I'd certainly LIKE to pick up a boatload of books each month, but even if I had the time to read them all, I certainly don't have the money for everything I'd like to own, particularly given the rediculously rising costs accross the industry. But fortunes have taken a good turn as I've dropped a number of titles in recent months, re-shifted my comic priorities in some respects, and I think it's high time I get to enjoying these stories again.
I've long been a fan of うさぎようじんぼう, our good 'ol Lagomorphic friend -- ever since I stumbled upon him during an old (well, not "old") TMNT cartoon. It wasn't everyday that you stumbled upon a samurai rabbit that could kick rump and take names, and Usagi had that quiet honor that I respect so much in a number of different people & characters -- I even made it a point to track down the action figure...which I counted as one of my favorites while I owned it (where these things have since gone, I'll never know).
Anyhow, where the comics are concerned, I've eyed them on numerous occassions over the years, and I've picked up the random issue and collection while having to settle for viewing the bulk of Sakai's fantastic artwork from afar -- until I could do better -- and now I think it's high time I gave the book an honest shot it has long deserved and I can't think of a better time to jump in given the 100-issue anniversary at Dark Horse (though that's only the tip of the barrell of what Stan has done, I know). I do own Usagi's introductory storyline in TPB form, so now perhaps it's time to start going forward with issue #100 (perhaps in TPB form) while working on the collections from the beginning.
As for what I think of Stan's artistic and storytelling ability -- I imagine at some point that he'll take his rightful place amongst some of the most revered & talented comic creators that there really ever were. And I'm not trying to engage in hyperbole, I think that's just about the truth.
Here's to another 100 (+) issues!
And I hope to be reading 'em!
Do issues of Usagi Yojimbo published in Texas count as a thirteenth foreign language which Usagi has been translated into? 
