Dark Horse Comics Usagi Yojimbo #57 Crows - Part 1 May 2002 (Click on the thumbnails to view full size cover art)

USAGI YOJIMBO LETTERS COLUMN
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Hi, Stan and Diana.

As always, I enjoyed the latest issue [Usagi Yojimbo #54]. In fact, I've only once, in over 15 years of reading and loving Usagi, disagreed with the way a story should have turned out. This is remarkable for something that I'm not creating myself, so: congratulations!

What did I disagree with? Jei's self-sacrifice to save his child companion should have freed him from the cycles on this planet - such an act deserved a better reward than he got. But that is minor compared to the unmitigated joy I get from everything else about Usagi Yojimbo!

But I'm actually writing to recommend another couple of Japanese fiction books Stan didn't list in issue #54 's letters column. I highly recommend Little Sister by Kara Dalkey - a wonderful book set In Japanese history/mythology. The sequel, Heavenward Path, is almost as good. Enjoy them in good health!

Steffan O'Sullivan
sos@panix.com

I'll be sure to look for those two books. As far as Jei goes, we're not completely done with him yet. It may turn out that his actions may not be contrary to his earlier life.

Dear Stan,

I enjoy your comic very much. I have a subscription through my local comic book store. I like collecting Usagi memorabilia, and two summers ago I painted my bedroom with a scene of Usagi. I hope you don't mind. I have enclosed a photo for you to see.

I do have two questions for you. First, tell me how you liked the art program at the University of Hawaii, and, second, did you ever take private art lessons? I look forward to new issues and Usagi items. Thanks for the great stories and artwork. Keep them coming!

Ben Leach
24221 Hailey Drive
Damascus, MD 20872

I graduated with a fine arts degree from UH more than 25 years ago. At that time, the instructors were heavily into abstract expressionism. I would have preferred a different direction. No, I never did take private art lessons, but I did have friends with common interests and we critiqued each other's work and gave pointers.

(Photo courtesy of Ben Leach)

Dear Mr. Stan Sakai,

After buying the latest issue of Usagi Yojimbo yesterday, I read it twice before the end of the day. Wow. "Images From a Winter's Day" is the kind of story that seems simple at first, but is revealed to be much deeper through later reflection.

The cover is quietly dramatic, with Usagi poised for trouble amidst the splashing water and orange autumn foliage. It'd make a beautiful full-sized poster. The first page is equally evocative, starting the story simply and calmly. Usagi's meeting with the old lord is full of quiet dignity and samurai politeness. Usagi's open, honest manner and the older man's assured fatalism balance each other perfectly. I really liked the link to Usagi's previous adventures, with the mention of Lady Koriko and the sickness that the foreign “black ships” had brought to Japan (the same ailment with which Koruda had been stricken).

The panel with Usagi keeping an "eye out" for Rokuo as he wandered (A great touch with Inspector Ishida! I can't wait to see him again in a full-length story.) was excellently rendered - as was the passing of the seasons, with appropriately different weather and traveling garb in each panel.

We see the "informer" again, always looking for a potential profit. He's quickly become one of my favorite secondary characters in the series. That little money-grubbing creep is a riot! The scenes of Usagi and Rokuo on the road were filled with tension and uncertainty. Their chat regarding their fathers was very touching, made even more so because Usagi rarely ever discusses his personal past and feelings with anyone. As readers, we can see how much these two characters have in common.

The ending is tremendous, a brutal surprise that seems so unfair. We feel the same outrage that Usagi feels. And yet, afterwards, we realize that all three men have conducted themselves totally in accord with bushido, the Way of the Warrior. Usagi fulfilled his duty to bring Rokuo home, as his sense of honor demanded. Rokuo followed his obligation of filial piety to see his father one last time despite the danger. And Lord Hojo avenged his son's death, as was his right as a father and a clan leader.

Usagi's grief and guilt are finely portrayed at the end. No words are necessary; the look on his face is enough. And like Usagi, we also know that there could have been no other outcome to this story, because all three players acted as they had to. That is the ethos by which they all live. Karma, neh?

Mr. Sakai, you continue to pull rabbits out of hats (no pun intended) when least expected. Thank you for a heartfelt, tragically real story about people.

Usagi Yojimbo, including all prominent characters featured in the stories and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Stan Sakai and Usagi Studios. Usagi Yojimbo is a registered trademark of Stan Sakai. Names, characters, places, and incidents featured in this publication either are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead), events, institutions, or locales, without satiric content, is coincidental.