Usagi in color! – review of the comic book “Usagi Yojimbo: Bunraku and other stories”

A puppet theater full of surprises

There are four stories in the latest volume of Usagi, two of which are longer. The first tells about the puppet theater, i.e. the eponymous bunrak . The long-eared ronin is pleased to participate in this extraordinary spectacle. Unfortunately, it is not possible to see it to the end, and in addition, it comes across a demon hunter! Sasuke is going to involve Usagi again in a fight with monsters. However, in The Hero Usagi meets a gifted writer. She writes books about heroic deeds of warriors, such as the long-eared Ronin. Adachitells about the protagonist’s return to the place where he lost his master. Finally, there is a story in which old friends appear, i.e. Gen, Kitsune and Bezdomny Pies. This is one of many humorous stories, but this time the source of the amusing complication was Gen’s unexpected merciful gesture. All the stories in this volume are brilliant! Though that shouldn’t come as a surprise, as I haven’t come across a weaker Usagi story yet. Thus, at the beginning of this review, I can say that Stan Sakai is still a master in his profession.

Gifted writer, Gen and Sasuke

Stan Sakaia, like no other artist, can create colorful, intriguing heroes, so I was glad to meet Gene again. He’s a bounty hunter and it’s impossible not to like him. As you could see before, there is a good heart hidden under the hard skin of the rhino. This time it will cause Gen a lot of trouble. Unfortunately, showing mercy does not always pay off. As for the more interesting characters, I must mention Ms Muro, who is a gifted, brave and tough woman. Life is not easy, because she is struggling with her husband who is jealous of her fame, and she must also obey tradition. I especially liked the ending of this story. Stan Sakai has skillfully demonstrated just how terrifying human envy can be.

Usagi in color for the first time!

In the announcement of Bunraku and other stories, I was most intrigued by the information that this time the comic will be in color. I really like manga and I am used to black and white earlier volumes so I was very curious if the color would affect my perception. It turned out that with such a brilliant script, interesting characters and a great line by Stan Sakai, I didn’t feel the difference at all. The color neither negatively nor positively influenced my perception of Usagi , because this series is almost perfect anyway and never lacked anything. Nevertheless, I am glad to be able to see Stan Sakai’s work in color. Tom Luth did his best.

However, there is one slight drawback: in Bunraku’s story , the line, which is the doll’s mouth, extends beyond the outline of her head. Somehow, this flaw immediately caught my eye and for this reason, instead of 9.5 for the graphic design, there are only nine. In addition, it is a pity that instead of Stan’s Notes , only the covers and all the volumes in the series were included at the end. In my opinion, this place could have been better developed.

Is it worth reaching for the newest volume just because of the color?

The latest volume of Usagi, like the previous ones, made a very good impression on me. I love this world, the style and ingenuity of Stan Sakai, and most of all his heroes. Bunraku and Other Stories in addition to seeing the characters in color offers four truly intriguing, engaging, enlightening and heart-touching stories. I would really like to say that this is the one and only volume everyone should have. Admittedly, there is a lot of truth to this, but it is worth emphasizing that it is simply impossible to choose one best Usagi collection.