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Post by stillpoint on Dec 13, 2016 1:29:15 GMT -5
  Published: May 30, 2007 and July 25, 2007 Synopsis: "Known far and wide for his compassion and his abilities as a healer, Priest Jizonobu answers the call of a local lord who is in grave need. The lord's daughter is frighteningly ill, and he hopes the priest can save her. However, as the girl slips deeper into a coma, it appears as if the task is beyond even Jizonobu's skill. That is, until the lord makes a deadly threat, forcing the priest to pursue other paths to curing the girl-paths that will lead this pious healer down into darkness." Notes: - Collected in Usagi Yojimbo Volume 24: Return of the Black Soul and The Usagi Yojimbo Saga Book 6
- Origin of Jei
- First appearance of Hama
- First appearance of Jubei
- Usagi does not appear other than on the covers
Discuss the issue and/or post full reviews below! |
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Post by stillpoint on Dec 13, 2016 2:16:59 GMT -5
I'm not sure Jei needed an origin. We don't see origins for the trickster foxes Usagi encounters, or the tengu. I accept that there is a homicidal supernatural being in this world. Nevertheless, if an origin is going to exist, this is a good one. It sets up a twist at the end of the next, much superior story ("Sparrows") and is a disturbing tale in itself. The panels where Jei stabs Hama while staring him in the eye are especially unsettling.
Speaking of which, if Hama was a backup host for Jei from early on, why didn't Jei jump to him instead of Inazuma after the events of "Grasscutter"?
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shaxper
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Posts: 22,376
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Post by shaxper on Dec 14, 2016 19:18:17 GMT -5
I'm not sure Jei needed an origin. We don't see origins for the trickster foxes Usagi encounters, or the tengu. I accept that there is a homicidal supernatural being in this world. I suspect this came as the result of years of fan demand. Undoubtedly, Jei is Usagi's most beloved villain, and so giving him a multi-part story arc devoted to his origin, as well as that insane cover last issue, must have made some fans extremely happy. For me, this is where Jei jumped the shark a bit. Always loved the character, but he worked best for me as a mystery -- especially the idea that he believed he was serving good and vanquishing evil. Now he's said to be working for outright evil gods. For a character like Jei, less is more, and so no origin story could prove satisfying to me, no matter how well executed. |
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Post by stillpoint on Dec 15, 2016 1:36:19 GMT -5
You said what I was thinking better than I did. Characters for whom mystery is part of their appeal should always retain some mystery. That's why an "Ishida's Story" would illuminate the character while a "Sasuke's Story" might pull back the veil too far.
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shaxper
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Posts: 22,376
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Post by shaxper on Dec 15, 2016 5:55:36 GMT -5
You said what I was thinking better than I did. Characters for whom mystery is part of their appeal should always retain some mystery. That's why an "Ishida's Story" would illuminate the character while a "Sasuke's Story" might pull back the veil too far. Well we did get a partial origin for Sasuke in Yokai. I wouldn't be opposed to learning more (might be fun to see Stan's take on Feudal Japanese Dr. Strange), but the key would be not delving too far into how his powers work and where they come from, I think. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 26, 2017 11:59:44 GMT -5
I never really cared for Jei after his initial "death" and the origin didn't change that.
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Post by brutalis on Oct 6, 2020 19:47:16 GMT -5
The super secret dark origin of Jei. A well done story, and perhaps necessary in Stan's eyes for showing how totally all consuming is the demonic spirit/force of Jei. That so honorable and devout a samurai, priest and healer may be be consumed and totally overcome shows the full horror that Jei is.
There is no hope of redemption or recovery when your soul is lost and it shows how truly hopeless Usagi is before such evil. If Usagi is to save those possessed by Jei (even himself?) Is death the only hope? If Jei is not totally destroyed in some way then all Usagi will do is postpone for a short time the death and despair.
Jei is NOT so easily dispatched or stopped by the strength of Usagi's sword arm. What will it take to accomplish the destruction of such a demon, and at what cost to Usagi's soul?
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