Usagi Color Special

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.

Moderators: Mayhem, Steve Hubbell, Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
CrimzDaReaper
Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
Posts: 57
Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2013 8:08 -0700

Usagi Color Special

Post by CrimzDaReaper »

Hey as some of you guys may know, I'm not that far in the Usagi books. I'm still only up to volume 13 (taking my time and savoring it with much rereading MWUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA). I noticed the mini series called usagi color special and I understand that it's reprinted in tomoe's story according to my knowledge? What's it about? Are there color pages?
User avatar
Steve Hubbell
Taisho
Posts: 6052
Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2002 15:25 -0700
Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Re: Usagi Color Special

Post by Steve Hubbell »

CrimzDaReaper wrote:Hey as some of you guys may know, I'm not that far in the Usagi books. I'm still only up to volume 13 (taking my time and savoring it with much rereading MWUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA). I noticed the mini series called usagi color special and I understand that it's reprinted in tomoe's story according to my knowledge? What's it about? Are there color pages?
None of the Usagi Yojimbo stories originally published in color have been reprinted in the trade paperbacks / ltd ed hardcovers in color - they were all reprinted as b/w (with the artwork touched up to compensate for the lack of color), except the two stories Stan did in watercolor (Return to Adachigahara and The Guardian) which were reprinted in the Art of Usagi Yojimbo coffee table book.

The story "Village of Fear" which was first published in Doomsday Squad #3 (Oct/1986), then reprinted in Usagi Yojimbo Color Special #1, was included (in b/w) in Usagi Yojimbo Book 1: Ronin.

"Tomoe's Story" was published originally in Usagi Yojimbo Color Special #1 (Nov/1989), then a redrawn and revised version of the same story was published in b/w in Usagi Yojimbo Book 22 Tomoe's Story. (Stan was unable to find the original artwork which necessitated the redrawing of the story)

"The Doors" and "Fox Fire" were originally published in Color Special #2 (Sep/1991) and Color Special #3 (Sep/1992), respectively. Both stories were also reprinted in Usagi Book 22 after the artwork was touched up to compensate for the change to b/w.

Usagi Yojimbo Color Special #4 (Green Persimmon) was published by Dark Horse after the story was initially serialized in Diamond Comic Distributor's Preview catalog in 2 page installments over the course of twelve months (Sept/1996 - Aug/1997). The story was reprinted in b/w in Usagi Yojimbo Book 11: Seasons.

Also included in the first three color specials from Fantagraphics were three Nilson Groundthumper & Hermy stories (one per issue) and the only Space Usagi story to be published by Fantagraphics (in the third color special).
User avatar
coolray85
Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
Posts: 800
Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2009 15:49 -0700
Location: munich

Re: Usagi Color Special

Post by coolray85 »

wow, impressive!I always learn something new here, i ddnt know that tomoe's story was a color story originally!
since you are relativelly new to usagi CrimzDaReaper you may check out the uy graphic novel 'yokai' which celebrated 25 years of usagi with its release..this story is all in color and hasn't been reprinted so far(doubt we'll ever see a b&w version of this story, too)

have fun with usagi!;)
Angilasman
Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
Posts: 235
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:28 -0700

Re: Usagi Color Special

Post by Angilasman »

I should probably get the first Color Special for the original version of 'Tomoe's Story'...
User avatar
Steve Hubbell
Taisho
Posts: 6052
Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2002 15:25 -0700
Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Re: Usagi Color Special

Post by Steve Hubbell »

Angilasman wrote:I should probably get the first Color Special for the original version of 'Tomoe's Story'...
I think ALL the Usagi Yojimbo Color Specials are worth getting because of the awesome color work which Tom Luth did on them. The uncollected Nilson & Hermy stories are also great reasons for getting them as well.
User avatar
Maka
Daimyo <High-Ranking Lord>
Posts: 3498
Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2003 20:10 -0700
Location: California

Re: Usagi Color Special

Post by Maka »

Maybe it should be mentioned that the entire run of the Mirage (UY Vol. 2) was in color. Reprints are in black & white, but if you track down the originals, you can enjoy Usagi in Tom Luth's colors. Peace, maka
Angilasman
Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
Posts: 235
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:28 -0700

Re: Usagi Color Special

Post by Angilasman »

I feel like one day I'll have collected every Usagi single issue. Just give me a decade or two.
User avatar
CrimzDaReaper
Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
Posts: 57
Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2013 8:08 -0700

Re: Usagi Color Special

Post by CrimzDaReaper »

wait so the Color Special single comics are in Color? Ooooo

And I do have Yokai! I love it, hence my love for Sasuke!
User avatar
Mayhem
Daimyo <High-Ranking Lord>
Posts: 2955
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2002 3:54 -0700
Location: London, England

Re: Usagi Color Special

Post by Mayhem »

Well, the clue is in the title "Color Special" :wink:

But yes, the original release issues are the only way to see them in color, the collected trades are in b/w.
With a breeze comes a storm, but then you'll all be washed away...
User avatar
CrimzDaReaper
Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
Posts: 57
Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2013 8:08 -0700

Re: Usagi Color Special

Post by CrimzDaReaper »

Cool I just scooped them up along with Mirage issues 1 & 2!
Post Reply