The comics world is rife with team-ups, crossovers and alternate universe stories. They rarely add to the glory of the originals and come across as a cheap cash in. This volume sees a descendent of the original Miyamoto Usagi in a science fiction setting.

There are three long and two short stories making this the longest volume in the Usagi series. Despite the limitless potential of science fiction the whole thing starts off as a Star Wars copy. The character archetypes, the setting, the plot, even lines of dialogue. You aren’t sure if this is homage, parody or lazy writing. This is quite a shock as Stan Sakai stories have always been highly original and unpredictable. The third story does manage to break away from this poor start and the two short stories have the trademark bittersweet ending of Eastern storytelling.

Despite an incredible injection of emotion and characterisation in the third story it is not the exceptional fiction of the previous volumes. It is interesting to see how your favourite characters translate to a future setting however. In terms of laughs and curiosity value though this is not a volume to be missed. It is like going to a fancy dress party with all your mates. The people are same but dressed differently and you will probably have a good time.

It’s not Usagi but it still manages a Thumbs Up!

180/185.

Tomorrow: Blacksad: Somewhere within the Shadows – Juan Diaz Canales

This volume sees seven stories from Usagi’s life. The first is a humorous tale from his studies with Sensei Katsuichi followed by a two page scene from his travels with Jotaro. Then come five longer tales from unnamed periods of his warrior pilgrimage.

They all sit together quite seamlessly and convey the broad spectrum of samurai themes from demon hunting to duty beyond death. Some minor characters appear in the third story and are used appropriately, but for the rest Usagi is on his own. There is a rich blend of action and thoughtfulness.

The art is great and seems to have more spice than usual. Two-third length double page spreads are Stan’s new toy. These and a true double page spread really give you a visual jolt that you aren’t used to, but is most welcome. There are extreme close-ups and extreme longshots, a little bleed between panels, some excellent perspective and really dramatic poses and lighting. There is a fantastic sequence of an object arcing through the air that is a real work of art – simple and elegant. Even the lettering gets a little jazz when it comes to some magic words. All these techniques are used intelligently to advance the story but you get the feeling there is a lot more to Stan’s greatness than you get to see.

There is a cover gallery, a Groo Vs. Usagi Comic Con strip, and introduction by Walter Simonson. This volume is dedicated to Stan Lee. Thumbs Up!

179/186.

Tomorrow: Space Usagi– Stan Sakai and BONUS REVIEW the Art of Usagi Yojimbo – Stan Sakai

Many of the previous volumes have dealt with serious events, dramatic revelations and intense characterisation. This volume takes a step back and the many tales here are lighter in tone. Many of them have a certain humour to them, often black humour, and like many traditional oriental tales the ending is fitting but seldom happy.

As the world shattering events have been put on hold there is an opportunity for more instructional tales as we learn more about Bushido and about humanity. Gen in particular is at his most compassionate and we get that rare glimpse into his heart of gold. Usagi on the other hand becomes more wayward having little respect for the law or for the Shogunate.

The pace slows right down and with no imminent danger we are able to see the beauty of the wonderful country Usagi travels through, the character of its people, and learn more of the nature of the heroes we have been following for longer than we can remember. This won’t be the most memorable volume you will read but it is one of the most perfectly told. The timeless tales within are the epitome of “the less is more” adage. It is unquestionably a Thumbs Up!

178/187.

Tomorrow: Usagi Yojimbo: Volume 26 – Traitors of the Earth – Stan Sakai

This volume concerns the demon Jei. Jei can be seen as a poor villain, being nameless, faceless and almost impossible to kill. He lacks the human qualities and characteristics to make a great antagonist. He has no sense of honour, driving passion, intense emotion and appropriate knowledge of Bushido. Much like the proverbial zombie horde he exists put our heroes under pressure.

He is a credible threat however. The amount of people he has killed and his portrayal as an unstoppable force makes for genuine tension when he crosses path with your favourite characters. You know Stan Sakai would not hesitate to kill the animals you love if the story demanded it. This is what makes his work so great. You don’t know what will happen next but you know it will be the right thing.

This volume also reveals Jei’s origin story. For a hero this is one of the highlights of their fictional career. For a villain finding out their back-story can often render them toothless and neutered. Hannibal Lecter is a great example. Part of a villain’s menace, and Jei’s in particular, is not knowing where he came from and what he is capable of. The first rule of horror is not to show the audience the monster.

This reveal actually makes Jei a much stronger character and anchors him into the storyline and the setting of feudal Japan. By adding depth to the mystery you open up lots of possibilities for future tales and make potential confrontations much more exciting.

The art is great and because Jei’s face is so stylised you can transpose him/ her/ it onto other characters (as we saw with Usagi) with ease. Like the regenerations of Doctor Who Jei’s nature is certainly an asset. The more you see of him however the less terrifying he is. But he does have mileage in him yet. Thumbs Up!

177/188.

Tomorrow: Usagi Yojimbo: Volume 25 – Fox Hunt – Stan Sakai