When I was 7 years old my sister had a friend over one day when she was watching me. I thought he was the coolest guy I ever met. Probably because, like me, he loved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. One day he asked me if I knew about Usagi Yojimbo. I was 7…so that was a big no. Nick told me about the Samurai Rabbit and how he had teamed up with the Turtles a time or two. I was captivated. My sister, Nick and I went down to the local Hooks Drug Store and we saw the TMNT action figure of Usagi Yojimbo hanging on one of the pegs. Nick bought me that toy. It’s been 30 years since I’ve seen Nick…but I STILL have the Usagi figure. I’ve been a fan ever since.
Stan Sakai has been writing and illustrating Usagi Yojimbo for over three decades. The series was first introduced in 1984, and Stan Sakai has continued to create new stories featuring the adventures of Miyamoto Usagi, the rabbit samurai, for many years. Since the series’ inception, he has consistently maintained a high level of quality and dedication to his craft, earning him a well-deserved reputation as one of the most respected and enduring creators in the comic book industry.
The fact that Stan Saki is still telling this amazing story all these years later is incredible. Usagi Yojimbo: Ice and Snow #1 follows in the tradition of Sakai’s previous works, as it continues a compelling blend of historical accuracy, captivating storytelling, and beautifully detailed artwork. Fans of the series have come to expect thoughtful character development, moral dilemmas, and action-packed sequences in each issue. Sakai’s dedication to his craft and his rich storytelling make this addition to the Usagi Yojimbo universe worth exploring for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. In this haunting story, the evil demon, Jei (who still creeps me out) is building a new army and haunting Usagi and his friends.
This one had me on the edge of my seat. 9 out of 10 Krackles!