shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
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Post by shaxper on Aug 7, 2020 19:30:47 GMT -5
 Published: September 2019 Synopsis: Usagi serves as bodyguard to Lady Mura, a novelist whose husband is bothered by her success. Notes: includes a biography of the historical Murasaki Shikibu, who inspired Lady Mura. Discuss the issue and/or post full reviews below! |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 8, 2020 16:21:46 GMT -5
To be honest I really wish Stan had lead off this new volume with this story rather than the Sasuske story he went with. This entry feels a lot more new reader friendly in introducing Usagi's world and has a much better balance between action and a great bit of cultural insight which are the elements that are most central to Usagi. It's a simple tale to be sure, Usagi meets a fellow traveler on the road and gets drawn into her drama and it's certainly device Stan has used before but he does it so well that it doesn't feel repetitive or dull in the least.
Unlike the demon puppets in the last story the zombies at the start of this story are visually much more set off from the regular characters which is definitely more satisfying. My favorite part however was seeing Usagi back in his armor, it was ultimately shown to be a dream sequence but still it was a great nod and once again provided a nice look at Usagi's origins making it visually a much better entry than the preceding story.
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Post by brutalis on Nov 29, 2020 12:39:25 GMT -5
Incredible cover! At first I was like oh really, zombies right after demon puppets fought? Then we learn it is a story Usagi is reading with Stan inserting Usagi into the visualization as the hero of said story being read. Now that is ingenious and more like the Stan we love and adore. Such a tight, intimately focused story where our Ronin Rabbit becomes entangled within the struggles of another with his simple offer of protection as they travel together.
This issue has me appreciate Luth's colors much more as he helps define the sense of autumn. His scenic background coloring has just the right effect enhancing without any distraction from the primary story. Simply emotive with the perfect balance of warmth and chill in the air to be felt.
What a story too. Reflecting the past while also connecting strongly to many here in modern times. This is pure Sakai writing at his strongest, weaving threads, connecting us as readers here today while delivering a touching, emotional tale deeply rooted with traditions and ideals of the past. Superbly done and truly why I have such admiration for Stan's skills as auteur.
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shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
Posts: 22,353
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Post by shaxper on May 7, 2021 10:12:14 GMT -5
Unlike the demon puppets in the last story the zombies at the start of this story are visually much more set off from the regular characters which is definitely more satisfying. My favorite part however was seeing Usagi back in his armor, it was ultimately shown to be a dream sequence but still it was a great nod and once again provided a nice look at Usagi's origins making it visually a much better entry than the preceding story. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this was originally going to be IDW Usagi #1 for the reasons you've outlined (it's certainly interesting how both stories begin by depicting artistry as reality). However, what Bunraku had that this does not is a meticulous exploration of an ancient Japanese art. That's one of the things Stan and Usagi do best, and I'm glad it got showcased in the first issue. I also agree with brutalis about bringing in modern topics. Well, not really modern, but it's only become acceptable to discuss them in the modern day:   Wow. I also appreciate further exploration of just how much Usagi has changed as of late. We've seen him fighting with a sheathed sword since at least The River Rising, but this is the first time the story draws attention to it:  He really has evolved. I'm actually working on an article for the Dojo 25th anniversary publication right now about this, and it's only now occurring to me upon reading this issue that Usagi hasn't only stopped being Miyamoto Musashi; he's sort of become Stan Sakai. The end of the last story was the first time I really began to notice it, valuing freedom over allegiance in his very first story at a new publisher, but this moment really and truly felt like Stan speaking:  Obviously, they aren't one and the same. Stan may enjoy his morning hikes, but he wouldn't go on one for multiple years and leave his child behind. Still, the value systems and general character are beginning to feel the same. Side note: some of you may recall that I've been trying to track how many years Usagi has been wandering by looking at the changing seasons in these stories. Well we learn in this one that the rainstorm that began four years ago in Usagi (vol. 3) #132-133 was just last summer for the people in Usagi's world:  Stan commented how drawing that much rain across multiple issues was a massive undertaking. I guess this little exchange is his victory lap, as well as a joking nod to the demand it placed upon him. |
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