Just read the first Usagi trade...WOW!

Space Wolf · Post by **Space Wolf** » Wed May 30, 2007 18:57 -0700

So, I finally read the first trade of Usagi Yojimbo. And all I can say is...WOW!

I first heard of Usagi back during the TMNT cartoon but could never find an issue of the comic since the local shops by me don't carry it. It wouldn't be until years later, wheny I began to develop an interest in all things Japanese, that I remembered the Ronin Rabbit. I soon found this site and began to read everything I could about Usagi, and when issue 100 came out, bought that, as well as a few issues before it. Those were the first Usagi comics I ever read.

Here's the thing though, even before I read the comic, I loved the character. Reading about how Stan researched so much for his stories, and seeing his beautiful art, just made me appreciate the book, even before I got a chance to experience it.

I planned on buying all 20 trades off of amazon a while go and do one massive reading, only my finances wouldn't allow it. So, I waited, and found the first two issues recently at my local comic shop. I sprang at the chance to buy them.

And now, here I am, completely blown away by the first trade. What can I say that hasn't already been said? I can rave about the art and writing, about how it is one of the best comics out there on the stand, and it would all be true! I will say this though, tomorrow I start trade 2, and I just ordered trades 3-5 off of Borders.com thanks to the gift card my brother got me for my birthday. I also just ordered issues 101-103 since I hadn't had a chance to get those yet.

So, all I can say is WOW! I am completely in love with this comic and characters, the writing, the art style. WOW! I can't wait to read the rest of the trades, thank GOd Christmas is only 7 months away!

I just had to share this with the rest of you. I read on here that you might be planning a War of the Worlds cross over, Stan. Man, I do hope that comes soon!

Thanks for a great book!

shaxper · Post by **shaxper** » Wed May 30, 2007 19:38 -0700

Welcome to the Dojo, as well as to the world of Usagi, Space Wolf!

All I can say is that, if you loved the first trade, then the rest is going to rock your world. It only gets better from here!

Space Wolf · Post by **Space Wolf** » Thu May 31, 2007 14:26 -0700

I just started to read trade 2 today and already I am loving it. I'm enjoying the back story on how Usagi became a Samurai, and I love the character Gen.

MikeM · Post by **MikeM** » Thu May 31, 2007 14:33 -0700

Volume 3 was the very first Usagi comic I ever read.
I was at the comic shop one day talking to the folks there when I decided quite out of the blue that I wanted to start collecting Usagi Yojimbo. I asked the owner if he had any issues. He didn't but thought he had a trade in the basement. He ran downstairs and he did indeed have volume 3. I bought and loved it. I even got my volume 3 trade signed by Stan Sakai at the Motor City Comic Con.

MikeM - Who thinks he has told that story a lot.

Space Wolf · Post by **Space Wolf** » Thu May 31, 2007 16:54 -0700

Great story MikeM. It's always interesting to hear how others found and grew to love Usagi, or any interest one might have. I'm hoping trades 3-5 arrive soon. I'm about half way finished with book 2 right now and would really like to continue reading the series.

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Thu May 31, 2007 17:06 -0700

Wait till you reach Book 10. That's when things start to get really interesting...

Space Wolf · Post by **Space Wolf** » Thu May 31, 2007 17:57 -0700

Now you have me wondering what happens, Ben.

Just read the Kappa story. Loved it, a great ghost story!

Icthyo_Abe · Post by **Icthyo_Abe** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 12:20 -0700

It was my first Usagi book as well. I loved it!

Space Wolf · Post by **Space Wolf** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 14:13 -0700

This past weekend I finished the second trade and today via UPS trades 3-5 came! I got some great reading ahead of me this week.

matthewapple · Post by **matthewapple** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:47 -0700

I started reading Usagi recently too. I started with the first trade before moving on to the second and I really love it. I enjoy the focus on Japanese culture and I really enjoy the honor and integrity of Usagi. Of course, all the other characters are really interesting too. I am hoping to pick up trades 3-7 at Comic-Con. Thanks for listening!

Space Wolf · Post by **Space Wolf** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 14:01 -0700

Hi Matthew.

I just finished trade 13 last night. I've been reading them one after the other now, finishing one one night and starting the next right away. It really feels like you are on the journey with Usagi that way. I bought all of them just recently and next week my buddy is going to Comic Con and I'll have him get me trade 21 as well as the Space Usagi trades if they are there.

Keep reading, some great stories are waiting for you!

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 15:33 -0700

Space Wolf wrote: my buddy is going to Comic Con and I'll have him get me trade 21 as well as the Space Usagi trades if they are there.

I will have both books there.

Space Wolf · Post by **Space Wolf** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 16:52 -0700

Great, thank you, Sensei.

I just recently introduced my friend to Usagi. He said he really enjoyed it, so I've ben recommending him to pick up the rest of the series and come along for the journey.