|
Editor: Cynthia Endo-Rodriquez for Rafu Shimpo Magazine
[This was in the June 1998 issue.]
By Brian Kaya
He is a paragon of the feudal-Japan samurai. He lives by a strict code of honor, "bushido." He fights for justice, protecting the innocent. He treats all, from peasant farmer to fellow samurai, with the same respect and courtesy. He.... He's a rabbit? A samurai rabbit?
Yes, a samurai rabbit, the brainchild of artist/writer Stan Sakai and hero in the on-going comic book "Usagi Yojimbo." The story of "Usagi Yojimbo" begins in Kyoto, Japan, with the birth of his creator. A couple of years after Stan's birth, his father, a Nisei serviceman stationed in Japan, and his mother, a Japanese-native, moved Stan and his brother Kenneth to Hawaii.
Twenty-two years later, with a B.F.A. from the University of Hawaii, Stan flew to Los Angeles, where he continued his education at the Pasadena Art Center College of Design. He supported himself and his wife, Sharon, by doing book illustrations, magazine advertising, and record album covers as a freelance artist. But comic books were always his dream.
Currently, Stan resides in Pasadena, California, with Sharon and two children, Hannah and Matthew. Having been an "Usagi Yojimbo" fan for the past decade or so, I discovered that Stan is very much like his rabbit hero, a humble soul who's nice to everyone, without the ears or swords.
Stan remains modest despite the success of "Usagi Yojimbo." "Usagi Yojimbo" has earned Stan the 1991 Parent's Choice Literary Award, plus two Will Eisner Awards in 1996. This year, he was one of three North American comic book artists selected to attend the 4th Annual Tezuka Studios Seminar, which took Stan back to Japan for the first time since leaving.
Question: Was Japan everything you thought it would be?
Stan Sakai: Yeah, it was. Sharon and I were amazed at how polite and friendly everyone was, and how clean the cities were. We rode the subway and the trains. It's so easy it was to get around. We walked around on our own and got lost a couple of times. We saw this great "Godzilla" statue, and went to a toy store with three floors of toys. We also made a pilgrimage to the Tokugawa Shrine and toured the Edo/Tokyo museum, which shows life in feudal Japan. I shot a lot of video, some of which is starting to appear in Usagi's stories.
Question: What was this seminar all about?
Stan Sakai: The seminar is named after Tezuka Osamu [creator of "Astro-Boy" and "Kimba the White Lion"]. It was started four years after his death. It's supposed to be a seminar, but in reality, it was an all-expenses-paid-vacation! We were treated very well.
We [Lynn Johnston of "For Better Or For Worse," and Erik Larsen of "The Savage Dragon,"] met with comic book publishers, editors, artists, and writers from all over Japan. It's an opportunity to meet and learn about each other and the comic book industries of both countries. I feel really honored to have been invited.
Question: Is Usagi popular in Japan?
Stan Sakai: No, not really. In fact, I was surprised that anyone even knew who he or I was. There are a few Usagi fans there.
Question: So, who is "Usagi Yojimbo"?
Stan Sakai: Usagi is a ronin, an unemployed samurai. His adventures take place in Japan during the Tokugawa Shogunate. This was an interesting period in Japan's history because the civil war has just ended and a new shogun has taken power. Without any wars to fight, there are a lot of ronin wandering around Japan. Some ronin became bandits because the only skills they had were with the sword. Usagi hires himself out as a "yojimbo," a bodyguard.
Question: How did you create him?
Stan Sakai: I originally wanted to do a historical comic book series based upon the life the 17th century samurai, Miyamoto Musashi. One day I drew a rabbit and tied his ears up, like a samurai's topknot, and I loved the design. So instead of Miyamoto Musashi, he became "Miyamoto Usagi" ["usagi" is the Japanese word for rabbit].
Question: What are your influences for "Usagi Yojimbo"?
Stan Sakai: I saw a lot of samurai movies as a kid in Hawaii, so of course [Akira] Kurosawa's films, especially with Toshiro Mifune, are a big influence. He [Mifune] was wonderful. Also Eiji Yoshikawa's book about Miyamoto Musashi. I do a lot of research. My library is overflowing with books on Japan and samurai movies on video.
Question: How did you get your start in the comic book business?
Stan Sakai: I was teaching a calligraphy class and Sergio Aragones [see sidebar] asked me if I would letter his new comic book, "Groo The Wanderer" [Pacific Comics version]. I had never lettered a comic book before, and even before I worked on his book, Sergio was telling everybody what a great letterer I was. We've been friends ever since.
Question: Do you consider yourself a role model?
Stan Sakai: [He laughs uncomfortably.] I, uh.... Five years ago, I would've have said, "No." But my wife insists, "You ARE a role model so when you meet people you should be nice." I meet a lot of Japanese-Americans at festivals like Nisei Week, so I try to think of myself as one.
Question: Comic books are not a "traditional" career choice for Asian-Americans, but their number is growing in the field. I stink at math, which is why I became a writer....
Stan Sakai: Well, I stink at math too. My dad told me, "You can't make a living as a cartoonist. Why don't you go into accounting or computers." I wondered, "Should I go into business?" But, no, I couldn't do that.
It was gratifying when I went back to Hawaii for my first [Usagi Yojimbo] book signing. It was crowded. There were kids everywhere. My Dad said, "Okay, I guess you can make a living...."
But, yeah, cartooning is a very risky career choice. Parents want their kids to get a secure job. Cartooning is very if-y. It's hard to make a real living as a cartoonist. Like acting or singing, the arts.
Question: How do you address the violence issue in "Usagi Yojimbo"?
Stan Sakai: There's a lot of violence inherit in the genre, samurai stories. It was a violent culture back then. I try to keep the violence within reasonable boundaries. I never put in gratuitous violence.
At first my wife would be my censor. But since the kids arrived, she doesn't read Usagi as much. Now I pretty much censor myself. My arrangement with my publishers is that they publish whatever I send them, so there's an additional bit of responsibility placed on me.
I get letters written in crayon from five-year-old kids, all the way up up to one grandmother reader with whom I used to correspond. Usagi appeals to a wide range of readership.
Question: Do you feel it's part of your responsibility to teach Japanese history and culture, or is it there to help the story?
Stan Sakai: Both actually. I enjoy doing the research and writing about it. I try to put a lot of Japanese culture and history into the book. At the same time, I try not to make the cultural aspects so blatant as to interfere with the story. The story is always foremost.
I'm Sansei, [Sansei are the third generation of Japanese Americans living in America] and, growing up, I didn't learn a lot about Japanese culture. I enjoy the research now. It helps to authenticate the story. From the reader input I get, they seem to love it too. If I make a mistake, I hear about it. They let me know....
Question: I can't wait for the new "Usagi Yojimbo" figure. What can you tell me about it?
Stan Sakai: The new action figure comes out in June, from Antarctic Press. I designed this one myself, as opposed to the other two, tied in with "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" cartoon and action figures. [Usagi appeared in two episodes of "TMNT."] I'm really happy with the way this new one turned out. I've seen the prototypes, and it should be neat.
Question: What else does a fan like myself have to look forward to?
Stan Sakai: The 10th trade paperback [Dark Horse Comics] is coming out in August. And there will be a "Space Usagi" collection coming out in December. We've already scheduled the 11th Usagi book for next year March. Dark Horse seems to be behind Usagi.
When the first book came out, I thought "Wow! I have a book!" Now, it's hard to imagine that number ten is coming out.
There's also been tee-shirts by Comic Images, and a new company in Spain, 1000 Editions, will be selling Usagi prints. The Usagi Yojimbo role-playing game, by Gold Rush Games has sold out and its first supplement is coming out this summer.
Question: What's next for you?
Stan Sakai: I'm doing a back-up series for [Jeff Smith's] "Bone," called "Riblet." It's based upon Jeff's Rat Creatures.
I still enjoy working with Usagi. I'm concentrating on him now. The toys and the other merchandising are neat. But for hands-on stuff, I like doing the Usagi books, working on the stories, doing the art.
I do enough other projects at the same time so that working on Usagi doesn't get old. I letter the Spider-Man newspaper comic strip, which is neat because I get to work directly with Stan Lee. I'm still lettering "Groo The Wanderer" for Sergio [Dark Horse Comics current version].
Question: What "Usagi Yojimbo" story are you most proud of?
Stan Sakai: I give talks at libraries and schools, and I used to give out copies of "A Kite Story" [a tale about a Japanese kite festival told from three different points of view]. It was a good story to give to kids and had a lot of cultural information. It was a fun story. I was proud of that one. I did a lot of research for it.
I'm also proud of Grasscutter [the most recent series], because of the way it pulled together as one cohesive story. I spent about five years doing research for Grasscutter. I'm looking forward to when it gets collected into a trade paperback.
Question: How do you envision "Usagi"'s last story?
Stan Sakai: Actually, before Usagi, I created Nilson Groundthumper. Nilson's adventures take place in Europe, with Usagi in Japan as a secondary character. At one point, Nilson goes to Japan and meets Usagi. I wrote a story where everyone dies, including Usagi.
Question: You mean Usagi doesn't marry Tomoe Ame [see sidebar], grow old and have dozens of grandkids?
Stan Sakai: No, he dies in battle. Glorious battle. But I doubt that I'll ever draw that story because I've neglected Nilson for so long, and I prefer working with Usagi.
The Usagi Yojimbo Dojo Website, which is a fan-run website, held a write-an-Usagi-story contest. The winning story is about Usagi's last battle, where he dies. Usagi dies quietly, saving lives. The prize was an original piece of [Usagi] art based on a scene from the winning story.
Question: I'd rather not end on a sad note. What do you know about "Usagi" that no one else knows?
Stan Sakai: One question that comes up every so often is whether or not Usagi has a tail. I know the answer, but I'm not telling.
Comic books are often dismissed as kid's stuff, particularly in the U.S. But, with Stan Sakai's accurate portrayal of life in historic Japan, his meticulously, hand-drawn, attention to detail, and epic tales of high adventure and light-hearted humor, as well as stories of pathos and tragedy, "Usagi Yojimbo" is more a tribute to and a continuation of those great Kurosawa/Mifune samurai movies. Think of "Usagi Yojimbo" as illustrated historical novel.
Readers itching for more should check out the seven volumes of collected "Usagi Yojimbo" stories (known as trade paperbacks) published by Fantagraphics Publishing. Usagi's on-going adventures continue in a monthly format via Dark Horse Comics. Dark Horse has also published two volumes of collected stories, with more to come.
In the meantime, I'm still hoping that Usagi and Tomoe tie the knot. I love happy endings....
[SIDEBAR]
USAGI YOJIMBO MAJOR PLAYERS
[JPEG USAGI, USAGI & SPOT, OR USAGI & SPOT 1]
Miyamoto Usagi: Usagi is a wandering ronin (masterless samurai) for whom
"honor" is above all. Since his lord's death at the battle of Adachigahara
(Sekigahara in historical Japan), Usagi roams Japan helping others in need,
righting wrongs, and seeking perfection of himself and his swordplay skills.
[JPEG GEN, GEN1, OR GEN2]
Gennosuke Murakami: If ever there was an antithesis of the honorable Usagi,
it's Gennosuke, or "Gen." Gen, also a ronin, has turned bounty hunter to
make a living. Scruffy and crafty, Gen claims he is Usagi's best friend
(though Usagi may disagree). Deep down, Gen is a good samurai with a big
heart, unless he is stiffing Usagi with his food and lodging tab.
[JPEG ZATO-INO]
Zato-Ino: Based on the popular movie and TV series, "Zato-Ichi," this blind
swordspig seeks nothing more than a peaceful life. With a large bounty on
his head, a life of peace seems an impossible dream. Unlike his movie
counter-part, Ino uses his incredible sense of smell to guide and defend
him. Ino has an on-, off-, and on-again friendship with Usagi and Gen.
[JPEG TOMOE OR TOMOE1]
Tomoe Ame: As chief retainer of the Geishu Clan, Tomoe is fiercely loyal to
her lord, Noriyuki, and is every bit as skilled and honorable a samurai as
Usagi. She and Usagi share a strong bond of respect and admiration for each
other. Maybe more...?
[JPEG NORIYUKI OR NORIYUKI1]
Lord Noriyuki: This young "diamyo" (warlord) of the Geishu Clan owes his
life and the well-being of his clan to Usagi many times over. As he matures,
Noriyuki shows promise of growing into a good and just lord, with the
guidance of Tomoe and Usagi.
[JPEG USAGI & SPOT, OR USAGI & SPOT1]
Spot: Indigenous to Stan's Japan are these "tokage" lizard creatures. As
Stan put it, since all of the characters in Usagi Yojimbo are animals, he
needed a creature that could serve as pets or "scavengers" when needed.
Besides, he loves to draw dinosaurs. Spot was Usagi's faithful traveling
companion for a number of adventures before he.... Well, new readers to
"Usagi Yojimbo" will just have to find out for themselves.
[JPEG SERGIO OR SERGIO1]
Sergio Aragones: Though not a character in Stan Sakai's "Usagi Yojimbo," Mr.
Aragones played a role in Usagi's materialization by giving Stan his start.
Besides his on-going comic book "Groo The Wanderer," Mr. Aragones has been a
featured artist in Mad Magazine(tm) since 1962. He also created in-between
cartoons for "Laugh-In" and Dick Clark's "Bloopers And Practical Jokes"
television show.
[SOURCES]
Gary's Corner Bookstore
1051 South San Gabriel Blvd.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 285-7575
Heritage Source
P.O. Box 802542
Santa Clarita, CA 91380-2542
(805) 263-0623
The Usagi Yojimbo Dojo Website: www.usagiyojimbo.com
Last change: 30. Sep 2002
Because of getting swamped by spam eMail, we don't publish an eMail adress here but you can always reach us via the DojoBoard.
|
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.
