- Title: Usagi Yojimbo #9
- Comic Vine: link
- Writer: Stan Sakai
- Artist: Stan Sakai
The two-part “Tatami” story concludes as the Neko Ninja attack the caravan carrying the ceremonial mats, destroying them and disrupting Lord Gifue’s tea ceremony with the Shogun. Despite the considerable efforts of Miyamoto Usagi and Chizu helping out to defend the mats against the ninja, the encounter ends with the mats destroyed and the villains triumphant.
We don’t often see Usagi fail when he sets his mind to a task, but although he and Chizu (and many of the soldiers guarding the mats) escape the encounter unscathed, the ninjas complete their task in undermining the upcoming ceremony between a rival lord of their employer and the Shogun.
The action is fast and furious in Usagi Yojimbo #9 with Usagi fighting with the soldiers on the ground and Chizu battling Kagemaru and Kimi and on the cliffs above. Stan Sakai also offers a nice moment between Usagi and his friend and a glimpse into the hidden long-term plans of Chizu to wrest control of the Neko Ninja back from Kagemaru. Worth a look.
[IDW, $3.99]