Stan Sakai

Usagi and Ishida’s investigation continues, as they get information from street rats and the well-to-do of Imperial Japan.

Comic Review: Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden #3

(W/A) Stan Sakai

Each issue of Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden has peeled back another layer of Japanese culture for Western audiences. With the series’ third issue, creator Stan Sakai looks to shatter the illusion that all adhere to the romanticized notion of honor through two contrasting social classes. While there are serious messages to be found, Sakai injects the book with levity to provide a balance – practically a staple of Usagi Yojimbo at this point.

Because of the book’s black and white presentation, Sakai is able to manipulate or subvert the readers’ expectations with ease. This is evident in the issue’s first pages, following up the cliffhanger from the previous issue. When issue #2 concluded, we were left with the impression that in order to get their next lead, Usagi and Ishida would need to deal with an individual that was dangerous as they were evil. This is thanks to Sakai’s use of layouts and heavy inking, which gave this figure a threatening appearance. However, as we find out in this issue, this would-be-threat is just a poor [and greedy] hustler trying to leverage his knowledge into a few bucks. The transition itself is seamless, resulting in an entertaining back and forth between the characters.

One thing that Sakai has made evident throughout this series is that Usagi and Ishida have a long history together, even if the former is not a member of the shogun’s law enforcement. Because of their relationship, they are able to convincingly pull off a variation of the “good cop/bad cop” routine in a manner that once again subverts reader expectations. As their investigation leads them to a seemingly well-to-do member of society, it becomes clear that he will not be forthcoming with information. When it becomes clear that this man cares more for his possessions than helping solve a crime, the stoic Miyamoto Usagi decides to play the role of foole. He begins to bump into things and handle fragile items without care. It is a hilarious sequence that ultimately produces results for the protagonists.

With each passing issue, Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden becomes a title that I look forward to reading each month. Steadily, it has moved up towards the top end of my read pile, thanks to Sakai’s sharp dialogue and mastery of the medium. Even though this third installment could be seen as a “filler” issue by some, as the titular “Hidden” have been absent since the first issue. But at the end of the day, Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden #3 manages to keep the reader fully engaged throughout, so what more could you really want from a comic?

Usagi and Inspector Ishida look into the murder of a Krishidan, only to discover that their case may have great implications than they could have possibly imagined.

Comic Review: Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden #2

(w/a) Stan Sakai

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Usagi Yojimbo is Stan Sakai’s ability to simultaneously educate and entertain readers. He does so in a manner that is not overbearing, or preachy. Rather, he drops little nuggets of information as fun little factoids that don’t disrupt an issue’s narrative flow. It may just be one thing in an issue, but by the end of a multi-issue arc the reader has gained several pieces of information about Japanese history and culture.

These “info-drops” by Sakai can also take the form of an actual plot point. Such is the case in Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden #2. With the discovery of a murdered Krishidan at the end of the opening chapter, Miyamoto Usagi and Inspector Ishida begin their investigation. When they encounter pushback or resistance, Ishida flashes his jutte (or jitte), noting that this gives him authority as a direct representative of the Shogun. In another instance, a man expresses that there are too many ronin wandering the country during this peacetime, and he assumes Usagi is just another ronin troublemaker. These are the little things implanted within the script that makes reading Usagi Yojimbo a rewarding experience.

When it comes to the story itself, Sakai’s script is relatively straightforward – as is the case for almost all Usagi stories. But there is an elegance to the seemingly simplistic approach Sakai takes to his storytelling that a lesser writer would overlook. As Usagi and Ishida are conducting an investigation, naturally they seek out witnesses and question suspects. However, Sakai does not simply drop readers into a setting with a new character that is clearly the bad guy. Rather, he takes as little as one panel for our protagonists to rationalize their course of action. Who should they question? Why does it make sense? Sakai provides these answers upfront, so that when a suspect or witness is introduced, we feel like we already have a relationship with them.

Readers may find fault in lies the issue’s cliffhanger, which introduces a clearly evil, mustache-twirling character. But even here, Sakai takes the opportunity to do something different. Not only does the sequence set up the next issue, but it also parodies serialized storytelling; it presents this cliffhanger in an over-the-top, campy fashion that the reader cannot help but smirk or even chuckle. It are these little elements that month after month, year after year, make Usagi Yojimbo one of the best series to ever be created.

While we admittedly live in an era of reboots and renumberings, it is still rare for a long-running, multi-decade series to get a fresh #1 for readers. But that’s exactly what Dark Horse and Stan Sakai have done for Usagi Yojimbo. And that’s why you need to read it

Comic Review: Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden #1

(w/a) Stan Sakai

For over 30 years, there has been one constant source of consistent, high quality comic book storytelling that can be truly enjoyed by all ages: Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo. In a way, the consistency of the series has worked against it, as Usagi Yojimbo rarely sparks debate on comic forums. Ditto for awards consideration. After winning an Eisner for the “Grasscutter” story arc in 1999, the series hasn’t had a sniff of major recognition from the media or readers. It’s a real shame, as inconsistency appears to be valued over constant, uninterrupted greatness. Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden might actually break into the conversation thanks to its shiny “#1” emblazoned on the cover and a story that directly addresses discrimination.

Usagi Yojimbo has always been rooted in the history of feudal Japan, taking elements from history and providing a unique spin on it, and The Hidden is no different. Throughout the issue, Sakai drops little nuggets of historical or cultural information for the reader in order to better educate them, which in turn enriches their reading experience. In this issue, Sakai educates readers on the titular Hidden, the Kirishitans (or “Hidden Christians”). Their reveal isn’t as much of a surprise, but it is not intended to be. Rather, it is a hook for Western audiences by bringing something familiar into this world flipping the power structure around.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this issue is the Japanese response to an outside religion encroaching on their traditions. They scoff at what they perceive to be silly beliefs, which is not too dissimilar to how many in the West, whether they’re Christian, Jewish, or even Atheist, mock or degrade belief systems and values they are unfamiliar with. Moreover, the locals attempt to ferret out Kirishitans can be seen as a direct parallel to the embarrassment and public shaming of minorities and the LGBT community seen in today’s society thanks to so-called “religious freedom” laws.

While this cultural exploration is fascinating, a book like Usagi Yojimbo also requires action – a requirement which Sakai fulfills in spades. The book opens with a tense and thrilling chase sequence which serves to showcase the range of Sakai’s skill. Every line on every panel is placed with meticulous precision and care, which is more pronounced thanks to the black-and-white aesthetic. And although the stakes are high, Sakai infuses the artwork with a sense of whimsy. Making full use of the medium, his work is a reminder that comic books can tackle serious subject matter, yet still offer an enjoyable, pleasant experience.

If past precedent is anything to go by, Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden #1 will not make the biggest splash, but it should. Stan Sakai is one of the true masters of the comics medium, and for his work to continue to fly under the radar is a crime. This book offers a complete comic experience and, unsurprisingly, is easily the best of this week’s new releases.

Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden #1 was released on March 21, 2018.

This review was originally published at Comics Bulletin.