Issue #74 Out! Cool! Some Spoilers-Read it then come chat!

[Akahige]

"Hokashi" Part I: Good comedy with the blustering ronin at the beginning ("Have you been eating fish?") har har. Liked Usagi's reaction a lot "There is nothing that I can teach you." Great way of subtilly insulting someone! So, Shunji and Katsuichi-sensei had some adventures, too. It'd be terrific to get a peek at them someday. The hokashi troupe is intriguing, very talented. It appears Kaze recognizes Usagi from somewhere. Cool sword technique with the peach! Very touching couple of panels as Usagi and Jotaro realize that they'll soon have to say goodbye. My take on the situation? The troupe is a band of asassins, like the one Usagi encountered back in "Shi". I'll bet that they're members of the Koroshi guild. We'll see next month...

[Tounian]

Just got the new issue today. When I first started reading this story, I thought that travelling group was the same bunch of assasins from the 4th or 5th mirage issue. Their names escape me now. Anyway, I am glad that this is part one of a bigger story. The one shots can be cool, to see a side of stuff we don't normally see, but I miss the story arcs that continue over a year's worth of issues. So, Stan, how long is this story going to go?

[Stan Sakai]

So, Stan, how long is this story going to go?

This story, and the entire Father & Son storyline, concludes next issue. So that means Usagi must decide whether or not to reveal his true relationship to Jotaro.

Starting from UY 76, we'll go to short stories many of which will feature secondary characters such as Inspector Ishida, Gen, Stray Dog, Inazuma, and Sanshobo.

[Tounian]

I'm sure we'll all be on the edge of our seats waiting to see what Usagi's decision is. I myself am VERY excited that Sanshobo is returning. He is one of my favorite Usagi characters. I really hope this wont be the last time we see him. Out of curiousity, Stan, do you enjoy creating new characters, or re-visiting old favorites more?

[Stan Sakai]

Stan, do you enjoy creating new characters, or re-visiting old favorites more?

Actually, both. I just sent in issue 77 which features Inspector Ishida in a solo story, and I had to create a new villain, Nezumi. I enjoyed revisiting the good inspector, but I had fun with Nezumi and would like to do more with him.

Nezumi was inspired by a 19th century thief named Nezumi-Kozo who, if you believe popular fiction, was the Robin Hood of Japan.

[Shugoyasha Jubei]

Shweeeeeeeet!! i like Ishida, about him though, DID he know it was usagi who killed Lord Tofoyuku?

[Gaffey]

I just sent in issue 77 which features Inspector Ishida in a solo story, and I had to create a new villain, Nezumi.

Usagi Yojimbo #77

[Robert Wetherelt]

Yo'; It will be nice to see Stray Dog & Gen again. Cool!Keep'em coming Sakai-sensei!!! Ja mata...Abayo!