Download Usagi Yojimbo Book 7 fb2

Book arrived on time and just as described. Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo is an outstanding work of art a definite must read.

Explained much about his friend Gen.

"Usagi Yojimbo," volume 7, marks the final volume of the series to be published by Fantagraphics Books, and so we come to the last of their wonderful reissues of the classic Usagi collections. (The series continued under Dark Horse, beginning with Shades of Death.) The quality of these books is maintained to the very end, with thick paper and clean, clear printing throughout.

The content in this volume seems tailor-made to gratify long-time readers. There are a few one-shots of varying quality ("Broken Ritual," a classic Usagi ghost story, is my favorite), but most of the book is dedicated to exploring the characters in fresh ways. The centerpiece story of the volume, running more than 60 pages, puts the swordsrhino Gen in a new light, while the final tale in the book ("The Last Ino Story") may be among the most poignant episodes of Usagi Yojimbo and provides an absolutely triumphant conclusion to the Fantagraphics era.

I noted in my review of book 6 that Stan Sakai's artwork had reached full maturity, and that impression is only reinforced here: characters are expressive; line work is fluid; page layouts are subtle and thoughtful. Everything about the book seems effortless even as it displays some of the most artful moments of the series to this point.

New readers could no doubt enjoy this volume, because Sakai's storytelling is just that good. But book 7 is really meant for those who have come the whole way with these characters; for them, this volume will be a joy.

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It's hard to review "Usagi Yojimbo" books, which is why I've never done one before, even though I've read nearly all of the series. It's just because Stan Sakai produces some of the most consistently entertaining and satisfying reads in the comic book marketplace. So you can rave about one book, and in essence, rave about all.

Which isn't to say that no one book stands out. They do, for different reasons. But there is such a deceptively simple and straightforward quality to this series, that at some point, a reader just takes for granted that you're getting something good, because you always do.

For those unfamiliar, Myamoto Usagi is a masterless samurai, a ronin, who travels feudal Japan seeking adventure. And he's an anthropomorphic rabbit. Indeed, every character is a "funny" animal. But don't let that put you off. The funny animals are just a means of making the series more distinct. Sakai's stories are still very basic and recognizable stories of human beings living, and dying, in a precarious and decadent time and place.

The stories found in volume 7 are perfect examples of Sakai's gift. The centerpiece is "Gen", in which Sakai finally reveals the tragic origins of Usagi's fellow ronin and (mostly) friend, Gen (a rhino). Gen has been (and continues to be) a skilled fighter, who never let's anything stand between him and his pay-off. But when the two samurai have a chance encounter with a dishonored lady bent on revenge, we finally learn how Gen came to be such a great fighter and why he's taken such a cynical view of the world. The story proves touching and tragic, and makes Gen more sympathetic in the reader's eyes.

Other stories include "Kitsune", introducing a young (fox)woman who's street peformances aid her primary source of income: theft. Kitsune has appeared in subsequent volumes, sharing and amusing and frustrating relationship with Usagi. In her second story, "The Return of Kistune", Kistune inadvertently uses her fast fingers to obtain a letter incriminating the local magistrate. Naturally, the chase in on, and Usagi comes to her rescue.

There is a touch of the supernatural involved in these stories as well, as Usagi encounters vengeful ghosts in his childhood, battles a cannibal demon eating samurai on the run, and helps a ghost to his final rest.

This book provides a pretty good sample of your average Usgai volume. While you don't need to read them in order to appreciate them (I didn't) it does underline the bigger picture that Sakai is painting to do so. They're all back in print, so go get them.

Usagi Yojimbo is the kind of quality work that transcends time, genres, demographics, and even age groups. It crafts a delicate and beautiful balance between honor and savagery, cute innocence and dark brutality, simple heart-warming stories and multi-part epics that shape a dense continuity. Whether or not you've ever been a fan of feudal Japanese culture, furry anthro characters, or independent, non-superhero comics, Usagi Yojimbo is a comic that can't help but impress even the harshest critic.

Volume 7 can be best summarized as an installment in which secondary characters undergo transitions. Kitsune, the memorable trickster who does what she can to get by, makes her first and second appearances. Gen finally receives a back story and development, though it reveals that what he keeps beneath the surface is quite a bit darker and more troubled than one might have expected. And, finally, Zato Ino (The Blind Swordspig) makes his unforgettable exit, never to return to the comic book page. Add in a few charming one shots including one starring young Usagi (I adore those stories) and a touching ghost story about a dead general who needs Usagi's help to attain his rest, and you've got a recipe for one intriguing volume.

I don't consider this to be one of Sakai's strongest installments, but it certainly does offer a rich variety of characterization and entertainment. For Ino's exit alone, It's absolutely worth checking out.

Great collection of original material of the samurai ronin rabbit. The hardcover signed/numbered editions can go for a fortune. They are low numbered and not many shops picked them up when they first came out. Stan Sakai is a genius! The samurai rabbit is now 30+ years old, see why he has continued to be so popular! Is it as artsy as Maus or Watchmen, no, but a solid story with attention to detail and historical accuracy when possible. Highly recommended!

No matter what your tastes are as a comics fan, I would recommend Usagi Yojimbo. Highlights of this collection include the fleshing out of Gen as a character and a touching "Last Ino Story."