Rabbit Samurai vs. Rabid Zombies
In the latest collection of Usagi Yojimbo comics coming from Dark Horse, the rabbit ronin faces an army of the undead! Here’s the publisher’s description of Usagi Yojimbo Volume 26: Traitors of the Earth — “With hundreds of zombies and an evil wizard to contend with, Usagi finds himself far out of his depth! Fortunately, he has the aid of fan-favorite character Sasuké the Demon Queller, most recently seen in the Yokai graphic novel. This volume also features several action-packed short stories, including the Eisner-nominated “Death of Lord Hikiji”! This volume collects Usagi Yojimbo #117–#123 and stories from Dark Horse Maverick 2001 and MySpace Dark Horse Presents #35.” When it arrives in stores it’ll be available in softcover, and also in a special signed hardcover edition that will be limited to 350 copies. The introduction is by well-known comic book great Walter Simonson (Thor, Orion). All of this brought to you by the multi-award-winning writer and artist Stan Sakai, of course.
image c. 2012 Dark Horse
About the author
Mink (Rod O’Riley) — read stories — contact (login required)a Mink from Garden Grove, California, interested in music
Ed-otter of In-Fur-Nation. Former Califur programming director. Co-founder of ConFurence.
Comments
Stan Sakai draws Usagi Yojimbo, wary but unnoticed, slipping past a group of border guards. Usagi's thought bubble says, "Luck is with me! The guards are walking past without giving me a second look!"
Stan Sakai draws Jei's demonic shadow creeping up the blade of Inazuma's sword as she holds it. Inazuma's voice balloon says, "There's a dark shadow creeping up my blade!"
Stan, Stan, we know perfectly well what's happening in the panel already; we can see it!
Thing is, there's utterly banal, redundant, patronising, self-expository commentary such as this in every single issue of Usagi Yojimbo.
If Stan Sakai was as good a writer -- or simply, merely, as restrained a writer -- as he is an undeniably talented artist and Japanophile, Usagi Yojimbo could be one of the great American comic books.
But, alas, kuso, shimatta, he isn't, and it sure as heck ain't.
Does the cover of this latest graphic novel compilation depict an actual storyline inside? Any bet says Stan wrote Usagi saying, "I'm surrounded by an army of zombies!"
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