What do you think?
Rate this book
Usagi Yojimbo [兎用心棒] #20-22
Usagi Yojimbo Saga Volume 5
Adventure in feudal Japan waits for no one! In this fifth definitive Usagi Yojimbo compilation, rabbit ronin Miyamoto Usagi shares those adventures with several returning friends, including Inspector Ishida, sneak thief Kitsune, and bounty hunters Gen and Stray Dog. And Usagi's most important friendship, with retainer Tomoe Ame, is spotlighted in the epic-length "Mother of Mountains," her origin "Tomoe's Story," and the poignant tea ceremony tale "Chanoyu." Throughout, Stan Sakai's award-winning combination of intriguing storytelling and deft line work constitute a master class in the comics form! Collects Usagi Yojimbo Volume Three #76-#93, Usagi Yojimbo Color Special #1-#3, and more!
588 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2015
About the author
Stan Sakai
935 books378 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 3, 2019
Usagi Yojimbo Saga Book 5 collects issues 76-94 of Usagi Yojimbo + material from the Usagi Yojimbo Color Specials.
Book 5 sees Usagi spend a lot of time with Tomoe in Geishu province. There are also tales featuring Gen, Inspector Ishida, Jei, Kitsune, ninja, ghosts and monsters from Japanese folklore, and that damn ink set makes another appearance. There is also a dive into Japanese culture, the tea ceremony.
While I didn't enjoy this volume quite as much as the last, it did quite a bit to flesh out Tomoe as a character and showcased the intrigue in the Geishu court. The introduction of Noriko gives an interesting glimpse of what might have been if Tomoe's life had gone another way. I'm also digging Motokazu's new role in things. Lastly, it will be a sweet day when someone settles Lord Horikawa's hash.
Stan Sakai's art continues to impress. I never get the impression that he's phoning it in or coasting on past accomplishments. His simple yet intricate artwork amazes me at times. He's able to convey quite a bit of emotion with just a few brush strokes. He also knows his way around an inkwell. His use of black takes full advantage of the black and white format, as does his crosshatching and line work.
The best comic going today shows no signs of stopping. Four out of five stars.
Book 5 sees Usagi spend a lot of time with Tomoe in Geishu province. There are also tales featuring Gen, Inspector Ishida, Jei, Kitsune, ninja, ghosts and monsters from Japanese folklore, and that damn ink set makes another appearance. There is also a dive into Japanese culture, the tea ceremony.
While I didn't enjoy this volume quite as much as the last, it did quite a bit to flesh out Tomoe as a character and showcased the intrigue in the Geishu court. The introduction of Noriko gives an interesting glimpse of what might have been if Tomoe's life had gone another way. I'm also digging Motokazu's new role in things. Lastly, it will be a sweet day when someone settles Lord Horikawa's hash.
Stan Sakai's art continues to impress. I never get the impression that he's phoning it in or coasting on past accomplishments. His simple yet intricate artwork amazes me at times. He's able to convey quite a bit of emotion with just a few brush strokes. He also knows his way around an inkwell. His use of black takes full advantage of the black and white format, as does his crosshatching and line work.
The best comic going today shows no signs of stopping. Four out of five stars.
August 30, 2025
This is another volume in the omnibus series of Usagi Yojimbo that contains wonderful stories about old Japan told with anthropomorphic animals. In this volume, there is quite a lot of backstory for the character Tomoe regarding her family and how she gained her position in her lord's court, so this is a must-read for fans of that character. It also contains the story Chanoyu, which is one of my favorite Usagi Yojimbo stories. In this story, Tomoe hosts a tea ceremony service for Usagi. There are few words in this story with most of the words being the formalized expressions that are common in the tea ceremony. However, there is a lot of emotion in what is unsaid--how they both clearly have feelings for each other, but due to their positions in society they are unable to do anything about it. It's just a beautiful example of how to show rather than tell a story. Additionally, the depictions of the tea ceremony are accurate, so this story is of great interest to those with an interest in Japanese culture.
December 29, 2015
This was good. Of note, I think this book would have been even stronger if it focused more on Tomoe. Her story here was more interesting than Usagi's. But it was all pretty good.
Usagi never sacrifices any independence, but all these independent women pine to tie him down. It's a weird (and weirdly consistent) dynamic in these books.
Usagi never sacrifices any independence, but all these independent women pine to tie him down. It's a weird (and weirdly consistent) dynamic in these books.
May 2, 2021
Stan Sakai musi mieć jakiś pakt z ciemnymi mocami, bo nikt normalny nie byłby w stanie utrzymać takiego poziomu tak długo
June 4, 2026
Another fantastic volume of Usagi adventures. Felt a little disorganized, which made sense reading the afterward that clarified how some stories were reorganized to this volume for continuity after much earlier publication. Despite all that it was great to spend more time with Tomoe
February 13, 2016
Usagi Yojimbo maintains its high quality in both story and artwork as it moves into its fifth "telephone book" collection. Stan Sakai doesn't get enough credit for the fabulous comic book world he's created in this series, which is a mix of fantasy and feudal Japan.
My highest recommendation for any fan of comic books. Or "graphic novels," or whatever they're being called these days.
My highest recommendation for any fan of comic books. Or "graphic novels," or whatever they're being called these days.
December 19, 2021
What more do you want from me? Just read the blasted things. They're flawless.
August 16, 2020
Volume Five continues the even paced mixture of story types and tone. What is new is this volume features a co-star to Usagi-San, Tomoe Ame, the woman samurai retainer of Lord Noriyuki of the Geisha clan. Her backstory is expanded a great deal, her charm and character deepened in solo adventures, and her bond with Usagi is explored while he spends time at White Heron castle. Through Tomoe’s story, Sakai explores the role of women in Edo society.
Part of this arc includes issues from the “Usagi Yojimbo Color Special” published by Fantagraphics sporadically between 1987 and the early 1990s, as explained in the backmatter of this volume. This part of the arc featuring Tomoe Ame was bound in this volume (and the corresponding collected volume of the sister series with shorter size) because Stan wanted to place them in their chronological order. This detail reveals his deep consideration for the overall plot of Usagi Yojimbo as a history of the character’s life.
The pattern of a detailed continuity, that has been established in the earlier issues/volumes, really takes a full and more serious form in Volume Five. Many other comics would admit “throwaway” stories that, while enjoyable, have no bearing on the arc and leave no permanent mark on the character. It becomes clear than none of the stories in Usagi Yojimbo are to be dismissed, and no character of any magnitude will disappear back to obscurity. This gives Usagi’s life-history a gravitas, and once realized, provides another level of interest in every story—all of the characters have their own goals and machinations to ponder even when not made explicitly clear.
Part of this arc includes issues from the “Usagi Yojimbo Color Special” published by Fantagraphics sporadically between 1987 and the early 1990s, as explained in the backmatter of this volume. This part of the arc featuring Tomoe Ame was bound in this volume (and the corresponding collected volume of the sister series with shorter size) because Stan wanted to place them in their chronological order. This detail reveals his deep consideration for the overall plot of Usagi Yojimbo as a history of the character’s life.
The pattern of a detailed continuity, that has been established in the earlier issues/volumes, really takes a full and more serious form in Volume Five. Many other comics would admit “throwaway” stories that, while enjoyable, have no bearing on the arc and leave no permanent mark on the character. It becomes clear than none of the stories in Usagi Yojimbo are to be dismissed, and no character of any magnitude will disappear back to obscurity. This gives Usagi’s life-history a gravitas, and once realized, provides another level of interest in every story—all of the characters have their own goals and machinations to ponder even when not made explicitly clear.
January 30, 2026
Usagi Yojimbo means Warrior Rabbit. His name is Miyamoto, and he is a wandering Ronin, a masterless Samurai. His creator, Stan Sakai, who is aptly known as the nicest guy in comics combines his genuine heart with authentic Japanese folklore and legends. Each Saga omnibus is around 600 pages. This is the 5th Saga and counting. Each Saga is comprised of short stories told in Stan's signature style. Usually beginning mise-en-scene, in the middle of the action, the stories are inter-connected. We have meet young Miyamoto with Sensei, his friend Gen the hornless rhino Samurai, and have been introduced to Geishu and Neko clans and lordships of feudal Japan. Giant spiders and centipedes, a demon mask, and other hauntings from legends made up some of my favorite stories so far. We have also Miyamoto's son, Jotaro, which has been an incredibly emotional arc.
These comics feel like a much needed gentle-hug. They are black and white and just captivating. Being Saga #5, this means I have read 3500+ pages of Usagi Yojimbo and I can say it keeps getting better, I want more and more. All have been 5 stars for me, but this one has the pinnacle of action and storytelling so far. One very taught element of the storytelling is the diligence by which Miyamoto adheres to the moral and ethical code of a Samurai. Miyamoto seems to be able to completely set aside his pride and ego to be the Warrior Rabbit he is meant to be. And I love him. He is so one of a kind and in my heart.
These comics feel like a much needed gentle-hug. They are black and white and just captivating. Being Saga #5, this means I have read 3500+ pages of Usagi Yojimbo and I can say it keeps getting better, I want more and more. All have been 5 stars for me, but this one has the pinnacle of action and storytelling so far. One very taught element of the storytelling is the diligence by which Miyamoto adheres to the moral and ethical code of a Samurai. Miyamoto seems to be able to completely set aside his pride and ego to be the Warrior Rabbit he is meant to be. And I love him. He is so one of a kind and in my heart.
January 10, 2024
Me resulta imposible ponerle una pega a la obra Stan Sakai, todo correctísimo y maravilloso, un ejemplo de cómo conseguir que todos los recursos a disposición del autor trabajen a favor de la obra, sin permitir que nada distraiga al lector en su tránsito por la historia.
Este volumen se centra bastante en el personaje de Tomoe, ya que tenemos la historia larga "la madre de las montañas" en la que Usagi comparte protagonismo con ella, además se incluye aquí su historia de origen (la de Tomoe), que fue publicada anteriormente en la época de Fantagraphics, pero se redibujó para ser incluída en la colección en un momento en el que tiene más lógica cronológicamente hablando, también tenemos la historia "Chanoyu", en la que Tomoe prepara una ceremonia del té para Usagi, un interludio de paz entre historias con grandes dosis de acción. En todo caso siguen apareciendo personajes habituales como Gen, Kitsune o el inspector Ishida de forma esporádica.
Como extra se incluye una comparación entre las dos versiones del origen de Tomoe página por página, un añadido genial que permite apreciar la evolución del arte y el oficio de Sakai.
Sencillamente delicioso.
Este volumen se centra bastante en el personaje de Tomoe, ya que tenemos la historia larga "la madre de las montañas" en la que Usagi comparte protagonismo con ella, además se incluye aquí su historia de origen (la de Tomoe), que fue publicada anteriormente en la época de Fantagraphics, pero se redibujó para ser incluída en la colección en un momento en el que tiene más lógica cronológicamente hablando, también tenemos la historia "Chanoyu", en la que Tomoe prepara una ceremonia del té para Usagi, un interludio de paz entre historias con grandes dosis de acción. En todo caso siguen apareciendo personajes habituales como Gen, Kitsune o el inspector Ishida de forma esporádica.
Como extra se incluye una comparación entre las dos versiones del origen de Tomoe página por página, un añadido genial que permite apreciar la evolución del arte y el oficio de Sakai.
Sencillamente delicioso.
February 3, 2023
Volume 5 contains a collection of stories mostly surrounding Usagi and Tomoe's early adventures together and their growing friendship, and perhaps something more. Interspersed are a few other stories based on Japanese legends and with some of the supporting cast, like bounty hunter Gen.
Stan Sakai once again knocks this out of the park. It can't be understated just how good these tales are. Not only are they meticulously researched to remain authentic, Sakai even makes sure the dress, weapons and tools characters use are spot on too, and each story is just so good! Previous stories are neatly referenced and built on as the saga of the samurai rabbit continues. Even more remarkable is Sakai's technique of depicting pretty graphic violence largely bloodlessly as the bunny ronin dispatches foes. As they utter the skull speech bubble you know they are finished. It's so simple, yet perfect and means pretty brutal stories from Japanese history and legend can be enjoyed by an audience of any age.
Stan Sakai once again knocks this out of the park. It can't be understated just how good these tales are. Not only are they meticulously researched to remain authentic, Sakai even makes sure the dress, weapons and tools characters use are spot on too, and each story is just so good! Previous stories are neatly referenced and built on as the saga of the samurai rabbit continues. Even more remarkable is Sakai's technique of depicting pretty graphic violence largely bloodlessly as the bunny ronin dispatches foes. As they utter the skull speech bubble you know they are finished. It's so simple, yet perfect and means pretty brutal stories from Japanese history and legend can be enjoyed by an audience of any age.
January 24, 2020
It was a very interesting book. I liked how it had a lot of the characters you don't see much in the story. This book is fiction. It's set in Japan. The main character has a very cool story that you learn more and more about throughout the series. Most people who like this book would be people who like history and acton.
January 23, 2024
Great volume! Lots of buildup and fleshing out of Usagi’s relationship with Tomoe and I love that. Obviously he is a ronin and wanders, but you can’t help but desperately want him to settle down and find happiness and a home in the Geishu province. And this makes you want that for him even more. And then, naturally, it crushes your hopes and dreams.
July 22, 2020
Este volumen está lleno de historias preciosas, entretenidas y narradas con una maestría envidiable. Particularmente el amor no hablado entre Tomoe y Usagi, y la delicadeza con la que Sakai-sensei lo relata está entre las mejores experiencias que he tenido leyendo cómics. Bellísimo y admirable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2020
It’s interesting to see the contrast between Sakai’s early work and the contemporary stories, by the delayed inclusion of the Fantagraphics colour specials into this volume. Not just in the design of Usagi himself (and Tomoe), but his linework, framing, pacing, cartooning choices etc.
June 5, 2023
Strong development of Usagi's friendships and placement of future sorrows. It has been decades since I read the original comics and having them all together was like meeting them again for the first time. So enjoyable.
December 1, 2023
Another masterful volume, focused heavily on Usagi's longtime ally Tomoe - intrigue in the Geishu court, Tomoe and Usagi captured by Tomoe's viciously (and delightfully) evil sister, more amazing Japanese folklore and culture.
March 21, 2020
Volume 5 is like the other volumes except darker and edgier.
March 6, 2021
Sakai continues his brilliant series with mostly short stories and an extended focus on Tomoe.
March 30, 2022
I finished reading this some time ago and really liked it, but at this point I would need to go back and look through the stories to give anything approaching a useful discussion. It's good.
May 31, 2022
Another amazing collection. The tea ceremony is a really amazing high point. I love Stan's subtle ways of providing educational items throughout this incredible run of comics.
August 8, 2024
i skipped the mother of mountains storyline since i read it many times as a kid but it was nice reading what takes place afterwards
August 24, 2024
4.4
Great back stories in this volume! I really enjoyed learning about the tea ceremony as well.
Great back stories in this volume! I really enjoyed learning about the tea ceremony as well.
April 13, 2025
4.5/5.Great volume as always,this volume is primarily Tomoes Story and back story.
August 4, 2025
Kanpeki.
November 18, 2025
Usagi almost loses a hand. A fox story. And a tea ceremony.
Read
January 22, 2016This was a really good book. Most of it was devoted to developing Tomoe's character (present and past) through many exciting adventures. There are also some good short stories at the start, particularly the Japanese equivalent of the Robinhood tale, even if it features only Inspector Ishida and not Usagi at all. Some previously laid storylines were cashed in on here and I really enjoyed the depiction of the tea ceremony. That tale was especially artistic. Sadly, I'm beginning to catch up to the series, which means patience. :'( Oh well. It's definitely worth waiting for.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews