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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 7, 2020 8:41:56 GMT -5
Usagi Yojimbo #11 By Stan Sakai  Usagi washes up unconscious on the river shore of his home village and is discovered by Mariko. Plot: While we knew that Usagi's long overdue return home would always be less than ideal having him not only be immediately discovered by Mariko but also to then segue to Usagi awkwardly waking up after a fantasy about Mariko made it a tad cliche and overly melodramatic. That said, after that awkward start the issue continued on beautifully with a nice mix of sentimentality and a tantalizing hook that is sure to be a defining moment for our favorite rabbit ronin. The flash back to Usagi's youth was probably worth the cover price alone, but the way that Sakai seamlessly transitioned that tale with the danger in the present really goes to show that Sakai really is a true master storyteller as what should have been a jarring segue felt completely smooth. Looking back on the issue as a whole and seeing as it is the start of what looks to be an important story for Usagi, perhaps I was a little harsh in my earlier summation of the start of the issue. Sure, as long time readers we're all familiar with the relationship that Usagi and Mariko share so it seems like old hat, and yes a little too convenient in a real world sense but for a new reader it succinctly introduces that drama that we've watched unfold all these years into a few short pages giving that new reader a sense of depth that they wouldn't have had otherwise. Art: I mentioned above that the flash back to Usagi as a child was worth the cost of the issue all on its own and for me Sakai's art more than anything else is the reason why. The pure, childlike wonder he manages to portray through Usagi's facial features as he hauls the giant carp back to his village is just so beautiful. I've long wanted a print from Sakai and although I'm partial to those wonderful shots of Usagi against a wonderful nature scene that Sakai likes to pepper into his stories I think the shot of young Usagi holding the giant carp might just top my list of scenes I'd like to own if I won a million dollars. Grade:8.5/10 |
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shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
Posts: 22,860
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Post by shaxper on Aug 7, 2020 9:59:36 GMT -5
WOW.
Somehow, I never imagined Usagi would go home again. It seemed like all the stories that needed to be told about that place had been told, but now my mind is racing with possibilities. I truly hope this story isn't solely focused on Mariko, as I'd love to see more done with Kunichi and perhaps the legacy/memory of Usagi's father.
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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 8, 2020 15:43:58 GMT -5
WOW. Somehow, I never imagined Usagi would go home again. It seemed like all the stories that needed to be told about that place had been told, but now my mind is racing with possibilities. I truly hope this story isn't solely focused on Mariko, as I'd love to see more done with Kunichi and perhaps the legacy/memory of Usagi's father. I'd love to see more done with Kunichi as well, though it seems that although the story has brought Usagi home the focus is more on Lord Mifune but it's still early so who knows. |
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Crimebuster
CCF Podcast Guru
Making comics!
Posts: 3,958 
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Post by Crimebuster on Aug 14, 2020 15:58:43 GMT -5
Issues #10 and #11 were great. I think the book is always good, of course, but when Usagi is wandering, sometimes they are less involving, because what's happening matters less to usagi himself. But when he's emotionally involved, we're emotionally involved, and these two had me on the edge of my seat. The end of the issue and the cover tease for next issue actually have me kind of anxious! I don't know how much we want to discuss spoilers here, but I was like... wait, is that implying what i think it is? Or am I inferring a connection that isn't there? Because if that cliffhanger leads into the scene in the next issue tease...  |
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shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
Posts: 22,860
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Post by shaxper on Aug 14, 2020 22:49:51 GMT -5
The end of the issue and the cover tease for next issue actually have me kind of anxious! I don't know how much we want to discuss spoilers here, but I was like... wait, is that implying what i think it is? Or am I inferring a connection that isn't there? Because if that cliffhanger leads into the scene in the next issue tease... Dang. I'm really going to have to break down and buy this now, aren't I? I hate trade-waiting. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 17, 2020 13:47:19 GMT -5
The end of the issue and the cover tease for next issue actually have me kind of anxious! I don't know how much we want to discuss spoilers here, but I was like... wait, is that implying what i think it is? Or am I inferring a connection that isn't there? Because if that cliffhanger leads into the scene in the next issue tease... Dang. I'm really going to have to break down and buy this now, aren't I? I hate trade-waiting. You really should, it's totally worth it. |
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