Usagi Yojimbo (1987), Volume 16

September 15, 2003
Sakai's rabbit samurai Usagi Yojimbo has been around since 1984, and this latest collection of the ongoing comic makes it easy to understand the character's longevity. Sakai has the ability to make stories instantly and universally accessible. Although the cartoony b&w art and the gimmick—anthropomorphic animal warriors adventuring in the legendary past of 17th-century Japan—would seem to be a set-up for saccharine or simplistic stories, the series has a grim edge. Death is always a possibility for Usagi. In the opening story, "Showdown," he and his rhinoceros bounty hunter friend Gen arrive in a town where two rival gangs are terrorizing the townsfolk. Of course, the pair sets out to fix things, in a sting that finds them playing each side against the other. Usagi is brave but hardly infallible—even though they defeat both bosses, Usagi and Gen end up as penniless as they started out. In "The Shrouded Moon," Usagi and Gen set out to aid a beautiful thief, a fox named Kitsune, in a dangerous mission. Despite the fantasy setting, the feudal world is scrupulously researched. Sakai's blending of words and pictures is utterly assured, and he uses his fun style to great effect. Like the best animated characters, Usagi and the rest of the cast is capable of a broad range of emotions. Blending classic storytelling, flawlessly designed art and lovingly researched period touches, Usagi Yojimbo is a true all-ages comics treat.

April 1, 2003
Adult/High School-Moon continues the adventures of the rabbit samurai and his belligerent friend Gen after they helped return the sacred sword Grasscutter to Atsuta Shrine in Grasscutter II (Dark Horse, 2002). In "Showdown," Usagi and Gen free a town from two rival gangs. In "The Shrouded Moon," they assist Kitsune, an entertainer and pickpocket who was hired to steal the good-luck talisman of a powerful gang leader. "Seasons" views Usagi through the eyes of a man he was hired to protect, a fishmonger he defended, and a would-be bandit scared onto the right path. The other two stories focus on two of the women in the series, Kitsune and Chizu. Sakai has created a unique world, based on the culture and history of Japan under shoguns, but visually filled with anthropomorphic animals of many types. His stories are well plotted and beautifully drawn. Usagi uses his brain as well as his sword to solve problems, and he is an honorable, admirable character. Grumpy, greedy Gen makes for good comic relief. This title stands on its own, but readers will probably want more in the series.-Susan Salpini, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2003
Usagi is a ronin (a masterless samurai) and an expert swordsman, wandering the roads of feudal Japan and occasionally hiring himself out as a bodyguard (yojimbo). He's also a rabbit-man with tall floppy ears (tied in a topknot, naturally). Since 1985 writer, artist, and three-time Eisner award winner Sakai has been chronicling Usagi's adventures in this highly acclaimed series. (The first seven volumes were published by Fantagraphics, the remainder by Dark Horse.) After the heavy action and drama of the previous volume (Grasscutter II-Journey to Atsuta Shrine), the series takes a breather in this 16th volume, which features several short stories. Sakai's storytelling skills are masterly, and his black-and-white art is clear and highly accomplished. With strong characters, a complex story line greatly influenced by Japanese history and legend, and a blend of action, drama, and comedy, this series occupies a space halfway between Lone Wolf and Cub (LJ 1/03) and Carl Barks's classic stories of Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge and should appeal to many fans of both. And though this is not manga (Sakai is American), manga fans should enjoy it as well. The series is highly recommended for all collections.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.