Usagi Yojimbo DojoBoard

Continuing with the images I colored for the Dojo I present the Dark Lord...Lord Hikiji!



Lord Hikiji's Fortress was a part of the original Dojo and Todd wanted it to have it's own look in the new Dojo, but we needed an image. What better one that the single image in the comics where he made an appearance? However there was two major problems, one was his shoulder where Hebi was located so I had to digitally add that...and then since his right sleeve was on the edge of the panel I had to flip it to the left side to better fit the layout. Fixed right?

WRONG! I forgot that having your kimono right over left was a sign you were among the dead...whoops and thank you Stan for pointing this out, so more tweeking and it's the right way around on the final layout...but it's the wrong way on the image above since this was the final image before I added it to the master layout.

Among the dead? Ewww.... So, I guess if this guy had that kimono and a bowl of rice with chop-sticks standing up in it, he'd be in pretty bad shape, huh?

I wonder though, this "for the dead" or "among the dead" description, does it have any kind of western equivalent? I've heard it translated as a "bad luck" sign. But it seems a bit more severe than that. Is it... maybe more like the "black spot" of pirate lore? It doesn't sound nice whatever it is^^;

All that aside, it's another great coloring job! Your touch-ups blend well too^_^

I don't know the exact details, it was Stan who pointed out the error afterall maybe he could pop in and explain better.

But going from my own kimono I DO know there is only one way to close the front so it doesn't look wierd. Some women's kimono have a pattern along the hem that is heavier on one side but nothing is on the other...ergo the side with the pattern goes on top.

And yes I am quite proud at how well the digitial tweeks came out...especially the Kimono part That took much cutting, and pasteing...and maybe a bit of swearing LOL!

Oh wow! He reminds me of the one series I watch on Cartoon Network, Samurai Jack.