recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
The Goblin of Adachigahara

**The Goblin of Adachigahara** is the first *Usagi Yojimbo* story to be published (but not the first to be written).

## Plot

A traveling ronin, Miyamoto Usagi, stops at an old woman's cottage and asks for a night's shelter. The woman makes him welcome and invites him to tell his story. He relates that he was once a Yojimbo (bodyguard) to Lord Mifune until the latter's death at the Battle of Adachigahara, not far from the cottage. The tide of the battle turned when one of Mifune's generals, Buichi Toda, changed sides. Usagi was forced to watch his lord slain by an arrow, and did what little he could by decapitating the corpse and carrying the head away from the battlefield, rather than allow it to be displayed by the victorious Lord Hikiji.

Usagi then mentions rumors he has heard of a goblin inhabiting the mountains, and asks the old woman whether she is afraid to live there alone. The woman says she has nothing to fear from goblins and shows him to his room.

That night, the goblin sneaks into the cottage and slashes at the sleeping guest with his long talons - only to find a bundle of twigs under the bedroll and Usagi waiting in the corner for him, sword at the ready. Their fight takes them outside, where Usagi kills the goblin. The old woman rushes outside and cries that Usagi has killed her husband, revealing the "goblin" to be none other than the former General Toda.

Expecting to be richly rewarded by Lord Hijiki for his treachery at Adachigahara, Toda was devastated when Hijiki ordered him beaten and then cast out - he had thrown away his honor and betrayed his lord, for nothing. Toda and his wife wandered for months before settling in the cottage, and every night Toda left to wander into the mountains, becoming less and less human each time he returned, until one night he never returned at all. His wife realized he had begun a goblin, preying on innocent travelers. Now Usagi has avenged his lord's death by killing the traitor.

She apologizes for her deceit, and asks Usagi to kill her too. Usagi refuses, telling her to call a priest to perform last rites for her husband, before continuing on his way.

## Appearances

**Characters:**

* Miyamoto Usagi
* Buichi Toda
* Buichi Toda's wife
* Lord Mifune

**Locations:**

* Adachigahara

## Publication

"The Goblin of Adachigahara" was first published in Albedo No. 2 in November 1984. Later it was collected in Book 1: The Ronin.

The story was re-created in as "Adachi" in 2019's Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 4 No. 6, published by IDW.
RIB

*RIB* was an independently produced comic, first self-published, later published by Caliber comics.

## Explanation

The creator explains what the comic is about.

*On the surface, RIB explores issues of alienation, isolation, discrimination and racism, using a new species I created (human-sized worms). Using the worms as those being oppressed, I am able to freely explore the above issues without stepping on the toes of any specific group of people, which I definitely don't want to do. As the story progresses, however, readers will discover a larger story existing just under the surface, exploring many more aspects of society and the experience of just being human. This is done in both grounded and fantastic situations.*
Kenichi (Bandit)

*This article is about the bandit, Kenichi. If you are looking for Usagi's childhood friend, Kenichi, see Kenichi.*

Kenichi was the brother of the bandit One-Eye Ichiro, and a member of his group of brigands. He was slain by Miyamoto Usagi. Kenichi's appearance was that of an anthropomorphic cat.

## Character History

Kenichi joined his brother, One-Eye Ichiro, when Ichiro's bandits were occupying a small temple. Kenichi was reported to be a swordsman of some skill, and became co-leader of the band. When the bounty hunter Murakami Gennosuke attacked the temple to claim the bounty on Ichiro, Kenichi pretended to be the temple's priest and posed as Kenichi's hostage. The ruse worked, and Kenichi was able to wound Gen badly before Gen killed Ichiro. Gen was saved by the intervention of Miyamoto Usagi, whom Gen had hired as a yojimbo. Usagi and Kenichi fought a brief duel, and Usagi slew Kenichi with a single blow.

## Appearances

"Bounty Hunter" (collected in Book 1: The Ronin).
Koji

**Koji** is a member of the Mogura Gang in the Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles Netflix series.

## History

Koji and Kenji follow their leader Chikabuma down into the Ceremonial Pit, where Usagi Usagi and Chikabuma duked it out in a staring contest. They also describe the supposed size of the rumored spider to Gen. During the contest, both Koji and Kenji pound a drum in synchrony at the start of the contest, and in the second phase, they try earnestly to distract Usagi by making him blink. Eventually, Chikabuma's eyes become dry, and he requests that Koji and Kenji give him some eyedrops, but before they can, they're caught by Tsuchigumo's web. Soon, Koji is saved by Chikabuma, who then frees Kenji from his web constraints. However, they're later both accidentally taken out by Gen, who falls backward onto them.
Radically Rearranged Ronin Ragdolls

*Radically Rearranged Ronin Ragdolls* is a TMNT parody / homage comic book created as part of the “Drawing Blood: Spilled Ink” series by Kevin Eastman Studios. Stan provided the regular cover E.

## Contents

This comic had the following covers:

Cover A (Kevin Eastman) – regular cover A (MAR191849)

Cover B (Kevin Eastman) – regular cover B (MAR191850)

Cover C (Ben Bishop) – regular cover C (MAR191851)

Cover D (Freddie E. Williams II) – regular cover D (MAR191852)

Cover E (Stan Sakai) – regular cover E (MAR191853)

## Release date

May 22, 2019

(black and white preview image below)
Usagi Come Home

**Usagi Come Home** is a season 3 episode (S03E34 - though it's also been shown as episode 37 on certain lists) of the 1987-1996 animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. It follows up the episode *Usagi Yojimbo*.

It aired November 16, 1989.

## Plot

Shredder tries to trick Miyamoto Usagi into destroying the turtles.

## External links

* Mutant Ooze
* Turtlepedia
Usagi Yojimbo: 35 Years of Covers

Dark Horse Books presents the legacy of Stan Sakai’s magnum opus in *Usagi Yojimbo: 35 Years of Covers*. Honoring the 35th anniversary of Sakai’s award-winning series Usagi Yojimbo, this deluxe hardcover art collection includes over 300 pages of cover pieces illustrated by Stan Sakai! After 35 years’ worth of adventures, Usagi’s lively history is represented in this compendium of Stan’s greatest covers.

* Full-color cover gallery!

* Cover art presented without title graphics

* Hardcover

* 320 pages

* November 13, 2019

* Dark Horse Comics

## ISBN

* ISBN-10: 1506715893
* ISBN-13: 978-1506715896
Usagi Yojimbo Book 12: Grasscutter

Forged in heaven, it is called Kusanagi, the Grasscutter–the lost sword of the Gods. This legendary blade could potentially tip the scales of power for the shadowy Conspiracy of Eight in their quest to overthrow the Shogunate and reinstate the Emperor. With the help of a witch and the souls of dead warriors, they plan to recover the lost sword and bring the Shogun down. But when the fates place the Grasscutter in the hands of masterless samurai Usagi Yojimbo, the ronin rabbit becomes the focus of a deadly struggle for possession of the dread blade. And this crisis pales beside the dark possibilities should the sword come to the demonic warrior, Jei! Grasscutter is Stan Sakai’s longest and most ambitious Usagi tale to date: a sweeping epic showcasing one of comics’ most individual artistic voices at the peak of his creative skills.

Book 12: *Grasscutter* reprints Vol. 3 issues 13-22, which comprise the story arc Grasscutter. It is published by Dark Horse Comics.

Researched for 5 years, Stan Sakai won the Eisner Award for “Best Serialized Story”.

The introduction for this volume was written by Will Eisner.

## Editions

* ISBN-10: 1-56971-414-2 (s/n)
* ISBN-10: 1-56971-413-4 (tpb)
* ISBN-10: 0-61353-692-4 (Sagebrush)
* ISBN-10: 1-43521-519-2 (Paw Prints)

## Contents

* "Izanagi and Izanami"
* "Susano-O"
* "Yamato Dake"
* "Dan-No-Ura"
* "Jei"
* "Heike Gani"
* "Inazuma"
* "Noriyuki and Tomoe"
* "Ikeda"
* "Tomoe and Ikeda"
* "Usagi and Jei"
* "Sanshobo"
The Last Ronin

The jaw-dropping finale to the biggest TMNT story ever is here! One final showdown between mutant and Foot Clan will determine the fate of NYC. Will the Ronin be able to find some measure of peace or is he fated to meet the same end as his brothers? Don't miss one of the most epic battles in TMNT history and the conclusion to the comic book event of the year!

## Contents

• Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, Tom Waltz (w)

• Ben Bishop (a)

• 52 pages

• Oversized format 7.1″ x 10.875″

These were created for Stan Sakai Studios and Dogū, with the trade dress cover being labeled as the "A" cover and the virgin as the "B" cover.

**Cover A - Stan Sakai Studios**

* trade dress cover
* $20.00 unsigned
* $40.00 signed
* $90.00 signed and remarqued
* Available at stansakai.com

**Cover B - Dogū**

* virgin cover
* limited to 330 copies
* $30.00 unsigned
* $50.00 signed
* $100.00 signed and remarqued
* $250.00 signed and large bust remarque (very limited)
* $350.00 signed and full body remarque (very limited)
* Available at dogu.shop

## Release date

~~February 16, 2022~~

April 27, 2022
Kato

Formerly sword to Lord Mifune, as was Usagi. After Mifune's defeat and the reign of Lord Hikiji, he publically serves the new lord. He considers himself a pragmatist, doing what he needs to for money. But secretly, he has established himself as someone still sword to Mifune and looks to seek revenge on those who inflict harm on those terrorize Mifune's loyalists.

 First Appearance Issue #8 (IDW)
Usagi Yojimbo Book 32: Mysteries

Intrigue abounds in this gripping volume as the rabbit *ronin* partners with Inspector Ishida to solve a series of murders and mysteries. Between deadly puffer fish assassinations, a run-in with a familiar pair of thieves, and a large-scale corruption scheme, Usagi and Ishida have their work cut out for them! Collects *Usagi Yojimbo* issues #159-#165, with an introduction by Usagi Yojimbo voice actor Yuki Matsuzaki!

* Also available in a limited edition, signed and numbered hardcover!

## Editions

* ISBN-10: 1-50670-585-5 (s/n)
* ISBN-10: 1-50670-584-7 (tpb)

## Contents

* "The Hatamoto's Daughter"
* "Death by Fugu"
* "The Body in the Library"
* "Mouse Trap"
Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles

**Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles** is a computer-animated series. It debuted on Netflix on 28th, April 2022.

## Announcement

In February 2018, it was announced that Usagi Yojimbo had been optioned by Gaumont for an animated series. It wasn't decided at the time what network would air it or what form the show would take, but only that something was in the works.

It was over two years later in July 2020 that Netflix announced the show would be coming to them and be called *Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles*. The show would not revolve around the Miyamoto Usagi that we all know from the comics, but instead, take place in the far future and star his descendent, Yuichi. No release date was given and fans waited until March of 2022 before Netflix released a trailer and date: April 28, 2022.

In interviews conducted in late April or early May, 2022, Stan has noted that there are 10 more episodes that are nearly completed, so they should be coming soon. These episodes, which make up season 2, were released on September 1, 2022.

## Plot

Yuichi Usagi, the descendent of the legendary warrior Miyamoto Usagi, accompanied by his trusty companion Spot, sets off for Neo Edo to slay Yokai and become the greatest samurai ever. It's there that he makes friends with an unlikely bunch of characters and gets wrapped up in a conspiracy that the lives of everyone in Neo Edo and perhaps the world are at stake.

## Staff

* **Original Creator**: Stan Sakai
* **Executive Producers**: Stan Sakai, Nicolas Atlan, Michael Clear, Sidonie Dumas, Keith Goldberg, Rob Hackett, Terry Kalagian, Candie Langdale, Doug Langdale, Christophe Riandee, Mike Richardson, Chris Tongue, & James Wan
* **Supervising Producer**: Ben Jones
* **Music**: Aiko Fukushima
* **Genres**: Science fantasy, Adventure, Action
* **Production companies**: Gaumont Animation, Netflix Animation, Atomic Monster, Dark Horse Entertainment

### Characters

* Darren Barnet as Yuichi Usagi and Spot
* Shelby Rabara as Kitsune
* Aleks Le as Gen
* Mallory Low as Chizu
* Eric Bauza as Kagehito
* Mela Lee as Lady Fuwa, Toshiko and Hana
* Keone Young as Tetsujin
* SungWon Cho as Lord Kogane
* Sumalee Montano as Karasu-Tengu and Yuichi's Aunt

## Promotional Videos

Samurai Rabbit- The Usagi Chronicles - Official Trailer - Netflix After SchoolGreatest Samurai - Sneak Peek - Samurai Rabbit- The Usagi Chronicles - Netflix After School
## References

1. ↑ Comic Book Couples Counseling Podcast: Samurai Rabbit with Stan Sakai & The Usagi Chronicles Creative Team - May 9, 2022
Lord Hikiji

)

**Lord Hikiji** is the main antagonist of the *Usagi Yojimbo* series, who is mentioned often but rarely appears. Unlike most of the characters, Hikiji is human. He is a ruthless and power-hungry lord who aspires to be the shogun. Also, Hikiji is responsible for the deaths of two individuals close to Miyamoto Usagi: his father Magistrate Miyamoto and Lord Mifune.

He first appeared in "The Goblin of Adachigahara", published in *Albedo* Volume 1, Issue 2.

## History

Not much is known about Hikiji, but it's known that he rules over the Mutsu Province and is responsible for Usagi's scar, along with the death of those close to him. He took over Mifune's lands in the Battle of Adachigahara, and before that, he killed Usagi's father for defying him. The Neko and Komori clans serve him.

Hikji rarely appears in person, and often operates behind the scenes.

## Origin

Stan Sakai states in his LiveJournal blog that he originally planned for Lord Hikiji to be a major villain in his *Nilson Groundthumper* epic:

> "Nilson predates Usagi Yojimbo by many, many years. In fact, Usagi was to have been a secondary character in the Nilson epic. The entire story would have taken about 2,500 pages, and would have told the story of why there are animal-animals, why there are funny-animals, and the rise of the humans. It would have started off with short humorous stories, turning into longer, more dramatic, story arcs spanning an entire generation. The entire thing was to culminate with the anthromorphs making their last stand in a castle that looked much like the abbey at Mont St. Michele...
>
>
> ...The last remnant of the Nilson epic ironically appears in UY Book 1. I drew Lord Hikiji, the main political power in UY and who would have been the major villain in Nilson, as a human."
>
>
>
>

## Appearances

* Lone Rabbit and Child
* Lone Rabbit and Child - Part II
* The Confession
* Homecoming Part 1
* Samurai Part 7
* Samurai Part 8
* The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy, Chapter 2
* The Tangled Skein
* The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy, Epilogue
* Blood Wings Part 1
* Blood Wings 2
* Broken Ritual
* Battlefield Part 1

## Trivia

* He is based off of Date Masamune, who also sought to become shogun.

## References

1. ↑ **Nilson** on *usagiguy*, June 9th, 2008
2. ↑ http://www.usagiyojimbo.com/the-cast/
Shingen

**Shingen** was kashira (leader) of the Neko Ninja and was a master of his craft. He first appeared in Vol.1 #12 where he was on a mission to steal a Muramasa sword from Lord Noriyuki. His skill was so refined that when he was speared in his hiding place by Tomoe Ame who sensed an intruder, he still escaped detection by refraining from crying out in pain at the wound and wiping the spearhead clean as Tomoe withdrew to remove evidence. However after getting the sword, he was found by Miyamoto Usagi who followed him and tricked the ninja out of the sword while keeping his attention while the sword was making its way back to the city.

## History

In the story, "The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy," Shingen was assigned to a new mission to investigate a daimyo Lord Tamakuro who was plotting a coup against the shogun with a large stock of firearms. However, when the daimyo learned of the Neko Ninja's attention, he ordered a village populated by the clan destroyed. Later, Usagi discovered the carnage and moved the bodies as an act of respect. However, Shingen saw Usagi doing this and misconstrued it as the samurai killed the village himself. He attacked Usagi in revenge, but was defeated and thought to be killed when he actually escaped.

Later, Shingen learned the truth and gained Usagi's assistance to strike against Tamakuro. To do this, Shingen revealed that the ninja clan was far more numerous than even Lord Hikiji suspected. With these numbers, explosive weapons and allies like Murakami Gennosuke, Tomoe Ame and Zato-Ino, the Neko Ninja assaulted Tamakuro's castle. Although the Neko suffered heavy casualties, Shingen was able to penetrate the inner defenses to strike the traitorous lord although he was mortally wounded in the attempt. With the last of his strength, Shingen sacrificed himself to kill the enemy by using his fire strikers to ignite the black powder in the room. This caused a massive explosion that killed the lord and his forces.

His sister, Chizu, eventually assumed the leadership of the weakened clan.
Seizo

Seizo

Seizo is a not too successful samurai retainer and husband to famed author Lady Mura.

## Character History

Seizo was an accomplished swordsman, but due to the continued peace in the land, his skills were more or less meaningless. He continued to serve his lord, but grew increasingly jealous of his author wife, Lady Mura, who's fame was growing far more then his.

Seizo turned to abuse, both physical and emotional, causing Lady Mura to flee. Embarrassed that not only did his wife run, but that she was being escorted by a ronin (Usagi), he went to fetch her from her father's house. After getting Lady Mura back, Seizo murdered her on the way back to his home.

Months later, Seizo's lord visits and compliments Seizo's deceased wife on her last book, saying she will be remembered long after he and Seizo are dead and forgotten. Feeling that she still mocks him even then, and jealous of her fame and success, Seizo commits suicide.
Usagi Yojimbo: Way of the Ronin

***Usagi Yojimbo: Way of the Ronin*** is a game designed for play on mobile devices.

It was developed by Happy Giant and distributed on the iOS app store, Google Play, Amazon app store, and Steam.

The game was released in 2013 on iOS and Android, and arrived in the Steam Store in 2015.

## Gameplay

The game is a sideways-scrolling adventure, where Miyamoto Usagi is trying to obtain a mirror. He fights his way through villains and creatures, gaining new combo moves on the way. Occasionally, he is joined by a non-playable friend who will help out in fights. Usagi can collect coins (for purchasing Armor, Damage or Health upgrades) and hearts (health) from the occasional fallen foe.

## External links

* Official Facebook page
* PC Gaming Wiki page
* App Storm iOS review
* Interview with Michael Levine on turning Usagi into a game
* First 47 days of sales being donated to Stan Sakai to help with his wife's medical bills
Usagi Yojimbo Book 24: Return of the Black Soul

For years, as Miyamoto Usagi has wandered the countryside, an unseen, malevolent entity has been tracing his steps. Thought dead since the events of *Grasscutter*, the demon Jei-the Black Soul-has been inhabiting the body of the swordswoman Inazuma, intent on destroying the evil he claims to see in Usagi!

Meanwhile, Boss Bakuchi, shamed by his inability to avenge his son's death, doubles the bounty on the killer-Inazuma. The money brings out scores of bounty hunters, unaware that they are merely a flock of sparrows intent on bringing down an eagle.

The hunt for Inazuma also draws Usagi, hunters Gen and Stray Dog, and a mysterious stranger named Isamu, each with his own motive. As the threat of the Black Soul reemerges, this epic storyline reveals at last the true origin of Jei!

Book 24: *Return of the Black Soul* reprints issues 103-109 published by Dark Horse Comics.

The introduction for this volume was written by Charles Solomon.

## Editions

* ISBN-10: 1-59582-473-1 (s/n)
* ISBN-10: 1-59582-472-3 (tpb)

## Contents

* "Sparrows"
* "The Darkness and the Soul"
* "FCBD 2009"
Usagi Yojimbo Book 33: The Hidden

Usagi and his friend Inspector Ishida join forces once again as they embark on a mission to track down and uncover the importance of a foreign book that's been at the root of many problems across the land.

The daring duo, desperate to solve the mystery and restore peace, are forced to undertake unusual measures as well as enlist the help of a few surprising sources to get the information they require. Will Usagi and Ishida come out victorious or will this mystery prove too much for them to solve? Collecting a complete story arc in one place, this is the perfect jumping-on point for any fans--new or old!

Collects *Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden* issues #1-#7.

* Also available in a limited edition, signed and numbered hardcover!

## Editions

* ISBN-10: 1-50670-851-X (s/n)
* ISBN-10: 1-50670-852-8 (tpb)
Mogura Ninja

The **Mogura Ninja** (土竜忍者) are a ninja clan composed of anthropomorphic moles. They are the least seen of the three ninja clans, having been seen less than ten times.

As moles, their particular talents are digging and lying in wait underground. They characteristically attack an enemy building by tunneling underneath and bypassing the outer defenses; they can also lie underground until an enemy passes overhead, and then spring an ambush.

In combat, they use their long, sharp claws as weapons as well as digging tools.

Although they are formidable fighters in their element, they have weaknesses that an opponent can exploit, such as vulnerability to bright light.
The Usagi Yojimbo Saga Volume 3

Ltd. hardcover

In this third volume of the definitive Usagi Yojimbo compilations, Usagi faces a new foe who wears a demon mask, the Eisner-winning *Grasscutter* story line receives a sequel, pickpocket Kitsune's history is revealed, and Sasuké the Demon Queller makes his debut! Collects Usagi Yojimbo Books 1416.

* 600 pages of Stan Sakai's enduring samurai masterpiece!

* Also available in a signed and numbered hardcover edition, limited to 1,500 copies!

The book art for the softcover edition.

## ISBN

* Hardcover:ISBN 1616556730
* Softcover:ISBN 1616556110

## 2nd printing

The 2nd printing features all new cover art and is only being produced as a softcover.

* ISBN-10: ISBN 1506724930

* 2nd printing
* $29.99 (softcover)
* Release date: November 24, 2021

## Contents

Contains the following collections:

* Usagi Yojimbo Book 14: Demon Mask
* Usagi Yojimbo Book 15: Grasscutter II: Journey to Atsuta Shrine
* Usagi Yojimbo Book 16: The Shrouded Moon
Tatsusaburo

Tatsusaburo was an anthropomorphic bear kite-maker in Niigata Prefecture.

## Character History

Kite-makers in Niigata Prefecture were known for their hexagonal kites, but Tatsusaburo's favourite kites were *odako.* The largest *odako* he had created, for the *Tako-Kichi Matsuri* was used by Miyamoto Usagi to escape a group of angry gamblers. Tatsusaburo discovered the crashed kite several months later, as he planned to make an ever bigger kite for the next festival.

## Appearances

* "A Kite Story" (collected in Book 5: Lone Goat and Kid).
Lady Mura

Lady Mura

Lady Mura is an author and descendant from a long line of authors, with her great grandfather being a poet in the Emperor's court.

## Character History

Lady Mura's family name had fallen and, in an effort to reinstate her family's prestige, was married off in an arranged marriage to Seizo, a ranking official in their lord's court. While Seizo was an accomplished swordsman, the peace in the land had made his skills useless, so when his wife gained notoriety for her books, he became jealous that she was the more successful of the two. Seizo demanded that Lady Mura cease to write.

Lady Mura, after being injured by her abusive husband after he came home drunk and in a foul mood, ran into Usagi on the road while on her way to visit her father in a nearby town. Usagi offers to accompany her on the road and, when Seizo's horsemen come after her to bring her back home, Usagi defeats them with his sheathed sword, sending them back to their master bruised and beaten.

After getting to her father, she is reminded that even though she is not happy and he is abusive, bushido code demands that she be loyal to her husband and should return with him, so when Seizo comes to fetch her, she goes willingly.

The story ends for her soon after, as Seizo kills her on the journey home. Her books go on to be recognized, with Seizo's lord proclaiming that she will be remember long after both he and Seizo are dead and forgotten.

## True Historical Facts

Lady Mura is based on the real life Japanese writer, Murasaki Shikibu, author of *The Tale of Genji*. She is also known as Lady Murasaki. She was born in Kyoto, Japan between 973-978 AD, married around age 20-25, and had a daughter, but her husband died within 2 years. Lady Murasaki then became a lady-in-waiting to the Empress Shoshi and Lady Murasaki kept a journal of her life as a courtier, where she expressed her dislike of the lifestyle of those in court.
Ronin

## The Masterless Samurai

Ronin (浪人), translating as "wave man", is the Japanese term for a wanderer or drifter, and was the classification of a samurai without a lord or master to serve.

Whereas the Bushi (warrior) class of the samurai were looked upon with distinguishment and respect, Ronin were often looked down upon as riffraff and a disgrace to the warrior class. The reason behind this stigma was because, in accordance to the Code of Bushido, is expected to commit Sepukku upon if their master was defeated in battle or if he failed his master in order to maintain his honor. Samurai who did not follow this code were often seen as a disgrace for not having the courage to follow it, or they committed an act so shameful that they were dismissed from their lord's service.

The other reason for the disdain against ronin was because many would often turn to banditry and prey upon the peasants. After the Age of Warring States ended, many samurai who were either dismissed from service or on the losing sides of the war found themselves without employment, and with no other skills outside of combat, many became mercenaries, bodyguards or criminals.

However, despite the stigma against this classification, there have been examples of samurai who willingly renounced their service and class in order to pursue their own goals, such as the Musha Shugyo, the warrior's pilgrimage, or find another calling in their life. There have also been examples of ronin who were greatly honored for their deeds such as [1]Miyamoto Musashi and the Forty-Seven Ronin.

## Notable Ronin in Usagi Yojimbo

* Miyamoto Usagi
* Murakami Gennosuke
* Jei
* Katsuichi
* Nakamura Koji
* Stray Dog
* Yukichi
The Hidden (story arc)

"The Hidden" is the last major *Usagi Yojimbo* story arc during the Dark Horse run. It was originally published in *Usagi Yojimbo* Vol. 3 Issues 166-172 and was republished in Usagi Yojimbo Book 33: The Hidden.

## Characters featured in this story arc

* Miyamoto Usagi
* Inspector Ishida
* Haruko
* Kotaro
* Inspector Nii
* Chief Inspector Ito
* Counselor Oshima
* Kin the Fence
* Oda the Thief
* Hama the Carpenter
* Nezumi
* Toto
* Miki
Tsubo

Tsubo was an anthropomorphic dog peasant.

## Character History

Tsubo's village was besieged by the Komori ninja when they planned to attack a gold shipment belonging to Lord Hirone. Tsubo attempted to reach help for the village, but was found by the Komori ninja. He was discovered by Miyamoto Usagi and gasped, "*Chi no tsubasa!*" ('Wings of Blood!') before dying. After his death, his body was strung up by the Komori ninja to act as a warning to the rest of the village.

## Appearances

* "Blood Wings" (collected in Book 5: Lone Goat and Kid).
Ninja High School Yearbook

*Ninja High School Yearbook* Ninja High School Yearbook is an annual collection of fan submitted art and comics. In the NHS Yearbook, Ben Dunn's fans get the chance to shine with their submitted art and comic shorts. Published by The Antarctic Press, issue 6 (Yearbook '94) has a cover drawn by Stan Sakai. The Yearbook was published from 1989-2007, covering 19 issues.

## Contents

• Print run of ~9000 copies (per the indicia)

• 76 pages

• $3.95

## External Links

Comicvine series cover gallery

Grand Comic Database page
The Doors

"The Doors" is a story that was first published in Usagi Yojimbo Color Special 2 and reprinted in Book 22: *Tomoe's Story*. The reprinted version in *Tomoe's Story* is in black and white and includes slight revisions that clarify the story's chronological placement after "Sumi-E". (Stan Sakai has stated that the color specials have their own chronology and that the main story had not caught up to the color specials chronologically until after Dark Horse issue 89.)

## Plot synopsis

Lord Noriyuki receives as a gift screens depicting Minamoto No Yorimitsu and his four lieutenants battling the earth-spider. One of the spiders painted on the screen comes to life and poisons Lord Noriyuki. While Tomoe Ame watches over Noriyuki, another spider comes to life and attacks them. Meanwhile, Usagi discovers that Goyemon, the painter who created the screens, used the cursed ink set from "Sumi-E." Goyemon creates Uwabami, a giant serpent, and a Tengu with the ink set to attack Usagi. During his fight with the Tengu, Usagi manages to kill Goyemon, and all of the creatures that he created with the ink set disappear. During the battle with the creatures created by the ink set, the ink set is lost. In a brief epilogue, it is revealed that a young child took the ink set and used it to create a butterfly, demonstrating that the ink set is only harmful if its user has evil intentions.

## Characters featured in this story

* Miyamoto Usagi
* Tomoe Ame
* Lord Noriyuki
Usagi Yojimbo Book 11: Seasons

Book 11: *Seasons* reprints Vol. 3 issues 7-12 and Colour Special #4. It is published by Dark Horse Comics.

The introduction for this volume was written by Lynn Johnston.

## Editions

* ISBN-10: 1-56971-376-6 (s/n)
* ISBN-10: 1-56971-375-8 (tpb)
* ISBN-10: 0-61353-694-0 (Sagebrush)
* ISBN-10: 1-43521-518-4 (Paw Prints)

## Contents

* "The Withered Field"
* "A Promise in the Snow"
* "The Conspiracy of Eight"
* "Snakes and Blossoms"
* "Return to Adachi Plain"
* "The Crossing"
* "The Patience of the Spider"
* "The Lord of the Owls"
* "The First Tenet"
* "The Obakeneko of the Geishu Clan"
* "Green Persimmon"
List:Minato Honami Concert & Event Appearances

*Main article: Minato Honami*

* Flower Notes LIVE the Garden 004 powered by Radio Japan ~Fuji Aine Farewell Party~
* Flower Notes LIVE the Garden 005
* Flower Notes LIVE the Garden 006
* Flower Notes LIVE the Garden 007
* Flower Notes LIVE the Garden 008
* LIVE the Beer Garden powered by Radio Japan (LIVE the Garden 009)
* Flower Notes LIVE the Garden 010
* Minato Honami Solo Live & Katsudou Kyuushi Mae Last Performance (LIVE the Garden 11)
* LIVE the Garden 017
* LIVE the Garden 018

## Label The Garden Concerts

* Seven Seeds Vol.2
* Seven Seeds Vol.3
* Seven Seeds Vol.4 "Christmas Party"
* Label The Garden "Harvest Vol.1"
* Seven Seeds Vol.8
* LTG Blooming Session~Serenade for Spring~
* Label The Garden "Harvest Vol.2" ～Koibana 1st Anniversary～
* Columbia Idol Ikusei Variety ～Label The Garden☆Story～
* LTG Blooming Session ～Christmas Party～

 Other Concerts & Events
Chibi-Usagi: Attack of the Heebie Chibis

Stan Sakai's beloved rabbit samurai has won countless fans over his 35-year history, thanks to a clever blend of thrilling action, heartwarming characters, and a realistic portrayal of Japanese culture. Chibi-Usagi brings these fun and thoughtful stories to middle-grade readers as an original graphic novel packed with adorable art and captivating energy.

While fishing for freshwater eels, Chibi-Usagi, Tomoe, and Gen rescue a Dogu, a clay creature from Japan's prehistory. The Dogu's village has been enslaved by the Salamander King and his Heebie-Chibi minions and are forced to work in their mines. Chibi-Usagi and his friends must rescue the Dogu people and eliminate the threat of the Salamander King forever in this feature-length story of adventure, humor, and slippery eels.

* $12.99
* Colored by Emi Fujii
Starpuck

Meet Starpuck, the courageous canine member of the Galactic Guardians of the Towers, the same cosmic corps to which belong Starlock and Starcyb of Strangers fame.

Learn of the secret origins of this dogged defender when he was only Inspector Pucktoon of the D.O.O.G. Patrol on the far off planet Bone Zone…

See Starpuck team up with Jaleb the Telepath to defeat a monstrous space vampire, and with Marianne, the Guardian of the Republic’s sidekick, to challenge the dastardly menace of Dr. Morbyde!

Three barking mad adventures of the pluckiest pooch of the galaxy illutrated by Gabriel Mayorga and Eduardo Garcia.

COVER BY STAN SAKAI

7x10 squarebound comic, 48 pages b&w

ISBN-13: 978-1-64932-075-9

US$9.95

Order code: AUG21
Jiro

Jiro was an anthropomorphic bear who worked for the Kaiko Silk Works. His most prominent feature was his buck teeth.

## Character History

Jiro was a skilled worker in the Silk Works. He was married with five children, including Genta, but often found it difficult to support his family, as his employer, Kaiko, was a notorious miser.

Jiro's life changed when he met Miyamoto Usagi, a few days before the Silk Fair. Usagi rescued Jiro from bandits, and then saved the town from the brigands. Usagi then donated his pay, 200 ryo, to the silk workers. As a result, Jiro and his co-workers were able to open their own silk works, with which they expected to outproduce Kaiko within a year.

## Appearances

"Silk Fair" (collected in Book 2: Samurai).
The Usagi Yojimbo Saga Volume 8

Ltd. hardcover

Stan Sakai’s enduring samurai masterpiece continues with a volume full of incredible stories you won’t want to miss! Join everyone’s favorite rabbit ronin as he continues his gripping exploits on the warrior’s path!

The eighth volume in Stan Sakai’s prestige Saga collection includes three volumes-worth of storylines: “Two Hundred Jizo”, in which Usagi and Inspector Ishida team up to solve a double murder, help an allied clan protect its honor, and discover the soy sauce business is as deadly as it is tasty; “Thieves and Spies”, where Usagi joins forces with a thief and a samurai to thwart a black-market Ginseng trade, meets a fellow ronin with a few tricks up his sleeve, comes sword-to-sword with a brash European envoy, and escorts a bride-to-be to her fiancé only to uncover a matrimonial assassination plot; and “The Hell Screen”, a thrilling tale that finds Usagi working alongside his natural enemy–a Kappa–to cast out a violent renegade, face-to-face with a deadly Komori ninja who owes Usagi a debt, and teams up once more with Ishida in the midst of an investigation of a ghastly painting known only as the Hell Screen!

Collects Usagi Yojimbo Book 29: Two Hundred Jizo, Book 30: Thieves and Spies, and Book 31: The Hell Screen.

## Extras

* "Cast of characters" (1 page)
* full color story *The Artist* (16 pages)
* full color story *Buntori* (8 pages)
* Story notes (4 pages)
* Gallery of covers and rear cover art (27 pages)
* *Stan Talks to Usagi* comic (4 pages)
* *Stan and Sergio* comic, *Sukanku* outline, and *Sukanku* comic (17 pages)
* pinup by Mark Morse and Zack Davisson

The book art for the softcover edition.

## ISBN

* Hardcover:ISBN 1506712258
* Softcover:ISBN 150671224X

## 2nd printing

The 2nd printing features all new cover art and is only being produced as a softcover.

* ISBN-10: ISBN 1506724980

* 2nd printing
* $29.99
* Release date: Jul. 26, 2023

## Contents

Contains the following collections:

* Usagi Yojimbo Book 29: Two Hundred Jizo
* Usagi Yojimbo Book 30: Thieves and Spies
* Usagi Yojimbo Book 31: The Hell Screen
* The stories "The Artist" and "Buntori" are reprinted in full color, with "The Artist" using painted watercolors for the artwork within the story (as the original, full color single issue did). The previous black and white reprint in book 29 used new line art instead of watercolors.
Moon Knight: Black White & Blood

A BLOOD MOON RISES - AND ITS CONTENTS ARE BLACK, WHITE & RED!

A bevy of comicdom's finest creators put their mark upon the Fist of Khonshu in stories depicted in stark black, white and blood-red! Jonathan Hickman and Chris Bachalo introduce the all-different Moon Knight of the future! Marc Guggenheim and Jorge Fornés tell a Moon Knight adventure in reverse!

And Murewa Ayodele and Dotun Akande team the white-clad crusader up with the Amazing Spider-Man for a harrowing night of adventure!

* 40 PGS./Parental Advisory …$4.99
* Issue 1 of 4
* 1:25 retailer incentive cover
* Variant cover B by Stan Sakai
* Cover colors by Emi Fujii

Order code: FEB220886 (formerly FEB220888)

Originally solicited as a regular variant cover (one shops could order as many as they want at normal price), a month later Marvel changed this cover to be the 1:25 retailer incentive, meaning all the pre-orders for the title generated in the first month now have to be cancelled. This change was mentioned on PreviewsWorld the week of 02/20/22 and confirmed by several local comic shops.

## Release date

~~April 13, 2022~~

May 11, 2022
Kaiko

Kaiko, an anthropomorphic cat, was a rude and arrogant merchant who ran the Kaiko Silk Works.

## Character History

Kaiko owned a silk works which produced very high quality silks. However, Kaiko was a miser with his money, and so he retained all the profits while paying his workers a pittance. He hired a yojimbo, Matsutaro, to protect him as the annual Silk Fair was regularly attacked by brigands.

When Miyamoto Usagi arrived in the town, when it was being threatened by brigands, he quickly exposed Matsutaro as a blustering fraud and then played upon Kaiko's cowardliness to force the merchant to pay him 200 ryo to protect the town. Usagi defeated the bandits with the help of the silk workers, and then donated the money to them. With it, they hoped to establish their own silk works, and planned to outproduce Kaiko within a year.

## Appearances

"Silk Fair" (collected in Book 2: Samurai)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen

TPB cover

The Heroes in a Half Shell and the Rabbit Ronin join forces once again in this new adventure from beloved *Usagi Yojimbo* creator Stan Sakai!

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pursue the evil cyborg genius Dr. WhereWhen through a time portal…and emerge in feudal Japan! There, they encounter Usagi, 20 years into the samurai’s future but decades after the arrival of Dr. WhereWhen…who has already carved himself a fiefdom using mechanized clockwork samurai robots…with the intention of conquering both the past and current timelines!

Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s *TMNT* first crossed over with Stan Sakai’s *Usagi Yojimbo* in 1986, and since then, their encounters have extended to numerous comic adventures and multiple animated series. This newest tale deepens the connection between the anthropomorphic animals as they struggle to save both their worlds from a sinister villain the likes of which none of the heroes have seen before!

*Note: this series is set in Usagi's future, but before the events in Usagi Yojimbo: Senso*

* Stan Sakai (w & a & c)
* 144 pages
* $29.99

## Editions

**Trade Paperback**

ISBN-13: 9798887240220

## Contents

* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo WhereWhen No. 1
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo WhereWhen No. 2
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo WhereWhen No. 3
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo WhereWhen No. 4
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo WhereWhen No. 5
Takohana

Takohana was an anthropomorphic bear samurai in service to Lord Tamakuro.

## Character History

Takohana was the best spearman serving Lord Tamakuro. He had never been defeated in combat, and was used by Lord Tamakuro to duel ronin who wished to enter his service, to assess their skill. He met his match when Miyamoto Usagi pretended to seek to serve Lord Tamakuro, and swiftly defeated Takohana. As a result, Usagi was immediately hired and begun being groomed for an officer's position amongst Lord Tamakuro's soldiers.

## Appearances

* "Downpour" (collected in Book 4: The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy).
Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters

*Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters* is a black and white, nine-issue TMNT parody series about 4 hamsters that are transformed into humanoid form when the NASA rocket they're on crashes down into a Tibetan monastery.

## Contents

* (W) Don Chin
* (A/CA) Patrick Parsons (under the name Parsonavich)
* (ALT CA) Stan Sakai
* Published by Comic Castle
* Distributed by Eclipse Comics
* 31 pages
* $2.50

## Synopsis

After being launched into space, 4 hamsters encounter a strange object. Self destructing the ship, they are thrown back to earth were they crash land in Tibet and are raised by monks. After 8 years of training, they complete their studies and are sent to America to deliver a package to the brother of one of the monks.

Trudging through the snow, they encounter a drug dealer who they beat up and take his car, which is full of white powdered "sugar" and money. They drive to the airport and catch a flight. The flight gets hijacked and the Hamsters defeat the villains.
Big Brawl, Part 1

**The Big Brawl, Part 1** is a season 2 episode of the 2003-2009 animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. It originally aired over Foxbox on 15 May 2004. Usagi only makes a brief appearance in this episode. It is followed-up by *Big Brawl, Part 2*.

## Plot

When the turtles fight at Battle Nexus, they can use a little help.

## External Links

* Mutant Ooze
* Entry at TurtlePedia
The Usagi Yojimbo Saga Volume 1

Ltd. hardcover

Celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of Stan Sakai’s beloved rabbit ronin, Dark Horse proudly presents Miyamoto Usagi’s epic trek along the warrior’s path in a new series of deluxe compilations, beginning with over 600 pages of Usagi’s essential adventures. Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 2 #1–16 and Vol. 3 #1–6!

* Stan Sakai’s series gets the deluxe treatment from Dark Horse!

* Over 600 pages of samurai action and adventure!

* Full-color cover gallery!
* Forward by Jamie S. Rich.

* Usagi Yojimbo has won multiple awards and been published all over the world!

* Also available in a limited hardcover of 900 signed and numbered copies.
* $79.99 hardcover
* $24.99 softcover

The book art for the softcover edition.

## ISBN

* Hardcover: ISBN 1616556714
* Softcover: ISBN 1616556099

## 2nd Printing

For the second printing, both the hardcover and the softcover are getting reprinted (2nd printings of the other *UY Saga* books are only getting softcover reprintings) and feature new cover art. The hardcover is limited to 600 copies (900 1st printings + 600 2nd printings) to bring the total print run to 1500 copies to match the run size of the other *UY Saga* limited hardcovers. It includes an all new introduction by Diana Schutz (replacing the forward by Jamie S. Rich).

Celebrate Stan Sakai's beloved rabbit ronin, Miyamoto Usagi, in his epic trek along the warrior's path in this first second edition volume of the comic saga featuring brand new original cover art by Stan Sakai, beginning with over six hundred pages of Usagi's essential adventures.

Collects Usagi Yojimbo volume 2 #1-16 and volume 3 #1-6!

Full-color cover gallery!

* Hardcover: ISBN 1506724914
* Softcover: ISBN 1506724906

* Hardcover limited edition - 2nd printing
* 600 signed and numbered copies
* $79.99 MSRP
* Release date: March 24, 2021

* Softcover - 2nd printing
* $29.99 MSRP
* Release date: March 24, 2021

## Contents

Contains the following collections:

* Usagi Yojimbo Book 8: Shades of Death
* Usagi Yojimbo Book 9: Daisho
* Usagi Yojimbo Book 10: The Brink of Life and Death

1. ↑ Posted by Stan Sakai: "Actually, it will be much less-- 600. The reason being that Saga 2-9 + Legends HCs had a print run of 1500 each. Saga 1's print run was 900. I think it's the OCD in me that wants them all to be even.

There are no plans to do HCs editions of the rest of the Saga New Editions.[1]"
Lord Miyatake

**Lord Miyatake** is the Lord of the former White Village in the Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles Netflix series.

## History

In the past, a baby Sawaguchi would be left on Lord Miyatake's doorstep. Taking mercy on the newborn orphan, Lord Miyatake would adopt and raise Sawaguchi as his own. Upon learning that the Red Village had invaded the valley, he sends Sawaguchi to lead a group of soldiers to fight against the Red Village invaders.
Nagao

Nagao was a Geishu Clan samurai and married to Lady Koriko.

## Character History

Nagao had become disillusioned by the rigid structures of samurai society, as well as his cold and honour-obsessed wife. When he left, he soon came to a village to the east where he met Atsuko. The two fell in love and found the fulfillment they had been lacking in their lives. However, Atsuko's brother tried to press Nagao for money, and when he refused, Atsuko's brother murdered him for his purse. Miyamoto Usagi was soon sent by Lady Koriko to retrieve Nagao's daisho. When Atsuko was also murdered by her brother, he gave the two the only peace they could find: he buried Atsuko next to Nagao, so the two could be together forever at last.

## Appearances

* "Frost and Fire" (collected in Book 5: Lone Goat and Kid).
Lone Rabbit and Child

## Appearances

**Characters:**

* Miyamoto Usagi
* Tomoe Ame
* Lord Noriyuki
* Hanzo
* Lord Hikiji
* Lord Hebi
* Groo

**Species:**

* Tokages
* Dogs

**Groups:**

* Neko ninja

**Locations:**

* Town of Narai
* Geishu Edo Palace

## Trivia

* Groo from the *Groo the Wanderer* comic series makes a cameo appearance when Usagi and Noriyuki are walking through town.
Strange Tales

*Strange Tales* is a three issue anthology series, written and illustrated by a variety of talents. Stan provided the cover for issue #3 as well as an 8-page interior story titled "Oni" (aka Hulk Samurai).

## Contents

(W) Peter Bagge, Nick Bertozzi, Jeffrey Brown, Max Cannon, Chris Chua, Becky Cloonan, Paul Hornschemeier, Michael Kupperman, Jonathan Jay Lee, Corey Lewis, Stan Sakai, Jay Stephens (A) Peter Bagge, Nick Bertozzi, Jeffrey Brown, Chris Chua, Becky Cloonan, Steve Ditko, Paul Hornschemeier, Michael Kupperman, Jonathan Jay Lee, Corey Lewis, Jay Stephens (A/CA) Stan Sakai

Written by PETER BAGGE, MAX CANNON, CHRIS CHUA, BECKY CLOONAN, NICHOLAS GUREWITCH, PAUL HORNSCHEMEIER, JONATHAN JAY LEE, COREY LEWIS, STAN SAKAI, JAY STEPEHENS & MORE!

Art by PETER BAGGE, MAX CANNON, CHRIS CHUA, BECKY CLOONAN, NICHOLAS GUREWITCH, PAUL HORNSCHEMEIER, JONATHAN JAY LEE, COREY LEWIS, STAN SAKAI, JAY STEPEHENS & MORE!

Cover by STAN SAKAI

You won't believe your senses!!! Marvel is proud to present the final issue of this hotly anticipated three issue anthology showcasing Marvel's greatest characters re-imagined by the best and brightest talents working in independent comics today. Don't miss what's sure to be one of the most exciting collections of comics short stories ever produced!!! Every issue stars a stunning array of the best, most exciting cartoonists on the planet-showcasing the Marvel Heroes as you've never seen them before! Featuring the long-awaited Peter Bagge "Incorrigible Hulk" serialized over all three issues!

48 PGS./Explicit Content ...$4.99