller, Stan Sakai’s edge never does.
Usagi Yojimbo has been hailed as one of the greatest independent comics ever. And it is. But it is more than that. It is one of the greatest comics, period. Read every volume. You will be glad that you did.
In a land very much like Japan, in a time very much like the early days of the Tokugawa Shogunate, when legions of samurai suddenly found themselves out of work in a war-torn land trying to get back to normal, a masterless samurai - a ronin - named Usagi Yojimbo walks the path of a student-warrior. He goes wherever fate takes him, living by his honor, his swordsmanship and by the grace of the friends he makes along the way. On his endless adventures, Usagi confronts wicked bandits, cruel tyrants, sinister assassins, and dire supernatural fiends. He often encounters humble folk plying their trade in an often cruel and harsh world (and along the way, learns a bit about their work, like brewing sake or weaving tatami mats).
He builds a vast cast of friends, allies and rivals, including the bounty hunter Gen, fellow samurai (and love interest) Tomoe, the ninja Chizu, the thief Kitsune, the noble lord Noriyuki, the stalwart Inspector Ishida, and of course, Usagi’s own son (and chip off the old block), Jotaro. And just as well, he builds no small list of enemies, including the dire Lord Hikiji (the power-hungry lord who is the very reason why Usagi no longer has a master), the Neko and Komori ninja clans, the Koroshi league of assassins, and the demonic ronin Jei. Amid all this, Usagi strives to uphold the warrior ideals of bushido and find a sense of enlightenment on his journey.
The stories are often funny, exciting, smart, sharp, tight, and occasionally touched with tragedy. They offer an informed look at medieval Japan, and pay no small number of homages to all kinds of cultural references both ancient and modern. Together, they reflect Sakai’s own journey to connect with his personal heritage and honor it with his stories. They are simultaneously suitable for adults and kids alike - despite all of the carnage, Sakai never descends into gruesome detail, and yet, the many scenes of battle never seem so sanitized that they lose their gravity.
The artwork is distinct and excellent. Sakai is a master of sharp line work (as well as lettering), and since he writes, pencils, inks and letters every issue solo, there is a uniformity and consistency to Usagi Yojimbo that you just don’t find in many other comics or cartoons. Until the last few volumes, it is all B&W, but Sakai’s sense of depth as well as his supremely skilled panel composition, pulls you in so deeply that you forget if it’s in color or not. You are under Usagi’s spell from the first page, and along for the ride, however long it goes.
To get an idea of the length, breadth and depth of how beloved an impactful Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo series has been, look no further than the introductions to each of the collected volumes published to date. There you will find a dazzling array of some of the finest talents in modern cartooning, who have a seemingly endless variety of ways to say how much they love Usagi Yojimbo, how impactful it has been on their own careers, and how great Stan Sakai has been himself as a goodwill ambassador for both cartooning and the Japanese culture he so masterfully serves throughout his stories.
For those who have not yet enjoyed these stories for the first time, a wonderful journey awaits you. Usagi Yojimbo was created during those days in the 80s when anthropomorphic martial arts characters were all the rage. And yet, Usagi Yojimbo stood apart almost immediately. He might have been a rabbit ronin in a world of talking, walking animals, but he never seemed to be drafting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or trying to comment on the martial-art zoo comic trend. From the beginning, Usagi Yojimbo, like its titular character, was determined to walk its own path, to be the best it could be, and to celebrate the things in life that are worth celebrating: devotion to one’s craft, honoring one’s family, upholding one’s obligations, serving one’s highest aspirations, accepting one’s limitations, and acknowledging one’s flaws.
The stories are largely episodic varying in length from just a few pages, to an entire collection. They often are self-contained, but just as often reference slowly building meta plots, or serve an entire, novel-length story on their own. Everything is delicately interconnected, and yet, without such a heavy continuity that one can not simply pick up any of these volumes and begin reading without skipping a beat. Such is this series, endlessly accessible and friendly to beginners, and endlessly rewarding to long-time fans for whom earned narrative developments deliver terrific dividends.
As with any series of this length, some moments in it won’t land as well with the reader as others. But there just are not that many lows with this - if you appreciate what Sakai is doing here, you’re likely to enjoy pretty much all of it. There are some volumes that really stand out, largely because they tell the biggest and most epic stories (v04: The Dragon Bellows Conspiracy, v12: Grasscutter, v15: Grasscutter II - Journey to Astuta Shrine, v17: Duel at Kitanoji, v19: Fathers and Sons, v28: Red Scorpion, v32: The Hidden, and v35:Homecoming all come to mind), but really, the entire catalog is worth enjoying on equal terms. It’s saying something indeed that the most recent volume of Usagi Yojimbo tells one of the most compelling and moving stories of the entire series. Some edges dull over time, but as a storyteller, Stan Sakai’s edge never does.
Usagi Yojimbo has been hailed as one of the greatest independent comics ever. And it is. But it is more than that. It is one of the greatest comics, period. Read every volume. You will be glad that you did.
February 4, 2022
Stanislav Sakajovský nám v první sbírce sešitů Usagiho, co vyšly již pod taktovkou IDW ukazuje, že změna vydavatelství rozhodně nebude mít vliv na kvalitu příběhů.
Usagiho putování tu navazuje a Stan se drží osvědčeného formátu, který mu jde nejlíp (a tomuhle tématu nejvíce sedí) - krátkých dobrodružstvích "po cestě". To nejdelší z nich je hned první - Bunraku, a s ním se vrací má oblíbená postava Sasuké a s ní nesmí chybět pořádná dávka paranormálna. Příběh je to skvělý, tematicky až hororový.
Další je Hrdina, takový ten příběh který nám dává nahlédnout do zvyklostí a cti v feudálně japonské společnosti, která je ne vždy hrdinská a "fér". A to Stan umí podat skvěle, hořkosladce, člověk z toho úplně cítí tu tíhu a nevyhnutelnost striktních společenských mantinelů.
Adachi je naopak takové memento, krátký příběh podle klasického schéma kdy Usagi dostane pohostinnost někde na samotě aby se vzápětí dostal do ohrožení, ale tady je důležité to vše, co je v příběhu mimo toto schéma. Malý příběh pro čtenáře ale velký milník pro Usagiho.
Poslední příběh je pak setkání s oblíbeným Genem, který to stále táhne s Toulavým Psem (Inukai). Tentokrát je to spíš taková humoreska, které Stanovi jdou taky skvěle, umí je velmi nenuceně gradovat a udržovat humorné a zároveň neustoupit od dobrodružného ducha Usagiho příběhů do světa komedie.
Celkově je to zase parádní čtení a tentokrát v barvě. Upřímně - coloring Usagimu sedí spíše ve formě akvarelu, ale chápu že u pravidelně vycházející série to není to správné rozhodnutí. Zde by to bylo časově náročnější, tím spíš kdyby si ho musel Stan dělat sám, protože najít dobrého řemeslného koloristu není tak těžké, ale najít takového, který by navíc zvládal na takové úrovni akvarel, to už je problém. Já jsem ale rád za současný stav, s IDW to mohlo dopadnout mnohem hůře. Možná až jednou Tom Luth předá "štětec" někomu dalšímu, budu na něj ještě s láskou vzpomínat. Ale snad ne.
Usagiho putování tu navazuje a Stan se drží osvědčeného formátu, který mu jde nejlíp (a tomuhle tématu nejvíce sedí) - krátkých dobrodružstvích "po cestě". To nejdelší z nich je hned první - Bunraku, a s ním se vrací má oblíbená postava Sasuké a s ní nesmí chybět pořádná dávka paranormálna. Příběh je to skvělý, tematicky až hororový.
Další je Hrdina, takový ten příběh který nám dává nahlédnout do zvyklostí a cti v feudálně japonské společnosti, která je ne vždy hrdinská a "fér". A to Stan umí podat skvěle, hořkosladce, člověk z toho úplně cítí tu tíhu a nevyhnutelnost striktních společenských mantinelů.
Adachi je naopak takové memento, krátký příběh podle klasického schéma kdy Usagi dostane pohostinnost někde na samotě aby se vzápětí dostal do ohrožení, ale tady je důležité to vše, co je v příběhu mimo toto schéma. Malý příběh pro čtenáře ale velký milník pro Usagiho.
Poslední příběh je pak setkání s oblíbeným Genem, který to stále táhne s Toulavým Psem (Inukai). Tentokrát je to spíš taková humoreska, které Stanovi jdou taky skvěle, umí je velmi nenuceně gradovat a udržovat humorné a zároveň neustoupit od dobrodružného ducha Usagiho příběhů do světa komedie.
Celkově je to zase parádní čtení a tentokrát v barvě. Upřímně - coloring Usagimu sedí spíše ve formě akvarelu, ale chápu že u pravidelně vycházející série to není to správné rozhodnutí. Zde by to bylo časově náročnější, tím spíš kdyby si ho musel Stan dělat sám, protože najít dobrého řemeslného koloristu není tak těžké, ale najít takového, který by navíc zvládal na takové úrovni akvarel, to už je problém. Já jsem ale rád za současný stav, s IDW to mohlo dopadnout mnohem hůře. Možná až jednou Tom Luth předá "štětec" někomu dalšímu, budu na něj ještě s láskou vzpomínat. Ale snad ne.
February 17, 2024
After a twelve year tenure with Dark Horse Comics, Stan Sakai takes the wandering ronin to IDW where the series would take on color for the first time since the Mirage run ended in 1995. Tom Luth who colored the Mirage series as well as many of the covers for Usagi Yojimbo serves as the primary colorist here. For the most part, the colors work well enough particularly when he opts to use more flat colors. The gradients look a bit more awkward here, especially for a series that is renowned for utilizing a striking black & white contrast for most of its history. The colors bother some more than others, but I'd say I'm mostly ambivalent about it.
"Bunraku and Other Stories" collects the first seven issues of the IDW series, starting with the three-part story, "Bunraku", which once again brings Sasuke the Demon-Queller into the forefront. Usagi and Sasuke work together to tackle some demonic puppets. This story is followed by "The Hero" where Usagi grapples with the responsibility of being considered someone's hero. This one is a Sakai staple as it involves a nice mix of tragedy and action to a story with some historical basis to it.
"Adachi" is Sakai retelling "The Goblin of Adachigahara" from Albedo #2 which lays out the origin of Usagi's current status as a ronin. It's a fun exercise holding this issue up against the original story as Sakai uses different perspectives on both the Battle of Adachi Plain and Usagi's encounter with the demonic Lord Toda who appears as the titular Goblin. This volume closes out with "The Swords of Higashi", a story which pairs Gen up with Stray Dog again as the pair take on a mission that requires Usagi's assistance as usual.
As always, Sakai finds a way to balance action, tragedy and drama with the historical significance and references relevant to the Edo period. He doesn't miss a beat during the transition between publishers, and though some take issue with the introduction of coloring in the series, I found in generally unbothersome for the reading experience.
"Bunraku and Other Stories" collects the first seven issues of the IDW series, starting with the three-part story, "Bunraku", which once again brings Sasuke the Demon-Queller into the forefront. Usagi and Sasuke work together to tackle some demonic puppets. This story is followed by "The Hero" where Usagi grapples with the responsibility of being considered someone's hero. This one is a Sakai staple as it involves a nice mix of tragedy and action to a story with some historical basis to it.
"Adachi" is Sakai retelling "The Goblin of Adachigahara" from Albedo #2 which lays out the origin of Usagi's current status as a ronin. It's a fun exercise holding this issue up against the original story as Sakai uses different perspectives on both the Battle of Adachi Plain and Usagi's encounter with the demonic Lord Toda who appears as the titular Goblin. This volume closes out with "The Swords of Higashi", a story which pairs Gen up with Stray Dog again as the pair take on a mission that requires Usagi's assistance as usual.
As always, Sakai finds a way to balance action, tragedy and drama with the historical significance and references relevant to the Edo period. He doesn't miss a beat during the transition between publishers, and though some take issue with the introduction of coloring in the series, I found in generally unbothersome for the reading experience.
August 7, 2020
Gorgeous as ever, Usagi Yojimbo moves on to its fourth (fifth?) publisher. Despite being in publication for 36 years, the book feels as fresh as ever. Stan Sakai is a damned national treasure. The only thing I’m not sure about here is IDW’s decision to release the book in color. Samoa’s black and white artwork is so vibrant, I’m not sure that color really adds anything to the package. Or maybe it’s just that I don’t really care for Tom Luth’s coloring? Regardless, it doesn’t detract from the overall package, so I can live with it, and maybe the addition of color will entice new readers to the adventures of the rabbit ronin. If you haven’t read Usagi Yojimbo before, this is a great spot to jump on.
January 1, 2024
Another masterpiece - revealing history and culture, while exciting readers with superb thrillers. Stan explores Japanese puppetry while bringing back Sasuke, the demon queller. Then he unveils a heartbreaker of honor and political marriage. Also, Usagi revisits Adachi plain and runs into Gen and Stray Dog again. It's a great introduction to the series if you've just come aboard for the IDW relaunch.
+++++++
Reread it, still absolutely love it.
+++++++
Reread it, still absolutely love it.
June 8, 2020
Despite my awareness of the title and despite it being around since 1984, I have never read Stan Sakai’s cult comic Usagi Yojimbo. Personally, I was introduced to the comic’s main protagonist through the numerous crossovers within the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoons, the second season of the 2003 cartoon being an absolute highlight. Having made its home at a number of publishers, from Fantagraphics to most notably Dark Horse, IDW is now continuing this long-running series with its creator still writing and drawing the adventures of the anthropomorphic rabbit rōnin.
Please click here for my full review.
Please click here for my full review.
June 11, 2020
With this collection, we see some changes in Usagi Yojimbo. He's being published by IDW instead of Dark Horse, he's starring in a new series under that publisher, and he's being printed in color. Luckily, the content of the series is the same as it's always been, so the changes are only superficial. The color printing is exciting, yes, but I always felt like there was a simplicity to the black-and-white illustrations that matched the artwork so well. We'll see if I keep liking the color.
The best story here is "Bunraku", but the other stories highlight the best of Usagi, too. I just find that I like the longer stories, as they have more room to grow, and they're more compelling. I'm hoping Sakai will focus on the longer stories later in the series, but if this collection is any indication, there are no changes occurring within the series itself.
The king is dead! Long live the king!
The best story here is "Bunraku", but the other stories highlight the best of Usagi, too. I just find that I like the longer stories, as they have more room to grow, and they're more compelling. I'm hoping Sakai will focus on the longer stories later in the series, but if this collection is any indication, there are no changes occurring within the series itself.
The king is dead! Long live the king!
October 28, 2023
jeszu kocham 😭🫶🏼
November 7, 2021
Dla fanów twórczości Stana Sakai i przygód Usagiego, album ten jest naprawdę wyjątkowy. W serii zaszły bowiem dość intensywne zmiany stylistyczne i od teraz każda kolejna część losów króliczego bohatera, będzie wydawana w pełnym kolorze. Przejście z klasycznej czerni i bieli w pełną paletę barw, może być dla części odbiorców pewnym zaskoczeniem. Zapewniam jednak, że taka metamorfoza została doskonale przemyślana i niczym nie umniejsza wysokiej wartości dzieła. Wręcz przeciwnie ożywia ona postacie i nadaje pokazanym historiom jeszcze większej dynamiki i niesamowitego klimatu. Ogólny styl artystyczny rysunków pozostaje ten sam, więc wierni fani cyklu nie powinni mieć powodów do narzekania.
Przemiana wizualnej strony komiksu nie wpływa w ogóle na jakość samego scenariusza. Sakai kolejny raz dostarcza tutaj czytelnikowi kilka pozornie prostych, klimatycznych i przyjemnych w odbiorze historyjek, w których główną rolę odgrywają dobrze znane postacie. Główną opowieścią jest tutaj tytułowe „Bunraku”, będące mieszanką tradycji i motywów nadprzyrodzonych. Usagi oddaje się przyjemności oglądania tradycyjnego teatru lalkowego (bunraku), kiedy spotyka starego dobrego znajomego (Sasuké). Łowca demonów jest na tropie nowych ponadnaturalnych przeciwników, a wszystkie ślady prowadzą do wspomnianego teatru. Ronin nie ma więc wielkiego wyboru, jak tylko zaangażować się w kolejną niebezpieczną misję, w której demoniczny oponent będzie naprawdę wymagający. Jak zawsze w swoje historii Sakai przeplata więc mocną i widowiskową akcję z licznymi odniesieniami do historii/tradycji Kraju Kwitnącej Wiśni. Wszystko podane jest w doskonałych proporcjach, zapewniając odbiorcy naprawdę przyjemną rozrywkę.
W pozostałej części komiksu na odbiorcę czekają jeszcze trzy novelki, które potrafią być mocno intrygujące. Z tego grona najbardziej wyróżniają się dwie opowieści (Bohater i Miecze Higashi). W pierwszej z nich mamy okazję obserwować Usagiego podróżującego w towarzystwie słynnej pisarki. Obrona kobiety przed bandytami i wysłuchiwanie jej historii wypełnia sporą część stron. Finałem tej opowieści jest konieczność skonfrontowania się z jej mężem, którym jest dostojny samuraj. Jest to dość specyficzna i ciężka w odbiorze historia (przynajmniej dla przeciętnego zachodniego odbiorcy), która doskonale jednak pokazuje pewne zawiłości dawnej Japonii. Sakai w naprawdę nieźle napisanej narracji, zagłębia się w różnorakich emocjach postaci. Pozwala on sobie tutaj również na pewne odniesienia do „drogi samuraja”, w której ciężko jest czasem pozwolić sobie na pewne kompromisy, co może prowadzić do wielkich tragedii. Miecze Higashi to z kolei mocno rozrywkowy finał całego tomu, w którym autor połączył „samurajską” widowiskowość z niezłą warstwą humorystyczną. Obserwujemy tutaj jak Gen i jego partner próbują odzyskać niezwykle cenne miecze i jak w całą kabałę wplątuje się Usagi. Jak zawsze kończy się to wszystko koniecznością pokazania swoich umiejętności i potrzebą pokonania wielu przeciwników.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
Przemiana wizualnej strony komiksu nie wpływa w ogóle na jakość samego scenariusza. Sakai kolejny raz dostarcza tutaj czytelnikowi kilka pozornie prostych, klimatycznych i przyjemnych w odbiorze historyjek, w których główną rolę odgrywają dobrze znane postacie. Główną opowieścią jest tutaj tytułowe „Bunraku”, będące mieszanką tradycji i motywów nadprzyrodzonych. Usagi oddaje się przyjemności oglądania tradycyjnego teatru lalkowego (bunraku), kiedy spotyka starego dobrego znajomego (Sasuké). Łowca demonów jest na tropie nowych ponadnaturalnych przeciwników, a wszystkie ślady prowadzą do wspomnianego teatru. Ronin nie ma więc wielkiego wyboru, jak tylko zaangażować się w kolejną niebezpieczną misję, w której demoniczny oponent będzie naprawdę wymagający. Jak zawsze w swoje historii Sakai przeplata więc mocną i widowiskową akcję z licznymi odniesieniami do historii/tradycji Kraju Kwitnącej Wiśni. Wszystko podane jest w doskonałych proporcjach, zapewniając odbiorcy naprawdę przyjemną rozrywkę.
W pozostałej części komiksu na odbiorcę czekają jeszcze trzy novelki, które potrafią być mocno intrygujące. Z tego grona najbardziej wyróżniają się dwie opowieści (Bohater i Miecze Higashi). W pierwszej z nich mamy okazję obserwować Usagiego podróżującego w towarzystwie słynnej pisarki. Obrona kobiety przed bandytami i wysłuchiwanie jej historii wypełnia sporą część stron. Finałem tej opowieści jest konieczność skonfrontowania się z jej mężem, którym jest dostojny samuraj. Jest to dość specyficzna i ciężka w odbiorze historia (przynajmniej dla przeciętnego zachodniego odbiorcy), która doskonale jednak pokazuje pewne zawiłości dawnej Japonii. Sakai w naprawdę nieźle napisanej narracji, zagłębia się w różnorakich emocjach postaci. Pozwala on sobie tutaj również na pewne odniesienia do „drogi samuraja”, w której ciężko jest czasem pozwolić sobie na pewne kompromisy, co może prowadzić do wielkich tragedii. Miecze Higashi to z kolei mocno rozrywkowy finał całego tomu, w którym autor połączył „samurajską” widowiskowość z niezłą warstwą humorystyczną. Obserwujemy tutaj jak Gen i jego partner próbują odzyskać niezwykle cenne miecze i jak w całą kabałę wplątuje się Usagi. Jak zawsze kończy się to wszystko koniecznością pokazania swoich umiejętności i potrzebą pokonania wielu przeciwników.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
May 24, 2020
It is once again that wonderful time of the year when the brand-new volume of the ongoing comic series, Usagi Yojimbo, comes out. Legendary comic creator Stan Sakai returns with the 34th volume in this series, Bunraku and Other Stories, which contains four epic and entertaining stories taking place in the unique setting of a version of feudal Japan inhabited by anthropomorphic animals.
Those who are familiar with my blog will know that I am a massive fan of the Usagi Yojimbo series, having read all of the comics that have been released, and this is easily one of my favourite series at the moment. I have been eagerly reading these comics for years, and since starting this blog I have been enjoying reviewing entries in the series, such as the prior two volumes, Mysteries and The Hidden (Mysteries was actually the first comic I ever reviewed on this blog), as well as some of the older volumes of the comic. As a result, I was extremely keen to get a copy of the new volume, and Bunraku and Other Stories was one of the top books I wanted to check out this autumn.
This latest volume is a rather special one, as it contains the first Usagi Yojimbo issues that Sakai has written for IDW Publishing. This series has been published by Dark Horse Comics since 1997, and their style was similar to that of the publisher before them, Fantagraphics Books. This move to IDW Publishing brings with it some very intriguing stylistic changes, namely that fact that each issue is now completely in colour. This is a massive departure from the previous entries in the series, each of which were originally released in black and white, and it brings the stories to life in a whole new manner. In order to do this, the series now employs a colourist, Tom Luth, who previously worked on Groo the Wanderer with Sakai. In addition, this latest volume is also physically different from all the previous volumes, as Bunraku and Other Stories is noticeably taller, which surprised me a bit when I saw it the first time, and which is seriously going to mess up aesthetics of my bookshelf. However, having the taller volume allows for slightly bigger panels than were typically featured in the previous Usagi Yojimbo stories, which I quite enjoyed.
However, even with some of these physical changes, this is still the same old Usagi Yojimbo. Sakai has once again produced some outstanding and deeply enjoyable stories, equipped with his trademark art style and his fantastic and loveable characters. Bunraku and Other Stories contains Issues #1-7 of the new, IDW Publishing, run on the series, and is made up of four separate stories.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2020/05/24/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Those who are familiar with my blog will know that I am a massive fan of the Usagi Yojimbo series, having read all of the comics that have been released, and this is easily one of my favourite series at the moment. I have been eagerly reading these comics for years, and since starting this blog I have been enjoying reviewing entries in the series, such as the prior two volumes, Mysteries and The Hidden (Mysteries was actually the first comic I ever reviewed on this blog), as well as some of the older volumes of the comic. As a result, I was extremely keen to get a copy of the new volume, and Bunraku and Other Stories was one of the top books I wanted to check out this autumn.
This latest volume is a rather special one, as it contains the first Usagi Yojimbo issues that Sakai has written for IDW Publishing. This series has been published by Dark Horse Comics since 1997, and their style was similar to that of the publisher before them, Fantagraphics Books. This move to IDW Publishing brings with it some very intriguing stylistic changes, namely that fact that each issue is now completely in colour. This is a massive departure from the previous entries in the series, each of which were originally released in black and white, and it brings the stories to life in a whole new manner. In order to do this, the series now employs a colourist, Tom Luth, who previously worked on Groo the Wanderer with Sakai. In addition, this latest volume is also physically different from all the previous volumes, as Bunraku and Other Stories is noticeably taller, which surprised me a bit when I saw it the first time, and which is seriously going to mess up aesthetics of my bookshelf. However, having the taller volume allows for slightly bigger panels than were typically featured in the previous Usagi Yojimbo stories, which I quite enjoyed.
However, even with some of these physical changes, this is still the same old Usagi Yojimbo. Sakai has once again produced some outstanding and deeply enjoyable stories, equipped with his trademark art style and his fantastic and loveable characters. Bunraku and Other Stories contains Issues #1-7 of the new, IDW Publishing, run on the series, and is made up of four separate stories.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2020/05/24/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
July 10, 2020
This is the first time that I've read a Usagi Yojimbo book. I've been aware of the character and the comics for many years, but never knew where to start reading the title. This book, proved to be that perfect stepping on point. Usagi Yojimbo has previously been published through Dark Horse Comics, but has recently moved to IDW Publishing. Usagi Yojimbo: Bunrako collects together the first seven issues of the IDW run, it's the start of the character's time with the new publisher, so makes this book a perfect point for new readers.
However, this doesn't mean that it's not open to older readers, those who've been fans of the character for years. IDW have made the very smart decision to make this a continuation of the original comics. It's not a reboot, or a reset, as the stories featured in this book make reference to older stories, and feature returning characters. It even tells you which volumes of the previous books to check out to learn more about these characters and stories. It's a great stepping on point, but one that encourages you to go back and read more.
There are a few stories presented in the book, the first one 'Bunraku' sees Usagi teaming up with the demon hunter Sasuke. The story has a nice introduction by Matt Alt, who gives a small introduction to Bunraku, and really sells you on the amazing craftsmanship that goes into the art. The story itself has a few fun twists and turns, and every time I thought I'd figured something out it threw in a new twist or revelation that I wasn't expecting. It kept me on my toes and made sure I was entertained throughout, and was a brilliant first story for my Usagi education.
The second story, 'The Hero' sees Usagi escorting the wife of a Hatamoto, a banner-man for a Shogun. Unfortunately, the Shogun is at peace, and the woman's husband is unable to earn glory in battle. He's become bitter and abusive towards his wife and the fame that she's receiving through her writing. Compared to the fun supernatural elements in the first story this one is much more personal, and deals with some very heavy concepts such as honour, duty, and abuse. The story foreshadows that it doesn't end well, and despite the villain getting his comeuppance by the end you won't come away feeling any real sense of victory, because no one really wins in that story. It feels a lot more real than the other stories because of this. It presents good people and bad, those who are in the wrong and their victims, but that doesn't mean that the good guys will win and get a happy ending.
The last two stories in the book are much shorter, being only single issue stories each, but are still great nonetheless. 'Adachi' sees Usagi return to the Adachi Plain, where his life as a Ronin began. The story refreshes experienced readers on Usagi's past, whilst presenting it to new readers. We get to learn how he became a Samurai without a lord, and how his journey has changed him. He also has to confront some of the ghosts of his past and put some of his unresolved emotions to bed. This story is a great piece of background information to those new to the book, yet doesn't seem to just retread old ground for readers already aware of this, by expanding upon his history and giving Usagi a new story to deal with.
The final story, 'The Swords of the Higashi' is the most comedic story in the book, and is a lot of fun. Usagi joins up with a pair of bounty hunter friends of his, Stray Dog and Gen. Much like Sasuke in the first story, these two are returning characters, and the story makes reference to some older adventures for curious readers. The story here kind of becomes a little farcical, and manages to walk the line between funny and too ridiculous well. It proves to be a great story to end the book on.
I wasn't sure what to expect from Usagi Yojimbo, but I'm so glad that I gave this book a chance. It was exciting, had mystery, told a story with emotion, gave me insight into the character's history, made me laugh, and left me wanting to go and read up on the older books. It's hard to really ask more from a book like this. It kept me entertained throughout and made me want to spend more time in that world; not every comic can boast that. Whether you're a new fan or you've read every issue of Usagi Yojimbo, I'm sure this book will satisfy.
However, this doesn't mean that it's not open to older readers, those who've been fans of the character for years. IDW have made the very smart decision to make this a continuation of the original comics. It's not a reboot, or a reset, as the stories featured in this book make reference to older stories, and feature returning characters. It even tells you which volumes of the previous books to check out to learn more about these characters and stories. It's a great stepping on point, but one that encourages you to go back and read more.
There are a few stories presented in the book, the first one 'Bunraku' sees Usagi teaming up with the demon hunter Sasuke. The story has a nice introduction by Matt Alt, who gives a small introduction to Bunraku, and really sells you on the amazing craftsmanship that goes into the art. The story itself has a few fun twists and turns, and every time I thought I'd figured something out it threw in a new twist or revelation that I wasn't expecting. It kept me on my toes and made sure I was entertained throughout, and was a brilliant first story for my Usagi education.
The second story, 'The Hero' sees Usagi escorting the wife of a Hatamoto, a banner-man for a Shogun. Unfortunately, the Shogun is at peace, and the woman's husband is unable to earn glory in battle. He's become bitter and abusive towards his wife and the fame that she's receiving through her writing. Compared to the fun supernatural elements in the first story this one is much more personal, and deals with some very heavy concepts such as honour, duty, and abuse. The story foreshadows that it doesn't end well, and despite the villain getting his comeuppance by the end you won't come away feeling any real sense of victory, because no one really wins in that story. It feels a lot more real than the other stories because of this. It presents good people and bad, those who are in the wrong and their victims, but that doesn't mean that the good guys will win and get a happy ending.
The last two stories in the book are much shorter, being only single issue stories each, but are still great nonetheless. 'Adachi' sees Usagi return to the Adachi Plain, where his life as a Ronin began. The story refreshes experienced readers on Usagi's past, whilst presenting it to new readers. We get to learn how he became a Samurai without a lord, and how his journey has changed him. He also has to confront some of the ghosts of his past and put some of his unresolved emotions to bed. This story is a great piece of background information to those new to the book, yet doesn't seem to just retread old ground for readers already aware of this, by expanding upon his history and giving Usagi a new story to deal with.
The final story, 'The Swords of the Higashi' is the most comedic story in the book, and is a lot of fun. Usagi joins up with a pair of bounty hunter friends of his, Stray Dog and Gen. Much like Sasuke in the first story, these two are returning characters, and the story makes reference to some older adventures for curious readers. The story here kind of becomes a little farcical, and manages to walk the line between funny and too ridiculous well. It proves to be a great story to end the book on.
I wasn't sure what to expect from Usagi Yojimbo, but I'm so glad that I gave this book a chance. It was exciting, had mystery, told a story with emotion, gave me insight into the character's history, made me laugh, and left me wanting to go and read up on the older books. It's hard to really ask more from a book like this. It kept me entertained throughout and made me want to spend more time in that world; not every comic can boast that. Whether you're a new fan or you've read every issue of Usagi Yojimbo, I'm sure this book will satisfy.
November 21, 2022
Another collection of adventures with Usagi Yojimbo, the rabbit samurai, this time in color!
1. Bunraku--Usagi wanders into a town where a Bunraku troop is performing. Bunraku is a puppet theater--this one has a blind narrator who does a great job with the voices while the rest of the players do an amazing job making the puppets seem life-like. The performance goes on for several days, so Usagi thinks he will catch the rest of the story at another time. Out of the theater, he runs into Sasuke the Demon-Queller, who has been sent to the village by his master to fight a great evil. Usagi reluctantly teams up as they face a bizarre and fascinating mystery. I really liked the story here, the twists were interesting and satisfying.
2. The Hero--Usagi runs across a woman traveling alone. She is an author and has had many successful books. Her husband is a mid-level samurai but, during the Shogun's peace, he has no chance to raise himself in anyone's esteem. He's jealous of her success. Their marriage is arranged and loveless, so it is a very hard situation. Usagi admires her writing (mostly heroic romances) but sticks to his code. He escorts her to her father's home after the husband has spent a hard night drinking and has been abusive. Things become more tragic from there. The story is very touching and well-written.
3. Adachi--Usagi returns to the battlefield where his lord died, leaving Usagi a ronin (masterless samurai). He remembers the battle, in which one of the generals betrayed the lord, and the aftermath, when Usagi took the head of his lord and buried it in secret. He begs the spirit of his lord to free him from his promise not to serve another lord, then heads off to a small cabin. He meets an old woman who offers him shelter for the night, especially because she knows the area is haunted. The story resolves in a very satisfying way.
4. The Swords of the Higashi--Usagi runs into the bounty hunter Gen and his partner Stray Dog. They have just gotten the titular Swords of Higashi and plan to return them to Lord Higashi for a reward. One of the gang that had the swords survives and runs off. Usagi says not to kill him because the ronin will never see him again. The runaway comes back with another gang of thugs who get trounced. The runaway escapes again and then comes back again with a third gang. How many cycles of this routine can the ronin survive? The story is a nice bit of comedy and ends very well.
This collection is a lot of fun. I borrowed it on Hoopla, which is available from many public libraries.
1. Bunraku--Usagi wanders into a town where a Bunraku troop is performing. Bunraku is a puppet theater--this one has a blind narrator who does a great job with the voices while the rest of the players do an amazing job making the puppets seem life-like. The performance goes on for several days, so Usagi thinks he will catch the rest of the story at another time. Out of the theater, he runs into Sasuke the Demon-Queller, who has been sent to the village by his master to fight a great evil. Usagi reluctantly teams up as they face a bizarre and fascinating mystery. I really liked the story here, the twists were interesting and satisfying.
2. The Hero--Usagi runs across a woman traveling alone. She is an author and has had many successful books. Her husband is a mid-level samurai but, during the Shogun's peace, he has no chance to raise himself in anyone's esteem. He's jealous of her success. Their marriage is arranged and loveless, so it is a very hard situation. Usagi admires her writing (mostly heroic romances) but sticks to his code. He escorts her to her father's home after the husband has spent a hard night drinking and has been abusive. Things become more tragic from there. The story is very touching and well-written.
3. Adachi--Usagi returns to the battlefield where his lord died, leaving Usagi a ronin (masterless samurai). He remembers the battle, in which one of the generals betrayed the lord, and the aftermath, when Usagi took the head of his lord and buried it in secret. He begs the spirit of his lord to free him from his promise not to serve another lord, then heads off to a small cabin. He meets an old woman who offers him shelter for the night, especially because she knows the area is haunted. The story resolves in a very satisfying way.
4. The Swords of the Higashi--Usagi runs into the bounty hunter Gen and his partner Stray Dog. They have just gotten the titular Swords of Higashi and plan to return them to Lord Higashi for a reward. One of the gang that had the swords survives and runs off. Usagi says not to kill him because the ronin will never see him again. The runaway comes back with another gang of thugs who get trounced. The runaway escapes again and then comes back again with a third gang. How many cycles of this routine can the ronin survive? The story is a nice bit of comedy and ends very well.
This collection is a lot of fun. I borrowed it on Hoopla, which is available from many public libraries.
July 4, 2021
This collection is the first to be published by IDW from the new ongoing Usagi Yojimbo series. This is a perfect jumping-on point for new readers. I am by no means an Usagi aficionado, having only read the first four of the Saga collections published by Dark Horse Comics, but particularly with this volume, you don't need to really know the stories that came before it. Anything that is referenced from previous stories, Stan Sakai does a quick and efficient job of bringing the reader up to speed.
One of the things I love about Usagi Yojimbo stories is that the series does a great job of focusing on particular areas of Japanese culture. In this instance, it's Bunraku or Japanese puppet theatre. The author does a great job of explaining the history and tradition of the topic, whilst creating an intriguing story wrapped up in the usual Usagi goodness.
Stan Sakai's art (and storytelling in general) is very cinematic and you can clearly picture the scenes playing out in old samurai movies, which clearly has had a big influence on Usagi as a whole. I thought that maybe some of that would be lost with the transition to colour. Whilst I do think I prefer the black and white illustrations of stories I have read before, I don't want that to take away from the enjoyment and affectiveness of Stan Sakai's art.
Usagi is fast becoming a huge favourite of mine and I am pleased that there are so many stories for me to discover and read for the first time.
One of the things I love about Usagi Yojimbo stories is that the series does a great job of focusing on particular areas of Japanese culture. In this instance, it's Bunraku or Japanese puppet theatre. The author does a great job of explaining the history and tradition of the topic, whilst creating an intriguing story wrapped up in the usual Usagi goodness.
Stan Sakai's art (and storytelling in general) is very cinematic and you can clearly picture the scenes playing out in old samurai movies, which clearly has had a big influence on Usagi as a whole. I thought that maybe some of that would be lost with the transition to colour. Whilst I do think I prefer the black and white illustrations of stories I have read before, I don't want that to take away from the enjoyment and affectiveness of Stan Sakai's art.
Usagi is fast becoming a huge favourite of mine and I am pleased that there are so many stories for me to discover and read for the first time.
May 27, 2020
This collection is a step up from others of recent, which were mostly okay but unmemorable. 'The Hero' and 'The Swords of the Higashi' were both pretty good. 'Bunraku' is a fun zombie-ish story. Usagi Yojimbo is always super black/white but I appreciate when Sakai gives a little insight into why the rigidity of certain cultural norms are accepted (i.e. for reasons that are more grey). Sakai's best stories are those that shed light on old Japanese customs and facets of Japanese life, and his art is most effective in stories with sparse dialogue.
This is the first new (non-re-release) Usagi collection in color, and if this is what one should expect from the rest, I don't think that it adds enough to need to be there. Some of the coloring done on the TMNT/Usagi cross-over comics were pretty good, but the coloring was lighter, based in a watercolor kind of style. I think a less ink-heavy coloring (if any) suits Sakai's cartoon art better.
This is the first new (non-re-release) Usagi collection in color, and if this is what one should expect from the rest, I don't think that it adds enough to need to be there. Some of the coloring done on the TMNT/Usagi cross-over comics were pretty good, but the coloring was lighter, based in a watercolor kind of style. I think a less ink-heavy coloring (if any) suits Sakai's cartoon art better.
December 13, 2022
Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 1: Bunraku and Other Stories (2019) by Stan Sakai (IDW)
I was disappointed to see Stan Sakai recently announce he was moving the series back to Dark Horse, especially after his recent success with IDW. His beloved series took garnered much attention by taking home the 2021 Eisner Awards for “Best Continuing Series” and “Best Lettering”. He also won the 2021 Ringo Awards for “Best Cartoonist” and “Best Series”. Even with all that success, the exodus from IDW follows the loss of several other major properties and it appears Sakai will be publishing with Dark Horse through his own new imprint (Dogu Publishing).
Vol. 1 of the current IDW series received a 4.9 on Amazon, 4.4 on Goodreads, and a 9.5 Critic Rating on Comic Book Round Up.
This series was a lot of fun and I was even able to enjoy it with my 8 year old. We also watched the new Netflix series. I am happy for the success of Sakai and his character.
I was disappointed to see Stan Sakai recently announce he was moving the series back to Dark Horse, especially after his recent success with IDW. His beloved series took garnered much attention by taking home the 2021 Eisner Awards for “Best Continuing Series” and “Best Lettering”. He also won the 2021 Ringo Awards for “Best Cartoonist” and “Best Series”. Even with all that success, the exodus from IDW follows the loss of several other major properties and it appears Sakai will be publishing with Dark Horse through his own new imprint (Dogu Publishing).
Vol. 1 of the current IDW series received a 4.9 on Amazon, 4.4 on Goodreads, and a 9.5 Critic Rating on Comic Book Round Up.
This series was a lot of fun and I was even able to enjoy it with my 8 year old. We also watched the new Netflix series. I am happy for the success of Sakai and his character.
January 16, 2022
Usagi Yojimbo is always a reliably entertaining read. The move to IDW is fairly smooth, although I’m not sure the anniversary special Adachi - which is a beat for beat retelling of the story of the battle of Adachi plain, as seen a couple of times before, mixed with an expansion of the first UY story - is really worth the bother. It had me questioning it and the originals place in continuity more than enjoying the story.
The big (/only) change is the move to colour, which is fine, I guess. I’m not usually that keen on black and white comics, but UY has always been the exception, never feeling limited or lesser for its lack of colour. The addition of colour now doesn’t really feel like it enhances the comics in any way. It’s not poorly done or anything, it just feels superfluous to Sakai’s art.
The big (/only) change is the move to colour, which is fine, I guess. I’m not usually that keen on black and white comics, but UY has always been the exception, never feeling limited or lesser for its lack of colour. The addition of colour now doesn’t really feel like it enhances the comics in any way. It’s not poorly done or anything, it just feels superfluous to Sakai’s art.
July 26, 2020
2020 Eisner Award Winner - Best Lettering (Stan Sakai)
Surprisingly, this is the first Usagi Yojimbo I've ever read. It's won many awards, so I'm not sure why I never tried it. It seems geared towards young readers, although there are some mature morality discussions presented, as well as some mostly non-bloody violence, and a depiction of suicide. The panel layouts are fairly simple, resulting in a very fast pace. The stories aren't necessarily terribly original, for example the first tale involves evil living puppets, but they are nevertheless interesting. I'm not sure why the characters are anthropomorphic, perhaps to lessen the impact of the violence on young readers. This is an entertaining book that also contains positive philosophical ideas.
Surprisingly, this is the first Usagi Yojimbo I've ever read. It's won many awards, so I'm not sure why I never tried it. It seems geared towards young readers, although there are some mature morality discussions presented, as well as some mostly non-bloody violence, and a depiction of suicide. The panel layouts are fairly simple, resulting in a very fast pace. The stories aren't necessarily terribly original, for example the first tale involves evil living puppets, but they are nevertheless interesting. I'm not sure why the characters are anthropomorphic, perhaps to lessen the impact of the violence on young readers. This is an entertaining book that also contains positive philosophical ideas.
May 23, 2024
Man, this gets 4 stars just for the coloring and artwork alone. That and the fact that there is more Usagi when I thought it was finished.
This was a great installment and if this is what I can expect with the new saga from IDW, I eagerly await the rest.
Usagi is still roaming Japan on his warrior's journey, still interacting with his usual friends and allies. This time, he is up against a haunted puppet troupe with the demon hunter Sasuke and fighting bandits and mercenaries with Gen and Stray Dog. He also revisits the Adachi Plains, the place where his lord was slain and his life changed forever.
I can't wait to keep up with these. There are so many stories, so many characters, and so much unfinished business that I am excited to see play out.
This was a great installment and if this is what I can expect with the new saga from IDW, I eagerly await the rest.
Usagi is still roaming Japan on his warrior's journey, still interacting with his usual friends and allies. This time, he is up against a haunted puppet troupe with the demon hunter Sasuke and fighting bandits and mercenaries with Gen and Stray Dog. He also revisits the Adachi Plains, the place where his lord was slain and his life changed forever.
I can't wait to keep up with these. There are so many stories, so many characters, and so much unfinished business that I am excited to see play out.
January 7, 2021
Still loving this series after all this time (I have read 17 other volumes) and I am still amazed Stan can keep the stories fresh and interesting.
The highlight is the first tale of demon puppets!
I loved seeing Gen again and Stray Dog but that tale was more a long winded joke with a weak punchline.
And the "Hero" story was very sweet and touching.
The only slight negatives are "The art looked a little rushed at time compared to earlier volumes" AND while I understand customer demand is probably higher for colored comics - I prefer Usagi in black and white.
Overall - another worthy entry in the Usagi history.
The highlight is the first tale of demon puppets!
I loved seeing Gen again and Stray Dog but that tale was more a long winded joke with a weak punchline.
And the "Hero" story was very sweet and touching.
The only slight negatives are "The art looked a little rushed at time compared to earlier volumes" AND while I understand customer demand is probably higher for colored comics - I prefer Usagi in black and white.
Overall - another worthy entry in the Usagi history.
April 29, 2021
Z barevného Usagiho jsem měl nejdřív trochu obavy, ale kolorista si poradil na jedničku. Kladně hodnotím i vlastní příběhy, které, i když opět nezapadají do delšího story arcu (jestli Usagi vlbec ještě nějaký má), jsou podle mě lepší než v posledních knihách a víc se podobají povídkám z prvních dílů. Máme tu tak jeden příběh s příšerami, jeden tragický příběh, jeden úsměvný a jednu poctu úplně prvnímu Usagimu příběhu, který je tu upraven a celkem zajímavě doplněn. Vypadá to, že Usagi snad konečně chytá druhý dech.
October 16, 2021
Few years passed since I've read Usagi last time. I thought that I'm too adult (sic!) for this, I do not have the time, etc. I was wrong, reading Sakai comics is still the same pleasure as it was years ago. No, I need to catch up with the series.
This book is a great comeback to Usagi world, full of short stories not so much connected with the main storyline, beautifully drawn, humorous and interesting. I've especially liked a titular Bunraku and the last story, with Gen :)
So, my point is, do not stop reading things you liked. All are worth it!
This book is a great comeback to Usagi world, full of short stories not so much connected with the main storyline, beautifully drawn, humorous and interesting. I've especially liked a titular Bunraku and the last story, with Gen :)
So, my point is, do not stop reading things you liked. All are worth it!
August 29, 2020
Unas hermosas historias, con el mismo gravitas de los clásicos de Usagi, pero también revitalizadas con un color sumamente hermoso. Me encanta ver cómo Luth le inyecta aún más vida y dinamismo a los lápices y tintas de Sakai-sensei. Hermosa edición.
Me encantó particularmente la historia del Héroe, y su tragedia. Sakai sigue siendo un escritor muy efectivo, que maneja al dedillo los elementos gráficos que lo hacen un verdadero maestro.
Me encantó particularmente la historia del Héroe, y su tragedia. Sakai sigue siendo un escritor muy efectivo, que maneja al dedillo los elementos gráficos que lo hacen un verdadero maestro.
December 9, 2021
I don't know what's more amazing, the fact that Usagi is a fun cheery and furry romp through a post civil war samurai era japan, or that it has a maintained that fun and creativity and educational value since the 80s while being episodic, with plot developments that don't feel meaningless, but also haven't affected the ability to come in at any issue.
My favorite: The Puppetry story.
My favorite: The Puppetry story.
September 13, 2023
Barva za mě Usagimu moc nesvědčí a spíš mě obtěžovala. Co tady také pokulhává jsou mimo Hrdinu zápletky - občas trochu děravé, občas jsou náhody naprosto přehnaně náhodné a někdy je to přímočaré až příliš (titulní Bunraku prakticky nemá zápletku jako takovou). Co funguje úplně skvěle je ale opět atmosféra, konfrontace u planiny Adachi i Bunraku jsou velmi, velmi krásné. Celkově solidní 4*.
June 8, 2020
4.5 Stars
I was so excited that IDW was bringing back this awesome character and that Stan Sakai was returning to draw him.
The addition of color to all the panels is fun, although I do kinda miss the original black and white some. Great stories and amazing graphics.
I was so excited that IDW was bringing back this awesome character and that Stan Sakai was returning to draw him.
The addition of color to all the panels is fun, although I do kinda miss the original black and white some. Great stories and amazing graphics.
September 23, 2020
Usagi in color is a very different experience, but it’s still amazing. I enjoyed the supernatural elements of these stories; it was a great unifying theme. It also felt like there might be some changes for Usagi on the horizon.
September 24, 2020
Art I enjoyed as a young man. My return 35 yrs later proves my affection was well placed. A samurai and his adventures in 18th century Japan replete with supernatural and other cultural oddities is still going strong. These collections are sturdy and beautiful.
Sakai is a master.
Sakai is a master.
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