shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
Posts: 22,376
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Post by shaxper on Aug 7, 2020 19:24:17 GMT -5
 Published: July 2019 Synopsis: Usagi and Sasuke continue their investigation and discover Takagi has been leading his puppets to assault people and drain their life force. Notes: Discuss the issue and/or post full reviews below! |
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Post by thwhtguardian on Aug 8, 2020 16:14:24 GMT -5
This team up between Usagi and Sasuke the Demon Queller continues to be interesting but I'm left wanting a little more from it. What I've loved about past encounters with Sasuke (especially Yokai, and Kumo) is that it gave Sakai an excuse to delve into Japanese folklore giving us stories with the serenity of his cultural issues with a heavy dose of action, however it's the second issue now and we haven't really delved into just what type of creature the puppet master is so it's lacking that cultural element that made me love past adventures. On top of that, the choice not to make the puppets look more like they are wooden is all the more confusing here as Usagi exclaims, "Look, demon children!" and Sasuke calmly replies, "No, look closely Usagi, it's worse."...but if you look more closely there isn't anything there that tells you they are puppets and not children. It's just strange as Sakai has been so good at giving subtle visual cues in the past and to find them missing here is out of character. Still and all, like pizza even a just okay Usagi book is still a good book.
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Post by brutalis on Nov 28, 2020 19:48:44 GMT -5
I really wanted more depth and insight into the actual art of Bunraku. I felt that was missing an opportunity to explore more of the artistry and skills in performing the puppetry. Takashi appearing young and his being able to see was too suddenly revealed for my liking. You would think he might be afraid of being discovered but he acts as though it is no big deal. This issue was very much the "middle act" setting things up for the finale next issue.
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shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
Posts: 22,376
|
Post by shaxper on May 6, 2021 10:08:13 GMT -5
I really wanted more depth and insight into the actual art of Bunraku. I felt that was missing an opportunity to explore more of the artistry and skills in performing the puppetry. Takashi appearing young and his being able to see was too suddenly revealed for my liking. You would think he might be afraid of being discovered but he acts as though it is no big deal. This issue was very much the "middle act" setting things up for the finale next issue. As much as I've sorely missed reading Usagi as it hits the stands, I've found a definite advantage in reading these stories for the first time straight through in one sitting. I'm far more patient and appreciative of Stan's long term pacing, whereas if I had to wait a month or more for the next installment, I might feel cheated. As it is, having read part one just moments ago and knowing that I'll be starting part three as soon as I'm done posting this, I had no problem with this issue. I agree that it felt like an in-between installment that didn't do much to add to all the charm part one had laid down, but I appreciated the continuation of the story and of Stan's craft all the same. I particularly love how Sasuke repeatedly leaves Usagi flabbergasted. I think this was my favorite moment, where Sasuke effectively spoils the end of the issue:  Even though we already pretty much knew what was happening, a more traditionally plotted issue would have ended with Usagi discovering what we already knew. Instead, Sasuke calls it early, and clearly knows even more that he isn't going to bother to tell us yet. Loved it. |
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