Usagi Yojimbo #10
Recap
"Mon." Long ago, Lord Hikiji defeated Usagi's Lord Mifune to take control of the Northern Province. Usagi, now traveling through his home province, still wears the mon (a family crest) of his former lord. But, there are those who still remember the Great Wars with bitterness and threaten to kill any samurai loyal to Mifune. What happens when they come across Usagi?
Review
Titled simply, ‘Mon”, the story in Usagi Yojimbo #10 delves into generational conflict and the impact of familial status following the Great Wars. With the expected precision from the series thus far, the issue captures a deeply intriguing sentiment in a solid one-shot format.
Usagi’s characterization in this issue is consistently straightforward and even the conflict that eventually arises from the squabble at the inn feels like something that we have seen before. The samurai taking on relentless bullies and even more dangerous foes is familiar and still very enjoyable thanks to remarkable artwork and concise use of every single panel. However, the wildcard innkeeper who is too in debt for a strict sense of morality adds an interesting layer.
The story of the Mon in the notes at the end help to flesh out the concept of the crest that Usagi continues to wear. This devotion gives context to the sternness of both opposing sides in the samurai and the “foot soldiers” where loyalty to one particular side is the driving force. The innkeeper throws a wrench into what should have been an easily quelled conflict, acting as a catalyst for chaos due to financial woes. It’s a wonderful exploration of societal dynamics and the intricacies that develop to spur on such deadly action. Putting Usagi once more in a tragic yet insightful position.
There just aren’t many storytellers who can capture such a powerfully complex range of emotions in a rather short one-shot style comic. This issue leans heavily on historical influence and excels because of it. It’s not revolutionary or all that shocking within the series as a whole, but it’s yet another example of the level of consistent storytelling that can be found in Usagi Yojimbo’s expansive backlog.
With great tact on the more violent parts of the story and a focus on the emotional weight of Usagi’s situation, Usagi Yojimbo #10 delivers an enjoyable story that is great for any reader looking to dive into the ongoing journey. With some heartfelt looks at Usagi’s own personal upbringings and origins possibly right around the corner, including nod to Mariko, it’s a great time to jump onboard.
Final Thoughts
Usagi Yojimbo #10 delves into historical and generational conflict with expected precision from the series thus far, capturing a deeply intriguing sentiment in a solid one-shot format.
Usagi Yojimbo #10: I Want No Trouble
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9.5/109.5/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 8.5/108.5/10
User Review
( votes)( review)
Always 11 out of 10 from me :)
Huge and long time fan of Usagi and Stan’s storytelling. I totally agree with the review above. A masterful piece of storytelling in a small amount of space. It manages to convey both Usagi’s character (initially walking away from a fight in the inn out of respect for the innkeeper, even though you could tell his blood was up!) and successfully portray the samurai code of loyalty til death to your clan or lord.
As a single issue and stand alone story it could have been just a basic “Usagi stand off and fight story”, a Kurosawa scene straight out of Yojimbo or Sanjuro, which Stan does so blindingly well but one we have read before… But the pay off at the end…
Without giving anything away, it looks like we’re heading to a potentially HUGE and pivotal moment in Usagi’s life and indeed his saga. One that has been building for 30 years! The artwork for the cover on issue #11 alone is hinting at so many possibilities , ones which could altar Usagi’s life for ever.
I am buzzing with what may happen next too our long eared Ronin friend!
I’d also like o congratulate IDW for the amazing presentation of each issue. I’ve been collecting Usagi for many years and I must admit that I was anxious at the thought of Stan moving house again and especially the book going full colour. I was so used to reading the adventures in plain black and white that I wasn’t sure how colour would look. It’s a big job but Luth has excelled in every issue. I love it. I’m collecting the re-coloured classic run on IDW as well, even though I have all the b&w collected volumes on my shelves already.. Did I mention I was a big fan?
All in all, a great story and a prelude to big, big, possibly catastrophic events ahead for our hero. Call me a pessimist but I foresee some sorrow a-coming!
Excellent review Nicholas. Hope everyone who reads Usagi enjoys this issue and is excited and about what comes next.