Usagi Yojimbo Saga Volume 4

Usagi Yojimbo [兎用心棒] #17-19

by Stan Sakai

Miyamoto Usagi's past comes to the fore in this latest volume of Dark Horse's definitive Usagi Yojimbo compilations. First, Usagi attends a duel between his former teacher, Katsuichi, and Katsuich's rival, and is drawn into a dispute involving a local fencing school. Next, Usagi struggles with the knowledge that his young traveling companion Jotaro is his son. Along the way, Sakai spins classic tales, as the Neko Ninja plot against Lord Noriyuki's life, fan-favorite character Sasuké the Demon Queller returns, and the manga classic Lone Wolf and Cub is homaged in "Lone Goat and Kid"! Collects Usagi Yojimbo Volume Three #53-#75!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Manga, Japan

616 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

Stan 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).

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usagi Yojimbo Saga Book 4 collects issues 53-75 of Usagi Yojimbo.

The saga of my favorite anthropomorphic rabbit samurai continues with this volume. Within this weighty tome are tales of violence, monsters, honor, dishonor, family, tragedy and the unspoken love between a father and his son.

Jotaro and Usagi travel together for a time, forging a bond, neither wanting to share what they're really feeling. Some of Katsuichi Sensei's tragic past is revealed. There's some tear-jerking stuff going on in these pages.

But there's also action! The Duel at Kitanoji, specifically the final issue, is one of my favorite single issues of the run so far. The ronin's path is tough but some people have it even tougher.

Some old favorites make some welcome reappearances. It was great seeing Sasuke, Kitsune, Tomoe, and Lone Goat and Kid again. While I missed Gen, it was nice how Stan Sakai changed the status quo for quite a few issues, swapping out Gen for Jotaro, making for some fresh stories.

The art continues to be honed to a fine edge. Stan Sakai is one of the modern day masters of the genre, able to convey so much emotion with such few strokes of the pen. As I said before, he can do action as well. And comedy. And big ass monsters.

The best comic going today continues to kick ass and take names. Five out of five stars.

[Diz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories in this omnibus volume of Usagi Yojimbo focus heavily on the relationship between Usagi and his secret son. This relationship is complicated by the fact that he has promised to his son's mother that he will not tell his son that he is his father. The tension between Usagi wanting to tell his son the truth and his promise to the son's mother runs in the background throughout the stories in this volume. This creates a lot of interesting moments of character interaction, not only between Usagi and his son, but also between Usagi and other characters who recognize the truth without being told.

[Garrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a masterpiece. I love Usagi's story and his journey with Jotaro was a joy to read. This volume is filled with wonderful characters and a fantastic world.
I'm going to be thinking about this one for a long time.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stan Sakai: the most consistently excellent writer and illustrator currently in comics.

Usagi Yojimbo is--for all the fight scenes, all the black-and-white blood, all the battles--a very quiet comic. It's about Miyamoto Usagi, a wandering ronin who travels the warrior's path of learning. He meets people, some of whom he helps (and some of whom he comes into conflict with). That's...it, really. I think you need to SEE Sakai's illustrations to understand what makes this truly great--not a surprise, as comics are a visual medium as well as a written one.

My favorite stories from this volume were...well, every single story featuring Jotaro. Particularly, though...I enjoyed The Pride of the Samurai. It's a short, you could read it stand-alone, and it makes perfect sense. That's how a lot of Usagi Yojimbo stories are: a perfectly self-contained short story you can jump right into, no background needed. Like each story is a perfect little cupcake that someone has baked just for me.

If you have any interest in samurai, or the Edo period, or comics, I really strongly recommend this. But hey--don't start with volume 4, as good as it is. Pick up volume 1 and keep going from there. Trust me--it's worth it.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard...almost impossible to not enjoy these saga books.... with this current volume collecting Usagi Yojimbo issues #53-#75!!! As with previous volumes the introductions and forwards are by a who's who in the comic book world. Peter Laird (TMNT), Matt Wagner (Grendel) and the late great Jack Davis (Mad magazine) all give powerful write-ups that add to this precious book! This massive book collects three separate arcs which were in smaller tpb's in the past. Duel at Kitanoji, Travels with Jotaro and Fathers & Sons. While Stan Sakai wields highly original and imaginative stories he also homages the manga classic Lone Wolf and Cub in "Lone Goat and Kid" beautifully! Must read and highly enjoyable...you will find the time melting away in this submergingly wonderful story. I love that it is mostly rendered in black and white, but even if that is not your thing...I believe you will find yourself appreciating this book for all the goodness it packs!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can see why Stan introduced Usagi's cousin into the series - there's something about Usagi traveling with a young, eager companion that is appealing. Usagi is good mentor figure. I also thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Katsuichi - his encounter with the tengu, his youthful love, and witnessing his honor and integrity. Another lovely volume of the greatest comic book series.

[Dan P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll go on and on about Usagi Yojimbo, the comic that got me back into comics as a kid. But how thrilling to come to the place in the story that I stopped reading originally (around when I left for college). This is omnibus 4 of 9! Imagine discovering your favorite story of all time continued for 2 decades after you stopped reading. And of course Usagi is still going, even now. Thank you so, so much Stan ❤️

[Przemysław Skoczyński · Rating 5 out of 5]

To wręcz nieprawdopodobne, by przez tysiące stron utrzymywać stale tak równy i wysoki poziom. Jestem pod wrażeniem.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Volume Four of Usagi Yojimbo Saga, the list of permanent enemies continues to grow, as Usagi-san thwarts evil-doers left and right. The class system and duty are recurrent themes in these stories, as we learn of the set of rules that sometimes leave no space between expectations for a character to live. The volume culminates in Usagi’s series of adventures with Jotaro, and the bond that grows between them during their days on the road of the Warrior’s Journey of Knowledge. Stan Sakai doesn’t just weave intricate tales full of details and connections that bind a set of stories with diverse subject matter and composition together, but he also layers them with the sometimes inspiring, sometimes touching, and sometimes heartbreaking truths of the human condition. His characters extend beyond a collection of actions or embodiments of principles to become feeling, living souls that invite the reader’s empathy. Epitomizing Sakai’s skilled character authorship, Usagi himself is more than just an action hero or Dudley Do-Right; he has genuine foibles and emotional weaknesses that enhance his heroism.

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love this series! This volume hit me right in the feels. Usagi travels with Jotaro, who is his son, though Jotaro is unaware of this - he calls Usagi "Uncle" in an honorary way. So while they're traveling together and getting to know one another better, Usagi is also dealing with this secret knowledge, and struggling with the desire to tell his son "I am your father" or keeping the secret out of respect for the man Jotaro believes is his father, who is a childhood friend (as is Jotaro's mother). As the story progresses, it's clear that Jotaro also has a secret to tell Usagi, and is having a similar struggle. This added such a bittersweet, emotional aspect throughout, and I really enjoyed seeing that side of Usagi. There was lots of action too, with duels and showdowns and ninja attacks and assassins everywhere! Seriously, so many assassins! We also get some intrigue, some supernatural goodness (Sasuke the Demon Queller makes an appearance, searching for an evil sumi set), and while we don't see Gen in this volume, other recurring characters show up - I always love seeing Kitsune! I enjoyed Lone Goat and Kid's appearance, too - Gorogoro, the Kid, is freakin' adorable, and I really want a stuffie of him :D
And the ending, y'all. Oh my heart!

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As awesome as it was to finally see what happens between Katsuichi and Koji, reading about Usagi and Jotaro’s adventures was much more enjoyable.

Lots of great characters reappear including Lone Goat and Kid and Kitsune (no Gen sadly) and a tear jerker of a goodbye between the two when their journey comes to an end.

Overall, a great volume with lots of old plots rehashed and others set up for future volumes.

[Isao · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very good book. The main character was cool and had an interesting plot. This book was fiction. The book took place all around japan and most people who would like this would be people who like action and history. Also, one interesting part was the duel between his old sensei and his rival.

[Nicholas Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good volume with some exciting stories, and more exploration of Usagi and his relationship with his biological son and their struggles to figure out how to relate to each other, as well as some great monster action with references to Gamera and Daimajin, plus the return of Lone Goat and Kid. Sakai's art has also really come into its own at this point. Great volume.

[Jason Albertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume's stories about fathers and sons were moving -- light, still fun, but pretty deep too. The interplay of love, duty and pride is so well done.

And of course, it's fun to catch up with the recurring characters. Neat to see more of Katsuichi-Sensei and hear his meditations on what it means to follow bushido. I hope Jotaro shows up again in future volumes!

[Bernardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo de Sakai es monumental. La universalidad de historias que se inventa en un Japón medieval y fantástico no puede ser calificado de nada menos que puro genio narrativo. Cómic en su forma más pura, eficaz y profundamente hermosa. Cómo he disfrutado esta aventura de acompañar a Usagi.

[Relstuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suppose the setting blurs the line between myth and fantasy.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed with samurai stories that touch on themes from Lone Wolf and Cub, Seven Samurai, and supernatural folk tales, this collection continues to be solid story telling from Stan Sakai.

[Andreas Sekeris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome volume of Usagi Yojimbo. Great long stories.

[Valerie Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love these! I may start collecting the original ones. Just so I can see them all in color. 😍

[Leanne Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tengu, lone goat and kid, kitsune... this one has it all.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usagi's journey with Jotaro and the relationships between Usagi, Jotaro, and Katsuichi made this my favorite volume of the series so far.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last story is the dustiest story. So dusty when you read it.

[Stephen Theaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. I loved this so much. Twenty-three issues of one of the greatest comics of all time. Usagi and Jotoro get to spend some time together.

[Carl Grider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply the best comic series of all time. Incredible storytelling.

[James Devore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fathers and sons and Sumi-e are amazing. I really enjoyed this volume of Usagi. Heartfelt, emotional, ferocious, mystical, and incredible characters and monsters as usual! The ending too?! Gaaahhh!

[zackxdig · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Usagi goodness.

[John Schoen-McCullough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible! I adore reading the stories of Miyamoto Usagi and friends (and not friends). The way Japanese history and mythology is infused into these tales brings new learning and understanding.

The black and white art and ink-like style is so appealing to me. The stories put with this art make for deeply engaging stories that come together to make long narratives and arcs.

Reading 600+ compendiums doesn’t come easier than reading Usagi Yojimbo. Stan Sakai is a legend for creating these and bringing such consistent quality for 5 decades! I’m so looking forward to reading the next sagas and finding my way to the Usagi tales and color comics of this decade :)

[Patrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lot of fun. The storytelling continues to be superb and the art simple, yet excellent. This book cashed in on a previously laid storyline the I thought tied in with the main sequence rather well and laid some hints for future action with the Sasuke story. Additionally the reader gets to learn more about Katsuichi-sensei. The best part are the many story arcs with Usagi and Jotaro, who, while unruly and impetuous, is too competent and resourceful to be a typical kid sidekick. Their tales were interesting, clever and poignant. This was one of the best so far.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately I read this before Volume 3, which chronologically follows Volume 2.

But the story is still magnificent in its storytelling power, able to whisk you off to samurai-age Japan with not humans but rabbits, cats, dogs, bears, and other common animals. Sakai touched my heart often, and taught me implicitly, via the code of bushido and Usagi's actions, how to live and act honorably. There is a reason why Miyamoto Usagi has made my top 10 list for characters in the written word.

Superbly written, brilliantly illustrated, expertly crafted.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seemed pretty consequential. There was a serious main through-line here about Usagi's relationship with Jotaro. At some point, it seemed like they were going to go full-on John Allison (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Mac...) and replace the entire cast with a younger version.

All in all, I'm not sure how much I'll remember about this volume specifically but everything about Sakai's work here is solid.