Customer Reviews

Grey Shadows (Usagi Yojimbo, Book 13)

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The stories involving the two characters on the cover (Usagi and Inspector Ishida) are a couple of my favourite Usagi tales. In them, Usagi teams with Ishida to investigate a few murders. My fondness for these stories derives from my penchant for murder mysteries in general, and these are interesting. One of the mysteries is rather short and not too mysterious for the reader, while the other is more lengthy and might surprise some, especially if one is willing to be drawn into the world Sakai has created.

As well, like most of the trade paperback collections, there are a number of stories that stand alone, and these are very good too. Particularly good is one where Usagi encounters the son of a dead comrade.

Overall, another solid book in a series that is rapidly closing in on the 20th collection. (#18 to be released in a few months.) I'd still recommend book 6 as the best introduction to the series, but once you're hooked, you'll want this one along with all the rest.

Truly one of the great works of comic fiction, Grey Shadows shows us a world, that while alien, becomes almost instantly familiar. The characters are likable and charismatic, but it is the complex interweaving plot and powerful themes of honor and compassion that really make this book a joy. The simplistic artwork initially give it a childish look untill you get used to it. The expressions wouldn't be nearly as intricate if Mr. Sakai had gone for a more detailed style of drawing though.

What makes this book interesting is the addition of the inspector (whose name I cannot remember at the moment--Ishida?), and Usagi's companionship with this inspector in solving some mysteries.

Sakai's not bad at creating some detective work here for the rabbit bodyguard, and, as with all of his installments, readers get a real treat out of this book.

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.

After the completion of Grasscutter, creator Stan Sakai's most ambitious Usagi volume to date, one would expect the title to lay low for a while before charging boldly into new directions, but Grey Shadows (volume 13) does no such thing.

The volume begins with two simple stand-alone stories, "My Father's Sword" and "Demon Flute." Neither do anything to break the mold, but they are both strong stories with powerful conclusions -- the usual level of excellence we've come to expect from Usagi.

"Momo-Usagi-Taro," the third story in this collection, is a true gem. Once again, Sakai delves into Japanese mythology to provide a highly endearing retelling of the legend of Momotaro, the ancient warrior born in a peach. The cuteness level is overwhelming as Usagi tells this story to a band of orphans while feeding them sweets.

Finally, the volume finds direction with "The Hairpin Murders." Here, Usagi falls in with Inspector Ishida, an endearing and seemingly frail old detective with the mental skills of Sherlock Holmes and the unsuspecting combat experience of a hundred samurai. The two part story, which keeps one guessing as the clues are gathered and the action compounds, is immediately followed by "The Courtesan," yet another mystery with a powerful revelation and conclusion. Finally, the volume concludes with "Taméshigiri," a second Inspector Ishida mystery that does not disappoint.

At the very least, Grey Shadows is an experiment in genre jumping. What begins as a standard Usagi volume briefly touches upon the mythological and then charges, head first into the realm of action-packed detective noir. Considering how beloved Inspector Ishida has since become amongst Usagi fans, as well as the fact that there isn't a single story in this volume that fails to deliver, Grey Shadows is clearly a must read.

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.

This volume which is surrounded by the Grasscutter stories has become one of my favorites.

The introduction of the Inspector makes this book, the combination of the mystery stories and the interplay between the two characters are done well, particularly the moments where they are on opposite paths.

Of all the volumes that are not specifically a single story this one is the most cohesive, it is worth your money as is anything by Sakai.