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Usagi Yojimbo [兎用心棒] #28
Usagi Yojimbo Volume 28: Red Scorpion
The Red Scorpion Gang has been terrorizing the countryside for months, with evidence of their ill deeds appearing everywhere the rabbit ronin turns! Usagi first crosses swords with the Scorpions as the gang extorts protection money from poor farmers, then must defend a temple from their attacks. But when Usagi is accused of being a member of the gang, he has no choice but to take the fight to the Red Scorpion himself! This volume also features the return of wily thief Kitsune and the mysterious Lord of Owls! Collects Usagi Yojimbo #132-#138! Featuring an introduction by George Takei!
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2014
4 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Stan Sakai
923 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 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 28, 2019
After almost 10 months away from reading Usagi Yojimbo i've decided to pick up on the last 5 volumes he did with Dark Horse. I still find it enjoyable but I have to notice the fact that Sakai plays with the same themes again and again - a gang that threatens some village, usagi as a deus-ex-machina to save them. I mean, it's still fun and all but let the main story progress, resting on recurring ideas gets dull after some point. I mean, ACDC played the same music for 35 years but this ain't rock'n'roll, is it?
December 2, 2023
Miyamoto Usagi's continuing adventures puts him in the path of the ruthless Red Scorpion Gang. Book 28 of Usagi Yojimbo collects issues #132-138 and opens to the story, "Taiko", where Usagi finds himself helping a group of peasants who are constructing a massive drum which is said to facilitate favorable climate conditions for the local farmers. But the efforts are hindered by the Red Scorpion Gang who enact substantial violence upon the populace. Though Usagi saves the day, he also witnesses firsthand the unyielding faith the locals place upon their taiko. Kitsune reemerges in the "Toad Oil" story, where she sells her local wares of snake oil products. Things don't go smoothly for Kitsune and Kiyoko, but luckily Usagi is around to bail her out once again.
The Red Scorpion Gang continue to be menace into "The Return of the Lord of Owls", which features the enigmatic mystical warrior who was first seen in Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 11 - "Seasons" . The supernatural element is not new to the series, but the Lord of Owls serves as an interesting contrast to the more malevolent forces Usagi faces like Jei. The saga of the Red Scorpion Gang culminates in the final story of the collection, "Those Who Tread on the Scorpion's Tail". Here, Usagi finds himself caught in a plot involving the kidnapping of the son of a lord. Initially believing the Red Scorpion is behind the abduction, Usagi learns that the conspiracy is much more sinister. This was a strong conclusion to the story, with a few great twists along the way.
The Red Scorpion Gang continue to be menace into "The Return of the Lord of Owls", which features the enigmatic mystical warrior who was first seen in Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 11 - "Seasons" . The supernatural element is not new to the series, but the Lord of Owls serves as an interesting contrast to the more malevolent forces Usagi faces like Jei. The saga of the Red Scorpion Gang culminates in the final story of the collection, "Those Who Tread on the Scorpion's Tail". Here, Usagi finds himself caught in a plot involving the kidnapping of the son of a lord. Initially believing the Red Scorpion is behind the abduction, Usagi learns that the conspiracy is much more sinister. This was a strong conclusion to the story, with a few great twists along the way.
June 28, 2021
(4,6 z 5 za skvělou jednopříběhovou skládačku)
Červený škorpion je skvělý příběh. Stan ho zde skládá z několika jakoby nezávislých setkání na Usagiho cestě, které jsou však střípky jedné skládačky a postupně zapadají do sebe do velkého finále. Které je mimochodem skvělé. V tomto příběhu nás Stan drží zkrátka, dává Usagimu chytré hlavní nepřátele a tajemství, jenž je potřeba kus po kusu rozvinout a čtenář tak nemůže "předbíhat". Což je skvělé a po mnoha dobrodružstvích, které už pomalu ale jistě začaly sledovat ty samé vzorce, příjemné osvěžení. Jako třešnička na dortu je samozřejmě vědomost, kterou nám skrz příběh Stan předává - další střípek historie a doby feudálního Japonska. Červený škorpion prostě kousek z Usagiho komiksové série v nejlepší formě.
Červený škorpion je skvělý příběh. Stan ho zde skládá z několika jakoby nezávislých setkání na Usagiho cestě, které jsou však střípky jedné skládačky a postupně zapadají do sebe do velkého finále. Které je mimochodem skvělé. V tomto příběhu nás Stan drží zkrátka, dává Usagimu chytré hlavní nepřátele a tajemství, jenž je potřeba kus po kusu rozvinout a čtenář tak nemůže "předbíhat". Což je skvělé a po mnoha dobrodružstvích, které už pomalu ale jistě začaly sledovat ty samé vzorce, příjemné osvěžení. Jako třešnička na dortu je samozřejmě vědomost, kterou nám skrz příběh Stan předává - další střípek historie a doby feudálního Japonska. Červený škorpion prostě kousek z Usagiho komiksové série v nejlepší formě.
April 25, 2017
Sakai no decepciona, sin ser exactamente un tomo de historia larga, las breves iniciales van introduciendo la que lleva más peso. Sin ser de las más épicas (en una saga tan larga, es complicado que a estas alturas te deje con la
boca abierta, como sí pasaba con algunas historias anteriores), tiene momentos memorables.
boca abierta, como sí pasaba con algunas historias anteriores), tiene momentos memorables.
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 28, 2022
This volume features a series of stories that are loosely tied together by the antagonists, the Red Scorpion gang, who have been tormenting the countryside. Usagi faces off with them in a number of different facets, culminating in a multi-sided final conflict that throws some surprising twists and turns in. Lots of action, and the individual stories are good - with the drummaker's story being my favorite (although a Kitsune story is always appreciated too), and the artwork as precise and evocative as ever.
August 25, 2024
Another great Usagi Yojimbo book! I haven't read one of these since 2020, when I read Vol. 27: A Town Called Hell. These are always great. I always feel like Sakai brings something fresh and interesting to every story, even after telling so many of them.
January 15, 2023
Je to hodně nečekaná pozice, ale kombinace organizovaného zločinu a přepjaté samurajské cti s trochou té mystiky táhne tuhle sbírku lehce propojených povídek velmi slušně, byť občas jsou malinko jako "moment proč to ti lidé dělají". Tempo příběhu je ale natolik rychle a jeho klíčové momenty tak dobrý, že furt krása.
September 12, 2020
This was a fun little read. It’s an interesting combination of adorable little cartoon characters with all of the death and honor of samurai tales. It’s no Lone Wolf and Cub, but I’ll probably read more.
June 23, 2018
Nastavená latka nepodlezená ani v 28. zbierke príbehov ušatého ronina.
September 24, 2018
A little darker then the rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2019
Another great book. Can't get enough of Usagi. Such a smart sexy bunny 🐰😍❤️
December 19, 2022
The Red Scorpions take this book is named after is good, but I preferred the single issue stories (Lord of Owls and Toad Oil) and loved the opening story with the big drum. One of my favorites.
March 4, 2024
5 Stars for the story "Taiko". The Red Scorpion Gang storyline is also quite great.
June 17, 2025
solid volume, though all of them have been. I feel like the red scorpion stuff could've been dragged out to be more of a looking threat, but I think the twist reveals were good as were.
December 22, 2014
Red Scorpion is volume 28 of Stan Sakai's samurai epic, Usagi Yojimbo. I recommend beginning with Vol. 1 of course, but the tales here don't really depend on long running story lines. There are some returning characters it would help to be familiar with, but the gist of any characters we've seen before is well conveyed, so this isn't a bad place to start overall.
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 two longer stories related to the Red Scorpion gang mentioned in the title, with two single issue in between. The opening two-part Taiko is a carefully told story about hardship and faith. Usagi visits a town of farmers plagued both by drought and the local protection racket, with their hopes pinned on omens and rituals. It's quite good and as usual Sakai allows the tale to progress at its own pace.
Toad Oil sees the return of an old "friend" and a twist on a story common to folklore around the world. While I had figured out the entire thing early and Usagi was a bit dense here for my liking, it is a nice twist on a familiar theme.
The Return of the Lord of Owls is an interesting little story that weaves several plot threads and themes together and features an ominous presence long overdue for a reappearance.
The three part Those Who Tread on the Scorpion's Tail finishes this trade. Usagi nears the reported base of operations of the Red Scorpions and offers his assistance in dealing with them. This is a fantastic story with some nice twists and really highlights a lot of the ongoing themes of the comic.
As usual Sakai's art is the perfect compliment to his stories. His expert use of facial expressions and body language intensify the emotional undercurrents of each carefully detailed situation.
Red Scorpion brings Usagi Yojimbo to twenty-eight volumes and Sakai's wonderful retelling of samurai legends is still going strong.
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 two longer stories related to the Red Scorpion gang mentioned in the title, with two single issue in between. The opening two-part Taiko is a carefully told story about hardship and faith. Usagi visits a town of farmers plagued both by drought and the local protection racket, with their hopes pinned on omens and rituals. It's quite good and as usual Sakai allows the tale to progress at its own pace.
Toad Oil sees the return of an old "friend" and a twist on a story common to folklore around the world. While I had figured out the entire thing early and Usagi was a bit dense here for my liking, it is a nice twist on a familiar theme.
The Return of the Lord of Owls is an interesting little story that weaves several plot threads and themes together and features an ominous presence long overdue for a reappearance.
The three part Those Who Tread on the Scorpion's Tail finishes this trade. Usagi nears the reported base of operations of the Red Scorpions and offers his assistance in dealing with them. This is a fantastic story with some nice twists and really highlights a lot of the ongoing themes of the comic.
As usual Sakai's art is the perfect compliment to his stories. His expert use of facial expressions and body language intensify the emotional undercurrents of each carefully detailed situation.
Red Scorpion brings Usagi Yojimbo to twenty-eight volumes and Sakai's wonderful retelling of samurai legends is still going strong.
January 29, 2016
Stan Sakai is such a great storyteller and artist. A fantastic collection of stories loosely grouped around the people he meets along the road in an area controlled by the Red Scorpion gang. I loved the taiko story and couldn't stop messaging images from it to my friend who is a professional taiko player...this one is good she will love it NO THIS ONE IS BETTER! I have been reading this comic for 30 years but I am not tired of it yet!
July 22, 2014
Another solid collection of Usagi tales. The tale of the drum was fantastic.
I feel like lately we've had several variations on the theme of "Usagi defeats local gang" or "Usagi defeats rival gangs by playing them off each other". That's getting old. In this collection, Usagi does have to deal with the Red Scorpion gang, but thankfully this time the plot is more nuanced.
I'm hoping there is a larger, more epic Usagi arc coming soon. I'm craving one.
I feel like lately we've had several variations on the theme of "Usagi defeats local gang" or "Usagi defeats rival gangs by playing them off each other". That's getting old. In this collection, Usagi does have to deal with the Red Scorpion gang, but thankfully this time the plot is more nuanced.
I'm hoping there is a larger, more epic Usagi arc coming soon. I'm craving one.
November 9, 2014
Perfection as always. It was great to get another glimpse of the Lord of Owls – perhaps the last remaining mystery of the Usagi Yojimbo universe – after so long. Really hoping for some ambitious arcs including more of the recurring cast (in the tradition of the Grasscutters and the Dragon Bellow Conspiracy etc) going forward. Write on, Stan Sakai! You’re a legend.
July 16, 2014
Maybe it's just because I was recently watching some Kurosawa films, but this one in particular seemed a bit reminiscent (in the best sort of way). Also, the second appearance of the Lord of Owls was intriguing, and I hope there will be more to come.
April 19, 2015
A decent UY collection, including a Kitsune tale and the return of the Lord of Owls, but the only really memorable part is the first story, "Taiko." It's a classing Usagi story of bandits and farmers, cultural history and spirituality, and a great scene of drumming in the rain.
July 3, 2014
Stan Sakai's been spinning this story for twenty-eight volumes and thirty years, and he's still setting the gold standard for adventure comics.
September 12, 2021
Retroactive Review (12 Sep 2021): Please see my review of the series
here
under the first volume.
August 18, 2014
Public library copy.
January 16, 2015
Engaging as always.
March 4, 2015
On taiko drums, toad oil and reasons for ritual suicide. The intro is by George Takei. Loved the determination on Usagi's face when standing in front of the drum.
January 12, 2015
Still more of the same in a great way.
September 5, 2015
Poor Usagi. He's so trusting but sometimes he trusts the wrong people.
March 20, 2015
Once again, a great story and historically intriguing.
June 29, 2015
I dread the day I read all of these and have no more new Usagis to devour.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews