Grasscutter II: Journey to Atsuta Shrine (Usagi Yojimbo, Book 15) [Paperback]

Stan Sakai (Author)

Book Description

Series: Usagi Yojimbo

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Dark Horse; 1st Fantagraphics Books Ed edition (February 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569716609
• ISBN-13: 978-1569716601
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #565,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Epic...Simply epic!, August 10, 2009

By 

shaxper (Lakewood, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grasscutter II: Journey to Atsuta Shrine (Usagi Yojimbo, Book 15) (Paperback)

Usagi Yojimbo is the kind of quality work that transcends time, genres, demographics, and even age groups. It crafts a delicate and beautiful balance between honor and savagery, cute innocence and dark brutality, simple heart-warming stories and multi-part epics that shape a dense continuity. Whether or not you've ever been a fan of feudal Japanese culture, furry anthro characters, or independent, non-superhero comics, Usagi Yojimbo is a comic that can't help but impress even the harshest critic.

If Grasscutter (vol. 12) was a masterpiece of complexity, then Grasscutter II (vol. 15) is its counterpart in simplicity. While the first Grasscutter story saw Usagi and his comrades unwittingly stumbling around in a maze of political intrigue and black magic, all threatening to plunge the nation into civil war, this sequel is far more straightforward. All they have to do is get the sword to Atsuta Shrine before anyone figures out what they're doing.

In this case, simple is definitely not worse. In fact, while the complexities of the first Grasscutter story often left Usagi and friends awash in the tides of events, they take a firmer and more active role in this story, fully understanding the parts they must play from the get go. Of course, achieving their goal is far from easy with two rival clans of ninja hired to stop them and an accomplice in their midst who might be working against them. Without all the twists and turns of the first Grasscutter volume, Grasscutter II is free to deliver the most action packed and emotionally charged Usagi storyline to date. It reminds me of Kurasawa's Seven Samurai in that attaining a simple objective takes on epic proportions and ends up coming at a tragic cost. This is one powerful storyline, perhaps Usagi's finest. Resist the urge to compare it to the original Grasscutter. It's an entirely different animal.

My only regret with this volume is that, for some odd reason, it doesn't start at the beginning. "Reunion," the final story in the previous volume (Demon Mask), is where Usagi, Sanshobo, and Gen first come up with the plan to take Grasscutter to Atsuta shrine. The story would be confusing to read without this explanation. Demon Mask is an excellent volume in and of itself, so it's not a bad idea to check it out in its entirety before beginning Grasscutter II.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stan Sakai goodness, May 15, 2009

By 

Ethan Cole (Richvale, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Grasscutter II: Journey to Atsuta Shrine (Usagi Yojimbo, Book 15) (Paperback)

I love Usagi Yojimbo the series provides a unique comic experience that is thoroughly enjoyable. Don't be turned off by the funny-animal ascetic, you will like it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stan Sakai never fails, September 1, 2007

By 

ARoninPhilosopher (The Middle Road of Tao) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grasscutter II: Journey to Atsuta Shrine (Usagi Yojimbo, Book 15) (Paperback)

If you have ANY interest in Samurai tales, Shinto/Zen/Tao, or comics in general, you will be awestruck by Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo.... Stan Sakai creates whole moods with his art, even when not using words....

Journey to Atsuta Shrine pits two Ninja clans attempting to control the fate of Japan with Usagi and friends stuck in the middle.... Should one faction win, the ultimate villian will become Shogun... the other two can't agree on the best keeper of the sword and all three battle for their worldview.... The finale gives "Cliffhanger" a new meaning!