Spreading the Gospel on Amazon

shaxper · Post by **shaxper** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 16:33 -0700

Hey guys,

About a year ago, I began writing comprehensive reviews of the Usagi volumes on Amazon.com so that fans would have a semi-definitive reference to Usagi's 25 year history. I've resumed the project and am nearly done. I'd really like to know what you guys think of these. Naturally, the very nature of the review format means that I'm putting forth a lot of my own subjective opinions about these stories, but hopefully you'll be of like mind or at least see the merits in what I'm saying.

Todd, if you would like to use these reviews in the Dojo comics and storylines database, you are welcome to them. Of course, the subjective opinion aspect of the reviews might not jive with what you're looking for.

If you like what you read, helpful votes are always appreciated. If I've gotten anything wrong or omitted something important, please tell me so here. I'm open to all constructive criticism.

Review of vol. 1
Review of vol. 2
Review of vol. 3
Review of vol. 4
Review of vol. 5
Review of vol. 6
Review of vol. 7
Review of vol. 8
Review of vol. 9
Review of vol. 10
Review of vol. 11
Reviews of vol. 12 and up

"So you'd like to start reading Usagi Yojimbo" guide

shaxper · Post by **shaxper** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 18:23 -0700

17 volumes down, and my brain is mush. The rest will have to wait until tomorrow. Sorry to keep you waiting.

shaxper · Post by **shaxper** » Tue Aug 11, 2009 21:13 -0700

Volumes 18-21 are done. Two more to go. Still disappointed these aren't done yet, but it won't be much longer...

shaxper · Post by **shaxper** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 22:10 -0700

All finished!

For some reason, my reviews for vol. 22 and 23 aren't showing up yet, but they should be visible within 48 hours.

Post by **Todd Shogun** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 10:31 -0700

Hey thanks for doing this Shaxper. You are right in that for Dojo purposes we need synopsis-type overviews as opposed to subjective reviews. But what you are doing benefits UY in ways that the Dojo doesn't necessarily offer (except maybe on the DojoBoard occasionally) -- those subjective reviews on external websites like Amazon that will guide readers in this direction. I myself am an Amazon junkie. I love the site. I use it for a lot of regular and irregular purchases. I even joined Amazon Prime to get my shipments sooner. My point is, the site draws a lot of traffic, carries Usagi, and any reviews we can post on it over there (as long as they are accurate!) will help increase readership and promote what Usagi is all about. Thanks again!!!

shaxper · Post by **shaxper** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 10:25 -0700

It's my absolute pleasure, Todd.

And, if anyone has the time, I'd very much appreciate someone looking over a few of these to tell me if I'm off the mark. It's hard to summarize 25 years of Usagi Yojimbo without getting the suspicious feeling that you may have left out something important.

runnah4life808 · Post by **runnah4life808** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 15:54 -0700

shaxper wrote:It's my absolute pleasure, Todd.

And, if anyone has the time, I'd very much appreciate someone looking over a few of these to tell me if I'm off the mark. It's hard to summarize 25 years of Usagi Yojimbo without getting the suspicious feeling that you may have left out something important.

I think that your reviews are well written and quite excellent for the most part. However, I have to respectfully disagree with your view on vol. 21. I really enjoyed this arc and it stands as one of my favorites.

I believe that there is enough substance to Noriko through her past with Tomoe and the immense amount of jealousy she has for the latter's relationship with their father.

Motokazu was great in this volume and one of the more interesting child characters in the series (especially with the death of General Ikeda). It is hard not to compare him to Jotaro, but I feel that he holds his own very well in this volume.

In the case of Tomoe and Usagi, I don't think that the inclusion of more romantic tension was necessary in this volume for a few reasons. The first being that we were given the biggest development in their relationship to date. Referring of course to the moment they had after the explosion in the gold mine. The second being (as you stated) that a lot more happens in the next volume.

So, yeah. Just my opinion. Overall, excellent reviews shaxper.

shaxper · Post by **shaxper** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 16:08 -0700

runnah4life808 wrote:
I think that your reviews are well written and quite excellent for the most part. However, I have to respectfully disagree with your view on vol. 21. I really enjoyed this arc and it stands as one of my favorites.

That's cool.

I believe that there is enough substance to Noriko through her past with Tomoe and the immense amount of jealousy she has for the latter's relationship with their father.

I can see what you're saying. It just felt generic to me. The evil sibling or cousin who is fueled by jealousy feels like it's been done many times before in many other places. And I really had a hard time stomaching the idea that such jealousy would cause Norko to be as sadistically cruel to others as she was (aside from Tomoe, of course). I just personally didn't buy it.

Motokazu was great in this volume and one of the more interesting child characters in the series (especially with the death of General Ikeda). It is hard not to compare him to Jotaro, but I feel that he holds his own very well in this volume.

I think he has the back-story and potential to be a great character. I just think the timing was wrong. We'd had so many young characters introduced right before this storyline that they were all blurring together for me.

In the case of Tomoe and Usagi, I don't think that the inclusion of more romantic tension was necessary in this volume for a few reasons. The first being that we were given the biggest development in their relationship to date. Referring of course to the moment they had after the explosion in the gold mine. The second being (as you stated) that a lot more happens in the next volume.

I went back and read the explosion scene again after you wrote this. It didn't seem like all that big a moment for me. There's been a romantic tension between them since the beginning, so I didn't see this moment as adding anything to that. It was certainly cute, but I didn't get anything more out of it. I honestly though Tomoe's talk with Usagi in Fathers and Sons was a bigger moment for them. It took their relationship to a deeper level, as does the Teacup ceremony in the next volume.

So, yeah. Just my opinion. Overall, excellent reviews shaxper.

Nothing "just" about it! I really enjoyed hearing your counterpoint, even if I didn't agree with parts of it. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my review and share your thoughts!

Post by **Todd Shogun** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 21:53 -0700

shaxper wrote: I went back and read the explosion scene again after you wrote this. It didn't seem like all that big a moment for me. There's been a romantic tension between them since the beginning, so I didn't see this moment as adding anything to that. It was certainly cute, but I didn't get anything more out of it. I honestly though Tomoe's talk with Usagi in Fathers and Sons was a bigger moment for them. It took their relationship to a deeper level, as does the Teacup ceremony in the next volume.

Have to totally disagree with you on this one Shaxper

That single page made waves with this Usagi/Tomoe fan. So much so that I actually approached Stan about acquiring the original art. I got the art and it stands as the pinnacle of my Usagi collection. That "moment" between Usagi and Tomoe was the first ever of that sort between the two. While no words were exchanged, it was clear what each was thinking. Usagi and Tomoe's relationship had finally reached the 'next step' that tons of us readers have only, up to that point, dreamt about. And while it took a mutual brush with death for it to be realized -- damn am I glad it did!

Now I do have to agree with you that the scene in the tea ceremony near the end was equally, if not more so, powerful. But it's that first 'moment' that will always stand out as the 'beginning'.

runnah4life808 · Post by **runnah4life808** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 22:34 -0700

Todd Shogun wrote:
shaxper wrote: I went back and read the explosion scene again after you wrote this. It didn't seem like all that big a moment for me. There's been a romantic tension between them since the beginning, so I didn't see this moment as adding anything to that. It was certainly cute, but I didn't get anything more out of it. I honestly though Tomoe's talk with Usagi in Fathers and Sons was a bigger moment for them. It took their relationship to a deeper level, as does the Teacup ceremony in the next volume.
Have to totally disagree with you on this one Shaxper That single page made waves with this Usagi/Tomoe fan. So much so that I actually approached Stan about acquiring the original art. I got the art and it stands as the pinnacle of my Usagi collection. That "moment" between Usagi and Tomoe was the first ever of that sort between the two. While no words were exchanged, it was clear what each was thinking. Usagi and Tomoe's relationship had finally reached the 'next step' that tons of us readers have only, up to that point, dreamt about. And while it took a mutual brush with death for it to be realized -- damn am I glad it did!

Now I do have to agree with you that the scene in the tea ceremony near the end was equally, if not more so, powerful. But it's that first 'moment' that will always stand out as the 'beginning'.

that pretty much echoes my thoughts exactly on that particular scene.

shaxper · Post by **shaxper** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:03 -0700

Well if you both feel that strongly about it, then I will change the review. It's my intention to reflect the spirit of Usagi fans and, in this case, I seem to be outside of it.

Thanks much for your eloquent thoughts!

runnah4life808 · Post by **runnah4life808** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 12:42 -0700

shaxper wrote:Well if you both feel that strongly about it, then I will change the review. It's my intention to reflect the spirit of Usagi fans and, in this case, I seem to be outside of it.

Thanks much for your eloquent thoughts!

There's no need to change the review shaxper. It was well-written and represents your own thoughts on the volume. Despite any difference in opinion, the review is still your own. I say keep it up there because that's just the nature of reviews. Bringing up different viewpoints can enrich someone's Usagi reading experience immensely. For instance, I didn't really think about that conversation that Usagi and Tomoe had in the previous volume. Looking back at it allowed me to take that into account as well.

shaxper · Post by **shaxper** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 13:50 -0700

While the nature of Amazon reviews is subjective, my ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive guide to aspiring fans, not stand on a soapbox. If you guys both feel passionately about that moment, then there's a good chance that someone new to Usagi reading my review would feel that way, too.

That's really my logic in changing the review, and it's exactly why I'm so appreciative that you and Todd have taken the time to read the reviews and express your viewpoints.

Thanks!

Post by **Todd Shogun** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 21:44 -0700

I agree with Runnah -- no need to change your review. I was just offering my own take on that particular scene. Others may view it differently but that doesn't make it inaccurate or invalid...just a differing opinion

shaxper · Post by **shaxper** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 21:48 -0700

I don't feel that my opinion is invalid at all. I promise you that my ego is in no way bruised. I changed the review so that it would better reflect how a "typical" Usagi fan could expect to respond to the story, which has always been my purpose in writing these.