What do you think?
Rate this book
Usagi Yojimbo [兎用心棒] #26
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 26: Traitors of the Earth
The rabbit ronin faces a horde of the undead when a harmless-looking but powerful charm brings a betrayed army back to life. With hundreds of zombies and an evil wizard to contend with, Usagi finds himself far out of his depth! Fortunately, he has the aid of fan-favorite character Sasuke the Demon Queller, most recently seen in the Yokai graphic novel. This volume also features several action-packed short stories, including the Eisner-nominated "Death of Lord Hikiji"! Also available as a hardcover, with dust jacket and a signed and numbered tip-in, limited to 350 copies.
200 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2012
3 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Stan Sakai
926 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).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 20, 2021
(4,6 z 5)
Stan načerpal inspiraci, kde mohl, a vrací se v plné síle. Usagi putuje a zažívá různá dobrodružství protkaná historickými reáliemi i folklorem. A tohle stan umí nejlépe a jde mu to skvěle. Míra dobrodružství je tu vysoká, akce taktéž a jeden za druhým příběhy hezky navazují a ladí. Usagi zde značně zvedne svůj kill count, takže si zde přijdou na své po akci lačnící čtenáři. Mě to bavilo velmi dobře a těžko se mi kniha odkládala, když jsem musel. Skvělé, prostě skvělé a teď už musím jít, začít číst další knihu.
Stan načerpal inspiraci, kde mohl, a vrací se v plné síle. Usagi putuje a zažívá různá dobrodružství protkaná historickými reáliemi i folklorem. A tohle stan umí nejlépe a jde mu to skvěle. Míra dobrodružství je tu vysoká, akce taktéž a jeden za druhým příběhy hezky navazují a ladí. Usagi zde značně zvedne svůj kill count, takže si zde přijdou na své po akci lačnící čtenáři. Mě to bavilo velmi dobře a těžko se mi kniha odkládala, když jsem musel. Skvělé, prostě skvělé a teď už musím jít, začít číst další knihu.
February 25, 2019
Usagi takes a break with vols 25-26 after the epic 24th, providing us with interesting small stories that add to the usagi mythos and developing the main characters even more. Especially liked the last story, "The death of lord hikiji" which added to usagi's backstory as Lord Mifune's vassal after a long abscence of references or stories on that era of his life.
August 2, 2012
ARC provided by NetGalley
Many of the volumes in the Usagi Yojimbo series contain long format story arcs that follow Usagi and his friends (and enemies) on various adventures. This particular volume though is an intermission in between a just finished arc and a new one, that instead is a collection of short stories, including one that shows Usagi learning the way of the warrior from his sensi. The short stories in this collection include: Usagi and Kami of the Pond; Cut the Plum; Traitors of the Earth; What the Little Thief Heard; The Hidden Fortress; A Place to Stay; and The Death of Lord Hikiji. Bonuses include Story Notes; Groo vs. Usagi: Who Would Win?. Since it is a collection of short stories new readers don’t have to worry about picking up what’s happened previously in the story line and they get a good introduction to the character of Usagi, as well as introducing some of the other characters that show up from time to time. And for longtime fans of Usagi it adds some interesting new information to the universe, such as the aforementioned young Usagi.
What I like most about the Usagi universe is that Stan has created such a complex and interesting character. Usagi is someone that at face value could be looked at as the archetypal hero, but once you start reading the stories and getting to know the characters you realize that he has difficulties with some of the decisions that he makes, but still seeks to serve a greater purpose in the world. He’s the type of character that is easy to relate too...well perhaps not the samurai part, but thinking about the path to take in life. And that’s what I really like about my favorite story in this collection, Usagi and Kami of the Pond. Usagi is relatively young, still learning the ways of the warrior from his sensei who tells him a story to help him. I like the fact that the lesson is not one that we would commonly think of, at least in western culture, and makes you think.
At first glance Stan’s artwork appears to be simple line drawings, but as you go further in you begin to see the complexity surrounding the simplicity. He’s able to effectively lay out the panels and the characters to create complex scenes without anything being overwhelming, such as in the story the “Traitors of the Earth,” which contains some of my favorite artwork in the collection. For me it seem like the characters weave and move on the page and it’s almost like watching a short cartoon. I love the layout and composition of the scenes, especially the battle scenes early on when Usagi joins in on the action. it's easy to make out each character and see what’s going on. And the detail he gives each face is remarkable, whiskers and fur give each character such a distinct look.
There are some excellent reasons why Usagi is continually nominated for Eisner awards, such as this year’s best continuing series. Its has great storylines and fantastic characters that grow and change as the years progress. It just gets better each year. If you haven’t checked the series out before go ahead and give this volume a read. You won’t regret it.
Many of the volumes in the Usagi Yojimbo series contain long format story arcs that follow Usagi and his friends (and enemies) on various adventures. This particular volume though is an intermission in between a just finished arc and a new one, that instead is a collection of short stories, including one that shows Usagi learning the way of the warrior from his sensi. The short stories in this collection include: Usagi and Kami of the Pond; Cut the Plum; Traitors of the Earth; What the Little Thief Heard; The Hidden Fortress; A Place to Stay; and The Death of Lord Hikiji. Bonuses include Story Notes; Groo vs. Usagi: Who Would Win?. Since it is a collection of short stories new readers don’t have to worry about picking up what’s happened previously in the story line and they get a good introduction to the character of Usagi, as well as introducing some of the other characters that show up from time to time. And for longtime fans of Usagi it adds some interesting new information to the universe, such as the aforementioned young Usagi.
What I like most about the Usagi universe is that Stan has created such a complex and interesting character. Usagi is someone that at face value could be looked at as the archetypal hero, but once you start reading the stories and getting to know the characters you realize that he has difficulties with some of the decisions that he makes, but still seeks to serve a greater purpose in the world. He’s the type of character that is easy to relate too...well perhaps not the samurai part, but thinking about the path to take in life. And that’s what I really like about my favorite story in this collection, Usagi and Kami of the Pond. Usagi is relatively young, still learning the ways of the warrior from his sensei who tells him a story to help him. I like the fact that the lesson is not one that we would commonly think of, at least in western culture, and makes you think.
At first glance Stan’s artwork appears to be simple line drawings, but as you go further in you begin to see the complexity surrounding the simplicity. He’s able to effectively lay out the panels and the characters to create complex scenes without anything being overwhelming, such as in the story the “Traitors of the Earth,” which contains some of my favorite artwork in the collection. For me it seem like the characters weave and move on the page and it’s almost like watching a short cartoon. I love the layout and composition of the scenes, especially the battle scenes early on when Usagi joins in on the action. it's easy to make out each character and see what’s going on. And the detail he gives each face is remarkable, whiskers and fur give each character such a distinct look.
There are some excellent reasons why Usagi is continually nominated for Eisner awards, such as this year’s best continuing series. Its has great storylines and fantastic characters that grow and change as the years progress. It just gets better each year. If you haven’t checked the series out before go ahead and give this volume a read. You won’t regret it.
October 5, 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.
April 15, 2022
Even zombies can't deter a good story. Sakai manages a fresh take on them with the larger of the stories included here, throwing Usagi, Kitsune and Kiyoko into one of the more heavily supernatural stories of the series, and expanding the mystique of Sasuke. There are a number of shorter stories here too, all of which are enjoyable (The Hidden Fortress plays a good trick with its twist, and it's nice to see Jotaro again, albeit briefly). The Death of Lord Hikiji does a great job showing just how much Usagi has grown over the years, by returning to a plot that has been with the series since its start. As always, the art is well done, and well serves the story and characters. I've got nothing to fault this collection for - Sakai has kept up his insanely long streak.
July 9, 2012
Usagi is Stan Sakai's long running tale of a ronin. The fact that Usagi is a rabbit, and he encounters foxes, etc. is secondary and should not distract the redader from an enjoyable experience.
Usagi remains an honorable man, even if some of his associates, such as Kitsune, or those he meets along the way are not. In this volume he encounters oni, assassins, bandits and solves a murder for hire. A good introduction volume to those who have not read Sakai's work before, as it is not tied into any of the longer story arcs that he sometimes does.
Usagi remains an honorable man, even if some of his associates, such as Kitsune, or those he meets along the way are not. In this volume he encounters oni, assassins, bandits and solves a murder for hire. A good introduction volume to those who have not read Sakai's work before, as it is not tied into any of the longer story arcs that he sometimes does.
July 25, 2012
A solid entry into the Usagi Yojimbo story line. Doesn't do much of anything new, but does look at one aspect of the characters overall mythology. Usagi is hesitant to commit his life to a search for retribution against his arch enemy, Lord Hikiji. Sakai may well have intended this as a general introduction to a story about sacrifice, but it asks an important question...is it time for the hero to end his warriors pilgrimage? If that is a future story line, then this book will turn out to be very important indeed!
Until then, three and a half stars.
Until then, three and a half stars.
April 11, 2017
I particularly enjoy the volumes that contain longer stories and ones with recurring characters, or at the very least new characters who are clearly going to make further appearances later on. This volume contains all of the above, and it even hardens back to many past storylines in such a way that the details of those stories aren't important. The standalone tales here are also very good; this is high quality work.
January 31, 2026
More adventures of the rabbit ronin...
Usagi and the Kami of the Pond--Youthful Usagi hears a tale from his sensei that he thinks is going to have a boring moral. Once it's told, Usagi does draw a boring moral but the sensei gets a much subtler point out of it. The twist is nice and enjoyable.
Cut the Plum--Youthful Jotaro would like to perform a sword trick--cut a plum that is balance on Usagi's nose. Usagi refuses, using a pumpkin on a road sign as a substitute, with some comical results. This is a short joke story that is entertaining.
Traitors of the Earth--In pursuit of a seeming harmless charm, Usagi is drawn into a much bigger conflict that involves an undead army. The story is very exciting and full of action and some historical depth that Sakai is so good at.
What the Little Thief Heard--Kiyoko is helping Usagi since her master Kitsune is ill. Her help involves stealing from merchants so the law is after her. She hides in an old dusty temple where she overhears a plot to kill a local merchant who is quite wealthy. She wants to sell the information but Usagi only wants to protect the merchant's life. The merchant scoffs at the threat since he is beloved in the community. Things are not what they seem and play out with a foreseeable twist. Nevertheless, it's an interesting story.
The Hidden Fortress--Usagi comes upon a field full of dead fighters with one still alive. The survivor explains that he is a bounty hunter after a famous bandit. The bandit and his gang ambushed them, leaving a field of death. The survivor has a leg wound and can't travel far. He knows about a hut nearby where they can get aid. Usagi helps him out but there's more to the story. After some nice twists, the finale ties together some previous narratives in an enjoyable way.
A Place to Stay--Usagi is on the run from the vengeful bandits and winds up hiding out in the hut of some poor farmers. When they take their produce to town, they hear the bandits threatening to kill whomever provides shelter for Usagi. They race home, determined to cast him out before they get into trouble. It's another tough moment for Usagi, who comes out of it as a hero should.
The Death of Lord Hikiji--Usagi runs into an old companion, a samurai of Lord Mifune. They both fought at the battle where Mifune died. Now the companion is solely focused on assassinating Lord Hikiji, the villain who defeated Mifune. Usagi reluctantly joins the plot as a matter of honor. Things do not turn out well. The story has a bit of melancholy but is riveting.
The book ends with a one-page gag of Usagi fighting Groo the Wanderer, a comic take on Conan the Barbarian. It made me laugh, so I guess it worked.
Recommended.
Usagi and the Kami of the Pond--Youthful Usagi hears a tale from his sensei that he thinks is going to have a boring moral. Once it's told, Usagi does draw a boring moral but the sensei gets a much subtler point out of it. The twist is nice and enjoyable.
Cut the Plum--Youthful Jotaro would like to perform a sword trick--cut a plum that is balance on Usagi's nose. Usagi refuses, using a pumpkin on a road sign as a substitute, with some comical results. This is a short joke story that is entertaining.
Traitors of the Earth--In pursuit of a seeming harmless charm, Usagi is drawn into a much bigger conflict that involves an undead army. The story is very exciting and full of action and some historical depth that Sakai is so good at.
What the Little Thief Heard--Kiyoko is helping Usagi since her master Kitsune is ill. Her help involves stealing from merchants so the law is after her. She hides in an old dusty temple where she overhears a plot to kill a local merchant who is quite wealthy. She wants to sell the information but Usagi only wants to protect the merchant's life. The merchant scoffs at the threat since he is beloved in the community. Things are not what they seem and play out with a foreseeable twist. Nevertheless, it's an interesting story.
The Hidden Fortress--Usagi comes upon a field full of dead fighters with one still alive. The survivor explains that he is a bounty hunter after a famous bandit. The bandit and his gang ambushed them, leaving a field of death. The survivor has a leg wound and can't travel far. He knows about a hut nearby where they can get aid. Usagi helps him out but there's more to the story. After some nice twists, the finale ties together some previous narratives in an enjoyable way.
A Place to Stay--Usagi is on the run from the vengeful bandits and winds up hiding out in the hut of some poor farmers. When they take their produce to town, they hear the bandits threatening to kill whomever provides shelter for Usagi. They race home, determined to cast him out before they get into trouble. It's another tough moment for Usagi, who comes out of it as a hero should.
The Death of Lord Hikiji--Usagi runs into an old companion, a samurai of Lord Mifune. They both fought at the battle where Mifune died. Now the companion is solely focused on assassinating Lord Hikiji, the villain who defeated Mifune. Usagi reluctantly joins the plot as a matter of honor. Things do not turn out well. The story has a bit of melancholy but is riveting.
The book ends with a one-page gag of Usagi fighting Groo the Wanderer, a comic take on Conan the Barbarian. It made me laugh, so I guess it worked.
Recommended.
November 26, 2023
Book 26 of the ongoing Usagi Yojimbo stories collects issues #117-123 (v3) and the "One Dark and Stormy Night" story from Dark Horse Maverick 2001 #1 and the "Cut the Plum" story from MySpace Dark Horse Presents #35.
The titular story, "Traitors of the Earth", opens this volume up with a return of Kitsune and her young apprentice Kiyoko. The pair inadvertently steal a netsuke from a brigand, one that was in turn stolen from Sasuke, the Demon-Queller. The netsuke is a key to resurrecting the dead army of the traitorous Lord Hayashi, and as is coveted by an evil priest. Kitsune is joined by Usagi and Sasuke in a three-issue arc to take down Lord Hayashi's zombie army. It's a bit silly for sure, but Sakai's drawing in this segment is unmatched. Bursting with details and scale, the climax issue of the "Traitors of the Earth" arc is spectacularly told.
Kitsune and Kiyoko remain central to the plot in the following story - "What the Little Thief Heard". Kiyoko overhears a plot to kill a local merchant during an outing to steal some supplies. Usagi convinces Kiyoko to inform the merchant of the assassination plot, though Kiyoko insists that they can turn a profit from the information. Though a rather straightforward tale with a slight twist, the story mostly exists to present the stark opposition Usagi has towards dishonest work.
In "The Hidden Fortress", Usagi finds himself captured by the notorious bandit, Toshi. Though it seems like Toshi has outsmarted Usagi, the wandering ronin has his own brand of cunning to get him out of the situation. The story continues into "A Place to Stay", where a wounded Usagi takes refuge with an impoverished family. Though the family attempt to sell Usagi out to the local brigands, Usagi proves that he is noble no matter what.
The final story is really one of the greatest Usagi stories ever. Nominated for the 2010 Eisner Award for Best Single Issue/One-Shot, Usagi Yojimbo #123, "The Death of Lord Hikiji", centers on the story of Masaki, a former retainer to Lord Mifune. Usagi finds that Masaki has turned into an assassin hellbent on bringing Hikiji to justice. A tragic story of revenge, "The Death of Lord Hikiji" presents some of the best elements found any Usagi Yojimbo tale. There's melancholy, politics and creative twists to make for an engaging read from start to finish.
The titular story, "Traitors of the Earth", opens this volume up with a return of Kitsune and her young apprentice Kiyoko. The pair inadvertently steal a netsuke from a brigand, one that was in turn stolen from Sasuke, the Demon-Queller. The netsuke is a key to resurrecting the dead army of the traitorous Lord Hayashi, and as is coveted by an evil priest. Kitsune is joined by Usagi and Sasuke in a three-issue arc to take down Lord Hayashi's zombie army. It's a bit silly for sure, but Sakai's drawing in this segment is unmatched. Bursting with details and scale, the climax issue of the "Traitors of the Earth" arc is spectacularly told.
Kitsune and Kiyoko remain central to the plot in the following story - "What the Little Thief Heard". Kiyoko overhears a plot to kill a local merchant during an outing to steal some supplies. Usagi convinces Kiyoko to inform the merchant of the assassination plot, though Kiyoko insists that they can turn a profit from the information. Though a rather straightforward tale with a slight twist, the story mostly exists to present the stark opposition Usagi has towards dishonest work.
In "The Hidden Fortress", Usagi finds himself captured by the notorious bandit, Toshi. Though it seems like Toshi has outsmarted Usagi, the wandering ronin has his own brand of cunning to get him out of the situation. The story continues into "A Place to Stay", where a wounded Usagi takes refuge with an impoverished family. Though the family attempt to sell Usagi out to the local brigands, Usagi proves that he is noble no matter what.
The final story is really one of the greatest Usagi stories ever. Nominated for the 2010 Eisner Award for Best Single Issue/One-Shot, Usagi Yojimbo #123, "The Death of Lord Hikiji", centers on the story of Masaki, a former retainer to Lord Mifune. Usagi finds that Masaki has turned into an assassin hellbent on bringing Hikiji to justice. A tragic story of revenge, "The Death of Lord Hikiji" presents some of the best elements found any Usagi Yojimbo tale. There's melancholy, politics and creative twists to make for an engaging read from start to finish.
April 14, 2025
Another great collection of Dark Horse's Usagi Yojimbo stories, with much more of a fantasy bent than most of the other volumes (the titular multi-part story has hordes of undead and an actual sorceror's duel with Ditko hands (albeit three-fingered...) and accompanying "light-show".)
The rest is good, too.
(Also, there's a Usagi drawing by Walter Simonson in the preface as well as a little bit of Groo at the end of the book.)
The rest is good, too.
(Also, there's a Usagi drawing by Walter Simonson in the preface as well as a little bit of Groo at the end of the book.)
June 8, 2024
I couldn't get into this volume as much as I have with other Usagi stories. I know there's been magic in the series before but the use here was too over the top for me and took away some of the realism. It's still solid, just not one of my favorites. Once people start floating over rivers that's too much for me when the story is typically pretty well grounded.
April 12, 2025
this was a really solid outing with some great stories. the standout and titular story was a fun and different story for the characters whereas everything after that was more of the usual stuff, in a good way though.
May 30, 2017
Vysoká kvalita ako vždy aj v 26. časti.
September 22, 2018
My favorite collection of his short storylines so far. The hits keep coming
February 11, 2020
Another great installment in the life of my favorite rabbit ronin. Great stuff.
September 8, 2020
Another strong, consistent volume. I really enjoy Kitsune and Kiyoko who feature in a number of the stories in this volume. The last story “the Death of Lord Hikiji” is very strong.
December 26, 2022
This just felt extremely "run of the mill" expect the last story, which was really well Done. Still, a great series
March 3, 2024
Usagi fights zombies. 'Nuff said.
December 22, 2014
Traitors of the Earth is volume 26 of Stan Sakai's samurai epic, Usagi Yojimbo. I recommend beginning with Vol. 1 of course, but the tales here don't overly depend on long running storylines and would serve as a decent jumping on point.
For those who are new to Usagi, a comment from my review of Vol. 1 on Sakai's choice of medium:
"The use of amorphous animals as the characters might seem unusual to first time readers, but the choice gives Sakai more visual diversity and symbolism to play with, and is executed with such finesse that it quickly becomes impossible to imagine the book without this choice. Don't mistake the presence of animals as people as a sign this is a 'kid's book.' Usagi Yojimbo covers a period of war, political unrest, and an unhealthy level of danger and can get dark and bloody at times."
This trade contains the three-part titular story, as well as four "single issue" stories (one of which is somewhat an epilog for Traitors) and a couple of very short side tales. Traitors is a tense battle with the otherworldly featuring reoccurring characters Sasuke, Kitsune and Kiyoko. It's very good, provides some more insight into familiar faces, and is interestingly different than the normal Usagi story. The three unrelated stories are solid if unspectacular, and highlight Usagi's choices when dealing with bandits, peasants, and his own past.
The mini stories are amusing, particularly "Usagi and the Kami of the Pond," which is a fantastic twist on a fable well known in a different form.
The art is up to Sakai's usual excellent standards. His clean, crisp black and white art has great detail without ever becoming cluttered and is masterfully crafted to support and enhance the story. The resonance of his work with the reader is largely related to the skill he uses to convey action and emotion (particularly in facial expressions) through his art.
Overall a very strong chapter in a comic that continues to impress twenty-six volumes in.
For those who are new to Usagi, a comment from my review of Vol. 1 on Sakai's choice of medium:
"The use of amorphous animals as the characters might seem unusual to first time readers, but the choice gives Sakai more visual diversity and symbolism to play with, and is executed with such finesse that it quickly becomes impossible to imagine the book without this choice. Don't mistake the presence of animals as people as a sign this is a 'kid's book.' Usagi Yojimbo covers a period of war, political unrest, and an unhealthy level of danger and can get dark and bloody at times."
This trade contains the three-part titular story, as well as four "single issue" stories (one of which is somewhat an epilog for Traitors) and a couple of very short side tales. Traitors is a tense battle with the otherworldly featuring reoccurring characters Sasuke, Kitsune and Kiyoko. It's very good, provides some more insight into familiar faces, and is interestingly different than the normal Usagi story. The three unrelated stories are solid if unspectacular, and highlight Usagi's choices when dealing with bandits, peasants, and his own past.
The mini stories are amusing, particularly "Usagi and the Kami of the Pond," which is a fantastic twist on a fable well known in a different form.
The art is up to Sakai's usual excellent standards. His clean, crisp black and white art has great detail without ever becoming cluttered and is masterfully crafted to support and enhance the story. The resonance of his work with the reader is largely related to the skill he uses to convey action and emotion (particularly in facial expressions) through his art.
Overall a very strong chapter in a comic that continues to impress twenty-six volumes in.
August 19, 2012
No one joins a series at volume 26 so I'll avoid contextual commentary (I'd suggest vol. 12 Grasscutter as a good introduction point--Sakai is well-skilled as a storyteller by this point and there's enough narrative to stand alone while also enticing the reader to explore earlier volumes).
This volume is composed of shorter stories, a few 2-3 page affairs from Dark Horse anthologies and 1-3 issue story arcs. There's less of the epic feel that infuses Usagi at its best, but the stories deliver the fun, adventurous side of Usagi. "Plot-driven" would be the best description of this volume with characters arriving at precisely the right moment and conclusions being obvious from the start--not due to a deficit of storytelling, but because these are stories relying upon old tropes.
Rather then being stories Sakai needed to tell to further the tale of Usagi, these are short pieces he wanted to tell. They are fun because Sakai is a master of comic storytelling, but they don't inspire further excitement in samurai stories the way other Usagi trades do.
This volume is composed of shorter stories, a few 2-3 page affairs from Dark Horse anthologies and 1-3 issue story arcs. There's less of the epic feel that infuses Usagi at its best, but the stories deliver the fun, adventurous side of Usagi. "Plot-driven" would be the best description of this volume with characters arriving at precisely the right moment and conclusions being obvious from the start--not due to a deficit of storytelling, but because these are stories relying upon old tropes.
Rather then being stories Sakai needed to tell to further the tale of Usagi, these are short pieces he wanted to tell. They are fun because Sakai is a master of comic storytelling, but they don't inspire further excitement in samurai stories the way other Usagi trades do.
July 6, 2016
Another great installment from the always stellar, Stan Sakai, Traitors of the Earth pits Miyamoto Usagi against an army of zombie samurais in one of the most enjoyable collection of Usagi stories to date. I might be biased in my praise because this collection features Sasuke (my favorite character) pretty heavily. Still, a very fun collection of comics.
August 29, 2012
More of Stan Sakai's amazing cartooning - this book confirms why Usagi is my favorite comic series today!
January 14, 2014
This was a bit all over the place.
September 12, 2021
Retroactive Review (12 Sep 2021): Please see my review of the series
here
under the first volume.
March 16, 2014
The usual great quality stories
June 29, 2014
I love the way Sakai can work something like Usagi fighting zombies into the series and have it make perfect sense and fit in with Japanese history and mythology. Brilliant.
January 12, 2015
Sasuke is great, Kitsune eh, overall A++.
February 4, 2015
Another strong entry in Sakai's ongoing series, this one particularly focused on action.
February 16, 2016
Un chouette recueil des aventures d'Usagi, avec toutefois une variation sensible dans le dessin.
Par exemple, usagi est moins bien défini sur certaines pages, tout comme ses compagnons d'aventure.
Par exemple, usagi est moins bien défini sur certaines pages, tout comme ses compagnons d'aventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews