Post by thwhtguardian on Feb 5, 2020 16:06:42 GMT -5
Usagi Yojimbo #8
Art and Story by Stan Sakai
Colored by Tom Luth
Art and Story by Stan Sakai
Colored by Tom Luth
Summary: As Usagi enters the Northern Provence he encounters a tatami convoy under siege by Neko Ninja.
Plot: It may sound odd, but the pages Stan spent on his excellent cultural lesson on the manufacturing process and purpose of tatami mats were simply fantastic. Those not familiar with Usagi's world or Stan's story telling style may read that sentence and do a double take, " How can a summary of making rush mats be fantastic?" and the answer is that with his simple, fluid story telling any subject would be interesting under Stan's pen, and of course there is more here than a simple nonfiction piece as there's more than a fair share of samurai on ninja action as well. For returning readers Tatami will quickly bring to mind similar stories from the past, like A Kite Story, with it's balance of culture and action but unlike those stories what makes this issue truly stand out is that with it's inclusion of Chizu, the Neko Ninja and Lord Hikiji it's connection to the larger story of Usagi's world is much more pronounced which gives it a far greater sense of importance. It's only a two part story but I expect big revelations in the second feature.
Art: As usual Stan's art is top notch, giving not only easy to follow and energetic fight scenes but also wonderfully detailed depictions of everyday Japanese life.
Grade:10/10
Plot: It may sound odd, but the pages Stan spent on his excellent cultural lesson on the manufacturing process and purpose of tatami mats were simply fantastic. Those not familiar with Usagi's world or Stan's story telling style may read that sentence and do a double take, " How can a summary of making rush mats be fantastic?" and the answer is that with his simple, fluid story telling any subject would be interesting under Stan's pen, and of course there is more here than a simple nonfiction piece as there's more than a fair share of samurai on ninja action as well. For returning readers Tatami will quickly bring to mind similar stories from the past, like A Kite Story, with it's balance of culture and action but unlike those stories what makes this issue truly stand out is that with it's inclusion of Chizu, the Neko Ninja and Lord Hikiji it's connection to the larger story of Usagi's world is much more pronounced which gives it a far greater sense of importance. It's only a two part story but I expect big revelations in the second feature.
Art: As usual Stan's art is top notch, giving not only easy to follow and energetic fight scenes but also wonderfully detailed depictions of everyday Japanese life.
Grade:10/10
