Usagi Yojimbo Color specials (Fantagraphics)

[Spot the Tokage]

I have several questions regarding the color special comics:

Were they collected? (I know the "Green Persimmon" issue was collected in book 11 and translated back to B&W, but what about the others?

Why do there seem to be 2 versions of issue #1?

Usagi Yojimbo Color Special (volume 1)
Nov/1989 issue # 1 Tomoe’s Story
Nov/1989 issue # 1 Village of Fear
Sep/1991 issue # 2 The Doors
Sep/1992 issue # 3 Fox Fire

And how many issues are there in the Color Specials series?

[estee]

There isn't...Issue one has two stories in it.

[shaxper]

The stories from the first three color specials, though published a long while ago, take place (I believe) right after The Treasure of the Mother of Mountains, which has yet to be reprinted in a tpb. I assume the color special stories will be reprinted in order when that volume is released.

[Steve Hubbell]

I have several questions regarding the color special comics:

Were they collected? (I know the "Green Persimmon" issue was collected in book 11 and translated back to B&W, but what about the others?

"Village of Fear" was also reprinted, it is in UY Book 1: Ronin.

Stan has comment several times that "Tomoe's Story", "The Doors", and "Fox Fire" will all be collected (finally) in the upcoming Usagi Yojimbo Book 22: Tomoe's Story, to be released in 2008 (if I remember correctly).

Why do there seem to be 2 versions of issue #1?

Usagi Yojimbo Color Special (volume 1)
Nov/1989 issue # 1 Tomoe’s Story
Nov/1989 issue # 1 Village of Fear
Sep/1991 issue # 2 The Doors
Sep/1992 issue # 3 Fox Fire

"Village of Fear" was the first Usagi story ever printed in color, originally appearing in Doomsday Squad volume 2, issue #3. It was reprinted in the first UY Color Special from Fantagraphics, along with the all new "Tomoe's Story".

Each of the color specials contained multiple stories, issue #1 was the only one to contain two stories featuring Usagi Yojimbo. The list justs provides issue number and date for each seperate story.

There were also stories included in the color specials (but not on the list) which featured Nilson Groundthumper and Hermy, as well as a Space Usagi story.

There was, however, two versions of the UY Color Special #1 produced. I forget the actual reason behind it, but there was a quantity of them which had a cover printed on a heavier stock of paper, similiar to the cover of a trade paperback. The editorial content on the inside of the front cover was different but the cover art and the story contents of the issue was the same.

And how many issues are there in the Color Specials series?

There were three color specials from Fantagraphics and one from Dark Horse.

There were two watercolor stories also produced over the years. The first one was "Return to Adachigahara" and was included in the s/n limited edition hardcover of Usagi Yojimbo Book 4: Dragon Bellow Conspiracy from Fantagraphics. The second one was "The Guardian" which appeared in the Trilogy Tour II comic released by Cartoon Books (home of Jeff Smith's Bone series).

Both stories have finally been reprinted, in full beautiful watercolor glory, in the 20th Anniversary Art of Usagi Yojimbo coffee table book.

Abayo.....

[Stan Sakai]

There was, however, two versions of the UY Color Special #1 produced. I forget the actual reason behind it, but there was a quantity of them which had a cover printed on a heavier stock of paper, similiar to the cover of a trade paperback. The editorial content on the inside of the front cover was different but the cover art and the story contents of the issue was the same.

The printer had underprinted the cover to UY Color Sp #1, but all the initial preorders were covered. They had printed the full quantity of interior pages that Fantagaphics ordered. So, basicially Fantagraphics was stuck with about 2,000 coverless comics.

However, to make up for it, the printer printed the remaining covers on a heavier cover stock, and it became the "special edition". The inside back cover was also left blank. If you bring this to me at a con or signing, I will do a drawing on this blank page.

[Mayhem]

I knew about the thickness difference, but not any other details. I'll go check mine to see which one I have. Maybe if it's the latter, I'll bring mine for a sketch at San Diego then Stan

[Stan Sakai]

I knew about the thickness difference, but not any other details. I'll go check mine to see which one I have. Maybe if it's the latter, I'll bring mine for a sketch at San Diego then Stan

It also is printed "Special Edition" on the cover, and the cover price is a little higher--$3.50 rather than $2.95, I think.

[Mayhem]

Oh right... you know I've seen a pic of it in the past and wondered why on earth one version had "special edition" on the front, and the other did not. Well I guess that answers that then! I think I've got the "ordinary" version but I'll go check anyhow.

[Todd Shogun]

Speaking of Usagi Yojimbo Book 22: Tomoe's Story, Stan: will you be revisiting the original artwork for touch-up work (filling in with blacks where needed) since the three UY Color Special stories will not be presented in color?

[go]

Dear Readers,
Perhaps the stories will be reprinted in color for the Limited signed edition ?
Best wishes to all!
go

[Stan Sakai]

I will be touching up the art to spot in blacks, but also to alter the characters' profiles. Usagi and Tomoe have grown a little "bump" for a nose since then.

I doubt the stories will be reprinted in color, even for the hardcover edition.

[Todd Shogun]

but also to alter the characters' profiles. Usagi and Tomoe have grown a little "bump" for a nose since then.

Sweet! That'll make the color specials truly unique in that they'll most likely never be reprinted in their original forms. And the transition to Tomoe's Story, The Doors, and Foxfire will be smoother since the artwork will be made similar to your prevailing style... can't wait to see it!!

PS: how far will you go, I wonder....? I mean, what about Tomoe's hair? It was quite different back then...

[Todd Shogun]

You should also check out Gallacci's other work in Fusion if you can...awesome stuff. He had another book out, Zell: Sworddancer, set in a human universe, that was neat.

[Mayhem]

I will be touching up the art to spot in blacks, but also to alter the characters' profiles. Usagi and Tomoe have grown a little "bump" for a nose since then.

As I was looking through my issues for something else, I remembered to look at my Color Special #1 to see if it was regular or one of those with the later cover. In the end it's the former.

However, just flicking it through it... I take it panel 2 on page 5 will be updated?

(for those without it, Usagi states "I am one of just three to whom he [Katasuichi] taught this new style". Of course now we know the answer is... well if you include everyone, then six.)