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Post by stillpoint on Dec 15, 2016 1:56:56 GMT -5
     Published: August 29, 2007; September 26, 2007; November 28, 2007; December 26, 2007 and January 30, 2008 Synopsis: "Thought dead since the events of Grasscutter, the demon Jei - the Black Soul - has been inhabiting the body of the swordswoman Inazuma, intent on destroying the evil he claims to see in Usagi! Meanwhile, Boss Bakuchi, shamed by his inability to avenge his son's death, triples the bounty on the killer - Inazuma. The money brings out scores of bounty hunters, unaware that they are merely a flock of sparrows intent on bringing down an eagle. The hunt for Inazuma also draws Usagi, hunters Gen and Stray Dog, and a mysterious stranger named Isamu, each with his own motive. " Notes: - Collected in Usagi Yojimbo Volume 24: Return of the Black Soul and The Usagi Yojimbo Saga Book 6
- Death of Inazuma
- First appearance of Akatsuki
Discuss the issue and/or post full reviews below! |
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Dec 15, 2016 7:03:55 GMT -5
The backstory we got on Inazuma at the end was such a powerful tease: there was so much more to her that would have been fascinating to explore. Hers might have been the most real death I've ever experienced in comicdom, in that we were overwhelmed with the sense that there was so much left for her to do and experience. Quite a sacrifice on Stan's part to end a character with such potential, and wow did it work.
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Post by stillpoint on Dec 16, 2016 10:44:50 GMT -5
Those three panels where Isamu walks to the smoking ruins under which Inazuma's body lies, pauses for a moment, then walks on are gut-wrenching.
Inazuma chose to spurn her family and elope. That guy turned out to be a louse, but she nevertheless chose to avenge him. That set her on a path that would most likely end in her violent death. But, as far as the story showed, she died never knowing who Jei or Keiko was, where she was, or what she had done while possessed by Jei. From her perspective, she was fighting Gen, she had some crazy dreams, and then Isamu was there.
By comparison, poor Senzo did nothing but follow Sanshobo around with a lantern, and yet he's tormented by nightmares, framed for murder, and is killed and has his soul ripped out by Jei. His tale can be considered even more tragic even if he's a rather vanilla character.
And some more random observations:
In Inazuma's first two appearances, she cleaned her blade by doing that flick move. She's not the only one to ever do that, but it was prominently shown with her. Isamu did that same move early in this story, so maybe that was a hint of his connection to Inazuma.
Usagi said that because Inazuma had saved his life, he was honor bound to protect her. If she had lived, he would have had to protect her from Gen and Stray Dog as well.
One day Sanshobo (cleric), Sasuke (wizard), Kitsune (thief), and Usagi (fighter) will go on an adventure together, and on that day the worlds of Usagi Yojimbo and Dungeons & Dragons will merge.
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Dec 17, 2016 0:40:16 GMT -5
One day Sanshobo (cleric), Sasuke (wizard), Kitsune (thief), and Usagi (fighter) will go on an adventure together, and on that day the worlds of Usagi Yojimbo and Dungeons & Dragons will merge. Oh wow. Now I NEED to see this story. Maybe this is how Stan will finally bring back the Tengu. |
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Post by randomjc on Apr 5, 2017 8:35:55 GMT -5
Hands down my favorite so far, but I'm a fan of demons and exorcisms, so watching Sanshobo going complete exorcist on Inazuma was pretty great conclusion for me. I'm sad Inazuma died, and I agree it felt like she had so much story and potential, but I have to give credit that is what makes her end so moving.
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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 28, 2017 21:32:07 GMT -5
This was my favorite Jei story to date, I think he works better when used tangentially rather than being featured heavily...which fits with his namesake as well as less was always more with Jason.
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Post by richarddragon on Aug 29, 2017 8:27:33 GMT -5
Ah, Inazuma. The death I mourn the most in the UY universe. So much potential...
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Post by brutalis on Oct 7, 2020 20:53:51 GMT -5
The death and redemption of Inazuma strikes to the heart, just like the blade which had ended her life. So much unsaid, untold and potential lost due to demon Jei. At least she was freed and knew she was forgiven by her family for her youthful folly as she passed away in the arms of her brother.
We see Stan deliver his awesome swordfight choreography along with an incredible story uniting the multiple threads of these many characters we are growing to love. What happens now that Usagi knows Jei is still out there on his unholy mission? Will Gen and Stray Dog continue their venture as a team? Will Isamu return in future stories? Is Sanshobo going to help Usagi defeat Jei in the end (we hope)? What might have been if Inazuma didn't die?
Blast you Stan Sakai for creating such a world filled with characters so rich and full of life and stories that we MUST read their adventures. How dare you take Inazuma away from us and leave us wondering "what if" she and Usagi had created a wondrous life together? You have us readers addicted and craving more even when the story pains us so deeply. That sir, is true talent that we smile, laugh, scream and cry as though these fictional characters are real and are part of our lives...
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shaxper
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Posts: 22,860
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Post by shaxper on Oct 8, 2020 8:31:25 GMT -5
The death and redemption of Inazuma strikes to the heart, just like the blade which had ended her life. So much unsaid, untold and potential lost due to demon Jei. At least she was freed and knew she was forgiven by her family for her youthful folly as she passed away in the arms of her brother. Last issue, you pointed out how Jei's origin and the revelation of how his spirit could corrupt even the most pure of souls left us feeling tremendous fear for Usagi. What a contrast in this next issue to finally and truly understand the horror that has already befallen as pure a spirit as Inazuma. In a sense, her sacrifice satisfies the plot -- Usagi no longer needs to succumb because someone we now care about already did. I'm just glad it was her and not Tomoe, Gen, or Jotoro. Gotta say, though, Mariko would have been an interesting choice! |
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Post by brutalis on Oct 8, 2020 10:17:09 GMT -5
The death and redemption of Inazuma strikes to the heart, just like the blade which had ended her life. So much unsaid, untold and potential lost due to demon Jei. At least she was freed and knew she was forgiven by her family for her youthful folly as she passed away in the arms of her brother. Last issue, you pointed out how Jei's origin and the revelation of how his spirit could corrupt even the most pure of souls left us feeling tremendous fear for Usagi. What a contrast in this next issue to finally and truly understand the horror that has already befallen as pure a spirit as Inazuma. In a sense, her sacrifice satisfies the plot -- Usagi no longer needs to succumb because someone we now care about already did. I'm just glad it was her and not Tomoe, Gen, or Jotoro. Gotta say, though, Mariko would have been an interesting choice! True there, it would be horrendous finding Tomoe or Gen possessed by Jei. Especially as it is shown to be a truly deathly type of control from Jei. Either of these two of Usagi's friends loss could and would most likely push our Ronin over the edge. And how difficult would it be to physically stop Tomoe or Gen with their skill sets as demons? There would be physical, emotional and mental damage that scars for life that he might never overcome. Brrrrrrrrrrr |
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