- Title: Usagi Yojimbo #11
- Comic Vine: link
- Writer: Stan Sakai
- Artist: Stan Sakai
Usagi Yojimbo #11 kicks off a four-part tale of Miyamoto Usagi returning to the village he grew up. After being injured, Usagi drifts down river where he is found by the surprised Mariko, the love of his life, and nursed back to health. Mariko’s husband Kenichi is less pleased to see the return of his childhood rival (Sakai offers flashbacks of the misadventures of the three as children).
After thinking better of returning all the way home, fate has brought the rabbit ronin full circle despite his intentions of giving his village a wide berth. There is mention of Usagi and Mariko’s son as Usagi learns he has been sent to learn from the same master who instructed him, but Jotaro himself doesn’t make an appearance here.
One other familiar face returns, the former Mifune warrior who Usagi recently came across who hopes to enlist the rabbit ronin in a chance to avenge Lord Mifune. Homecomings are indeed complicated.
[IDW, $3.99]