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USAGI YOJIMBO LETTERS COLUMN
Send comments to: Usagi Yojimbo ~ Letters Column c/o Dark Horse Comics
10956 S.E. Main Street, Milwaukie, OR 97222
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UsagiYojimbo
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To: Stan Sakai
I was fan of Usagi Yojimbo when I first saw him on the old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series when I was a kid. I was disappointed that he didn’t appear in more episodes until I discovered that Usagi had his own comic book, and a great one at that. I frantically collected all the books I could get my hands on, each one a treat to read over and over. I even caught a glimpse of a Usagi comic book in an episode of Angel. I have one question that I am curious about: how did Stan become such good friends with the creators of TMNT?
Greg Cox
gcox99@hotmail.com
Usagi and the Turtles were first published at about the same time. In fact, 2004 marks the 20th anniversary for both series. Black-and-white comics are fairly common now, but this was not the case in 1984. There were only a handful of these comics, so naturally we supported each other. I got to know Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman, founders of Mirage Studios and creators of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and when their TV series took off, they invited Usagi to become part of their world. Usagi appeared in two episodes of their animated series, and as an action figure in their toy line. He also was featured in a few stories in their comic books. And don’t forget that Mirage published the first Space Usagi miniseries, as well as 16 issues of a color Usagi Yojimbo series (reprinted sans color in UY: Books 8 and 9).
Since we’re on the subject, now would be a good time to announce that Usagi will guest star in a four-part story arc of the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series on Fox. “The Big Brawl” will air at the end of this season. Don’t expect it to fit in with the Usagi comic’s continuity, though. It will feature some wild aliens and wilder action. Our favorite bounty hunter Gen will also be in it. Also, be on the lookout for a new Usagi action figure from Playmate Toys. I was in Massachusetts in November discussing future plans with Peter and filming an interview for the eventual DVD release of the crossover. The high point of the trip, though was riding Segways with Peter (see back cover)!
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Hello, Mr. Sakai!
I have been enjoying your Usagi Yojmbo comic stories for many years, but I was especially impressed with the story “Bells” (issue #71) this month. After reading this interesting tale, I am beginning to appreciate the value of the legendary iron discipline and devotion to honor of the true Samurai tradition. When you have fools like Toji-san running around with lethal weapons, the results are bound to be tragic to everyone around him. Katsuichi is such an honest and honorable person, and behaves correctly in every situation, that he cannot be ensnared by those who would do evil. It reminds me of the American saying: “You cannot cheat an honest man.”
Judging by the many examples in your stories, a sensei must not only have the outstanding fighting skills and physical courage to be the founder of a school, he must also have the superior wisdom, discipline, and moral courage to be a leader. Usagi could not have had a better sensei.
I was quite surprised that someone in your letters column would equate Inspector Ishida with Inspector Clouseau. No comparison! While I thoroughly enjoy both characters, Ishida has a great deal of steel within him. Though Ishida’s actions are constrained by law and tradition, it takes a great deal of skill and courage to stop a katana with a jitte, and he is an intelligent and conscientious police investigator and public servant. Inspector Ishida has no technology to aid him - only a limited working knowledge of contemporary weapons and poisons, and his own good logic, to do a very difficult job. Despite his age, he also has a good sense of humor and an openness of mind that is very refreshing.
Thank you for another classic story, and I look forward to the future adventures of your remarkable characters!
Bruce Mickelson
185 Union Ave. #48
Campbell, CA 95008
P.S. I loved the back cover advertisement of issue #71!
Much of the inspiration for Inspector Ishida came from Chang Apana, a legendary Honolulu cop who carried a bullwhip (watch out, Indiana Jones). Chang was also the inspiration for Charlie Chan.
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Usagi Yojimbo, including all prominent characters featured in the stories and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Stan Sakai and Usagi Studios. Usagi Yojimbo is a registered trademark of Stan Sakai. Names, characters, places, and incidents featured in this publication either are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons (living or dead), events, institutions, or locales, without satiric content, is coincidental.