Usagi Yojimbo DojoBoard

I recently picked up the Art of Usagi Yojimbo, and was amazed to see several examples of a drawing Mr. Sakai had done-- twice! He had replicated an image. Even more amazing, the book notes that Mr. Sakai always does this when he wants to reuse a picture. Now, this may not seem like such a big feat, but the real trick here is that Sakai-sensei didn't lose any of the original energy or emotion in the redrawing. I was astounded! I can't even ink a piece without losing a very large portion of the original energy that it has. If I may ask, how does Sakai-sensei do that? If you have the time, Sakai-sensei, or if anyone else has an idea (I know Mr. Sakai is very busy, so...) I would really like to know how this is done since I think it would help my drawing and inking skills.
Oh yeah-- sorry I've been away so long. I've been very busy and haven't been on the internet much lately. Glad to be back, though.
Thanks everyone,

Logan Myrddin

I sometimes redo a drawing for a cover--most notably UY # 39, the first issue of Grasscutter 2. In the first version, I had Usagi astride the giant snake but in the published version it was Yamato-Dake on the snake. Everything else was the same. I think Dave Gravatt bought the unused original. Many of my convention drawings have also been redrawn with much more detail, and turned into covers. One example is the scarecrow cover from the early 30's (issue number, that is).

I can't explain the high level of energy and emotion in the redrawn image, except to say that it is probably because of experience and technique. I have been doing this for more than twenty years, and so I'm well acquainted with how to use my pen.

Welcome back, Logan.