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Usagi Yojimbo [兎用心棒] #18
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 18: Travels with Jotaro
This multi-award winning series continues the adventures as "Uncle" Usagi struggles with keeping a secret from Jotaro that everyone else seems to know. Not only do their travels bring the perils of the Neko Ninja (in hot pursuit of Chizu, ex-leader of their clan and friend to Usagi), they also have a close encounter with a new and deadly organization--the Koroshi League of Assassins. The beautiful thief Kitsune is up to her old tricks, and Usagi relates a story from his youth about a goblin swordmaster. Finally, an evil artist targets Jotaro with a possessed ink set in the three-part "Sumi-E" story, which features the return of Sasuke the Demon Queller!
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
5 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Stan Sakai
921 books374 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 20, 2021
(4,2 z 5 za fantastičtěji-dobrodružnější putování Usagiho a malého ale statečného Jotara)
Vzhledem k tomu, že v Kitanoi se uzavřel jeden velký story arc a zároveň i poslední "aktivně běžící", tak si Stan může trochu odpočinout a zvolit trochu jiný tón. A je to vidět, Usagiho cesta s Jotarem je v lehčím duchu, s humorem, ale zároveň i akčnějším, s větším důrazem na mytologii a "fantastično". Je fajn se zase (krátce setkat) se zlodějkou Kitsune nebo lovcem démonů jménem Sasuké. Toho mám mimo jiné hodně rád, ale v Usagiho světe funguje nejlépe jako objevující se okrajová postavička, než hlavní postava. Na cestách s Jotarem končí na Usagiho poněkud netradičně velkým cliffhangerem, ale vzhledem k poměrně lehké notě nikterak nervy drásajícím, jak by se mohlo stát u jiných sérií.
Vzhledem k tomu, že v Kitanoi se uzavřel jeden velký story arc a zároveň i poslední "aktivně běžící", tak si Stan může trochu odpočinout a zvolit trochu jiný tón. A je to vidět, Usagiho cesta s Jotarem je v lehčím duchu, s humorem, ale zároveň i akčnějším, s větším důrazem na mytologii a "fantastično". Je fajn se zase (krátce setkat) se zlodějkou Kitsune nebo lovcem démonů jménem Sasuké. Toho mám mimo jiné hodně rád, ale v Usagiho světe funguje nejlépe jako objevující se okrajová postavička, než hlavní postava. Na cestách s Jotarem končí na Usagiho poněkud netradičně velkým cliffhangerem, ale vzhledem k poměrně lehké notě nikterak nervy drásajícím, jak by se mohlo stát u jiných sérií.
April 17, 2022
The 18th book in the series covers the continuing adventures of the samurai rabbit, this time with his 'nephew' Jotaro in tow who wants to follow in Usagi's footsteps.
If you were going to pick an animal to portray a master swordsman a rabbit would likely feature low on anyone's list, yet it works perfectly here. Usagi encapulates the stereotypical stoic warrior, but has moments of levity too.
Sakai draws the subject from many of the adventures here from Japanese mythology, with Usagi replacing the main protagonist from the legend. Several characters from his previous escapades make appearances throughout the book too, mainly as allies or to create teachable moments for Jotaro!
It can't be overstated how impressive Sakai's work is here; handling both the artwork and scripting, blending established myths with his own creations, using authentic historical clothing and paraphernalia, as well as crafting an absorbing read. This, like the rest of the series, is simply brilliant.
There is a glowing introduction from Peter Laird (co-creator of the TMNT) and breakdown of some of the myths Sakai used in the book too.
If you were going to pick an animal to portray a master swordsman a rabbit would likely feature low on anyone's list, yet it works perfectly here. Usagi encapulates the stereotypical stoic warrior, but has moments of levity too.
Sakai draws the subject from many of the adventures here from Japanese mythology, with Usagi replacing the main protagonist from the legend. Several characters from his previous escapades make appearances throughout the book too, mainly as allies or to create teachable moments for Jotaro!
It can't be overstated how impressive Sakai's work is here; handling both the artwork and scripting, blending established myths with his own creations, using authentic historical clothing and paraphernalia, as well as crafting an absorbing read. This, like the rest of the series, is simply brilliant.
There is a glowing introduction from Peter Laird (co-creator of the TMNT) and breakdown of some of the myths Sakai used in the book too.
October 4, 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).
Along his way, he builds a vast cast of friends, allies and rivals, including the bounty hunger Gen, fellow samurai )and love interest) Tomoe, the ninja Chizu, the third 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, as a reflect of 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 lost their gravity.
The artwork is distinct and excellent. Sakai’s is a master of sharp lifework (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 as well as of 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 of 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).
Along his way, he builds a vast cast of friends, allies and rivals, including the bounty hunger Gen, fellow samurai )and love interest) Tomoe, the ninja Chizu, the third 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, as a reflect of 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 lost their gravity.
The artwork is distinct and excellent. Sakai’s is a master of sharp lifework (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 as well as of 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 of 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.
October 22, 2014
I admit that I'm a big fan of Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo series. Normally, I'll start a TPB (trade paperback) collection and read it over the course of two or three days. This volume, however, I sat down to read a bit and the next thing I knew I was done. It absolutely flew by!
My favorite thing was seeing the relationship dynamic between Usagi and Jotaro. As they continue through each adventure, it's interesting to see the bond between them grow. We also encounter some other old favorites, such as Chizu and Kitsune. Sadly, my favorite side character, Gen, was absent from this set, but I have a feeling he'll be back soon.
This volume leaves off on a cliff-hanger, so be warned. You'll certainly want to have the next volume handy.
My favorite thing was seeing the relationship dynamic between Usagi and Jotaro. As they continue through each adventure, it's interesting to see the bond between them grow. We also encounter some other old favorites, such as Chizu and Kitsune. Sadly, my favorite side character, Gen, was absent from this set, but I have a feeling he'll be back soon.
This volume leaves off on a cliff-hanger, so be warned. You'll certainly want to have the next volume handy.
February 24, 2016
Usagi summons Godzilla to fight a monster. Also, Gamera and Ghidorah appear.
March 1, 2017
Reading these makes life better. I don't think there's any series I enjoy more.
June 6, 2025
More adventures, now with Usagi's son, Jotaro (though Jotaro does not know it)...
Out of the Shadows--Usagi and Jotaro start their travels, the typical wandering through random towns routine. They run across Chizu, the disgraced leader of a ninja clan. She is on the run because she disagreed with the clan's ambitions. Her life is hard now. Things get harder the next night when Usagi and Jotaro run into some assassins from the clan looking for Chizu. Jotaro is slowly being introduced to Usagi's world and the many characters and narratives going on.
Ghost Warriors--Usagi and Jotaro visit some peasants who are oppressed by their local village leader. The leader was a foot soldier who betrayed his army years ago, so naturally he avoids the woods where his doomed compatriots died. Usagi uses this superstition to end the oppression but one of the leader's lieutenants is suspicious of what is going on. The story is good and a deliberate reminder of a previous story.
Komainu--Usagi and son have a run-in with Kitsume, a female friend of Usagi who is a street entertainer and also a petty thief. Her petty thievery, as usual, causes a little trouble for Usagi but not too much. Kitsume is also traveling with a young protege who has taken a liking to Jotaro. It's a fun little tale.
Tamago--Usagi and son are joined by an egg-headed priest who happens to be traveling in the same direction. They spot a small entourage that is attacked by assassins. The heroes beat the villains and find that the merchant is headed to a nearby town to report on a local gangster shaking down his home town. They decide to escort him the rest of the way, though things do not turn out as expected. Another fine tale crafted by Sakai.
Usagi and the Tengu--Usagi tells Jotaro a story from his brash and undisciplined childhood when he challenged a forest demon called a Tengu to fight. Luckily, Usagi's master was able to intervene, having previously fought the same Tengu. The story is an exciting tale and another example of Usagi having learned a good lesson when he was young and foolish (a situation his son Jotaro is living out now).
Sumi-E--Usagi and Jotaro have several encounters with fantastic beasts. The source of the problem is an evil ink set that allows an artist to create monsters. The evil artist wielding the ink set has kidnapped local children because he is running out of ink and he needs innocent blood to replenish his supply. The story is exciting and has some kaiju in it, making it more fun.
This is another fine round of entertaining stories.
Recommended.
Out of the Shadows--Usagi and Jotaro start their travels, the typical wandering through random towns routine. They run across Chizu, the disgraced leader of a ninja clan. She is on the run because she disagreed with the clan's ambitions. Her life is hard now. Things get harder the next night when Usagi and Jotaro run into some assassins from the clan looking for Chizu. Jotaro is slowly being introduced to Usagi's world and the many characters and narratives going on.
Ghost Warriors--Usagi and Jotaro visit some peasants who are oppressed by their local village leader. The leader was a foot soldier who betrayed his army years ago, so naturally he avoids the woods where his doomed compatriots died. Usagi uses this superstition to end the oppression but one of the leader's lieutenants is suspicious of what is going on. The story is good and a deliberate reminder of a previous story.
Komainu--Usagi and son have a run-in with Kitsume, a female friend of Usagi who is a street entertainer and also a petty thief. Her petty thievery, as usual, causes a little trouble for Usagi but not too much. Kitsume is also traveling with a young protege who has taken a liking to Jotaro. It's a fun little tale.
Tamago--Usagi and son are joined by an egg-headed priest who happens to be traveling in the same direction. They spot a small entourage that is attacked by assassins. The heroes beat the villains and find that the merchant is headed to a nearby town to report on a local gangster shaking down his home town. They decide to escort him the rest of the way, though things do not turn out as expected. Another fine tale crafted by Sakai.
Usagi and the Tengu--Usagi tells Jotaro a story from his brash and undisciplined childhood when he challenged a forest demon called a Tengu to fight. Luckily, Usagi's master was able to intervene, having previously fought the same Tengu. The story is an exciting tale and another example of Usagi having learned a good lesson when he was young and foolish (a situation his son Jotaro is living out now).
Sumi-E--Usagi and Jotaro have several encounters with fantastic beasts. The source of the problem is an evil ink set that allows an artist to create monsters. The evil artist wielding the ink set has kidnapped local children because he is running out of ink and he needs innocent blood to replenish his supply. The story is exciting and has some kaiju in it, making it more fun.
This is another fine round of entertaining stories.
Recommended.
October 6, 2023
After Katsuichi's duel in the previous volume, he entrusts the short term training of Jotaro to Usagi. Unbeknownst to the young Jotaro, his "Uncle" Usagi is actually his true father, a secret that Usagi keeps out of respect to Jotaro's mother, Mariko. This volume, covering issues #61-68 of the third volume of Usagi Yojimbo, is a series of short adventures undertaken by Usagi and Jotaro. Mired in the backdrop of their tragic relationship are a sequene of charming tales that serve to illustrate just how of Usagi's son Jotaro really is.
Starting with "Out of the Shadows", Usagi is reunited with Chizu who is being hunted by the Neko Ninja Clan. Though Usagi is unwilling to let Jotaro get involved in the affairs of a nukenin (fugitive ninja), things don't always go his way. "Ghost Warriors" is a tale about a treacherous lord who obtained power by betraying his previous master. Though Usagi is hesitant to get involved in deposing the lord to help the struggling peasants, he realizes that there may be a way to trick the superstitious lord. "Komainu" is a reunion between Usagi and Kitsune, except Kitsune is joined by her own apprentice, Kiyoko, who was first introduced in Vol. 16. The parallels between Usagi and Kitsune now play out with Jotaro and Kiyoko. "Tamago" introduces the Koroshi, a dangerous group of assassins that get the better of Usagi and Jotaro. And the last short story in this collection is "Usagi and the Tengu", a story set during Usagi's youth as he trains with Katsuichi. The story is meant to serve as a lesson in brashness and obedience, with Usagi hoping that Jotaro learns these lessons more quickly than he did.
The major arc in this volume is "Sumi-e", which reintroduces Sasuke, the Demon-Queller. Sasuke is hunting after a mythical pen-and-ink set that is known to give the user the ability to create anything they draw. Believing that the current wielder of the pen is highly dangerous, Usagi, Jotaro and Sasuke go a journey to take down the mysterious villain. Though magic and supernatural elements are not new to the series, the scale at which they are presented in this arc is substantially more grandiose.
Another great set of stories that continue to build on the beautiful tapestry that is Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo. What I liked most about this volume is that even though many of the stories are just one-off adventures, Sakai still manages to use them as a vessel to develop the relationship between Usagi and his son, Jotaro.
Starting with "Out of the Shadows", Usagi is reunited with Chizu who is being hunted by the Neko Ninja Clan. Though Usagi is unwilling to let Jotaro get involved in the affairs of a nukenin (fugitive ninja), things don't always go his way. "Ghost Warriors" is a tale about a treacherous lord who obtained power by betraying his previous master. Though Usagi is hesitant to get involved in deposing the lord to help the struggling peasants, he realizes that there may be a way to trick the superstitious lord. "Komainu" is a reunion between Usagi and Kitsune, except Kitsune is joined by her own apprentice, Kiyoko, who was first introduced in Vol. 16. The parallels between Usagi and Kitsune now play out with Jotaro and Kiyoko. "Tamago" introduces the Koroshi, a dangerous group of assassins that get the better of Usagi and Jotaro. And the last short story in this collection is "Usagi and the Tengu", a story set during Usagi's youth as he trains with Katsuichi. The story is meant to serve as a lesson in brashness and obedience, with Usagi hoping that Jotaro learns these lessons more quickly than he did.
The major arc in this volume is "Sumi-e", which reintroduces Sasuke, the Demon-Queller. Sasuke is hunting after a mythical pen-and-ink set that is known to give the user the ability to create anything they draw. Believing that the current wielder of the pen is highly dangerous, Usagi, Jotaro and Sasuke go a journey to take down the mysterious villain. Though magic and supernatural elements are not new to the series, the scale at which they are presented in this arc is substantially more grandiose.
Another great set of stories that continue to build on the beautiful tapestry that is Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo. What I liked most about this volume is that even though many of the stories are just one-off adventures, Sakai still manages to use them as a vessel to develop the relationship between Usagi and his son, Jotaro.
August 17, 2022
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My Rating - 4.5 Stars
Sakai knows what he's doing.
We all already loved following Usagi on his journeys, and now you give us a little sidekick in the form of his...nephew, Jotaro!? You're spoiling us!
Of course, I loved this collection! Not only do we get so much Jotaro, but we get visits from Chizu and Kitsune and Sasuké too! Now, none of these individual volumes absolutely blew me away. There aren't any truly epic stories here like I found in the Grasscutter sagas, but I still found lots to love. The major arc, called Sumi-E, was a fascinating story about a possessed ink set that brought to life whatever was drawn with it. Unfortunately for Usagi, the ink set was in the possession (ha) of someone who kept drawing kaiju-level monsters for the good guys to face. We typically don't get enemies of this size and threat level so it was fun to see how they handled the beasts.
My guess is that Usagi and Jotaro get some more time together in the next collection. If so, I'll be thrilled. I would imagine that there will be a time where they must, once again, split ways. I'll be sad then, but let's hope that time is not yet, not now!
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My Rating - 4.5 Stars
Sakai knows what he's doing.
We all already loved following Usagi on his journeys, and now you give us a little sidekick in the form of his...nephew, Jotaro!? You're spoiling us!
Of course, I loved this collection! Not only do we get so much Jotaro, but we get visits from Chizu and Kitsune and Sasuké too! Now, none of these individual volumes absolutely blew me away. There aren't any truly epic stories here like I found in the Grasscutter sagas, but I still found lots to love. The major arc, called Sumi-E, was a fascinating story about a possessed ink set that brought to life whatever was drawn with it. Unfortunately for Usagi, the ink set was in the possession (ha) of someone who kept drawing kaiju-level monsters for the good guys to face. We typically don't get enemies of this size and threat level so it was fun to see how they handled the beasts.
My guess is that Usagi and Jotaro get some more time together in the next collection. If so, I'll be thrilled. I would imagine that there will be a time where they must, once again, split ways. I'll be sad then, but let's hope that time is not yet, not now!
February 10, 2021
Again, I am astounded how thrilling and enjoyable these stories are even after 18 volumes. This volume's theme is Usagi traveling with his son Jotaro. The addition of the son adds a nice innocence viewpoint of the stories.
Summary:
- We get a story of Usagi's old pickpocket thief friend Kitsune
- We get a tale of intrigue when Usagi meets up with an egg headed monk who accompanies him as he tries to save the life of a man under threat of assassination
- We flash back to Usagi as a wild youth challenging a Tengu (diety)
- and we get the highlight of the volume with Usagi reuniting with the demon hunter Sasuké who needs Usagi's help to fight a man possessed by a demon ink well - whose pictures come to life when they are drawn by the ink made from the blood of children
Amazing stories and so sweet to se Usagi with his son. Loved it.
Summary:
- We get a story of Usagi's old pickpocket thief friend Kitsune
- We get a tale of intrigue when Usagi meets up with an egg headed monk who accompanies him as he tries to save the life of a man under threat of assassination
- We flash back to Usagi as a wild youth challenging a Tengu (diety)
- and we get the highlight of the volume with Usagi reuniting with the demon hunter Sasuké who needs Usagi's help to fight a man possessed by a demon ink well - whose pictures come to life when they are drawn by the ink made from the blood of children
Amazing stories and so sweet to se Usagi with his son. Loved it.
December 25, 2021
It helps for Usagi to have someone to react to. In many previous stories it was Gen that served as a foil, but Jotaro serves the purpose here, as well as being a catalyst for many of the tales, as he rushes in to situations that Usagi would have avoided. It also makes the series a little more humor-centered in the smaller stories, which is a nice change. And the main story collected here, with Sasuke and the Demon Ink, makes for quite the action set pieces - they may not involve as many people as previous volume sequences have, but the scale is still epic, and definitely moves toward the fantasy side of the scales. All in all still very enjoyable, even as it varies its genre roots a little bit.
August 6, 2021
Despues del espectacular duelo en kitanoji, Usagi se embarca en un viaje con Jotaro. Por primera vez tenemos un claro coprotagonista. Jotaro convierte las aventuras de Usagi en algo más juvenil. Las aventuras que vivirán tendran un deje más fantastico e aventurero. "Viajes con Jotaro" es una aventura menos transcedente a la par que divertida. Por primera vez tenemos un gran cliffhanger q culminará en "Padres y hijos".
May 1, 2023
Usagi and Jotaro travel together, meeting many different people who Usagi has met before: disgraced ninja Chizu, thief Kitsune, and demon hunter Sasuke and monster Neneki in a multi chapter story. They also meet an assassin from the Koroshi league of assassins, but they didn't realize it at the time.
January 23, 2021
God the raddest shit always happens when Sasuké shows up
May 25, 2021
The closing story is excellent... and is leading us to some new places!
May 16, 2022
Decent entry in the series, but I was hoping for more with Usagi's relationship with Jotaro. What kicks up the fun factor is the giant kaiju battles in the last arc.
September 7, 2022
Kvalitní díl kvalitní série, tentokrát těžší na tu mytickou/ fantasy stránku Japonska. Příběhy nemají prostor začít nudit, pěkný to je.
August 9, 2023
Obviously any kaiju + Usagi combo is going to get an instant 5 stars from me
February 1, 2024
Gamera, Ghidorah, and Godzilla appear in the last story. 10/10.
December 24, 2024
Solid outing, I like seeing the dynamic between usagi and jotaro and the stories in here were good. The standout is the sumi story at the end for sure.
February 10, 2013
Excellente série d'histoires.
L'apparition de Jotaro aux côtés d'Usagi renouvelle un peu le personnage, et montre clairement à quel point ce ronin fréquente des personnages peu recommandables.
Et la dernière histoire mettant en scène l'encrier diabolique est tout bonnement excellente ... Et réserve en bonus un cliffhanger de fin parfaitement dispensable.
L'apparition de Jotaro aux côtés d'Usagi renouvelle un peu le personnage, et montre clairement à quel point ce ronin fréquente des personnages peu recommandables.
Et la dernière histoire mettant en scène l'encrier diabolique est tout bonnement excellente ... Et réserve en bonus un cliffhanger de fin parfaitement dispensable.
September 12, 2021
Retroactive Review (12 Sep 2021): Please see my review of the series
here
under the first volume.
May 6, 2013
It's fun to see Usagi adventuring with his son, even if his son doesn't know Usagi is his dad. All the stories in this were good. Usagi is such a solid read.
January 12, 2015
Sakai handles the transition between historical vignettes and magical monster-fighting perfectly, largely because even his depiction of magic is grounded in extensive footnotes.
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