Usagi Yojimbo

Usagi Yojimbo #162

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Usagi Yojimbo #162 comic reviewOpening with Kitsune in jail for a murder she did not commit, a situation that doesn’t agree with the thief, the concluding half of “The Body in the Library” offers Miyamoto Usagi and Inspector Ishida‘s investigation into the the second of two recent murders and the theft of precious foreign medicine.

Escaping from prison, Kitsune actually becomes a help to the investigation allowing Usagi to discover the true motives for the crime. It also allows for a meal with Usagi and Kitsune in which the rabbit ronin offers a good reason (actually 54 of them) as to why he’s unable to trust the thief. Despite his bluster, Usagi can’t help but like the mischievous pair of Kitsune and Kiyoko, even with the trouble they bring into the rabbit ronin’s path when their paths cross.

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Usagi Yojimbo #161

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Usagi Yojimbo #161 comic reviewAfter several months Usagi Yojimbo returns with the first issue in a new two-part story. Opening with Kitsune breaking into a wealthy doctor’s house only to discover the man dead, and temporarily being accused of his murder, Usagi Yojimbo #161 offers up a double-homicide for Miyamoto Usagi and Inspector Ishida to solve when their primary suspect in the first murder turns up poisoned in the same manner as the doctor.

While Kitsune isn’t a suspect in the murder, she will have to serve some time for her attempted robbery. However, a bigger problem for Usagi and Ishida to solve is the mystery surrounding the deaths of the two poisoned victims. The issue may be a little light in terms of action, but there are plenty of enjoyable touches including Kitsune and Usagi’s various reaction shots to the discovery of murder.

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Usagi Yojimbo #160

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Usagi Yojimbo #160 comic reviewThe single-issue tale tackles the dangerous delicacy of Fugu when a friend of Miyamoto Usagi is accused of poisoning one of his most valued customers. After the shogun’s agent turns up dead from eating improperly prepared pufferfish, Usagi steps in to help Inspector Ishida in the investigation which quickly points to other suspects when the pair discover the original Fugu had been replaced before it ever made it to its victim.

As writer/artist Stan Sakai is known to do with the comic, Usagi Yojimbo #160 not only delivers a new adventure for Usagi but also teaches the reader about an aspect of Japanese culture. The truth behind the death turns out to be more complicated than either Usagi or Ishida suspect. The issue also includes an unexpected back-up story in Chibi style fans should enjoy.

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Usagi Yojimbo #159

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Usagi Yojimbo #159The single-issue story “The Hatamoto’s Daughter” begins with the death of a samurai by a band of ruffians deep in the forest. Hiding his daughter, and proof of illegal matters the gang’s leader wants returned, the man is cut down. Finding the young girl hours later, a wandering Miyamoto Usagi takes it upon himself to see her safely delivered to Inspector Ishida in the closest town.

Given the dangerous information the young girl has in her possession, however, the mercenaries will not let the ronin’s protection be a deterrent to get their hands on the girl. It’s a mistake they won’t live to regret.

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