recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Sawaguchi

**Sawaguchi** is a ghostly warrior in the Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles Netflix series.

## History

Moments after, Usagi and his friends arrive in the valley, which she haunts along with her sworn enemy Yabushita. Sawaguchi blows on her conch horn to summon her loyal soldiers and demands to know if Usagi's group is either on her side or Yabushita's. Speaking for his group, Usagi answers neither, and both sides' soldiers attack Usagi's group until they're beaten by Tetsujin. Both Sawaguchi and Yabushita then introduce themselves and disclose their respective Lord they serve and Village they're from. Believing that Tetsujin is the group's leader, Sawaguchi demands that he choose a side to join, but Tetsujin relays her to Usagi. Usagi then introduces himself and his companions and their goal to retrieve the Willow Branch. Sawaguchi suggests that Usagi's group listen to their tales and decide which side to align with. Who would tell their story first was decided through a game of Snake, Spider, & Raven, and in the end, Yabushita wins.

After Yabushita tells his side of the story, Sawaguchi tells Usagi's group about her backstory as an orphan who was adopted into the White Village by Lord Miyatake. He would teach Sawaguchi everything he knew and would later entrust her with leading the White Village soldiers against the invaders of the valley. Even after hearing both sides of the story from Sawaguchi and Yabushita, Usagi refuses to fight alongside either of them, causing them to attack Usagi's group again. Figuring the only way to stop the two sides from continuing their pointless fight against the other, Usagi has Tetsujin show the two warriors their villages in the present day from high above the sky. They learn that the Red and White Villages have merged into one, and the newly formed Village is called "Sakura Village". In light of this, Yabushita and Sawaguchi release the soldiers from their command, allowing them to pass on and, after saying their thanks and goodbyes to Usagi's group, pass on themselves.
Kappa

A Kappa is a water-dwelling creature. It is humanoid, and resembles a tortoise, save for the bowl-like indentation in its forehead, which is filled with water. Kappa are honourable creatures, but are highly dangerous for wayfarers.

## Character History

Miyamoto Usagi encountered a Kappa during his wanderings. The Kappa demanded that Usagi pay it a tribute in order to cross its swamp. Fortunately, Usagi had discovered cucumbers growing out of season. As Kappa are fond of cucumbers, Usagi was able to bribe it to let him pass.

Shortly thereafter, Usagi found a house in the swamp, where he stayed briefly. The rabbit learnt that the cucumbers were grown by the old woman who lived in the house to allow her son safe passage to visit her. Usagi returned to the swamp to rescue her son, who was unable to pay the Kappa's toll with the cucumbers gone. Usagi fought the Kappa and forced the water from the bowl in its head, which would spell its death. Usagi exacted a promise from the Kappa never to harm another wayfarer before letting it go.

It was a great surprise to Usagi, however, when he learnt that the samurai he had rescued had ventured this way to visit his mother's grave...
Hideko

Hideko was a young anthropomorphic cat peasant girl.

## Character History

Hideko did not always pay attention to her mother, and once inadvertantly wandered in the path of a panicked horse. She would have been trampled to death, were it not for the actions of Miyamoto Usagi and Chizu, who rescued Hideki and slew the horse, respectively.

## Appearances

* "Out of the Shadows" (collected in Book 18: Travels With Jotaro).
The Real World, Part 2

**The Real World, Part 2** is a season 3 episode of the 2003-2009 animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. It originally aired over Foxbox on 2 April 2005. It follows up *The Real World, Part 1*. Usagi next appears in the episode "Samurai Tourist".

## Plot

Leonardo and Miyamoto Usagi travel to Battle Nexus to find Daimyo and find his family.

## External Links

* Mutant Ooze
* Entry at TurtlePedia
TMNT 100

Things have never been worse for the TMNT and their allies, but there’s still one desperate gambit to try if the family can come together in time. Will it be worth the cost? Over eight years of TMNT storytelling have led to this game-changing moment! Don’t miss it!

## Contents

* (w) Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman (a) Dave Wachter & Mateus Santolouco
* Variant cover by Stan Sakai & Kevin Eastman
* Stan Sakai Studios exclusive - sold through Dogu.co
* Full color, 48 pages
* Sold as a pair with UY #6
* $40.00 (unsigned pair)
* $60.00 (both signed by Stan) - later revised to $55.00
* $70.00 (both signed and remarqued by Stan) - later revised to $80.00
* $80.00 (both signed by Stan and Kevin)
* $120.00 (both signed and remarqued by Stan and Kevin)

## Release date

December 4, 2019

Combines with Usagi Yojimbo #6 Sakai Studios Exclusive to form a single image.
Star Wars: Visions - Takashi Okazaki

TAKASHI OKAZAKI RETURNS TO THE WORLD OF THE RONIN ONCE MORE!

We've seen THE RONIN as a Sith slayer...but who was the Ronin before? See the early history of THE RONIN and his SITH origins in this one-of-a-kind VISIONS

Special! Featuring THE RONIN from the first season of the hit Disney+ series, STAR WARS: VISIONS!

## Contents

(W/A) Takashi Okazaki (CA) Stan Sakai

* Diamond#: OCT230817
* Marvel Comics
* $5.99

## External Links

Previews World

Penguin Random House
Usagi Yojimbo Book 30: Thieves and Spies

Stan Sakai’s samurai masterpiece returns! In this volume, Miyamoto Usagi joins forces with a thief and a samurai to thwart a black-market ginseng trade, meets a ronin who lost his arm in a duel yet still has a trick up his sleeve, and more! Collects Usagi Yojimbo #145–#151.

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

“In an ideal world, everyone would read Usagi Yojimbo. This is as good a place as any to start making that happen.”—Comic Book Resources

## Editions

* ISBN-10: 1-50670-047-0 (s/n)
* ISBN-10: 1-50670-048-9 (tpb)

## Contents

* "The Thief and the *Kunoichi*"
* "The One-Armed Swordsman"
* "The Distant Mountain"
* "Death of a Tea Master"
* "The Bride"
Usagi Yojimbo Book 17: Duel at Kitanoji

Nothing comes easy for rabbit *ronin* Usagi, not even being a spectator at the planned duel between his former teacher Katsuichi and Katsuichi's rival Nakamura Koji. Before the duel even begins, Usagi becomes embroiled in a dispute between Koji and a local fencing school. Along the way, Usagi discovers a devastating secret -- a weakness in Koji's style. It's a secret that could save his teacher's life, but at the cost of his own honor. This 17th volume of *Usagi Yojimbo* collects issues #43-60, including the entire "Duel at Kitanoji" story, and a handful of other great shorts.

Book 17: *Duel at Kitanoji* reprints Vol. 3 issues 53-60, and issues 45-48 of Dark Horse Extra. It is published by Dark Horse Comics.

The introduction for this volume was written by Jack Davis.

## Editions

* ISBN-10: 1-56971-974-8 (s/n)
* ISBN-10: 1-56971-973-X (tpb)
* ISBN-10: 0-61392-627-0 (Sagebrush)
* ISBN-10: 1-43521-528-1 (Paw Prints)

## Contents

* "Vendetta"
* "The Return of Lone Goat and Kid"
* "Images From a Winter's Day"
* "Koji"
* "Crows"
* "Duel at Kitanoji"
* "A Lesson in Courtesy"
Neo Edo

***Neo Edo is the main plot setting of the Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles tv series.*** Neo meaning *'*New' and Edo being a reference to the time period that Usagi Yojimbo takes place in.

## History

A bustling city in Japan. 1000 years before the start of the series Miyamoto Usagi trapped the yokai Kagehito, who was in disguise as the then Shogun, in the Ki-Stone, a mystical and giant ancient rock. Labelled as a murderer, Miyamoto Usagi became an infamous figure in the city's history and culture.

## Ki-Stone

The City is powered by the Ki-Stone, as it emits a powerful amount of electricity. The Ki-stone remains in the center of the ancient Kaikishi Temple and is watched over by Testujin. According to Testujin, the Ki-stone is 100% immoveable and locked to the Earth's magnetic field. It is recommended not to touch the stone, as it electrocutes anyone who does so. It is also alive in a way and can communicate with Testujin. The two have a humorously affectionate relationship and Testujin also refers to the Ki-stone as a 'she'.

A piece of the Ki-stone was broken off by Miyamoto Usagi and stayed within the family. Yuichi Usagi's Auntie mounted the crystal piece to the hilt of the sword Edgewing. They named the crystal the Omurasaki (**大むらさき**, meaning Great Purple). Inside the crystal one can see the image of a butterfly wing.

## Trivia

* Edo is the former name of the city Tokyo.
* In Episode One, Usagi is surprised by the Ki-stone's purple color and expected it to be yellow. This is a reference to how in Japanese *ki* (黄) means yellow or gold.
* Ō-murasaki, while being the name of the Ki-stone crystal, it is also the name of the National butterfly of Japan, known in English as the Great Purple Emperor butterfly. It is likely this was an intentional reference as the Ki-stone summons a butterfly shaped portal in the sky.

## Gallery

Concept art of Neo Edo by artist Khang Le. This is the basis of the shot from the first episode.The Kaikishi TempleConcept art by Jeremy Boulivet of the Kaikishi Temple.Inside Kaikishi Temple in episode two 'Yokai'Miyamoto Usagi about to kill the possessed Shogun.The OmurasakiConcept art by Jérôme "Djej" BenoitConcept art of Gen's house by Guillaume Montoya
Donbori Matsuo

Donbori Matsuo was an anthropomorphic bear samurai in service to Lord Mifune.

## Character History

Donbori Matsuo was a friend of Miyamoto Usagi and a comrade of his throughout the three years before the death of Lord Mifune. Matsuo saved Usagi's life at the Battle of the Burning Plains, one of the lesser skirmishes before the Battle of Adachigahara. Matsuo was believed to have died at Adachi Plains; however, he survived, although he sustained dreadful injuries in the process. Matsuo followed his son, Donbori Chiaki, at a distance, and watched as his son became a fine samurai in his honour. Five years after his disfigurement, Matsuo met Miyamoto Usagi again, but he exacted a promise from Usagi that he would not tell Chiaki that Matsuo was still alive.

## Appearances

* "My Father's Swords" (collected in Book 13: Grey Shadows).
Soul Oath

**Soul Oath** is the tenth episode of the Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles tv series.

## Summary

As a giant hand descends onto Neo Edo, Usagi tries to remove the Clavis from the Ki-stone despite the protests from Tetsujin. When Usagi does, another flashback is shown that not only Usagi, but the entire city sees. It shows Miyamoto slaying the shogun who was the Yokai Kagehito, which sequentially sealed all of the worlds Yokai into the Ki-stone. With a missing piece of the Ki-stone that'd help close the portal way in the sky missing, Usagi realizes that it's the gem attached to the hilt of his Edgewing. However, his Auntie currently has it, and her whereabouts are unknown. Remembering that Yuichi's Aunt is with Toshiko and Hana, they decide to split up and check the likely places that Toshiko may have taken them. Usagi decides to check Gen's mansion, Gen and Kitsune will check the hospital, and Chizu and Tetsujin the arcade.

Meanwhile, at Gen's mansion, Hana plays with a Kasa-Obake, and Auntie spots the giant hand in the sky, irks Toshiko, and suggests they hide in the garage. Unbeknownst to them, Lady Fuwa furtively watched them. Switching over to Gen and Kitsune they check the hospital, but all they find is Warimashi who was having some surgery done. They are forced to let him go, however, because they have to look for Toshiko. Usagi runs into a pig wielding a nodachi who wants revenge for slamming him with a table on the streets of Neo Edo, but he's quickly dealt with. Chizu and Tetsujin reach the arcade and due to Tetsujin's ghostly appearance, he scares one of the workers there.

Arriving at Gen's mansion, Usagi helps his aunt fight against the ninjas until Lady Fuwa takes Hana hostage. However, her friend the Kara-Obake rescues her, and Lady Fuwa and her ninjas then flee the scene. Once Usagi receives the Edgewing from his aunt, he returns to the Kaikishi Temple where a small group of sentient robots called Warbotto invade it. Usagi and everyone else who had just arrived fight against the Warbotto with a little help from Kagehito. In the end, Usagi manages to seal up the Ki-stone and close the portal way saving the city from destruction. Once the power was restored to the city, Usagi retrieves his sword and the gem on the hilt returns to the Ki-stone. The Ki-stone also restores Usagi's yo-yo and Usagi at the request of Kagehito returns him to the Ki-stone. With the world saved, Usagi tries out the Taiko drums ride. Two Warbotto are seen walking around the streets of Neo Edo and head underground.

## Characters

* Yuichi Usagi
* Gen (Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles)
* Chizu (Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles)
* Kitsune (Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles)
* Spot (Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles)
* Tetsujin
* Miyamoto Usagi
* Kagehito
* Warimashi
* Yuichi's Aunt
* Hana
* Lady Fuwa
The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy (story arc)

"The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy" is one of the first major *Usagi Yojimbo* story arcs. It was originally published in *Usagi Yojimbo* Vol. 1 Issues 13-19 and was republished in *Book 4: The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy*.

## Characters featured in this story arc

* Miyamoto Usagi
* Tomoe Ame
* Lord Noriyuki
* Gen
* Shingen
* Zato-Ino
* Lord Hebi

(others)

### "The Clouds Gather"

On a dark night, in the middle of a fierce rainstorm, Tomoe Ame rides desperately towards a border checkpoint and kills several of the samurai guards on duty, but is overpowered and taken prisoner.

**Three days earlier**: At the White Heron Castle in the Geishu Province, Lord Noriyuki confides to Tomoe that his agents have brought him troubling news about Lord Tamakuro, a known supporter of Lord Hikiji. According to the rumors, Tamakuro has been importing large amounts of construction supplies to his capital, but no laborers have been hired and no visible works begun. At the same time, Tamakuro has been recruiting *ronin* in large numbers from the surrounding countryside.

On the pretext of a diplomatic errand, Tomoe visits Tamakuro's fortress as a gesture of Noriyuki's friendship. Tamakuro, though suspicious, welcomes her and offers her and her men hospitality for the evening. Late that night, Tomoe infiltrates one of the fortress warehouses and finds a stockpile of *teppo* (matchlock muskets). Based on the number of guns, she guesses that Tamakuro is building an army powerful enough to overthrow the Shogun himself. She is ambushed inside the warehouse by a Neko ninja, who she kills, alerting the guards outside to her presence. Her own retainers fight the guards while she mounts a nearby horse and flees the fortress to warn Noriyuki...

### "Storm Clouds Part"

**Epilogue**: A few weeks later, Lord Hebi visits Noriyuki and congratulates him for receiving the Shogun's thanks for his role in stopping Tamakuro's conspiracy. Noriyuki says they both know it was Lord Hikiji's Neko ninja who stopped the conspiracy, and Hebi says, officially, there is no connection between Hikiji and the Neko ninja, and Hebi has visited to "ask" that any rumors of such a connection be squelched. Noriyuki reluctantly agrees, saying he owes Hikiji that much.

Hebi, in a false spirit of camraderie, remarks that, for once, Hikiji and Noriyuki acted as allies. Noriyuki - who has never forgotten the multiple times Hikiji tried to have him killed - retorts coldly that the Geishu clan acted for the good of the nation, but Hikiji, as always, acted only for his own ends.

Hebi encourages Noriyuki to be at peace, as the long storm has finally cleared. But Noriyuki wonders aloud whether there is a worse one on the horizon.
Genjiro

Genjiro was the head of the Dogora fencing school.

## Character History

Genjiro was the sponsor of a swordsmanship tournament for Lord Mifune. When his instructor Jimbei attempted to turn away Katsuichi from entering his pupil, Miyamoto Usagi, into the tournament, Genjiro overruled him. Genjiro felt that turning away Katsuichi would show that the Dogora school was afraid of him, and that they would lose face before their patron, Lord Mifune. Genjiro felt that Katsuichi had planned this as an insult to the Dogora, and he ordered that the Dogora school should defeat Usagi. However, the young rabbit's unorthodox sword style was too effective, and he won the tournament.

## Appearances

"Samurai!, Part IV" (collected in Book 2: Samurai).
Usagi Yojimbo Book 20: Glimpses of Death

Wandering *ronin* Usagi Yojimbo is alone once again, having emerged from his travels with young Jotaro. His brief respite from danger was not destined to last long, for adventure in feudal Japan waits for no one! In this volume of the internationally acclaimed series, master storyteller Stan Sakai treats readers to intriguing tales of Usagi on his own and catches up with a bevy of fan-favorite characters - "whodunit" maestro Inspector Ishida has another puzzling mystery to solve, bounty hunters Gen and Stray Dog are each on the tail of the possessed swordswoman Inazuma, bodyguard Tomoe has a new political rival in Lord Noriyuki's court, and Priest Sanshobo's temple is plagued by a vile demon! Throughout these stories we follow Usagi as he is roped into a covert smuggling operation, escorts a cantankerous old woman through dangerous territory, assists an inventor with a visionary flying machine, and once again encounters a vengeful young samurai.

• Featuring a rare short story starring Katsuichi and young Usagi which has never seen print in the *Usagi*comics series!

Book 20: *Glimpses of Death* reprints Vol. 3 issues 76-82 and the short story Cooking Lesson which was originally published in the Drawing the Line benefit book. It is published by Dark Horse Comics.

The introduction for this volume was written by Frederik L. Schodt.

## Editions

* ISBN-10: 1-59307-631-2 (s/n)
* ISBN-10: 1-59307-549-9 (tpb)
* ISBN-10: 1-41776-241-1 (Sagebrush)

## Contents

* "Cooking Lesson"
* "Contraband"
* "After The Rat"
* "Samurai For Hire"
* "Dreams and Nightmares"
* "Gen And The Dog"
* "When Rabbits Fly"
* "Into The Mist"
* "Nocturnal"
* "Vendetta's End"
Kenji

**Kenji** 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.
Takenoko

Takenoko is a doctor and inventor who appears in the story "When Rabbits Fly," which was reprinted in *Book 20: Glimpses of Death*. A very similar character with the same name previously appeared in Space Usagi several years earlier. This is a rare example of a character in the regular *Usagi Yojimbo* series being based upon a character from Space Usagi.
Sakura

**Sakura** is Yabushita's daughter in the Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles Netflix series.

## History

Sakura is the only daughter of Yabushita of the Red Village, born during the Sakura tree blooming. Whether or not she had any involvement, sometime later her village and the neighboring one would merge into one and call itself the Sakura Village.
Tomi

Tomi was an anthropomorphic cat in service to Lord Mifune.

## Character History

Tomi was a servant in Lord Mifune's palace. She was a trusted friend of Lady Kazumi and was charged by her with looking after the infant Prince Tsuruichi. She was slain during the attack by the Neko Ninja that also claimed the lives of Lady Kazumi and Prince Tsuruichi.

## Appearances

"Samurai!, Part VIII" (collected in Book 2: Samurai).
Usagi Yojimbo Book 31: The Hell Screen

In this thrilling volume, the rabbit *ronin* teams up with—and faces off against—a multitude of unexpected characters: destitute bandits, a renegade *kappa*, and a *komori* ninja! Then, Inspector Ishida returns to investigate a ghastly painting known only as the Hell Screen! Collects *Usagi Yojimbo* issues #152–#158. Foreword by Cullen Bunn (*Conan*, *Harrow County*)!

* Contains the three-part story arc “The Secret of the Hell Screen”!

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

## Editions

* ISBN-10: 1-50670-186-8 (s/n)
* ISBN-10: 1-50670-187-6 (tpb)

## Contents

* "The River Rising"
* "Kyuri"
* "Kazehime"
* "The Secret of the Hell Screen"
* "The Fate of the Elders"
* "The Hatamoto's Daughter"
Nekohana

Nekohana was a samurai in service to Lord Nerai. His appearance was that of an anthropomorphic cat.

## Character History

When Lord Nerai was ordered to commit seppuku by Lord Hikiji, he wrote a confession detailing his involvement in the attempts upon the life of Lord Noriyuki of the Geishu Clan. Lord Nerai gave this letter to Nekohana to take to the Shogun, as it would implicate Lord Hikiji as the mastermind behind the assassination attempts. However, Nekohana was intercepted by the Neko Ninja and slain. With his last action, he gave the confession to the ronin Miyamoto Usagi, before perishing.

## Appearances

"The Confession" (collected in Book 1: The Ronin).
Legal

**Usagi Yojimbo**, **Space Usagi**, **Nilson Groundthumper** and all related characters, elements, and logos are **™ & © Stan Sakai and Usagi Studios**.

**Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles** and all related characters, elements, and logos are **™ & © Paramount Global d/b/a Viacom International**. Created by **Kevin B. Eastman** and **Peter A. Laird**.

**Panda Khan** and all related characters, elements, and logos are **™ & © J. Robert Bryans (dba) Gaelstone Media Group.** Created by **Dave Garcia** and **Monica Sharp**.

**Space Ark** and all related characters, elements, and logos are **™ & © Ken Mitchroney**.

**Groo the Wanderer** and all related characters, elements, and logos are **™ & © Sergio Aragonés** .

**Planet Racers** and all related characters and elements are **™ & © Peter A. Laird & Jim Lawson d/b/a Zeromayo Studios**.

**Nocturnals** and all related characters, elements and logos are **™ & © Dan Brereton.** (All other characters featured in Nocturnals: Troll Bridge are ™ & © their respective owners.)

**Equine The Uncivilized** and all related characters are ™ & © their respective owners.

*Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles* animated series is **© Usagi Productions, LLC.** Produced by **Gaumont** in association with **Netflix**.

*Samurai Warrior video game* is **© 1987 Atari, Inc**.

*TMNT 2: Battle Nexus* and *TMNT 3: Mutant Nightmare* video games are **© 2004-2005 Konami**.

*Usagi Yojimbo: The Way of the Ronin* video game is **© 2013-2016 Stan Sakai, Dark Horse Comics LLC, and HappyGiant LLC**.

Usagi Yojimbo 1998 RPG is **© Gold Rush Games**.

Usagi Yojimbo 2005 RPG is **© Sanguine Productions**.

Dark Horse and all related logos are **™ Dark Horse Comics LLC**.

Mirage and all related logos are **™ Peter A. Laird**.

Fantagraphics and all related logos are **™ Fantagraphics Books, Inc**.

IDW and all related Logos are **™ Idea and Design Works**.

Playmates and all related logos are **™ Playmates Toys**.
Keiko

**Keiko** is a young girl who is Jei's travelling companion. Unlike most individuals in the series, Keiko firmly sees Jei, who she calls uncle (or aunty if he is possessing a female) as an actual emissary of the gods and supports him on his mission to smite evil.

## History

Keiko first appears in the story "The Black Soul" (v.2 issue #13). An orphan, Keiko was living alone with her grandfather when they encountered some greedy bandits who demanded food, shelter and everything from their home. Frustrated with the apparent lack of food, the bandits killed her grandfather and threatened to do the same thing to her. Luckily, she was saved by Jei as he suddenly arrived and killed all the raiders and sparing Keiko's life; Jei claimed that the gods saw no evil in her. As Jei left the burning house, Keiko escaped the flames and decided to run away with him, as she had nobody left to look after her.

### Grasscutter

Keiko traveled with Jei for some time and soon came across a group of samurai escorting their lord. After refusing to pay respects, Keiko was told by Jei to stay behind him while he began slaughtering the entire group. Sometime after the bloodbath, the two came across an unconscious and injured Inazuma whom they brought with them to stay at an empty home. Keiko began to worry about her health and told Jei that there was something special about her. Jei agreed and they then delivered her to Sanshobo's temple. Keiko was then left behind in the forest after Jei suddenly ran off to find whatever was calling him.

She managed to find Jei later, dueling Miyamoto Usagi after hearing his laughter. However, a sudden earthquake caused a tree to topple over her, which she survived by luck. After Jei was defeated, Keiko came face to face with Inazuma, who was now possessed by Jei. The two hold hands and Keiko calls her "Aunty".

### The Return of the Black Soul

Keiko accompanied Jei (still possessing Inazuma) for quite some time, but suddenly disappeared after Jei was forced to stay in an empty home after being dealt a mortal wound to his host body. Later, after Inazuma was exorcised, Jei transfers over to Priest Hama and rejoins with Keiko, who was looking for him.
Shades of Green

## Synopsis

Usagi and Gen are found running along a mountain path, trying to escape from a band of Neko Ninja. The Neko cut them off on both sides, forcing Gen and Usagi to fend off the whole assault by themselves. Eventually, the Neko realize that they can't fight effectively on such a narrow road. They retreat and call forth archers to pick off the two samurai. Left with no other choice, Usagi jumps off the cliff into the raging river below. Gen reluctantly follows Usagi in the river, evading a flurry of arrows and two ninja that jump in after them. Usagi and Gen are swept into a series of raging rapids, and lose consciousness.

The pair wakes up two miles downriver, coughing and hacking but alright. They discuss the situation at hand and decide that the Neko Ninja seemed to be guarding the general area rather than attacking the two of them intentionally. They begin arguing about who decided to take the route that brought them through that mountain area, but are disrupted by silhouetted figure rustling in the bushes. They attack the figure with swords drawn and are swiftly knocked out with a wooden stick.

Kakera the Rat introduces himself and expresses doubt about "using samurai who are so unskilled." He learns Usagi and Gen's names, and tells them he will explain at his house. After they all return to Kakera's village and eat their supper, Gen and Usagi demand answers. Kakera tells them that the Neko Ninja showed up two days before and encircled their entire village, stopping anybody attempting to enter or leave. He then mysteriously tells them that the Neko are attempting to abduct him.

Elsewhere, Chizu and Kagemaru of the Neko clan discuss their strategy with another masked ninja. Chizu tells Kagemaru that the abduction attempt is too risky and wasteful; also, they would need to destroy the entire village after the deed was done. Kagemaru vehemently objects, accusing her of becoming soft-hearted and reminding her that their benefactor, Lord Hikiji, has recently been favoring a rival ninja clan, the Komori. Chizu asserts her dominance as the sister of their previous Jonin chief, Shingen.

Suddenly, they hear a faint flapping of batwings outside. Two Komori ninja are found spying on the Neko, and attempt to fly away. The Neko ninja are able to kill the two Komori, but lose their brother ninja. Kagemaru finally convinces Chizu that the only response to an attack like this is war.
Big Brawl, Part 4

**The Big Brawl, Part 4** is a season 3 episode of the 2003-2009 animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. It originally aired over Foxbox on 2 October 2004. It follows up *Big Brawl, Part 3*. Usagi and Gen next appear in the episode *The Christmas Aliens*.

## Plot

At Battle Nexus, Donatello and Miyamoto Usagi must still continue trying to save Leonardo and Daimyo.

## External Links

* Mutant Ooze
* Entry at TurtlePedia
Komori Ninja

The **Komori Ninja** are a clan of ninja bats.

First appearing in Vol.1 #21, *Blood Wings*, this clan is the foremost rising rival of the Neko Ninja clan whose numbers were severely depleted in the climatic battle during the story *The Dragonbellow Conspiracy*.

They have an open rivalry with the Neko Ninja for Lord Hikiji's favor, which has often led to bloodshed. There is, however, a bit of respect and honor for each other shared by both the ninja clans leaders.

Unlike the Neko, who are largely humanoid in body type, the Komori have winged bodies which enable them to fly with ease. Furthermore, they typically arm themselves with long sword blades lining the edges of their wings to make for devastating attacks in flight. A favorite move is used when an opponent attempts to take shelter in a forested area; the ninja would slash at the foliage, creating a terrifying and blinding storm of debris that often disorients the victim while they are being exposed.

At present, both clans are in the employ of Lord Hikiji as they vie to be the exclusive client for the daimyo.

Their kashira (leader) is named Kurokaze (lit. "black wind"), but little is known about him.
Mayumi

**Mayumi** is a Sign Spinner in the Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles Netflix series.

## History

Mayumi, a co-worker of Gen, greets him in a robotic voice while directing people to Hashimoto alley with her sign spinning. It's later revealed that she was possessed by the Distraction Yokai Sakuran and regained herself after Usagi defeated Sakuran.
Groo

**Groo** is the eponymous main protagonist of the *Groo the Wanderer* comic series, created by Sergio Aragonés and co-written by Mark Evanier. He is a large-nosed buffoon of unsurpassed stupidity, who constantly misunderstands his surroundings. Possessed of superlative skills in swordsmanship (the only task at which he is remotely competent), he delights in combat, but otherwise is a peaceable and honest fellow who tries to make his way through life as a mercenary or by working odd jobs.

## History

While walking in town with Lord Noriyuki, Miyamoto Usagi saw Groo and thought that he was an ugly barbarian.

## General information

### Personality

Groo is incredibly accident-prone. Despite generally good intentions, he causes mass destruction wherever he goes. Most of his adventures end with him either oblivious to the mayhem he has wrought or fleeing from an angry mob. His penchant for destruction has become so widely known that just the news of Groo approaching is sometimes enough to cause chaos among the population.

Groo is occasionally met with respect and good fortune, but it does not last. Businesses, towns, civilizations, and cultures have all been unwittingly destroyed by Groo. Such is Groo's incompetence that so much as his stepping onto a ship can cause it to sink.

Groo has slain entire armies with nothing more than his swords, which appear to be a pair of katanas. Groo loves these frays, as he calls them, and often charges into the melee with a cry of: "Now Groo does what Groo does best!" He is indiscriminate in the use of his battle skills, usually leaping into the bloodshed before attempting to ascertain the reasons for the fight, or even who is on what side. Even when Groo does join a battle intending to fight for a particular side, he is prone to forget which side he is on or be tricked into fighting his unfortunate allies, often causing him to utter "Did I err?" in confusion once everybody is dead.

## External Links

* *Groo the Wanderer* on Wikipedia
* Groo official website
* The Norwegian Groo Page
Kagayake! Kintaro

**Kagayake! Kintaro** is a season 5 episode of the 2012-2017 animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. It originally aired over *Nicktoons* on 6 August 2017. It follows up the episode *Osoroshi no Tabi*.

## Plot

The turtles and Miyamoto Usagi assist Kintaro through a snowy mountain pass, where they encounter snow ninjas. Jei awaits our heroes at the temple for a final fight and Kintaro harnesses his powers.
Rocket Raccoon

*Rocket Raccoon* is an all new, in-continuity series starring the intrepid Rocket. Stan provided the 1:25 retailer incentive variant cover for issue #2.

As defenders of the cosmos go, Rocket Raccoon has faced his fair share of galactic battles. He's been a hero to the weak, a champion of good, a protector of the innocent, a heartthrob to the many intergalactic female species and now--a raccoon on the run?! ( I'm sorry, I'm sorry, a "formidable-and-expert-Guardian" on the run. Rocket is NOT a raccoon, okay?) Rocket's high-flying life of adventure and heroism may soon be a thing of the past when he becomes a wanted man-and the authorities are not the only one on his TAIL! (We'll definitely be overusing that pun!)

Superstar creator Skottie Young brings his A-game as writer and artist on the series we've been waiting decades for. Because let's be real, this is the only Guardian of the Galaxy you actually care about. Am I right?

## Contents

(W) Skottie Young (A/CA) Skottie Young

• FRAMED. The most notorious Raccoon in the galaxy has been arrested and falsely accused of murder!
• The real killer? An imposter procyon that seems to be one step ahead of Rocket at every turn.
• Now, it's up to Rocket and a certain someone from Planet X to find the truth!
Usagi Yojimbo Book 16: The Shrouded Moon

Throughout his journeys across feudal Japan, rabbit *ronin* Usagi has faced many dangers, crossed paths with some who have become his sworn enemies, and forged bonds of friendship stronger than any threat that might cross his path. Collected here are six tales featuring those companions Usagi holds dear. "Showdown" finds Usagi traveling with master swordsman Gen, as the two disrupt the dueling influences of a pair of corrupt families. Neko ninja clan leader Chizu finds herself betrayed and on the run in "Escape!" In "Three Seasons," Usagi is forced to defend himself with the most unlikely of weapons. The beautiful thief Kitsune's tragic history is revealed in "The Shrouded Moon" and "Kitsune's Tale." And in "Lesson in Courtesy," a hot-headed young Usagi incurs a debt that takes nearly a lifetime to repay!

Book 16: *The Shrouded Moon* reprints Vol. 3 issues 46-52. It is published by Dark Horse Comics.

The introduction for this volume was written by Scott Shaw!.

## Editions

* ISBN-10: 1-56971-884-9 (s/n)
* ISBN-10: 1-56971-883-0 (tpb)
* ISBN-10: 1-41765-993-9 (Sagebrush)
* ISBN-10: 1-43521-527-3 (Paw Prints)

## Contents

* "Showdown"
* "Escape!"
* "Three Seasons"
* "The Shrouded Moon"
* "Kitsune's Tale"
Sergio Aragonés

Sergio Aragonés is a longtime *MAD Magazine* artist and co-creator (with Mark Evanier) of Groo the Wanderer, a comic book series for which Stan Sakai is the letterer. Aragonés has made two small contributions to *Usagi Yojimbo*: the story "Broken Ritual" is based on an idea by Aragonés, and he served as a guest inker for the black and white version of the story "Return to Adachi Plain" that is featured in *Book 11: Seasons*. He also contributed a pinup to *The Art of Usagi Yojimbo*: *20th Anniversary Edition* and wrote the introduction to *Book 7: Gen's Story*.

A caricature of Aragonés appears on the cover of Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 1 No. 20 and was anthropomorphized on the last page of *The Tea Cup* (Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 1 No. 11).
The Real World, Part 1

**The Real World, Part 1** is a season 3 episode of the 2003-2009 animated *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles* series. It originally aired over on the Foxbox on March 26, 2005. Usagi and Gen had previously appeared in *The Christmas Aliens*. It's followed up by "The Real World, Part 2".

## Plot

Leonardo arrives to Japan on an alternate Earth, where he encounters Tomoe Ame, who is protecting Lord Noriyuki from the Mogura ninja. When Tomoe is taken by the Mogura, Leonardo joins with Miyamoto Usagi and Gennosuke to rescue Tomoe from the clutches of Lord Hebi. But Chizu and the Neko ninja have other plans, as they try to stop Usagi and his friends.

## External Links

* Mutant Ooze
* Entry at TurtlePedia
Shaolin Cowboy: Cruel to Be Kin

In a kungfluence of attacks the Shaolin Cowboy must pull a kung fu "hat trick" if he expects to save himself and his newborn Varanus komodoensis Ouwens companion from a free-range trip to hell. Don't take my word for it, see it for yourself! The SCU is "ACTION PACKED!!"

* $4.99
* Variant B cover by Stan Sakai, colors by Dave Stewart

Order code: MAY220433

## External Links

Dark Horse series announcement

Previews World
Buichi Toda's wife

## History

After her husband, Buichi Toda was beaten and cast out, they became wanderers. Eventually they settled in an abandoned hut near the battlefield. She told Miyamoto Usagi to kill her after deceiving him, but Usagi suggested she call a priest instead. (Albedo #2/IDW issue #6)

## Appearances

* *The Goblin of Adachigahara* (collected in *Book 1: The Ronin*)
Tsuru

## Plot Synopsis

From the "Tsuru" page on UY Dojo:

> This four-page story opens with Usagi coming to a mountain inn. He notices a patron sitting at a table folding a tsuru (crane), who explains he does this to remember the many he has killed. He claims to be an assassin. Usagi orders a meal and decides to stay away from the assassin. However, after the assassin finishes folding the tsuru, he call's Usagi by name and puts it on Usagi's table before leaving the inn. Usagi is surprised the assassin knows his name. After Usagi finishes his meal and leaves the inn, the assassin accosts him on the road outside. He reveals he was hired by Yamanaka the seaweed merchant to slay Usagi for driving him out of business. A duel ensues, and Usagi strikes down the assassin and then tosses down the folded tsuru as the assassin gives out his dying breath.
>
>

## Publication

This story was published on Dark Horse's website as a series of Flash animations.

1. Part 1
2. Part 2
3. Part 3
4. Part 4
Tatsutaro

## History

**Tatsutaro** is the father to Tomoe Ame, Noriko, and Tajima. He was the head of the Falling Rain School, and a retainer to Lord Noriyuki's father, Lord Mataichi. Though he loved his daughter very much and was well aware that she was the best student in the Dojo, when she came of age, he ordered Tomoe to give up the sword in order to become a lady-in-waiting in Lord Geishu's court, despite how this clearly hurt her. Now that the Age of Warring States was over, women of the samurai class were no longer expected to become warriors, and if it became known his son, Tajima, who would succeed him as headmaster, was constantly beaten by his sister, their school would become a laughing stock. While he blamed himself for his daughter's unhappiness, as a samurai, he had to save face for his clan and dojo. However, he continued to train his daughter in secret, and pressed on her that she must keep her training a secret, especially when she left to join their lord's court.

While Tatsutaro was a samurai of good standing and tried to impart the code of Bushido to his children, he was not without his own faults or secrets. As was very common, Tatsutaro had an arranged marriage for the sake of his clan but he was in love with his wife's younger sister, Haruko, who was married to the swordmaster of the Sanada Clan, and had an affair with her. This affair led to the birth of his illegitimate child, Noriko. For the sake of both their honor, Tatsutaro and Haruko agreed to lie about Noriko's parentage and let everyone believe that she was his niece and not his daughter. Tatsutaro's brother-in-law, however, knew that Noriko was not his child, but maintained the lie to save face.

Years passed by and Noriko's mother passed away, and she would spend much time with Tatsutaro's family in the Geishu Province and train in his dojo. The true reason for this was because Noriko's lawful father couldn't bear the sight of her, as she was a constant reminder of his own shame, so he sent her to be with her real father. Even though she spent much time in Tatsutaro's household and trained with his legitimate children, he never acknowledged Noriko.

Eventually, no longer able to stand being the source of humiliation for either of the men who were supposed to be her father, Noriko sought retribution. The Sanada swordmaster she poisoned, and then confronted Tatsutaro, demanding that he accept her as his child. Tatsutaro denied her; acknowledging her would have dishonored her father as well as himself. And besides that, he already had a daughter, Tomoe. Then he turned his back on her.

Noriko flew into a rage and stabbed her true father in the back as he turned on her, not even allowing him the chance to draw his sword. A shameful death for any samurai, yet, ironically, one brought upon by his own shameful actions.
King Conan

CONAN'S LAST STAND AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD!

Jason Aaron and Mahmud Asrar return to the saga of CONAN in an all-new adventure that takes the story of the Cimmerian further than has ever been revealed in ANY media to date! As Robert E. Howard posited, when King Conan grows restless on the throne, he sails west, toward land and adventure unknown. Now see the first step of King Conan's fateful journey from Aquilonia, as an old and terrible danger threatens to end the saga of the Cimmerian once and for all!

Don't dare miss the first issue of the adventure of a lifetime!

## Contents

• Jason Aaron (w)

• Mahmud A. Asrar (a)

• 40 pages

• Parental Advisory

• $4.99

Variant Cover by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE

Variant Cover by ALEX MALEEV

Variant Cover by STAN SAKAI

Variant Cover by JAMES STOKOE

Variant Cover by Stephanie Hans

Connecting Collage Variant Cover by MR GARCIN

Hidden Gem Variant Cover by JOHN BUSCEMA

Variant cover by Stan Sakai, cover colored by Dave Stewart

Order code: OCT210831

## Release date

~~December 8, 2021~~

December 22, 2021
Beauty of the Beasts 2

*Beauty of the Beasts* was a four-issue series of furry pin-ups by various artists. It was published by Mu Press and the four issues came out from 1992-1997.

## Contents

Art by Richard J. Bartrop, David Bliss, Guy Brownlee, Cindy Crowell, Mike Dashow, Bill Fitts, Steven A. Gallacci, Mike Higgs, Garrett Ho, Heather Hudson, Mike Kazaleh, Adrian Kleinbergen, Monika Livingston, Chuck Melville, Tom Milliorn, Gus Norman, Mike Raabe, Sky Rigdon, Toivo Rovainen, Lou Scarborough, Marc Schirmeister, Eric Schwartz, Jay Shell, Diana Vick, Edd Vick, Anthony Waters, Taral Wayne, and Vicky Wyman. A collection of anthropomorphic (aka furry) pin-ups by artists associated with that fandom.

* 32 pages

* B&W

* Mature readers

* Publisher: Mu Press

* Cover Price: $2.50

## External Links

https://en.wikifur.com/wiki/Beauty\_of\_the\_Beasts
Donald Duck Adventures

In the first of four tales, entitled *Occidental Tourist*, Donald visits a Japanese exhibit at the museum and decides to adopt a traditional Japanese lifestyle, much to the chagrin of his nephews.

## Contents

Occidental Tourist

* (W) Dave Angus (story by)
* (W) Bob Foster (script by)
* (A) Vicar

• Stan provided the cover art, colored by Tom Luth

• 34 pages

• $1.50 cover price

The cover got a positive response, garnering a couple mentions in the letters column in the back of issue #35.

## Additional info

In a panel with Scott Shaw , Stan had the following to say:

*Aw, I hate working for Disney. They kept saying ‘do it on model,’ but they didn’t give me any models! I must have drawn this duck’s head 7 times. The problem was, I was following the European design, which I prefer, and it’s a little different there.*
Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Fairies

*Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Fairies* is a four-issue miniseries celebrating tales of fairies inspired by folklore. Stan provided the retailer incentive variant cover for issue #1.

## Contents

(W) Matt Smith (A/CA) Matt Smith
The critically acclaimed Jim Henson's The Storyteller celebrates four mythic tales of fairies inspired by folklore from around the world and told in the spirit of Jim Henson's beloved television series.

In this first issue, rising newcomer Matt Smith (Lake of Fire, Barbarian Lord) reimagines the "The Elf Queen and the Shepherd," a tale of elven fairies in Iceland.

When a Fairy Princess is cursed to the human realm and cursed to bring death with her, Grettir the Strong must discover the source of the trouble and break her curse.

## External Links

Boom! Studios announcement

CBR.com preview
Usagi Yojimbo: Senso

"Usagi Yojimbo: Senso" (originally given the working title "War of the Worlds") is a *Usagi Yojimbo* storyline. It is loosely based upon the H.G. Wells novel of the same name.

* Black and white
* 6" x 9"
* Comic strip style introduction by Stan Sakai (4 pages)
* Cover sketches (1 page)
* Covers gallery (12 pages)
* Process section (2 pages)

ISBN-10: 1616557095 (HC)

## Plot

"This story is about a small expeditionary party of three ships that the Martians sent to earth in 1628--more than two centuries before their big invasion. Usagi has joined the Geishu clan by this time, and Lord Noriyuki has grown into a fine, capable lord. Lord Hikiji has made his move to overthrow the shogunate, and the county is driven into another civil war. It is during the great battle between the Geishu samurai and Hikiji's forces that the first of the Martian ships crashes into the middle of the field. Stan has some nice images in mind--a huge tripod behind a Japanese castle, Edo being razed, armored samurai attacking a martian ship, and the Neko Ninja (again led by Chizu) infiltrating a tripod.

Creator Stan Sakai has said that this story isn't necessarily canon, but is a possible future.