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Usagi Yojimbo [兎用心棒] #33
Usagi Yojimbo Volume 33: The Hidden Limited Edition
Collects the entire "The Hidden" arc in a limited edition, a numbered hardcover signed by the master himself, Stan Sakai!
Usagi and his friend Inspector Ishida join forces once again as they embark on a mission to track down and uncover the importance of a foreign book that's been at the root of many problems across the land. The daring duo, desperate to solve the mystery and restore peace, are forced to undertake unusual measures as well as enlist the help of a few surprising sources to get the information they require. Will Usagi and Ishida come out victorious or will this mystery prove too much for them to solve? Collecting a complete story arc in one place, this is the perfect jumping-on point for any fans--new or old!
Collects Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden issues #1-#7.
Usagi and his friend Inspector Ishida join forces once again as they embark on a mission to track down and uncover the importance of a foreign book that's been at the root of many problems across the land. The daring duo, desperate to solve the mystery and restore peace, are forced to undertake unusual measures as well as enlist the help of a few surprising sources to get the information they require. Will Usagi and Ishida come out victorious or will this mystery prove too much for them to solve? Collecting a complete story arc in one place, this is the perfect jumping-on point for any fans--new or old!
Collects Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden issues #1-#7.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2019
3 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Stan Sakai
924 books371 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 41 reviews
July 17, 2019
When a man is killed in the street by Shogunate agents, his mysterious parcel goes missing. Can Miyamoto Usagi help Inspector Ishida find the missing package?
Here we are, Dark Horse's last Usagi Yojimbo trade. After eight volumes of Saga plus Mysteries and Legends, Usagi is leaving for IDW. Knowing that, Stan Sakai pulled out all the stops for this volume.
Inspector Ishida has long been one of my favorite characters so this volume was a treat. Centering on Ishida rather than Usagi, this story was a long murder mystery. As always, Sakai's linework is superb, minimalist genius. The writing is as great as ever. Once again, Sakai weaves in a lesson of Japanese history, Kiristians, in this case.
After so many volumes, it's hard to come up with new ways to express how enjoyable I find this series. It's the best thing going today.
The Hidden is the final Dark Horse volume of Usagi Yojimbo and the rabbit ronin goes out with a bang! Five out of five stars.
Here we are, Dark Horse's last Usagi Yojimbo trade. After eight volumes of Saga plus Mysteries and Legends, Usagi is leaving for IDW. Knowing that, Stan Sakai pulled out all the stops for this volume.
Inspector Ishida has long been one of my favorite characters so this volume was a treat. Centering on Ishida rather than Usagi, this story was a long murder mystery. As always, Sakai's linework is superb, minimalist genius. The writing is as great as ever. Once again, Sakai weaves in a lesson of Japanese history, Kiristians, in this case.
After so many volumes, it's hard to come up with new ways to express how enjoyable I find this series. It's the best thing going today.
The Hidden is the final Dark Horse volume of Usagi Yojimbo and the rabbit ronin goes out with a bang! Five out of five stars.
June 1, 2021
A new murder mystery unfolds with Inspector Ishida when two samuraii are chased into town in the middle of night and murdered. What they were carrying has disappeared leaving Inspector Ishida and Usagi to puzzle out what has happened. I liked how Stan Sakai mixed in Japanese history into this storyline involving the Kiristians. I also liked how Usagi remained neutral to it all and found their beliefs strange.
I'm curious to see where the story will head next with the series moving to IDW and full color.
I'm curious to see where the story will head next with the series moving to IDW and full color.
July 20, 2025
Usagi Yojimbo works with Inspector Ishida to unravel a case that involves the murder of hidden Christians. The case is complicated by the fact that the Shogun has outlawed Christianity, so Usagi is faced with the dilemma of whether to follow the law or his heart. He wavers, but with the guidance of the wise Inspector Ishida, he is able to see a different side of the issue. It's fascinating to see a comic that features this topic in this particular moment in Japanese history.
August 3, 2020
To be perfectly honest - Inspector Ishida isn't exactly my favourite character in the comic, the murder mystery stories featuring him are some of the least interesting to me, and as such the whole comic's rather lost my interest in these past few years when it's been nothing but that. I want to see more of Tomoe and Chizu (especially the two meeting), Kitsune and Jotaro. I want to see Gen and Usagi team up again. I want to see the ancient myth arc resolved and Lord Hikiji brought to justice (and no, Senso doesn't count). I want to get back to wandering, to beautiful Japanese countryside, to bandits and monsters, to samurai duels, to all the good stuff!
On the other hand, I'm hundred-percent certain that Inspector Nii is Nezumi. Given the relationship between him and Ishida, that's one revelation that will be filled with drama and - all the other things I've said notwithstanding - well worth the wait to read.
On the other hand, I'm hundred-percent certain that Inspector Nii is Nezumi. Given the relationship between him and Ishida, that's one revelation that will be filled with drama and - all the other things I've said notwithstanding - well worth the wait to read.
December 3, 2019
After 6 or so volumes, Stan returns finally with a decent story. Although the theme with Japanese christians was explored before, it wasn't in that extent and "The Hidden" was fairly enjoyable. I still hope he continues with a new arc for the continuation of the main story (with Jay's recarnation, Tomoe etc) and we hopefully see a return of Gen.
Let's see what he does with IDW.
Let's see what he does with IDW.
July 31, 2019
Another fun mystery with Usagi helping Inspector Ishida, one of my favorite side characters in the series so far. The volume's topic of concern is revealed fairly quickly, but this deals with the Christianity in medieval Japan, as the story notes at the end expounds upon at the end. Very interesting! Hard to believe this series been going on 35 years now, wow. Still loving it.
March 18, 2021
A nice volume long Usagi Adventure. We get Inspector Ishida involved a character I really like and the mysterious Ninja hero (I forget his name) who I bet is going to be the Inspector's sidekick. But that is just a guess. Nezumi! I just remembered the ninja-thief's name :).
Anyhoo - I love Usagi but I will say this tale was a little drawn out and in the end felt like a big sale's pitch from Christianity invading the Japanese world. I don't want to spoil the story but if you read it the entire story revolves around Christianity and how the early practitioners were heroes. I have to guess Stan Sakai is a follower himself. I do like the fact the main hero - Usagi - doesn't automatically adopt pro-Christian ideals but stays neutral. I want to be clear - I have nothing against the message but religious propaganda feels out of place in Usagi tales. It would be like talking about dental hygene in a Batman story. Good message - wrong forum.
Still, an entertaining story - just not one of my favorite Usagi volumes.
Anyhoo - I love Usagi but I will say this tale was a little drawn out and in the end felt like a big sale's pitch from Christianity invading the Japanese world. I don't want to spoil the story but if you read it the entire story revolves around Christianity and how the early practitioners were heroes. I have to guess Stan Sakai is a follower himself. I do like the fact the main hero - Usagi - doesn't automatically adopt pro-Christian ideals but stays neutral. I want to be clear - I have nothing against the message but religious propaganda feels out of place in Usagi tales. It would be like talking about dental hygene in a Batman story. Good message - wrong forum.
Still, an entertaining story - just not one of my favorite Usagi volumes.
September 16, 2021
(4,5 z 5 za poslední Usagiho příběh v rámci Dark Horse)
Poslední kniha ze stáje Dark Horse úzce navazuje na příběhy knihy předchozí. A tak nějak jej uzavírá, Usagi se vydává dál, tentokrát už pod vlajkou IDW.
Tento příběh se skládá z několika epizod, ale vše už se drží hlavního příběhu a tudíž je to celopříběhová kniha, nikoli (mnou oblíbený a Stanem vypilovaný k dokonalosti mix). Akce je tu dost, intrik a detektivní práce ještě víc. Ve výsledku je to moc fajn příběh, Ishida je skvělá postava a s Usagim vždy vyváří skvělé dobrodružství i dialogy. Musím přiznat, že na konci mě trochu Stan vypekl -čekal jsem celou knihu jedno šokující odhalení a místo něj jsem dostal jiné (ne tak překvapivé, pokud člověk čte pozorně, ale rozhodně neméně šokující). Tolik let, tolik stran příběhů a Stan pořád dokáže překvapit. Stan Sakai je ztělesněná láska ke komiksům.
A příště již pod IDW, ve větším formátu a barvě. Tak uvidíme!
Poslední kniha ze stáje Dark Horse úzce navazuje na příběhy knihy předchozí. A tak nějak jej uzavírá, Usagi se vydává dál, tentokrát už pod vlajkou IDW.
Tento příběh se skládá z několika epizod, ale vše už se drží hlavního příběhu a tudíž je to celopříběhová kniha, nikoli (mnou oblíbený a Stanem vypilovaný k dokonalosti mix). Akce je tu dost, intrik a detektivní práce ještě víc. Ve výsledku je to moc fajn příběh, Ishida je skvělá postava a s Usagim vždy vyváří skvělé dobrodružství i dialogy. Musím přiznat, že na konci mě trochu Stan vypekl -čekal jsem celou knihu jedno šokující odhalení a místo něj jsem dostal jiné (ne tak překvapivé, pokud člověk čte pozorně, ale rozhodně neméně šokující). Tolik let, tolik stran příběhů a Stan pořád dokáže překvapit. Stan Sakai je ztělesněná láska ke komiksům.
A příště již pod IDW, ve větším formátu a barvě. Tak uvidíme!
January 14, 2021
One of the many excellent and touching stories in the Usagi epic, this really reads itself. It flows across the eyes carried by Mr. Sakais thoughtful narrative. Even though I figured out the big secret before the end, it didn't matter - the impact was still there.
August 24, 2021
Después de mucho tiempo a sido un placer volver a leer una historia de Usagi Yojimbo. En este caso una historia completa con misterio, enseñanza, un poco de historia, grandes personajes... una auténtica gozada.
July 8, 2020
Pořád stejné, ale pořád sakra dobré :)
March 24, 2020
Another engaging mystery, and a solid way to wrap up Usagi at Dark Horse.
https://derailmentsofthought.com/2020...
https://derailmentsofthought.com/2020...
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.
July 29, 2019
The end of Stan Sakai's run with Dark Horse Comics sees things end on a very high point with the 7 part story "The Hidden".
Usagi is still visiting with Inspector Ishida and ends up helping him to investigate when the body of a samurai turns up dead in the village. But when an outlawed symbol is found on the body of the victim, the murder takes on a far greater importance than just a simple case of solving the murder.
Ishida and Usagi are under pressure from forces above them and have to be on guard as those responsible for the murder set assassins after the two to avoid having more people learn the reasons for the killing.
Stan Sakai does a magnificent job in this story telling a part of Japanese history that deals with trying to keep Japan free from outside influences and the power of the Shogunate unchallenged and unquestioned.
While Usagi plays a major role in this story, it is Inspector Ishida who should be considered the lead character in this superb MYSTERY tale. As with other stories, Ishida is presented as a intensely honorable character whose only concern is for truth and justice.
While there are plenty of action sequences in the story, I call this a mystery story because from the murder to the reveal of the killers and their motives, it was a case of Sakai's step by step building of the investigation that made this story have a seemingly greater effect on my enjoyment.
And the ending was just a spectacular way of bring the story to a conclusion. I can't wait to see how things continue going forward from this point as the comic switches publishers to IDW Comics.
As many who read my reviews know, I'm a huge mystery fan and I really think that that community of fans would truly enjoy what Stan Sakai gives us with The Hidden.
Usagi is still visiting with Inspector Ishida and ends up helping him to investigate when the body of a samurai turns up dead in the village. But when an outlawed symbol is found on the body of the victim, the murder takes on a far greater importance than just a simple case of solving the murder.
Ishida and Usagi are under pressure from forces above them and have to be on guard as those responsible for the murder set assassins after the two to avoid having more people learn the reasons for the killing.
Stan Sakai does a magnificent job in this story telling a part of Japanese history that deals with trying to keep Japan free from outside influences and the power of the Shogunate unchallenged and unquestioned.
While Usagi plays a major role in this story, it is Inspector Ishida who should be considered the lead character in this superb MYSTERY tale. As with other stories, Ishida is presented as a intensely honorable character whose only concern is for truth and justice.
While there are plenty of action sequences in the story, I call this a mystery story because from the murder to the reveal of the killers and their motives, it was a case of Sakai's step by step building of the investigation that made this story have a seemingly greater effect on my enjoyment.
And the ending was just a spectacular way of bring the story to a conclusion. I can't wait to see how things continue going forward from this point as the comic switches publishers to IDW Comics.
As many who read my reviews know, I'm a huge mystery fan and I really think that that community of fans would truly enjoy what Stan Sakai gives us with The Hidden.
January 6, 2024
Usagi's lengthy first tenure at Dark Horse Comics comes to a close with Vol. 33 - "The Hidden", collecting Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden #1-7 (or Usagi Yojimbo v3. #166-172). This is yet another pairing with Inspector Ishida as the duo tackle a case involving a group of "Kakure Kirishitans" (hidden Christians) who observe their religion in secrecy due to the shogun's edict banning the practice.
Usagi's own ignorance towards other religious beliefs are challenged during an investigation into a conspiracy involving a potential Japanese translated Bible that the shogun believes will upend the cultural status quo. The conversations between Ishida and Usagi are amongst the highlights of "The Hidden", where Usagi's own convictions are challenged by the wise and honorable investigator. There have been quite a few Ishida stories at this point, but "The Hidden" remains one of the better ones. Sakai seamlessly blends the historical elements into this little murder mystery/conspiracy storyline and it's excellent as always.
Usagi's own ignorance towards other religious beliefs are challenged during an investigation into a conspiracy involving a potential Japanese translated Bible that the shogun believes will upend the cultural status quo. The conversations between Ishida and Usagi are amongst the highlights of "The Hidden", where Usagi's own convictions are challenged by the wise and honorable investigator. There have been quite a few Ishida stories at this point, but "The Hidden" remains one of the better ones. Sakai seamlessly blends the historical elements into this little murder mystery/conspiracy storyline and it's excellent as always.
July 8, 2019
The title is Usagi Yojimbo, but the main character of this volume in Inspector Ishida. This isn't a problem; Ishida is a well-realized character that has appeared in the series many times before, and his appearance is always welcome. He's a devoted, loyal member of the police force, and he and Usagi have solved a handful of mysteries together.
The Hidden is a continuous story, unlike the other collections which normally anthologize several shorter stories. The longer arc is nice, since it gives Sakai room to breathe with his characters and his story. He also brings in a historical aspect (which should come as no surprise to Sakai's loyal readers), showing what it was like in Feudal Japan when Christianity began to make inroads to the country. Using that history with his well-honed plotting skills, Sakai creates a story that shows why his series has been going for nearly forty years.
I'm a fan of Usagi Yojimbo, and have never rated one of his books lower than four stars, but I think this might be the first time I've given one a full five.
The Hidden is a continuous story, unlike the other collections which normally anthologize several shorter stories. The longer arc is nice, since it gives Sakai room to breathe with his characters and his story. He also brings in a historical aspect (which should come as no surprise to Sakai's loyal readers), showing what it was like in Feudal Japan when Christianity began to make inroads to the country. Using that history with his well-honed plotting skills, Sakai creates a story that shows why his series has been going for nearly forty years.
I'm a fan of Usagi Yojimbo, and have never rated one of his books lower than four stars, but I think this might be the first time I've given one a full five.
July 10, 2019
Stan Sakai spins another superb story in The Hidden, which doubles as a compelling noir murder mystery (it's always a treat to see Inspector Ishida) and a commentary on religious persecution. It's particularly nice to see the story breath over so many pages - lots of interesting insights along the way in how investigations were conducted and how Christianity arrived in feudal Japan.. The investigation is compelling, the plot quick-moving, and the characters a delightful mix of heretics, devotees, strongmen, and scam artists. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2020
To be honest, I've started to lose interest in Usagi given that most of the interesting characters from the earlier stories have been entirely side-lined for a long time now. That said, a story about Japan's hidden Christians was an excellent choice and I enjoyed reading it.
I'm not sure how I feel about Usagi being in full-colour from now on at IDW, but if they do plan to reprint earlier volumes in full colour then for that reason alone I can justify buying them again, in a way that I couldn't really justify buying the recent Usagi Yojimbo Saga reprints from Dark Horse.
I'm not sure how I feel about Usagi being in full-colour from now on at IDW, but if they do plan to reprint earlier volumes in full colour then for that reason alone I can justify buying them again, in a way that I couldn't really justify buying the recent Usagi Yojimbo Saga reprints from Dark Horse.
April 14, 2020
Usagi and Inspector Ishida investigate the murders surrounding a mysterious object. The story is well told and researched and an interesting read with great art as usual, but mysteries aren't really my jam so I am not that into Inspector Ishida. Still liked it and can recommend it though! This is the final volume of Usagi's adventures published by Dark Horse Comics. I understand why Stan has focused on side quests since that decision was made but I miss some of the regular characters and I am looking forward to their return at IDW.
August 27, 2019
Inspector Ishida comes to the fore in this mystery story. An item of value has gone missing and begets a tale of murder, theft, politics, and fear. The Kirishitan (Christian) faith enters Usagi's world and its minority adherants are persecuted by officials and the populace. Ishida tries to strike a tolerant balance while also following the law. Another excellent Usagi story.
The cover art for the trade is A+. Hidden (heh) initially but obvious in hindsight!
The cover art for the trade is A+. Hidden (heh) initially but obvious in hindsight!
October 22, 2019
I love Inspector Ishida! While he does tend to push Usagi into being a background character, it's OK when there's such interesting historical stuff along the way.. my favorite Usagi epics are definitely the ones that have solid history content.
Often when reading history in fiction, it makes me run to the internet to check the facts and perhaps get more info, with Usagi, there's not need... the notes with the comic and the story itself are so good, there's no need.
Often when reading history in fiction, it makes me run to the internet to check the facts and perhaps get more info, with Usagi, there's not need... the notes with the comic and the story itself are so good, there's no need.
December 30, 2019
Having established usagi and Yishida as characters of extreme integrity over many stories, in the hidden they are both challenged to the extreme in their values of propriety, faith and custom as they unravel the mystery surrounding a precious artefact relating to an outlaw Christian sect. The resolution is powerful and dramatically satisfying and it will be wonderful to see the story continue from here.
August 14, 2019
I received a copy of Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden from Penguin Random House Australia to review.
While there are a number of great books and comics coming out this year, one of the releases that I have been most keenly looking forward to was this year’s volume of Usagi Yojimbo. Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai is a fantastic comic book series that utilises Japanese style, characters and history into an excellent series. This series is one of my favourite bodies of work, and I will move heaven and earth to get each instalment, and I especially loved last year’s volume, Mysteries. I was pretty darn excited to get the 33rd volume, The Hidden, and powered through it the afternoon that I received it.
The Hidden is made up of issues #166-#172 of the series and is actually one of the rare Usagi Yojimbo volumes to feature just one single adventure rather than multiple interconnected or standalone stories. This volume also continues to pair Usagi with Inspector Ishida for the entire volume. Ishida, who is essentially a Japanese Sherlock Holmes (although based on real-life Honolulu policeman Chang Apana), is a recurring character within the Usagi series who has appeared in multiple volumes, often for just one issue or adventure. However, after teaming up to investigate a murder a couple of volumes ago, Usagi has been living in Ishida’s town and assisting him with his investigations. As a result, Ishida has become a secondary protagonist for the last two volumes, with Mysteries, for example, focusing on the two solving several different crimes.
This new volume starts with a brand-new case, when two samurai are pursued into the city and brutally murdered. When Usagi and Ishida discover crucifixes on the dead samurai’s bodies, they quickly realise that both the victims where Kirishitans (Christians). Christianity, which has been bought into the country by European missionaries, has recently been outlawed in Japan by the Shogun, and his agents are hunting down all practitioners. It soon becomes clear that the dead samurai were killed by agents of the Shogun who were attempting to recover a mysterious book of foreign design.
However, in a twist of fate, a petty thief manages to steal the book off the corpse of one of the samurai. This thief is now the most wanted man in the city, as the Shogunate agents and their hired killers attempt to find him and the book at all costs. As Usagi and Ishida work out what has happened, they are determined to bring the killers to justice. Hunting for both the book and the criminal who stole it, Usagi and Ishida, with the help of the masked master-thief Nezumi, manage to locate part of the book, and what they discover could rock the entirety of Japan. As they attempt to come to terms with their discovery, the Shogunate agents determine that the two investigators are a threat and decide to eliminate once and for all.
View the full review at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2019/08/12/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
While there are a number of great books and comics coming out this year, one of the releases that I have been most keenly looking forward to was this year’s volume of Usagi Yojimbo. Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai is a fantastic comic book series that utilises Japanese style, characters and history into an excellent series. This series is one of my favourite bodies of work, and I will move heaven and earth to get each instalment, and I especially loved last year’s volume, Mysteries. I was pretty darn excited to get the 33rd volume, The Hidden, and powered through it the afternoon that I received it.
The Hidden is made up of issues #166-#172 of the series and is actually one of the rare Usagi Yojimbo volumes to feature just one single adventure rather than multiple interconnected or standalone stories. This volume also continues to pair Usagi with Inspector Ishida for the entire volume. Ishida, who is essentially a Japanese Sherlock Holmes (although based on real-life Honolulu policeman Chang Apana), is a recurring character within the Usagi series who has appeared in multiple volumes, often for just one issue or adventure. However, after teaming up to investigate a murder a couple of volumes ago, Usagi has been living in Ishida’s town and assisting him with his investigations. As a result, Ishida has become a secondary protagonist for the last two volumes, with Mysteries, for example, focusing on the two solving several different crimes.
This new volume starts with a brand-new case, when two samurai are pursued into the city and brutally murdered. When Usagi and Ishida discover crucifixes on the dead samurai’s bodies, they quickly realise that both the victims where Kirishitans (Christians). Christianity, which has been bought into the country by European missionaries, has recently been outlawed in Japan by the Shogun, and his agents are hunting down all practitioners. It soon becomes clear that the dead samurai were killed by agents of the Shogun who were attempting to recover a mysterious book of foreign design.
However, in a twist of fate, a petty thief manages to steal the book off the corpse of one of the samurai. This thief is now the most wanted man in the city, as the Shogunate agents and their hired killers attempt to find him and the book at all costs. As Usagi and Ishida work out what has happened, they are determined to bring the killers to justice. Hunting for both the book and the criminal who stole it, Usagi and Ishida, with the help of the masked master-thief Nezumi, manage to locate part of the book, and what they discover could rock the entirety of Japan. As they attempt to come to terms with their discovery, the Shogunate agents determine that the two investigators are a threat and decide to eliminate once and for all.
View the full review at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2019/08/12/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
September 2, 2019
The final volume of Fark Horse’s run of Stan Sakai’s wandering samurai bunny that spotlights a not often discussed aspect to the feudal era of Japan. Sorry to see it leave Dark Horse, but glad to see it come to IDW so the series can continue.
November 7, 2019
It’s been a while out of Usagis world for me. While this volume is not quite at the exceptional heights this series has achieved, it’s still a great read.
As always provides a brilliant glimpse into feudal Japan. This time focussing on the life of Christians in Japan.
As always provides a brilliant glimpse into feudal Japan. This time focussing on the life of Christians in Japan.
December 20, 2019
Jeg elsker Usagi, men denne var slapp. En lang historie med åpenbar slutt som er tværet ut uten at det egentlig er grunnlag for det, mistenker at den religiøse gløden har kommet i veien for redaksjonelle vurderinger.
February 24, 2020
This set of stories covers an entire murder mystery with the fantastic Detective Ishida again. It also delves into the little known realities of secret practioners of Christianity during the shogunate which I found fascinating. Entertaining and educational. I love it.
July 15, 2019
Another great book by Mr Sakai. I love Usagi and the many different adventures he goes on. You never know what he is going to get into. A must read with more history of Japan.
January 22, 2020
Great story to depict the conflict surrounding religion in Japan during the turn of the 16th century.
February 28, 2020
I firmly believe that Stan Sakai is our greatest living storyteller. This volume tells one complete tale, and it is masterfully done. I love Usagi so much.
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