USAGI YOJIMBO Volume 3, Number 27

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[The story notes have been copied to the story - P. Dark]

Dear Mr. Sakai,

We are using Usagi Yojimbo [Vol. 3] #13 and #14 as some of our reading material in Japanese History at Portland State University. I noticed in Usagi Yojimbo #13, in the prologue of Izanagi and Izanami, when Izanagi returns from Yomi he bathes in a ritual act of purification, creating several kami in the process. When he washes his right eye, Amaterasu is born. However, in the Nihongi, it is from washing his left eye that Amaterasu is born. Was this shift from the left eye in Nihongi to the right eye in your story inadvertent, or did you have a specific reason for doing so?

David DeTienne
dedetteleport.com

[There are two major references for Japanese prehistory. The Nihongi (Chronicle of Japan, written in 720) and The Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters, 712). At times, as in this case, they contradict each other. I probably chose The Kojiki because it was the more convenient at the time I wrote the page.]

Dear Stan,

I just wanted to write and let you know how much I enjoyed UY [Vol. 3] #24. It's exactly the sort of tale I would recommend as an introduction to someone who has never read Usagi before. I'm particularly pleased you chose "The Demon Flute" in the wake of the epic "Grasscutter" saga. As sweeping as that story arc was, I'm afraid that it was just too involved for newcomers and casual readers to absorb. So, with any luck, issue #24 will serve as an accessible bridge to bring those readers to the fold on a full-time basis.

Gene Popa
tora9aol.com

[I deliberately alternate longer stories such as "Dragon Bellow" or "Circles" with shorter single or double issues. Older readers seem to prefer the more involved epics, while the shorts are great jumping-on points for new readers. Even the shorts have a loose theme tying them together - currently, it's mysteries, in the case of "My Father's Swords," "Hairpin," and the upcoming "Inn at Moon Shadow Hill" - and set the groundwork for the multi-issue stories.

[A big thank-you to friend, Trilogy-mate, and all-around great guy, Mark Crilley, for the wonderful back cover painting. Mark is the creator of the delightful Akiko comics and books. If you aren't already reading his work, shame on you - but there's still hope. Go out and pick up some issues now!]

Fan Art by Mark Crilley

(Click on thumbnail to see full cover art)

Last change: 19. May 2003

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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.