Usagi Yojimbo. The Saga, vol. 6 is another collective volume about the adventures of the long-eared Ronin. Does this volume still impress with fascinating ideas?
More of the same
Stan Sakai has created an amazing series. I was drawn into the adventures of the long-eared Ronin like no other comic book. I could really say a lot of good about the sixth volume, but it would actually be repeating the points that appeared in my previous reviews. The main character looks great and there is no point in admiring him every time. The situation is similar with the brilliant line of Stan Sakai. You can see how much work the author had to put into creating this comic – it is impossible not to appreciate all the details that appear on the frames. So instead of praising the same elements that keep a very good level all the time, I will focus on new characters and the most interesting adventures of Usagi.
Jei is back!
If all of Usagi Yojimbo’s volumes are great, why is it worth reading book six? It is not so easy to answer this question, because I was personally delighted with many elements in this position. First, Jei returns, one of the most important antagonists of the series. Usagi had to deal with him more than once, but this time the demon took up residence in Inazuma’s body. In addition, a reward has been set on her head, so a whole bunch of mercenaries hunt her. The story is dynamic, full of interesting twists and, most importantly, two new heroes enter the scene. The Homeless Dog is a bounty hunter, Gen’s rival, and his ally. Their relationship is amazing, they jump at each other’s throats, and on the other hand, they often work together, which unfortunately usually does not lead to anything good. Apart from him, Inazuma is also hunted by a mysterious samurai, who will stop at nothing to get her. The most interesting in this volume is the theme of dreams, nightmares. Usagi’s dreams, for example, are extremely scary and intriguing.
The way of the wandering ronin is sad
Apart from the story focusing on Inazuma, the Bridge of Tears deserves a special mention , because it introduces a new, interesting character – Mayumi, who wants to get out of the city at all costs. This story touched me. The more that at the end of the book there is an alternative ending. It makes you realize that everything could have turned out differently, but, as it happens in life, some things cannot be undone. Outlaw is, in turn, a story about the cooperation between Gen and Homeless Dog, thanks to it we can see that both mercenaries differ, at least in terms of morality. One last short story called Sayafocuses on Japanese culture, namely what happens when a Ronin smacks the scabbard of another samurai. A very pleasant story at the end and also instructive. Of course, these aren’t all the stories from Volume Six, there are quite a few of them, including a fun one-page story about how a ninja wanted to trick Usagi.
As for the graphics, it looks wonderful. In this volume, I especially liked the duel in the downpour. These scenes look epic, although there was no rain falling in one frame. The author cares about every detail, but sometimes he does get some tiny and insignificant stumbles.
An invitation to the jubilee!
As for the release, I still have nothing to complain about. So instead of picking on me, I will mention the interesting additions that were included in this book. Namely, there is a comic book and other elements related to the celebration of the launch of the hundredth issue of the adventures of long-eared Ronin – it took place in January 2007. I was amused by this addition, it was a nice and unexpected escape from the Usagi story. In addition, the covers in color were re-posted, as well as Stan’s notes – a handful of interesting facts from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Why is it worth following the samurai rabbit?
Usagi Yojimbo. The saga bar 6 is a gem, because all the components come out perfectly. We have flesh and blood heroes to get along with. Each chapter is an interesting plot, full of interesting treatments and references to the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. It is impossible to get bored with Usagi Yojimbo , and most importantly, such a collective volume is able to properly satisfy the reader who is thirsty for impressions. For me, this is one of the best comic book series I have ever read. The sixth volume of the Saga still holds a high level, and even encourages us to look forward to the next adventures of the long-eared Ronin. It’s just a must-see!
