Fan Art by Logan Bender

Hey, Kim and Stan!

Yow! I'm just writing to you guys about how much I loved the Usagi Yojimbo Color Special #1 and UY Book Two! Yeah, I know I'm a little late getting to you, but for a while these books were really hard to find! The comics shops around here just came out with the UY Color Special and instantly I swiped it off the stands! (Of course I paid for it.) I later found out it was printed in Nov. of '89. You did personally request us to drop you a line and let you know if we enjoyed it. Did I? You bet!! (Remember, it's better late than never!) I understand the dilemma of color comics, the problems of paint and so forth. For the fan's treat, I think you should have a color special once a year. Don't get me wrong. I love B&W comics! You might say it would provide the "cherry on top of the sundae," ya know?

I was over in Seattle the other day, and in a comics shop I found UY Book Two (*ahem* the last one on the rack). Unbelievably beautiful art and stories. A lot of the stories were "serious"; however, I found myself laughing out loud at some of the "humor scenes" (Katsuichi bonking Usagi on the head was always well-timed). How Usagi became a ronin was very emotional in "Samurai!" part nine. The "Kappa" story was classic UY suspense. I enjoy stories such as these.

Coming "up to date" here, #25 had me on the edge of my seat! Usagi is no dumb bunny! He really outsmarted that #!*@ "Hannya"! Umm, any reason why we haven't heard from Nilson Groundthumper? Haven't seen him for a while. I don't mind having backup stories from other people, but NG is "still in demand."

Just one question: when is Usagi gonna get hitched? Mariko dumped him! We sure don't know Tomoe's personal feelings about Usagi. When are we going to hear the pitter-patter of little feet running around the castle?! Surely Usagi isn't going to be a bachelor all of his life now, is he?! (Though I'm 22 and still holding…) Sigh. I guess some things were just never meant to be.

I thank you for your attention and, please, take care of yourselves.

Riley
Bremerton, WA

P.S. Give Tomoe a hug for me, O.K.?

As it happens, we will be releasing a second Usagi Yojimbo Color Special this summer, and this one will also feature a new Nilson Groundthumper-and-Hermy story. What more could you ask for?

Riley is also a talented cartoonist who submitted an eight-page story to us that is almost publishable here and now in Usagi Yojimbo. I'm running a page of it for the enjoyment of the readers. Remember, when Riley is a big, big star, you saw him here first! (Actually, you may have seen him in last year's Amazing Heroes Swimsuit Special first, come to think of it.)

– ED.

Fan Art by Riley

Yo, Stan:

It seems that Usagi has a big influence on top TV animation shows! On Tiny Toon Adventures Buster Bunny tried to pull of an Usagi imitation!

Finally, I like to say some thing about Tomoe Ame, she is my favorite female comix character, next to Erma Felna, that is! Hey, I wouldn't mind marrying here, and fathering a litter with her!

Zack Mays
Griffin, GA

Hey, listen, Zack, I'm not one of those guys who thinks you have to marry within your own faith or whatever, but…

Incidentally, Erma Felna fans should know that Albedo (the original birthplace of Usagi!) has been revived by Antarctic Press and a new issue should be out very soon. Tell ‘em Stan and Kim sent you! – ED.

Dear Stan,

First, I would like to say that I love your comic and although I am somewhat of a "new" fan I'm sure that your book will bring tons of fun.

Now for my question: I recently noticed that in all of your books enclosed in all of your copyright info is a small section that says First printing: March 1990 (issue #22) when the release date says May, 1990. Does this mean that all my issues are second printings and if so, how can I get new back issues of Usagi in first printing?

A Usagimaniac,
Chris Burns
Oakland, NJ

As a tribute to the tradition of comic books, I've always "cover-dated" Usagi one or two months ahead of actual release date. Thus, a "May" issue will actually have been released in March and is a first printing. All second printings (#1, #8, and #10, and Usagi Book One have all gone into second printings) have updated indicia.

My feeling is that all this first-printing lust is pretty silly and if I've caused a couple of collectors to lose a little sleep it's been well worth it. Tell me the truth, Chris: now that you know all your copies are first editions, do you enjoy them that much more than you did before?

– ED.

Hello, Mr. Sakai!

It's been a while since I've written. Well, I've been reading all the Usagi Yojimbo books that you've given me…and Usagi is still the king of comics! I just want to compliment you on the superb job that you're doing! You've worked hard, and now you're the top dude! I'm still your loyal fan! I loved #23's story. Super good! Can't wait til "Lone Wolf and Goat" comes out. You're a neat friend. Keep up the awesome work.

In Him,
Vance Kaoku Sakado
(no address on letter)

Dear Kim,

Usagi Yojimbo is definitely the best comic around. I can read them over and over again. Although all the stories are excellent, my favorite to date was the "Shogun's Gift"; I could not stop laughing over the dialogue and thoughts of Usagi and Shingen (dressed up as a woodcutter) whenever they met. The best backup story was definitely "Usagi's Ark."

I cannot believe that Shingen is dead…he was my favorite character (besides the hero, of course). Regardless of what other readers say I like the famous woodcutter and his wife. They are hilarious. The TMNT cartoon with Usagi was actually quite good. The voice of Usagi in my opinion was well-suited. Now the questions:

(1) You said that Stan will be at a convention in Seattle in September. Will he have time to do sketches?

(2) Have there been any updates on whether or not there will be another silkscreen? If so, when?

(3) I have issues #12 and up, plus #3, 6, and 8, and I was wondering if Usagi's dad is dead; he was alive in #3. If not, why doesn't Usagi visit him?

That's all for now. Keep up the great stories and superb artwork.

Sincerely,
Tooby McPherson
Vancouver, B.C., Canada

P.S. I've enclosed a picture of Usagi getting dressed up for a date with Tomoe Ame.

Fan Art by Tooby McPherson

(1) As you can see, this is a fairly old letter we didn't get around to printing for a while. Yes, Stan did indeed do lots and lots of sketches while he was here – as he always does when he visits conventions.

(2) There are no immediate plans for a second Usagi silkscreen, but I'm sure there will be one someday; right now, we want to concentrate on getting out (yay!) a new Usagi T-shirt.

(3) Keep reading the issues…

– ED.

Dear Stan,

Boy! Here's a letter long overdue. Does time fly by quickly, or what? It was just his morning with coffee when it came to my attention quite a number of Usagi comics had been added to my collection since way back when I last wrote to you. Yes, my Number One you-know-who still brings around Usagi Yojimbo to his ole Mum, which I always look forward to.

It was my intention to write you a letter after reading Usagi #24 to tell you how very much I enjoyed "Lone Goat and Kid." Surely you will give us more stories about these two endearing characters. Perhaps you could show us how Long Goat rebuilds that innocent-looking cart which can offer a walloping bunch of surprises!

Now all of a sudden, here I am with #25 in hand. Where, in "The Bridge," my brave and favorite little bunny warrior nearly met his big carrot in the sky. However, I did feel reassured by the fact you are unlikely to do to Usagi what you did to Spot!

Thanks for the insert on the last page of #25 letting us know how you were inspired to create "The Bridge." Very interesting piece of information. Keep enlightening us.

Mrs. Betty D. Lowry
Brampton, Ontario, Canada

We always get good response whenever we print behind-the-scenes items like Stan's little note on "The Bridge," so we're going whole hog this issue with a two-page spread on the genesis of this issue. Hope you enjoy it, and best to your loving Usagi-providing son! – ED.

Dear Stan and Kim,

Hello again! I just read Usagi #25. It was great! The demon sort of reminded me of Jei. It was also very weird because the way the story was written. The hand part was very scary. One thing that I keep on thinking about is, why doesn't Usagi just realize when there's a storm something real bad is going to happen?

Now I have a few questions: is there really a new Usagi story in Critters #50? Oh, yeah, and I heard there's going to be some new TMNT cartoons. Will Usagi be in one of them? Before I go, there was a mistake in the letters section. The pages were reversed. Oh, yeah, and I like the picture in the back of the comic.

Joshua Apana
Aiea, HI

Yep, there is a new Usagi story in Critters #50. What, did you think we were lying to you? As far as I know, Usagi is not scheduled to show up in any future TMNT cartoons. The letters page was run that way in tribute to Japanese comics. (Oh well, it was worth a try…) – ED.

Hi, guys.

This is the first letter I've written to Usagi Yojimbo even though I've been reading for a while, since about issue #3, although I've since bought issues #1 and 2 and Book One. The only issue I'm missing is #19, and I've got no chance of getting that now, unfortunately.

The reason why I've written is that I looked back through a lot of the early issue comics recently, and found references to other students who studied under Katsuichi. For example, in the new color special Usagi says to Tomoe, "I am one of just three to whom he taught this new style…and I'm far from the best." (Look for yourself on page five.)

Now what I want to know is if we're ever going to meet the other two. Perhaps we could have something like a family reunion, or two could chance upon each other in their travels.

Also, I'm interested to know what the circulation figures are for Usagi, whether more people are reading it now than before, and so on. How about telling us how many copies of each issue you sell?

Anyway, congratulations to all concerned for such a cool book.

Mark King
Queensland, Australia

Mark, we've still got lots of copies of Usagi #19 and we'll be happy to sell you one or two. Check out our back-issues page!

Currently, Usagi is selling around 15,000, which is a good, strong figure for an alternative black-and-white – a few thousand more than a couple of years ago.

– ED.

Hi Stan.

Well, after all of the stories I've received from you – 25 issues of Usagi, numerous issues of Critters, a color special (I haven't gotten the summer special yet), Turtle Soup, and three books – I've finally decided to write you.

First, I'm your number one fan, seriously. Secondly, I'm working on a Usagi story which I hope you'll like and maybe even print! Next, as I'm sure you've gathered, I love your work, don't change a thing. But I have one question: why do about 70 percent of your dead characters have their tongues sticking out (just curious)?

Sincerely (very sincere),
Greg Simoes
Kingwood, TX

I guess they're just rude, Greg. But why would you want to do a Usagi Yojimbo story? Make up your own stories with your own characters, and you'll get to keep all the money and get all the acclaim for your work. – ED.

Dear Stan, Ed, and Kim,

First off, let me tell you that I can't believe I'm doing this. During the 17 years of hardcore comics collecting (I'm 25), I've never really felt compelled to write to any of the publications I've admired. But after meeting you briefly at the San Diego con this year and seeing what kind of man you were, not to mention your consistent, professionally-presented masterworks, I finally broke down.

Obviously it's no secret that your series is spectacular in every respect. The way your techniques capture mood and setting is both enlightening and fascinating. As I enjoy your books to thoroughly, that I read everything from the story itself (which is a true ceremony) to the fine print in the frontispiece, I notice on occasion in the letters column the examples of non-comics readers who ere "converted" after but a casual glance at Usagi Yojimbo .

I'd also like to relate to you of another example of the special way your gift of storytelling has affected Usagi-less people:

I attend Otis Art Institute of Parson's in Los Angeles, at which I am a senior. Since I came to this school, comics were the biggest influence in my art repertoire – heck, it was drawing from them that got me in! – and has since lasted through thick and thin. Now, at senior status, I have an impressive reputation of being the "cartoonist" of my class. Since my school's reputation rests primarily in fine arts and fashion design, illustration has had to struggle to keep above water – as does the design faction. So that should let you know where I, as a practicing cartoonist, would fit in! But as the trooper I am, I utilize my style in everything I do…as much as the assignments will allow me. And every month since its birth I've drawn inspiration (and instruction) from the artwork and stories of UY. I bring the newest issue to class whenever it comes out.

At first, when that happened, the response was that it was a cute Sunday-funnies-without-color book. What with the fine arts explosion hitting comics, both comics readers and non-readers gave little respect to this format [Usagi]…that is, until they read it. I was so convinced that UY was a winner that I usually brought extra previous issues with me, hidden in my sketchbook. so when everyone took the bite – teachers included – I was ready to distribute more. Suffice it to say now comics are "cool" in my art school again, not just that "neat but obsolete" form of art expression.

I have a Japanese friend named Yukari Saito who originally translated your title for me. She literally squealed with delight at the sight of Yojimbo (that's the way she laughs – sorry, Yukari!). Now she shares her comics brought from Japan with me and translates them.

One last note before I close: Yukari related one particular story to me about a lad (in his teens) whose father sold him to the devil and whose body parts were "distribute" among a number of demons. The author, she said, was (is?) extremely famous in Japan and could possibly have influenced your career? Is this possible and could you elaborate?

Well, that's plenty of stuff to chew on. I'm glad took this time to come out of the woodwork to sing your praises – to everyone's really, for teaming with Stan to make this stuff real to so many. I'm not sure I'll be a consistent writer (I'm a busy man!), but rest assured, I'm here in the background supporting you.

To a strong continuance from an avid supporter,
Wayne Cash
Los Angeles, CA

P.S. Remember my name…it's up and coming!

Fan Art by Wayne Cash

And it's to Wayne that we owe this issue's closing piece of art, of Groo vs. Usagi. Good goin', Wayne – and we'll see you next month, when Usagi returns to the village of his birth in the first part of the epic-length "Circles."

And, finally, our heartiest congratulations to Stan and Sharon Sakai on the addition to their household of Hannah Sakai last month! Here at Fantagraphics, we're thinking of making it a part of our contracts that every cartoonist who produces a book for us has to have a daughter named Hannah at some point. Get on the stick, Gilbert and Jaime!

– ED.

1.  An idea is born

2.  Plot outline

3.  Thumbnail sketches