Usagi Yojimbo

Usagi Yojimbo #157

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Usagi Yojimbo #157“The Secret of the Hell Screen” concludes as Miyamoto Usagi and Inspector Ishida lay a trap to capture those responsible for the pair of recent murders at the temple which houses the most bizarre piece of art Usagi has ever come across in his travels.

Although Usagi uncovers the identity of both killers, the rabbit ronin isn’t given the backstory for why a priest would go to such lengths to protect the temple and its devilish attraction. However, the reader is given a short history of the former general and his first stop at the temple which forever changed his destiny and made him the into the priest (and now killer) he is today before leading into a rain-drenched battle between all four men. The fact that his story remains undiscovered by all but the reader adds another level to his tragic tale.

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Usagi Yojimbo #156

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Usagi Yojimbo #156

“The Secret of the Hell Screen” continues as Miyamoto Usagi and Inspector Ishida continue to investigate the odd deaths surrounding the bizarre piece of art that even the son of its creator believes is cursed and needs to be destroyed. No closer to answers, Usagi’s dreams begin to make the rabbit ronin wonder if there isn’t some truth to the curse of the Hell Screen. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $3.99]

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Usagi Yojimbo #155

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Usagi Yojimbo #155Rain-soaked and road-weary, Usagi arrives at the Temple of the Golden Buddha (home to a most unusual piece of art depicting the nature of Hell). At first turned away by a over-zealous guard, Usagi refuses to leave which leads to a reunion with his old friend Inspector Ishida who has arrived to investigate a murder an decide the fate of the temple. With factions wanting both the temple to remain open or to be closed, and the victim killed in a manner Ishida can’t identify, the inspector asks for Usagi’s help on the case.

The first multi-issue arc in several months doesn’t disappoint at it establishes a mystery to solve which is only deepened by the legend of the Hell Screen and a second death following soon upon the heels of the first. It appears Usagi and Ishida have their hands full.

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Usagi Yojimbo #154

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Usagi Yojimbo #154Following a chance encounter, Miyamoto Usagi chooses to join Yamaguchi Kyosai on what should be an easy assignment to escort a merchant to trade negotiations. Well… easy until Usagi learns that the merchant fears an attack from Lord Hikiji. Of course he’s right to be be concerned as the hired guns are quickly dispensed with in a surprise attack by Komori Ninja.

The main story ties into the comic’s prologue, taking place three months prior to Usagi’s escort duty, when a weary rabbit ronin (still healing from a broken arm) rescues an injured Komori Ninja in a storm. When Kazehime turns out to be one of the ninja attacking the convoy the issue raises questions about debts and honor as neither the ninja nor the samurai is willing to back down from the battle.

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Usagi Yojimbo #153

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Usagi Yojimbo #153Tying into the story of the previous issue, Usagi Yojimbo #153 picks up events during the storm and shows us what became of a certain rabbit ronin while the villagers where finishing saving their homes from the flood. After witnessing one of the men killed by a Kappa, Miyamoto Usagi goes after the creature to exact some manner of justice. Instead of the bloodthirsty water spirit, our hero finds a frightened Kappa female and her young son who, along with the villagers, have been put in danger by a new wild Kappa who has come to the shores of the river.

Vowing to put an end to the matter, Usagi actually doesn’t fair well against the Kappa. If not for both the timely intervention of his new friend and her healing touch things could have turned out far worse for our hero in the caves under the earth. (This issue is a rarity in which we see Usagi lose what appears to be a fair fight, and lose it badly).

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