shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Mar 17, 2016 19:49:35 GMT -5
 Published: March 2016 Synopsis: In his effort to save a village, Usagi’s fate takes a turn when he must defend a kappa—a supernatural creature that would normally be his enemy—from an even deadlier threat: a renegade of its own species! The trail leads him to the monster’s lair with his only weapons: two swords and some cucumbers! Notes:Discuss the issue and/or post full reviews below! |
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shaxper
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Posts: 22,864
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Post by shaxper on Mar 17, 2016 19:53:01 GMT -5
Still loving the idea of Stan returning to old territory that hasn't been explored in years. When we met that first Kappa way back in Usagi (volume 1) #6, I never would have thought of it (or any of its kind) having family. Nice touch, Stan.
Some notes:
1. Really, what's up with the name "Jiro"? Years ago, I wondered if it was just an accident, but there must be at least twenty bit supporting characters named Jiro who have appeared in Usagi stories by this point. Was it that common a name, or is Stan just having fun?
2. I keep noticing that Stan's work has become a lot more "busy" since his return. Panels contain far more lines and information than they used to. It's beautiful and often forces you to stop and admire the craft in an individual frame, but it also requires more effort on the reader's part. Reminds me a bit of the work of Tom Sutton, who crammed so much breath-taking information into each panel.
3. Great misdirection at the beginning. At first, I thought I'd re-purchased the previous issue again by mistake!
4. Some great usage of non-traditional perspectives in this issue. I love the top panel on page 5 with Usagi viewing the Kappa in the distance from a bird's eye perspective.
Fantastic reading experience as usual. Stan does not disappoint!
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Post by lobsterjohnson on Mar 18, 2016 11:40:32 GMT -5
Just read this yesterday. Great issue!
It was fun to see Kappa again after such a long time. The fight between Usagi and the evil kappa was brutal.
I really like the Usagi stories that end like this, with Usagi wandering in some beautiful scenery.
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shaxper
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Posts: 22,864
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Post by shaxper on Mar 18, 2016 12:26:22 GMT -5
I really like the Usagi stories that end like this, with Usagi wandering in some beautiful scenery. I do too! If the purpose of the Warrior's Pilgrimage is to attain inner peace, than these concluding moments are perfect in driving that idea home each time. |
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Post by lobsterjohnson on Mar 19, 2016 15:49:01 GMT -5
It's interesting that Kappa (which are vampires) are so different from most other vampires in fiction and folklore. I'd like to see an "Usagi vs Count Dracula" story.
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Post by wildfire2099 on Mar 25, 2016 18:56:03 GMT -5
I had no idea there were baby Kappa... so cute!
Excellent story... I feel like having his arm healed by a demon might come back into play at some point (though that might be to Inuyasha for Usagi)
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Post by usagiguy on Apr 17, 2016 0:06:57 GMT -5
1. Really, what's up with the name "Jiro"? Years ago, I wondered if it was just an accident, but there must be at least twenty bit supporting characters named Jiro who have appeared in Usagi stories by this point. Was it that common a name, or is Stan just having fun? --This is Stan-- Sorry, but I can't write outside this box for some reason. "Jiro" was a pretty common name used for a second son. A firstborn might be called "Ichiro" Ichi, of course, means "one". |
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shaxper
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Posts: 22,864
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Post by shaxper on Apr 17, 2016 10:23:33 GMT -5
1. Really, what's up with the name "Jiro"? Years ago, I wondered if it was just an accident, but there must be at least twenty bit supporting characters named Jiro who have appeared in Usagi stories by this point. Was it that common a name, or is Stan just having fun? --This is Stan-- Sorry, but I can't write outside this box for some reason. "Jiro" was a pretty common name used for a second son. A firstborn might be called "Ichiro" Ichi, of course, means "one". Wow. I never would have guessed. I always assumed it was some in-joke akin to the presence of cheese dip. Thanks much for explaining this! |
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maka
Junior Member
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Post by maka on Apr 17, 2016 22:35:02 GMT -5
Usagi's injury in the fight was brutal. I found myself closing my eyes and gritting my teeth.
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Post by richarddragon on Sept 28, 2017 13:29:39 GMT -5
Usagi's injury in the fight was brutal. I found myself closing my eyes and gritting my teeth. True. That made me flinch. |
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Post by thwhtguardian on May 7, 2018 9:38:18 GMT -5
This issue was slightly disappointing, when Usagi first encounters the good Kappa I was really hoping for a deeper character moment but instead the alliance is formed as quickly as it is proposed leaving no room to learn about the Kappa mother or Usagi's views on this supernatural creature. Perhaps I'm being too hard on a simple one shot, but I really was expecting more when I saw the cover for this issue; like an in depth exploration of the myths around Kappas as I've loved Stan's few previous forays into the supernatural as it often tells us a lot about the culture in general which is always a favorite element of mine in a good Usagi story.
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