shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
Posts: 22,860
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Post by shaxper on Feb 12, 2016 5:36:04 GMT -5
 Published: February 1990 Synopsis: Usagi finds himself in an impossibly strange adventure told from three perspectives as Sakai gives us a meticulously researched tour of the history of kite making. Notes: 1st Usagi story devoted primarily to historical information (kite making) 1st Usagi story told from multiple perspectives cover became the artwork for the Usagi Yojimbo Special Edition SC Discuss the issue and/or post full reviews below! |
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Post by coke & comics on Feb 28, 2016 14:34:52 GMT -5
Summary: It is the time of the Tako-kichi masuri (kite-crazy festival) and the kite-maker Tatsusaburo has been hard at work on his kites, particularly his prized giant kite. It is also a good time for gamblers to take advantage of tourists, like Hatsu, who always cheats. When Usagi exposes his cheating, he is run out of town. This leads to a fight between Usagi and the gamblers, and Tatsusaburo's kite flies away in the scuffle, carrying Usagi with it.
Sometime later, while looking for material for next year's kite, Tatsusaburo finds his old kite. The paper has deteriorated but the skeleton is intact. He sees Usagi survived the encounter and starts planning for next year's kite.
Thoughts: This issue embodies what I, and I think many, love about this series. A lesson in history and culture smoothly intertwined with a compelling story. You get a brief look into the life of a kite-maker, and you gain at once an intellectual understanding and emotional appreciation for the work. And the sadness and frustration when the kite flies away.
Combine with my favorite type of ending. A sad event touched with optimism. A lost kite, but the drive to carry on and make an even better one.
I think this issue is a masterpiece. The best short story yet.
Grade: A+/A
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Post by thwhtguardian on Mar 17, 2016 21:36:33 GMT -5
This is by far not only my favorite Usagi comic but also one of mt favorite all time comics period. I love the different voices involved in this simple tale and the I loved the look into such an interesting aspect of Japanese culture.
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