'Presented in colour for the first time, the ongoing adventures of Stan Sakai's seminal and long running series are now being published by IDW. This first volume of all-new material continues the saga of Usagi Yojimbo with the three-part "Bunraku," where Usagi becomes embroiled in a puppet drama where the players are not quite what they seem! Will the aid of a supernatural ally be enough for Usagi to prevent more death?'
This is the first time that I've read a Usagi Yojimbo book. I've been aware of the character and the comics for many years, but never knew where to start reading the title. This book, proved to be that perfect stepping on point. Usagi Yojimbo has previously been published through Dark Horse Comics, but has recently moved to IDW Publishing. Usagi Yojimbo: Bunrako collects together the first seven issues of the IDW run, it's the start of the character's time with the new publisher, so makes this book a perfect point for new readers.
However, this doesn't mean that it's not open to older readers, those who've been fans of the character for years. IDW have made the very smart decision to make this a continuation of the original comics. It's not a reboot, or a reset, as the stories featured in this book make reference to older stories, and feature returning characters. It even tells you which volumes of the previous books to check out to learn more about these characters and stories. It's a great stepping on point, but one that encourages you to go back and read more.
There are a few stories presented in the book, the first one 'Bunraku' sees Usagi teaming up with the demon hunter Sasuke. The story has a nice introduction by Matt Alt, who gives a small introduction to Bunraku, and really sells you on the amazing craftsmanship that goes into the art. The story itself has a few fun twists and turns, and every time I thought I'd figured something out it threw in a new twist or revelation that I wasn't expecting. It kept me on my toes and made sure I was entertained throughout, and was a brilliant first story for my Usagi education.
The second story, 'The Hero' sees Usagi escorting the wife of a Hatamoto, a banner-man for a Shogun. Unfortunately, the Shogun is at peace, and the woman's husband is unable to earn glory in battle. He's become bitter and abusive towards his wife and the fame that she's receiving through her writing. Compared to the fun supernatural elements in the first story this one is much more personal, and deals with some very heavy concepts such as honour, duty, and abuse. The story foreshadows that it doesn't end well, and despite the villain getting his comeuppance by the end you won't come away feeling any real sense of victory, because no one really wins in that story. It feels a lot more real than the other stories because of this. It presents good people and bad, those who are in the wrong and their victims, but that doesn't mean that the good guys will win and get a happy ending.
The last two stories in the book are much shorter, being only single issue stories each, but are still great nonetheless. 'Adachi' sees Usagi return to the Adachi Plain, where his life as a Ronin began. The story refreshes experienced readers on Usagi's past, whilst presenting it to new readers. We get to learn how he became a Samurai without a lord, and how his journey has changed him. He also has to confront some of the ghosts of his past and put some of his unresolved emotions to bed. This story is a great piece of background information to those new to the book, yet doesn't seem to just retread old ground for readers already aware of this, by expanding upon his history and giving Usagi a new story to deal with.
The final story, 'The Swords of the Higashi' is the most comedic story in the book, and is a lot of fun. Usagi joins up with a pair of bounty hunter friends of his, Stray Dog and Gen. Much like Sasuke in the first story, these two are returning characters, and the story makes reference to some older adventures for curious readers. The story here kind of becomes a little farcical, and manages to walk the line between funny and too ridiculous well. It proves to be a great story to end the book on.
I wasn't sure what to expect from Usagi Yojimbo, but I'm so glad that I gave this book a chance. It was exciting, had mystery, told a story with emotion, gave me insight into the character's history, made me laugh, and left me wanting to go and read up on the older books. It's hard to really ask more from a book like this. It kept me entertained throughout and made me want to spend more time in that world; not every comic can boast that. Whether you're a new fan or you've read every issue of Usagi Yojimbo, I'm sure this book will satisfy.
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