by Jarrod Jones. Of all the adventures to feature Stan Sakai’s venerable Usagi Yojimbo, a captivating cosmic escapade would seem the least likely. 1992’s Space Usagi mini-series was unexpected, and so it was great. Simple arithmetic.
Space Usagi, Sakai’s iconic 3-issue galactic opera, returns in December with a full-color upgrade with Space Usagi: Death and Honor #1. Its chromatic transfusion of painterly might comes courtesy of Emi Fujii, who gives Sakai’s linework a boost of untold depths and shades.
Yojimbo‘s provincial Japan trappings remain, but the setting is, if you’ll excuse it, out of this world. Featuring the reliably meticulous craftsmanship from Sakai — who wrote, drew, and lettered the original mini — the series puts the famed rabbit ronin at the helm of the Shirohoshi Clan’s space fleet. No stranger to duty, Miyamoto Usagi becomes entrenched in the weighty task of safeguarding his lord’s heir; as fate (and formula) would have it, he’s thrust into a whirlwind of treachery and danger. Amidst a murderous scheme rife with unforeseen betrayals, this classic space escapade, now adorned in vivid color, promises an odyssey through the cosmos like never before. Minka rest atop floating asteroids, ninjas infiltrate using cloaking vests, and astro-samurai engage in battle via starships (though their trusty katana are never far).
Space Usagi is a wild comic experiment of indelible galactic grace. To celebrate its revised return, Death and Honor will be adorned with cover art from artist Sweeney Boo. And for Yojimbo completionists, there will be two variant covers for issue #1 by Agnes Garbowska and Jennifer L. Meyer.
Mark your calendars — Space Usagi: Death and Honor #1 (of 3) touches down in comic shops come December 13. In the meantime, enjoy this 5-page preview courtesy of Dark Horse Comics and Dogu Publishing, in glorious full color, yet!
DECEMBER 13 | ALL-AGES | $4.99
From Dark Horse Comics: The rabbit ronin’s classic adventure in space–now in color!
As a general of the Shirohoshi Clan’s space fleet, it’s Usagi’s responsibility to keep the lord and his family safe. Now tasked with the education and protection of the lord’s heir, Usagi must remain vigilant at all times to protect the heir from a murderous plot and an unexpected betrayal.
SPACE USAGI: DEATH AND HONOR #1
Art and words by Stan Sakai.
Colors by Emi Fujii.
Cover A by Sweeney Boo.
Cover B by Agnes Garbowska.
Cover C by Jennifer L. Meyer.
For ordering information, click this.
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