Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter Artist Select

IDW Publishing proudly presents Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo Grasscutter Artist Select, a massive 464 page 9” x 13” tome that collects two of the most beloved Usagi Yojimbo stories. *Grasscutter* was originally published in *Usagi Yojimbo*#13 – 22 (and won the prestigious Eisner award in 1999 for “Best Serialized Story”), followed by *Grasscutter II,* which was published in issues #39 – 45. They are both presented here for the first time in one volume.

Each page of Stan Sakai’s beautiful narrative has been scanned from the original art, courtesy of the artist’s personal archives, in the same manner as the multi-Eisner award-winning Artist’s Edition series from IDW.

* Signed and numbered tipped-in plate
* Limited to 999 copies
* $150.00
* Dust jacket and cloth-bound cover
* Silver foil stamped, cloth covered slipcase
* Ribbon bookmarks sewn in
* 464 pages
* 9" x 13"
* 12 pages of story notes and references

ISBN-10: 1684056606

SKU: 9781684056606

## Awards

* The original Grasscutter publishing won the 1999 Eisner Award for *Best Serialized Story*

* This book won a 2020 Eisner Award for *Best Archival Collection/Project – Comic Books*
* This book won the 2020 Ringo Award for *Best Presentation*

## Book Versions

The Grasscutter Artist Select book was released in several versions. The regular version was first released July 2019 at SDCC and only received a wider release through the IDW Limited online store December 4, 2019.

**AP (Artist Proof)**

These are the same as the regular edition, only the signed bookplate is numbered as *This is #AP of an edition of 999.* Artist Proof copies are given to the artist and usually Stan sells most of them, but he received so few of the AP copies of this that he didn't make them available for sale.

**IDW Dinner Exclusive**

Available only to those that attended the 2019 IDW Dinner with special guest Stan Sakai. The book is just like the regular edition, but does not have the signed and numbered tipped-in plate and instead has an embossed gold foil sticker on the inside commemorating the dinner and all the exterior foil is gold colored instead of silver.

* Gold foil stamping
* Gold embossed sticker "IDW presents an evening with Stan Sakai, July 18, 2019"
* No signed/numbered tipped-in plate
* Limited to about 30 copies (23 counted from stack on table at event, but I counted closer to 30 handed out)
* Those at the $500 dinner tier also received an original 9x12 commission. Those at the $250 dinner tier only received the book.
* Released July 18, 2019

**NYCC Exclusive**

Released as part of IDW's NYCC online 2020.

Comes from the normal run of 999, so includes the signed and numbered tipped-in plate, but also includes a bonus, unnumbered bookplate (pictured). It comes bundled with signed copies of the Usagi Yojimbo Book 34: Bunraku and Other Stories and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo (these both have signed bookplates).

* $175.00 (bundle price)
* Signed and sketched NYCC bookplate
* Limited to 100
* Released October 7, 2020

**Original Art Edition**

*clamshell case design (above)*

Comes in a specially designed clamshell case and includes an original piece of art enclosed in a hardcover portfolio. No signed and numbered tipped-in plate.

* $350.00
* Signed and numbered original art (not inserted into book)
* Hardcover portfolio features Usagi's mon design on the cover
* Limited to 50
* Released December 4, 2019 (sold out in about 12 hours)

**stansakai.com Full Body Sketch Edition**

Offered directly from Stan Sakai in his online store. Comes from the normal run of 999, so includes the signed and numbered tipped-in plate. Sketch and numbering is done on the title page, with the numbering reading "LE \_\_/50" in the lower right.

* $350.00
* Full body sketch
* Limited to 50
* Includes a numbered certificate of authenticity
* Released July 2020

## Plot

**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* collects Dark Horse *Usagi Yojimbo* issues 13-22, 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.

**Grasscutter II**

Forged in the clouds by the elemental gods of feudal Japan, the legendary sword *Kusanagi* -- also known as "Grasscutter" -- holds such power that it is sought after by mighty forces of good and evil. Multiple award winner Stan Sakai continues the epic adventures of his signature samurai rabbit, Usagi Yojimbo, in this second book centering on the mystical sword. Starting with a prologue that unveils the history of the sword, *Grasscutter II* rejoins Usagi with his samurai travelling companion, Gen, as they journey to the sacred shrine of Atsuta to return the powerful sword to its final resting place. But two ninja clans will fight the honorable samurai as well as each other in order to capture the sword and gain control of the empire with it. An enthralling book for all ages to enjoy, *Grasscutter II* will amaze readers with its narrative depth and poetic storytelling.

## Reference

https://www.idwpublishing.com/stan-sakais-usagi-yojimbo-grasscutter-debuts-at-idw-with-artist-select-edition/

https://idwlimited.com/shop/usagi-yojimbo-grasscutter-artist-select-signed-numbered-edition/