Usagi Yojimbo

• Title: Usagi Yojimbo #160
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Stan Sakai
• Artist: Stan Sakai

The single-issue tale tackles the dangerous delicacy of Fugu when a friend of Miyamoto Usagi is accused of poisoning one of his most valued customers. After the shogun’s agent turns up dead from eating improperly prepared pufferfish, Usagi steps in to help Inspector Ishida in the investigation which quickly points to other suspects when the pair discover the original Fugu had been replaced before it ever made it to its victim.

As writer/artist Stan Sakai is known to do with the comic, Usagi Yojimbo #160 not only delivers a new adventure for Usagi but also teaches the reader about an aspect of Japanese culture. The truth behind the death turns out to be more complicated than either Usagi or Ishida suspect. The issue also includes an unexpected back-up story in Chibi style fans should enjoy.

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• Title: Usagi Yojimbo #159
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Stan Sakai
• Artist: Stan Sakai

The single-issue story “The Hatamoto’s Daughter” begins with the death of a samurai by a band of ruffians deep in the forest. Hiding his daughter, and proof of illegal matters the gang’s leader wants returned, the man is cut down. Finding the young girl hours later, a wandering Miyamoto Usagi takes it upon himself to see her safely delivered to Inspector Ishida in the closest town.

Given the dangerous information the young girl has in her possession, however, the mercenaries will not let the ronin’s protection be a deterrent to get their hands on the girl. It’s a mistake they won’t live to regret.

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• Title: Usagi Yojimbo #157
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Stan Sakai
• Artist: Stan Sakai

“The Secret of the Hell Screen” concludes as Miyamoto Usagi and Inspector Ishida lay a trap to capture those responsible for the pair of recent murders at the temple which houses the most bizarre piece of art Usagi has ever come across in his travels.

Although Usagi uncovers the identity of both killers, the rabbit ronin isn’t given the backstory for why a priest would go to such lengths to protect the temple and its devilish attraction. However, the reader is given a short history of the former general and his first stop at the temple which forever changed his destiny and made him the into the priest (and now killer) he is today before leading into a rain-drenched battle between all four men. The fact that his story remains undiscovered by all but the reader adds another level to his tragic tale.

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• Title: Usagi Yojimbo #156
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Stan Sakai
• Artist: Stan Sakai

“The Secret of the Hell Screen” continues as Miyamoto Usagi and Inspector Ishida continue to investigate the odd deaths surrounding the bizarre piece of art that even the son of its creator believes is cursed and needs to be destroyed. No closer to answers, Usagi’s dreams begin to make the rabbit ronin wonder if there isn’t some truth to the curse of the Hell Screen. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $3.99]

• Title: Usagi Yojimbo #155
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Stan Sakai
• Artist: Stan Sakai

Rain-soaked and road-weary, Usagi arrives at the Temple of the Golden Buddha (home to a most unusual piece of art depicting the nature of Hell). At first turned away by a over-zealous guard, Usagi refuses to leave which leads to a reunion with his old friend Inspector Ishida who has arrived to investigate a murder an decide the fate of the temple. With factions wanting both the temple to remain open or to be closed, and the victim killed in a manner Ishida can’t identify, the inspector asks for Usagi’s help on the case.

The first multi-issue arc in several months doesn’t disappoint at it establishes a mystery to solve which is only deepened by the legend of the Hell Screen and a second death following soon upon the heels of the first. It appears Usagi and Ishida have their hands full.

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