PopCultHQ received a review copy of USAGI YOJIMBO SAGA Legends TPB (Second Edition) from Dark Horse Comics, imprint Dogu Publishing, which releases on March 26th in bookstores & March 27th in comic book shops.
USAGI YOJIMBO SAGA Legends TPB (Second Edition)
Created by Stan Sakai
Written by Stan Sakai
Illustrated by Stan Sakai
Colors by Emi Fujii
Letters by Stan Sakai
“Gagged” Colored by Tom Luth
Cover Art by Stan Sakai
Genre: Kids, Action/Adventure
Format: B&W, 560 pages; TPB; 6 5/8″ x 10 3/16″
SRP: $29.99
Comic shop release date: 3/27/24
Bookstore release date: 3/26/24
Collects
Space Usagi – “Death and Honor,” “White Star Rising,” & “Warrior” B&W story arcs,
Usagi Yojimbo: Senso, the color one-shot Usagi Yojimbo: Yokai–and the short stories
“Under the Same Sky,” “Hare Today, Hare Tomorrow,” and the color “Gagged.”
The quintessential companion to the Usagi Yojimbo Saga series from Dark Horse, Usagi Yojimbo Saga: Legends collects some of the most exhilarating and engrossing self-contained stories starring the iconic rabbit ronin!
These tales see Usagi face off against a lineup of incredible foes, including dinosaurs, demons, and aliens! Even against the odds, Usagi maintains the warrior’s code: truth, honor, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Collects all black and white Space Usagi story arcs, Usagi Yojimbo: Senso, and the color Usagi Yojimbo: Yokai–with the color short story “Gagged,” new cover art by Stan Sakai, a color cover gallery, and bonus “Creative Process” features!
USAGI YOJIMBO SAGA Legends TPB (Second Edition)
In comics, even when the world focuses rather singularly on superheroes’ exploits, other figures come around to fill in specific niches, whether it is comedy, sci-fi, horror or teen romance. When Stan Sakai introduced Usagi Yojimbo in 1984, he presented to the world a new kind of character for readers to connect with. One who honors the history of the past can also cross over into other worlds and even the far-flung future. Come along, dear readers, as Stan takes us back to the past and even to the future with Usagi, and let us dare to dream with him to realms beyond comprehension.
Writing:
The writing within these tales never fails to disappoint. Our man Stan presents the various times Usagi has inhabited with a clear understanding of world-building through dialogue, character development, and figures that do not merely fill out scenery but enhance it. Stan is a master wordsmith, one that has been perfecting the craft of storytelling for his creation for over 40 years. And in all that time, not once has a single story written by this individual felt stale or flat. That takes true talent and a proper understanding of how to tell compelling stories.
Art:
Whenever I pick up any book with Stan’s name on it, I know, dear readers, that I am going to love what I see. His gift for capturing even the most minor of details is exquisite. How he develops the different worlds Usagi inhabits is always packed with engaging scenery. Even when the scenery is the cold vastness of space, Stan doesn’t just draw a vast expanse of black and toss in some futuristic craft. No, he makes the audience feel like we are in the vast reaches of the beyond with the characters. A talent for illustration and capturing the imagination, such as this, has only become more developed over time as Stan’s artistic abilities have grown.
Colors:
Over the years, I have read many Usagi collections in black and white. So it was a surprise and shock to see stories with actual color in this TPB. The work Emi and Tom did for this volume was terrific. Rich and vivid colors, their respective palettes that brought these tales to life. Their skills, combined with Stan’s art and scripts, were an excellent addition to the book. For everyone who is a fan of gorgeous coloring in comics, seek out any project Emi and Tom are a part of.
Letters:
Stan is not only a master of storytelling and art but excels at lettering too. A gifted letterer will use their craft to bring the characters to life. This is something that Stan has always achieved with any project of his. Whether it is the heroes, villains, or supporting cast, all have a voice. Let the work speak for itself, and when you delve into this trade, know that the richness of the character development comes from the letters, art, and scripts.
Overall Assessment:
What can I say about USAGI YOJIMBO SAGA Legends TPB (Second Edition) that I have not said already? I loved this book. The whole thing is an absolute page-turner. It was challenging to put it down when it came time for things like meals and sleep. Whether you are a fan of Stan Sakai’s work, the world of Usagi, or indie comics in general, make room for this volume and pick it up today.
PopCultHQ Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
About Dark Horse Comics:
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics is an excellent example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and transform a company with humble beginnings into an industry giant. Under a new partnership with Vanguard Visionary Associates, Dark Horse is positioned to further expand its reach globally with publishing, products, and filmed entertainment. Over the years, Dark Horse has published the work of creative legends such as Yoshitaka Amano, Margaret Atwood, Paul Chadwick, Geof Darrow, Will Eisner, Neil Gaiman, Dave Gibbons, Faith Erin Hicks, Kazuo Koike, Matt Kindt, Jeff Lemire, Mike Mignola, Frank Miller, Moebius, Chuck Palahniuk, Wendy Pini, and Gerard Way. In addition, Dark Horse has a long tradition of establishing exciting new creative talent throughout all of its divisions. The company has also set the industry standard for quality licensed comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and art books, including Aliens, Stranger Things, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, Predator, Minecraft, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Dragon Age, James Cameron’s Avatar, Game of Thrones, Mass Effect, StarCraft, The Witcher, and Halo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.
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