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Post by stillpoint on Dec 20, 2016 1:12:53 GMT -5
 Published: October 22, 2008 Synopsis: "When Lord Tadakazu died without leaving an heir, the Shogun himself took responsibility for dividing the lord's holdings. Mysteriously, an entire fortress was given to Lord Otomo, a rival of Tadakazu, with the provision that he personally take possession of the structure. When Usagi discovers that the Neko ninja plan to attack Lord Otomo, the rabbit ronin believes this strange gift may be part of a plot to assassinate the lord. Yet no ninja assault can compare to the surprise that awaits Otomo within the walls of his old enemy's fortress." Notes: Collected in Usagi Yojimbo Volume 25: Fox Hunt and The Usagi Yojimbo Saga Book 6Discuss the issue and/or post full reviews below! |
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Dec 20, 2016 12:04:46 GMT -5
Man, I loved this issue. That ending really moved me.
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Post by stillpoint on Dec 21, 2016 1:52:26 GMT -5
Man, I loved this issue. That ending really moved me. This is a quintessential Usagi story. Character moments with Usagi and Chizu, great action, an unexpected yet wholly fitting ending, and a startling example of life in 17th Century Japan. But I don't like the exchange with the shogun's observer. As befitting a samurai of the era, he doesn't seem at all perturbed at the mass suicide. His facial expression is impassive, but I interpreted it as respect more than anything. So when Usagi asks why he didn't try to stop it, saying "I'm just an observer" seems needlessly defensive. A simple "It was a matter of honor" would have fit the mores of the age much better. It's the only quibble I have, which shows how tight the story is overall. |
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shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Dec 21, 2016 7:06:59 GMT -5
Man, I loved this issue. That ending really moved me. This is a quintessential Usagi story. Character moments with Usagi and Chizu, great action, an unexpected yet wholly fitting ending, and a startling example of life in 17th Century Japan. But I don't like the exchange with the shogun's observer. As befitting a samurai of the era, he doesn't seem at all perturbed at the mass suicide. His facial expression is impassive, but I interpreted it as respect more than anything. So when Usagi asks why he didn't try to stop it, saying "I'm just an observer" seems needlessly defensive. A simple "It was a matter of honor" would have fit the mores of the age much better. It's the only quibble I have, which shows how tight the story is overall. I loved that "I'm just an observer" line. It suggested to me, rather, that he was very much a samurai, fully understanding and respecting their sense of honor. It made me wonder what it must have been like to be there, observing such an act, and stifling his very human desire to intercede. That's discipline. He also reminded me a bit of Marvel's Uatu. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 29, 2017 14:25:51 GMT -5
Is there a difference between the Saga volume and the original? In the Saga volume I just read the lord who must claim the castle is named is Awase not Otomo and the original lord of the castle was named Wakame.
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Post by brutalis on Dec 6, 2020 14:06:01 GMT -5
This one shows that the Shogun doesn't always know what he is doing. By his decision he has lost 2 honorable houses that might have otherwise been loyal and advantageous allies. Usagi as normal in his character rushes in headlong in attempts to doing the right thing, never wondering or worrying if he will be believed. And Chizu shows her own sense of honor for coming to the aid of a friend, even when she has no reason for doing so.
Plenty of frenzied fights with what seems to be a seemingly endless wave of black suited ninja. A trope of movies and comics that the bad guys have an overwhelming wealth of bodies to utilize as cannon fodder to throw at the much smaller group of good guys. Yet it makes for entertaining stories and Stan provides great artwork for us readers.
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