How do I begin a review for Stan Sakai's epic tale of Usagi Yojimbo? For those who do not know, Miyamoto Usagi is a wandering masterless samurai who just happens to be a giant anthropomorphic rabbit. The story itself takes place in Japan during the turn of the 17th century, thus making this book historical fiction rather than anthropomorphic fantasy. Usagi Yojimbo is also a widely recognizable and popular character in the comic book genre.
The best thing about this volume was my impression of the book's quality. It reads more like a light novel than an actual comic book. It is smaller than most of the standard comic books trades. It is also not set up in issue numbers, but chapters like a novel. You would think looking at the artwork that it is going to be all comedy and kid appropriate, but it is not at all. I was pleasantly surprised this was smart, clever, and very heartwarming at times. There is comedy within the stories, but there is also tragedy.
When I first got this, I knew very little about Usagi. I have always liked his character since his appearances in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoons, but never really got to read any of his stories. For the longest time I thought his name was Usagi Yojimbo and not Miyamoto Usagi. I thought these comics were comedy more than actual drama. I also always wanted to read his comics, but never did when I saw them without color. Now that I am older, I can finally appreciate black and white cartoons. It means they are hand drawn and done before computers took over the art world.
I have to say that Usagi's origin story is probably one of the best I have read in a while. This comic actually taught me what the term "ronin" means. I knew "ronin" was a rank in the Japanese's army, but that is all I knew. I know now that it is more than a samurai, but a samurai who has lost his master in battle. I also know that "kampai" means a toast thank to this comic and keep a third eye open when traveling with others. As I have said previously, this comic book is smart and you will not only have fun reading this, but also learn things about Japanese culture.
Some side thing I want to add. I really love the brief cameo of Groo in this volume. I know I need to read that comic book someday, but I just thought it was a funny moment in the book. Usagi reference him again later on and it is clear they have issues with each other's fighting styles. It is a playful tease since Stan Sakai and Sergio Aragonés are friends in real life. What is the deal with the lizards that appear in every issue? Am I missing a story there? If it involves spoilers later on do not tell me, but just curious. They are a cute add to the read though.
Anyways, I recommend this to any diehard comic book fan. This is especially for ones who fancy anthropomorphic stories (not furry stories) and Japanese manga/anime. This is the type of comic book I should have started reading back when I started Fables. At least I am starting it now and I have no regrets. Miyamoto Usagi just might be my favorite male comic book hero now.
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From the Publisher
Like Bone and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo is one of the breakout hits of the 1990s independent comic book boom. This award-winning all-ages graphic novel series chronicles the action packed wanderings of a rabbit ronin in feudal Japan. Available from Fantagraphics in affordable easy to read paperbacks, this perennial favorite is also featured as a deluxe slipcase set collecting the entire initial seven book run—with over 1000 pages of story, this Special Edition box set is the complete, definitive, early Usagi with lots of extra material for fans and collectors!
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