shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Feb 6, 2016 15:56:38 GMT -5
I've been re-reading Senso this past week. On the one hand, it's incredibly exciting to see where our characters will be twenty years down the line. On the other, it's disappointing to know that, for example, Usagi and Jotoro will not have their big talk (or, presumably, anymore significant one-on-one-time together) between now and then, that Tomoe will get married and that obnoxious rival advisor of hers will still have Lord Noriyuki's ear, that this is how Jei will die, etc etc. So I'm wondering if these events are written in stone, or is this just one possible future?
I REALLY want to see Usagi and a slightly older Jotoro get some more time together down the road...
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Crimebuster
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Post by Crimebuster on Feb 7, 2016 1:27:26 GMT -5
I think it is in continuity only in terms of the frame story. I mean, in the sense that this is a tale that Space Usagi is telling, it's a part of his continuity. But he says that it's just a story, a legend; so the details are probably not remotely correct. I don't think the "real" Usagi continuity will have alien invaders in it. So I consider it to be like one of DC's old imaginary stories.
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Feb 7, 2016 9:25:50 GMT -5
You know, part of the excitement in reading Senso for me again is that I had that nasty post-concussive syndrome when it first hit stands and remember so little of it as a result. You're right; now that I've finished it again, that ending clearly leans towards this all being an "imaginary story".
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Post by dhfujii on Feb 8, 2016 1:02:30 GMT -5
"Spoiler"
What I LOVED about Senso was that after the horror of seeing my beloved hero die, as well as Jei comically taken out, Chizu blown up, and Gen stabbed, is how Stan left it open. He can TOTALLY change anything now, because it was based on a legend. I. Thought. It. Was. Brilliant!!! Otherwise, I couldn't sleep at night thinking that the future of Usagi was so bleak.
HOWEVER, what indeed IS canon is that Space Usagi was able to marry MARIKO!!! That's so huge, given that present Usagi is cursed in a sense, to walk the world without any love (in spite of his harem and child) or family; And Space Usagi, who lost his true love (Tomoe), was able to find the embodiment/possible incarnation of Mariko! That completed my childhood. Well, until the next Usagi issue comes out. To me, a canon nerd, it gave me the freedom and excuse/hope to believe in a happy ending...for a fictional anthropomorphic bunny Samurai...okay, but still.
Plus, (nerding out a bit more) the time travel, also considered canon, (between Leo and Usagi and Space Usagi and Usagi), leaves multiple possibility and/or multiverse possibilities. Although, Stan does seem to like to let dead guys rest. But hey, I can fantasize at least.
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shaxper
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Posts: 22,860
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Post by shaxper on Feb 8, 2016 12:31:48 GMT -5
"Spoiler" What I LOVED about Senso was that after the horror of seeing my beloved hero die, as well as Jei comically taken out, Chizu blown up, and Gen stabbed, is how Stan left it open. He can TOTALLY change anything now, because it was based on a legend. I. Thought. It. Was. Brilliant!!! Otherwise, I couldn't sleep at night thinking that the future of Usagi was so bleak. I completely agree. We got our cake and were able to eat it too! And that was always so much of the fun of Space Usagi as its own work -- we saw characters very much like the ones we know now get taken in directions that just couldn't happen in an on-going series. If I haven't nerded out about this here yet, Space Usagi is my absolute favorite Usagi series for that reason. It lacks some of the maturity and artistry that we see in a sustained narrative that has been developing over 30+ years, but it's daring and never hesitates to throw big changes at you that dramatically alter who our main characters are and how they interact with their universe. Nothing returns to normal by the close. And yet, if you want the familar, you just put the book down and get back to reading regular Usagi. Senso took that old idea and amped it up about a thousand-fold! My problem with that is I think all Usagi fans have their favorite leading female for Usagi, and mine has always been Tomoe. Ever since Summer Special #1, she's been the only one I've ever wanted Usagi to be with, so when Chizu, Kitsune, Mariko, or any other character enters the picture as a viable romantic partner, a part of me cringes, much as I'd imagine Silver Age comic fans would feel when Superman was stuck between Lois Lane and Lana Lang. Tomoe is perfect for him. And yeah, I love what Senso tried to do with that. I was almost in tears when they had that discussion about all that should have been between them. Wow. I didn't feel that, but it's so awesome that you did.
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Post by dhfujii on Feb 8, 2016 14:51:52 GMT -5
"Spoiler" What I LOVED about Senso was that after the horror of seeing my beloved hero die, as well as Jei comically taken out, Chizu blown up, and Gen stabbed, is how Stan left it open. He can TOTALLY change anything now, because it was based on a legend. I. Thought. It. Was. Brilliant!!! Otherwise, I couldn't sleep at night thinking that the future of Usagi was so bleak. I completely agree. We got our cake and were able to eat it too! And that was always so much of the fun of Space Usagi as its own work -- we saw characters very much like the ones we know now get taken in directions that just couldn't happen in an on-going series. If I haven't nerded out about this here yet, Space Usagi is my absolute favorite Usagi series for that reason. It lacks some of the maturity and artistry that we see in a sustained narrative that has been developing over 30+ years, but it's daring and never hesitates to throw big changes at you that dramatically alter who our main characters are and how they interact with their universe. Nothing returns to normal by the close. And yet, if you want the familar, you just put the book down and get back to reading regular Usagi. Senso took that old idea and amped it up about a thousand-fold! My problem with that is I think all Usagi fans have their favorite leading female for Usagi, and mine has always been Tomoe. Ever since Summer Special #1, she's been the only one I've ever wanted Usagi to be with, so when Chizu, Kitsune, Mariko, or any other character enters the picture as a viable romantic partner, a part of me cringes, much as I'd imagine Silver Age comic fans would feel when Superman was stuck between Lois Lane and Lana Lang. Tomoe is perfect for him. And yeah, I love what Senso tried to do with that. I was almost in tears when they had that discussion about all that should have been between them. Wow. I didn't feel that, but it's so awesome that you did. Haha, yeah, Space Usagi was quite the masterpiece! You're right, it was neat to see the characters in a different light, so to speak. Given the popularity of so many of Stan's other side characters, it would be interesting to see when/if he continues it. I have from a pretty good source, heard that he does have another story he wants to share with Space Usagi. Ah, interesting about Tomoe. Yes, she is one of my favorite characters as well, and if you think about it, leads a somewhat parallel life. Both had to choose honor and duty over love, explicitly, in a point in their lives. Usagi to Lord Mifune, and Tomoe to Lord Noriyuki. I guess with Mariko, I'm just a sucker with the idea of the "first love" and that he carries around her hair in his "chonmage." To me, there is a definite, romantic spark that undercurrents their relationship. They just seem to fit. With Tomoe, I viewed them much more like good friends, who then fall in love with each other. However, that too is a great basis/strong foundation (some would even argue healthier) with which to form a relationship. It's really a tough call! I would have loved to see Tomoe/Usagi kids and the interaction between them and their half brother Jotaro. Would be neat! For some reason, I also feel like Usagi with Tomoe would have an adorable genius swordsman girl that Usagi couldn't help but dote upon (and constantly be manipulated by). Seeing her with big brother Jotaro, would be so heartwarming. Thanks! I grew up quite young reading about him and Mariko, plus seeing the tragedy befallen Space Usagi with Tomoe, was really a heartbreaking moment in my young life. It would kill me seeing him watch her on the hologram. To me, it felt like "Karma" wherein he (incarnation of Usagi) finds peace at last with the woman that he began his journey with. Closing a cycle, so to speak. That, and it just sucked so much to see Tomoe die, that I felt like he needed someone in his life after. It is true, in that incarnation, I would have rather saw him with Tomoe than anyone else.
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Feb 8, 2016 20:05:30 GMT -5
I have from a pretty good source, heard that he does have another story he wants to share with Space Usagi. You just made my day!!! I wonder how much of it is the personal experiences we bring to the work. My "first love" wasn't a very good fit for me, but I was young, romantic, and naive. It was inevitable that we went different ways, and I suppose I've always seen Usagi and Mariko in the same light. They shared something very special, but it was never meant to be. Oh my gosh, that's so adorable. Dang, Daniel. Where have you been all these years? You bring GREAT conversation to the table! Ditto. It's funny -- Space Usagi is my favorite for all the daring choices it makes, and yet, about halfway through, I'm always in such shock from all that has gone down that I never commit the whole thing to memory...and thus I'm shocked again the next time I read it. I had honestly forgotten what had happened to Tomoe! I'm actually going back to re-read Space Usagi for the first time in two years later this week, once I'm caught up with the newest Usagi issues that I've missed out on.
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