That means anyone out there with even a slight interest in comic books or Japan has to read at least one issue of USAGI YOJIMBO by Stan Sakai this year. I’m sorry but no exceptions allowed!
I know I’ve written about this long-running comic series before, but I wish it got more recognition and press. Writer and artist Stan Sakai has been chronicling the adventures of his “Rabbit Bodyguard” since 1984. So it’ll be Usagi’s 40th anniversary next year. That is very impressive, especially for a creator-owned independent comic book. SPAWN has been getting all the press recently but Usagi Yojimbo has been going for longer than Todd McFarlane’s Hellspawn. Spawn does have more issues though, because its run has never been interrupted, unlike Usagi Yojimbo.
After a long run with comics publisher Dark Horse, Usagi moved to IDW in 2019. But Stan Sakai was rumoured to be unhappy with IDW’s approach to the character. In September 2022, it was announced that Usagi would be returning to Dark Horse Comics. There haven’t been any new Usagi issues published since September, but the word is that Sakai will be collaborating with some “new talent” and they will continue publication of the ongoing Chibi Usagi, Space Usagi, and the Color Classics series. I look forward to any future issues of the main Usagi Yojimbo series.
Thanks for reading!
-Wakizashi, *can’t stop looking out the school windows to take in the stunning view of Mount Daisen today.*
Wakizashi's Reviews 
I really like the drawing style of Usagi but samurai stuff almost never interests me. What’s a man to do? Is there a nice contained little graphic novel of Usagi? Should i read the ninja turtle crossover episode?
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The TMNT crossover is a nice little collection of stories, yes. If you are interested in Japanese ghosts and mythological creatures, the self-contained Usagi Yojimbo: YOKAI is really good. It’s also a rare painted Usagi story and looks beautiful. Here’s the link to the Dark Horse page for the book: https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/16-340/Usagi-Yojimbo-Yokai
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Thanks for the tips Wakizashi!
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You are welcome.
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So these are monthly issues, right?
I hope you post about your adventures reading them, because I’m definitely interested…
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I haven’t read the full details about them, so I’m not sure. I’m just hoping the main Usagi Yojimbo series will return. I’m not a fan of “Chibi Usagi” but I might give “Space Usagi” a go. Thanks for the interest!
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No exceptions? Even for snobby film critics?
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Go on! They’re pretty cheap on digital and you won’t even have to leave your castle.
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Hmmm but if I read it before Chinese New Year does it still count? Seems a grey area, I should probably wait a month or twelve to be safe…
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Poor Usagi, he just can’t win
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Usagi deserves love and attention! At this point I’m a couple of years behind, I need to get up to date in my reading š
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I’ve missed quite a few issues, too. It’s a good time to catch up. š°
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Great series, and definitely deserves more attention. Though I think Netflix made some sort of adaptation? My kids were watching it a few months ago.
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Yes, I think Season 2 came out last December. I watched some of S 1 and it was fun. Shame they didn’t set it in feudal Japan šŗ
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Right, there were some differences that at first I wasn’t sure if it was an adaptation even though the characters were similar. Ah, gotta tell the kids season 2 is out!
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I’ll make an effort to find and read an issue of Usagi Yojimbo this year. I still remember reading a couple issues a friend owned, long, long ago. And to celebrate the year of the rabbit my family and I had rabbit for dinner. š That’s quite a clear view of Mount Daisen! Have you ever hiked it?
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Yes, I hiked it a while ago with my daughter. Going up was fine. Coming down was hard on my knees! But it was a beautiful sunny day and the view from the summit was incredible.
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