Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Stan Sakai
Artist: Stank Sakai
Release date: Out Now
Price: $3.50

 

Once again Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yjimbo brings us a satisfying mixture of action and humor. Usagi Yjimbo #147 closes the story arc “The Thief and the Kunoichi” mixing playful thieves Kitsune and Kiyoko, volcanic ninja Chizu and level-headed Usagi together.

Usagi Yjimbo #147 The McGuffin is a secret treaty that would create a ginseng monopoly. Kitsune wants to sell it but Usagi and Chizu want to use it to bring down the evil Shadow Lord Hikiji. Conflict, after all, is the essence of drama. And what fun drama it is. The whimsy reflects Sakai’s dry wit: remarking on Chizu’s temper, Kitsune notes, “You would think it would be a liability in their line of work.” The action sequences are clever and logical. Plot holes? I dare you find one.

Stan Sakai’s art never disappoints. Although black and white Sakai makes full use of the medium by mixing broad and thin lines and cross-hatch shading in his artwork.

There is an argument suggesting Usagi is an obvious descendent of Will Eisner’s Spirit. The women can’t help kissing the protesting hero, but rob him as they do it. With Sakai’s playful and joyous comic books there still remains room and development of serious themes and Sakai continues to earn his reputation as a dean of the medium.

 

 

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker