New to Usagi -- Where do I start?

General discussion about Usagi Yojimbo, the comics, the stories, the characters, collectibles, TV appearances, Stan Sakai, Space Usagi, Nilson & Hermy, and all other related topics.

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dlobro1080
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New to Usagi -- Where do I start?

Post by dlobro1080 »

Hi all,

I want to start reading Usagi Yojimbo, but can't really invest in all 20 TPB volumes or however many there are. Aside from getting Volume 1, what are the best or essential Usagi TPB's I should get?

Thanks,
Dan
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Todd Shogun
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Post by Todd Shogun »

Welcome aboard! I would say start off with Books 1-4. That is what I consider essential reading for the new reader. You may also want to pick up the Grasscutter TPB.
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tayocham
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Post by tayocham »

I also reccomend #6, my personal fav.

Vilkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome!
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Thomas Froehling
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Post by Thomas Froehling »

Todd Shogun wrote:Welcome aboard! I would say start off with Books 1-4. That is what I consider essential reading for the new reader. You may also want to pick up the Grasscutter TPB.
Hello,
I agree with Todd, althought I would prefer to read the TPBs chronologically; and, keep in mind "Grasscutter" is a story which occupies two complete TPB, with another two TPBs to cover Usagi's wanderings and adventures in between...but these four TPBs would make a perfect X-mas present (hint, hint) :wink:

Btw, welcome to this forum; I hope you enjoy being here as much as exploring mediaevel Japan following our beloved long-eared ronin (I know you will...)
Greetings from overseas
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* Everybody is an alien.... in almost all parts of the universe !*
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dlobro1080
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Post by dlobro1080 »

Thanks everyone! I remember having a Usagi Yojimbo toy from the Ninja Turtles line when I was a kid. How did he ever get involved with the Turtles?
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sschroeder
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Post by sschroeder »

I've seen Stan Sakai point to vol. 2 as the most essential, as it contains Usagi's origin. That is the only one of the first ten volumes that I have read so far.
Chow
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Kia Ora from New Zealand!!

Post by Chow »

Greetings all, I'm not new to the world of the lone rabbit but have been a fan of Stan's work since the first volume came out in the late 80's (volume 1-4). And since then have spent a small fortune and many years trying to get my paws on either the collection/comics that hit my fare shores, and enjoying every moment of it.

So it was one sunny day that I paid a visit to my local library and found one collection that I never had (volume 20), and in the inside cover I found this web site, and I never knew that a place like this existed!! But thanks to one and all for giving me the chance to read and talk to others that found the little rabbit with the funny stare, to remember of what life may of been like in Japan.

Thanks all and may we meet as friends, or I'll have to smake you in the head with my Tiaha (spear).

Haere ra
Chow :wink:
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Thomas Froehling
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Re: Kia Ora from New Zealand!!

Post by Thomas Froehling »

Welcome to the Dojo, Chow,
Chow wrote:
So it was one sunny day that I paid a visit to my local library and found one collection that I never had (volume 20),...
Whow, Usagi has made it into a library there! :shock:
There are very few comics in libraries here in Germany, and mostly Asterix or other "old-school-educational" comics; :oops:

Chow wrote: Thanks all and may we meet as friends, or I'll have to smake you in the head with my Tiaha (spear).

Haere ra
Chow :wink:
Are you Māori ?? Not that it matters much, we're all human.... I'm just curious..
Greetings from overseas
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Mo-Chan
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Post by Mo-Chan »

Welcome to the both of you!

Sheesh...where have I been?? :shock:
Mo-Chan: *types on her Manga, smirks and starts to IM*
Raph-Muse: *WHAP!!!!* Stay focused, Mo-Chan.
Mo-Chan: ...... *works on book*

Sometimes having Raph as a muse has it's drawbacks... XD :lol:
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Feadraug
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Post by Feadraug »

Being away for a -long- while and new people joins. That's good, so welcome aboard!

About where to start with UY... Actually, the best way is from the very beginning, although I began with Grasscutter. Yeah, maybe it isn't the best for beginning with -though it's the best UY story I've read so far-, but even for someone who doesn't have a good knowledge of the UY Universe, it's a good start. But better going with the first stories and following them in a chronological order.

In my opinion, other essential books, aside from Grasscutter, are Samurai and Circles.
"When you choose your path, there's no turn back" - Daigotsu Yaiba
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MikeM
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Post by MikeM »

I personally love the Dragon Bellow Conspiracy.
And Book 3 because it was the first Usagi book I ever picked up.
It was the only Usagi trade my local comic shop had and I picked it up one day when I was looking to spend some extra cash. After reading it I immediately went in and put Usagi on my pull list. My first actual issue was the first issue of Grasscutter II story arc. The prelude I believe. The one issue that didn't have Usagi in it lol.

MikeM
dlobro1080
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Post by dlobro1080 »

Checking back in -- I ordered the first 2 trades and have already finished them. Brilliant stuff, I was completely blown away. I especially loved the war scenes in Samarai.
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