Usagi Yojimbo DojoBoard

Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 17 : Duel at Kitanoji Limited Edition <-- Wow!

"Nothing comes easy for rabbit ronin Usagi, not even being a spectator at the planned duel between his former teacher Katsuichi and Katsuichi's rival Nakamura Koji. Before the duel even begins, Usagi becomes embroiled in a dispute between Koji and a local fencing school. Along the way, Usagi discovers a devastating secret -- a weakness in Koji's style. It's a secret that could save his teacher's life, but at the cost of his own honor. This 17th volume of Usagi Yojimbo collects issues #43-60, including the entire "Duel at Kitanoji" story, and a handful of other great shorts. And, as a special treat for our longtime fans, this collection features--for the first time!--preliminary sketches and designs by Sakai."- Discription

Ok- I only have just two Comics I have one of the Issues from the 60's * $3 kind*

I really like the Lion, Katsuichi- He is so bad BADWORD- But.......Could someone fill me in on this of his past? I mean not whats going on in the comic, but like- How did Usagi and Katsuichi meet, and whats his role to the Nakamura Koji?- Stuped Question yes- but- hey- ^^* Sorry....Please dont beat me up LoL

Ohh yea! the Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 17 : Duel at Kitanoji Limited Edition- Runs for like almost $50! >.<

"I really like the Lion, Katsuichi- He is so bad BADWORD- But.......Could someone fill me in on this of his past? I mean not whats going on in the comic, but like- How did Usagi and Katsuichi meet, and whats his role to the Nakamura Koji?"

The meeting of Usagi and his sensei, Katsuichi, occurs in Usagi Yojimbo Book 2. It's part of the "Samurai" storyline, in which Usagi narrates in flashback to Gen how he was trained as a samurai, how he came into the service of Lord Mifune, and how he became masterless. The early chapters are all about Katsuichi and Usagi. These are the first issues of Usagi Yojimbo Volume One, published by Fantagraphics books. It's hard to describe it all in detail, as Usagi's encounters with Katsuichi are pretty much the entire narrative of those early stories.

In Usagi Book 5, still Fantagraphics, we see in the "Circles" storyline how Usagi believed his teacher dead but then found him to be very much alive. At the end of "Circles" Usagi suggests to Jotaro that he seek out Katsuichi when he comes of age to begin his samurai training.

Nakamura Koji first appears in Usagi's Dark Horse run, and can be found in the graphic novel "Seasons." His story is the first in the "Seasons" volume, and here we learn that in his youth Koji was defeated in three duels with Katsuichi, as Koji was on the way to becoming Hikiji's personal sword instructor. Koji has been wandering since, honing his skills in preparation for a final duel with Katsuichi. In "Seasons" Koji duels Usagi and then demands that Usagi send a letter to Katsuichi challenging Katsuichi to a duel with Koji. "Duel at Kitanoji" is the climax of this storyline, though on the way to that climax are both "Grasscutter" storylines, and all of "Grey Shadows" and "The Shrouded Moon." Though the "Duel" hardcover is really expensive, I ordered the paperback for just 11.87 off of amazon. An incredible deal!

It occured to me last night that I was wrong about one detail. The "Circles" storyline occurs in Book Six, not Book Five. Book Five introduced the Komori ninja and the Lone Goat and Kid storylines. Book Six is a bunch of unconnected stories that culminates in the "Circles" story arc. A beautiful book, the last pages of it are so emotional.

Ohhhhhhhhh ok, I see now ^^* - yea I dont have any of the early books yet. so thats why I asked. - But thats all gray!- CooL! thanks for the info!- I apritiate it bunches!