Books in series
#1
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 1
The Ronin
1987
Miyamoto Usagi is no Bugs Bunny. He's a rabbit bodyguard, a samurai who wanders the mountains, plains, and villages of a 17th-century Japan populated almost exclusively by anthropomorphic animals. Cats, snakes, rhinos, and ninja moles plot and fight their way across a land ravaged by civil war. The 10 stories in this first collection introduce Usagi, the evil Lord Hikiji, and a host of other characters. The stories themselves can stand alone, but taken together they begin to form an ongoing saga of treachery and revenge. Sometimes violent, sometimes funny, Usagi's adventures are filled with fascinating historical detail. The costumes, landscapes, and buildings are beautifully drawn, creating such a sense of realism it's easy to forget the hero is a rabbit. If you buy the first book in this series, you'll want the rest.
#2
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 2
Samurai
1989
Usagi is no Bugs Bunny. He's a rabbit samurai who wanders 17th century Japan, a land ravaged by civil war and populated with anthropomorphic animals that are fighting to survive. Classic storytelling, flawlessly designed art and lovingly researched period touches. . .a true all-ages comics treat. -Publishers Weekly
#3
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 3
The Wanderer's Road
1989
Perhaps the best samurai rabbit story ever told. With "The Tower" (introducing Spot the Wonder Lizard), "Return of the Blind Swordspig," the hilarious Groo tribute "The Tea Cup," and a crossover with the Ninja Turtles! Usagi Yojimbo Book 3 collects full-length Usagi stories from issues #7 through #12 of the original Fantagraphics series, including "The Tower" (which introduces Usagi's traveling companion Spot the Wonder Lizard), "Return of the Blind Swordspig," "A Mother's Love," "Blade of the Gods," "The Shogun's Gift," and the hilarious Groo tribute "The Tea Cup," co-starring the amoral mercenary rhino Gen. ("Gen does what Gen does best!") Plus, the little-seen Usagi team-up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, "Turtle Soup and Rabbit Stew," written and drawn by Sakai. A must-have for adventure lovers of all ages! Black-and-white comic throughout
#4
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 4
The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy
1997
The novel-length "The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy" is jam-packed with lethal sword battles alternating with humor, horror, suspense and slapstick. This beautifully crafted, exciting volume is a great starting point for new readers! One of the great epics in the comic book field stars a rabbit? That's right, Stan Sakai's enormous dramatic saga of death and treachery, of ambition and honor, is the comics equivalent of Akira Kurosawa's classics such as The Seven Samurai and The Hidden Fortress . This volume of the Usagi series features the novel-length "The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy," which originally ran in six consecutive issues of the Usagi comics series. Jam-packed with lethal sword battles alternating with humor, horror, suspense, and slapstick, this beautifully crafted and exciting volume features all of the most popular supporting characters from the series, including Tomoe Ame, Gen the rhino, and Zato-Ino the blind swordspig. Both an excellent starting point for new readers, and an absolute necessity for Usagi completists! Black-and-white comics throughout
#5
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 5
Lone Goat and Kid
1992
This fifth volume collects the epic-length "Blood Wings," in which Usagi battles a fearsome clan of ninja bats, while "Lone Goat and Kid" offers a cunning and affectionate parody of the famous "Lone Wolf and Cub" manga while doubling as one of Usagi's most dramatic and heartfelt adventures. "Frost and Fire" and "The Way of the Samurai" provide the psychological drama of this volume, which is rounded out by one of the most unique Usagi tales ever, "A Kite Story," which doubles as a fascinating look at the daily life and work of a 17th century Japanese kite maker, dramatically showcasing the thoroughness of Sakai's research and his skills as a storyteller. Featuring a foreword by the legendary Stan Lee!
#6
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 6
Circles
1994
In the title story, Usagi returns to his native village to find everything very different indeed. "Circles" is an epic adventure, a love story, and one of the most affecting Usagi stories ever. Plus three more great stories! Circles features the graphic-novel-length epic title story, in which Usagi returns to his native village only to find everything very different indeed. (The discovery that his mentor, whom he thought dead, is actually alive and kicking is only the first of the shocks that await him.) "Circles" is an epic adventure, a love story, and one of the most affecting Usagi stories ever. In addition to the 80-page "Circles," this volume includes "The Bridge," "The Duel," and the hard-to-find "The Tangled Skein" from Critters #38. Jam-packed with lethal sword battles alternating with humor, horror, suspense and slapstick, this beautifully crafted and exciting volume (with an introduction by Jeff Smith creator of Bone ) is both an excellent starting point for new readers, and an absolute necessity for Usagi completists. Black-and-white comics throughout
#7
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 7
Gen's Story
1996
The novel-length title story relates the heretofore untold story of the mercenary swordsrhino Gennosuke. This volume also introduces a new romantic interest for Usagi, tells the final fate of the Blind Swordspig, and more! The seventh volume in this legendary series about a wandering rabbit samurai in feudal Japan is now available in a newly redesigned edition! This dense tome collects issues 32 through 38 of the original Usagi series as well as the Usagi strip from Critters #38. In addition to the novel-length "Gen's Story," which forms the centerpiece of this volume, and which relates the heretofore untold story of the mercenary swordsrhino Gennosuke, Usagi Yojimbo Book 7 includes "Kitsune" (introducing a new romantic interest for Usagi), "The Last Ino Story" (the final fate of the Blind Swordspig Zato-Ino), "The Return of Kitsune," and "Broken Ritual," a tale of hara-kiri based on an idea by Sergio Aragonés, who also contributes this volume's introduction. This perennial favorite features dragons, ghosts, demons, bats and more, all in set in Sakai's warrior landscape. A classic! Black-and-white comics throughout
#8
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 8
Shades of Death
1997
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles travel through time to team with Usagi in 17th-century Japan! Collecting the first six issues of the Mirage-published Usagi Yojimbo, out of print since 1993, this is the eighth in a series of successful Usagi trade paperbacks. This book weighs in at a whopping two hundred pages!
Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 2 #1-6
#9
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 9
Daisho
1998
Originally published by Mirage, Stan Sakai's rabbit ronin continues his journey through a lawless land. Usagi meets a mysterious assassin disguised as a priest, encounters dishonest gamblers, and comes to the aid of the unfortunate. Introduction by James Robinson (Starman, Leave It to Chance).
Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 2 #7-14
#10
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 10
The Brink of Life and Death
1998
Join Usagi Yojimbo in his hare-raising adventures of life and death. Watch as he faces assassins, medicine peddlers, bat ninjas, and more! This is a story of honor and adventure. It's a masterful adaptation of samurai legend to sequential art. Dark Horse is proud to present this epic story of good versus evil. Sakai's unique blend of storytelling and Japanese legend has made a unique niche for itself.
Collects Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 2 #15-16, Vol. 3 #1-6
#11
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 11
Seasons
1999
Spring breezes stirring the memories of lost battles. Summer fields burning with fires of treachery. Chill autumn nights echoing with demonic screams. Winter snows stained red with the blood of honor. Follow Stan Sakai's Eisner award-winning Usagi Yojimbo through a cycle of short stories continuing the ronin rabbit's journeys through feudal Japan. Ten tales in all, an essential collection for all seasons!
#12
Usagi Yojimbo - A kard
1999
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.
#13
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 13
Grey Shadows
2000
Fresh from winning the Best Serialized Story 1999 Eisner Award for Grasscutter, Stan Sakai returns with a new Usagi Yojimbo collection featuring six tales of the ronin rabbit's journeys and adventures in feudal Japan. "My Father's Swords" retells an encounter with a young samurai who follows in-and is followed by-the footsteps of his father's warrior heritage. In "The Demon Flute," a village is plagued by a music-playing supernatural killer. Usagi recounts a classic Japanese folk tale in "Momo-Usagi-Taro." Two Tokugawa-era whodunits play out in "The Hair Pin Murders" and Tameshigiri," a pair of Inspector Ishida mysteries. Usagi becomes entangled in a conspiracy to overthrow a lord's throne in "The Courtesan." Memory, mystery, and treachery intermingle to form Grey Shadows.
#14
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 14
Demon Mask
2001
The close of 16th century Japan was a violent age, as rival feudal lords fought for land and power. Miyamoto Usagi braved many a battle only to lose his lord and find himself a masterless samurai, or ronin. While many ronin became bandits or mercenaries, Usagi chose the warrior wandering the land, fighting injustice, seeking enlightenment. Eisner Award winner Stan Sakai has crafted a truly original and delightful work, an all-ages adventure epic that creates a world of excitement, mystery, and imagination, while building each story on painstaking research of Japan's history, culture, and mythology. Demon Mask is a collection of diverse Usagi stories, featuring a graveyard encounter with creatures from Japanese folktales, a whodunit clash with a mysterious masked assassin, a young adventure-lover insistent on receiving Usagi's sword training, a peasant village terrorized by a ravaging Spider Woman, and more. Few works of graphic fiction offer—or deliver—as much action, depth, and sheer fun as Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo.
#15
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 15
Grasscutter II: Journey to Atsuta Shrine
2002
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.
#16
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 16
The Shrouded Moon
2003
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! Once again, Stan Sakai masterfully weaves together the many threads of intrigue, adventure, humor, and heart in another endearing Usagi Yojimbo collection.
#17
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 17
Duel at Kitanoji
2002
Nothing comes easy for rabbit ronin Usagi, not even being a spectator at the planned duel between his former teacher Katsuichi and Katsuichi's former rival Nakamura Koji. Before the duel even begins, Usagi becomes embroiled in a dispute between Koji and a local fencing school that demands the samurai challenge its master. 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.
#18
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 18
Travels with Jotaro
2004
This multi-award winning series continues the adventures as "Uncle" Usagi struggles with keeping a secret from Jotaro that everyone else seems to know. Not only do their travels bring the perils of the Neko Ninja (in hot pursuit of Chizu, ex-leader of their clan and friend to Usagi), they also have a close encounter with a new and deadly organization—the Koroshi League of Assassins. The beautiful thief Kitsune is up to her old tricks, and Usagi relates a story from his youth about a goblin swordmaster. Finally, an evil artist targets Jotaro with a possessed ink set in the three-part "Sumi-E" story, which features the return of Sasuke the Demon Queller!
#19
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 19
Fathers and Sons
2005
Master storyteller Stan Sakai opens this brand-new collection with a deadly ambush on the fugitive Lone Goat Assassin and his child, Gorogoro. Lone Goat is victorious, but wounded-and his son is too young to help. Unable to seek proper medical attention, Lone Goat collapses in an abandoned house. What he needs is a knowledgeable ronin, and soon! Elsewhere, Usagi is in a desperate search for his young companion, Jotaro, who has eluded murderous kidnappers. His is a panic that only rises out of fatherly love, though he has kept the secret of Jotaro's parentage from the boy throughout their travels together. If they are able to continue on to Kitanoji Temple, will the rabbit samurai confess before they part ways? Featuring appearances by readers' favorite characters-including the deadly Neko Ninja.
Collecting issues #69-#75 of the ongoing series.
#20
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 20
Glimpses of Death
2006
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.
#23
Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 23
Bridge of Tears
2009
The wandering life of a ronin is often a lonely one, and Usagi has been on that path a long time. A temporary peace, staying with the merchant Endo and his daughter Hanaka, is interrupted by the deadly League of Assassins, setting Usagi back on the road, but with the uncomfortable sensation that he is being followed. Usagi's travels next take him to a town torn apart by street gangs searching for a dead gang boss' stash of gold. While in town, Usagi meets Mayumi, who longs for a new life away from the village and convinces Usagi to take her with him. As attraction grows between them, Usagi faces a can another join him on his path, or is the lifestyle of a ronin too dangerous for Mayumi, especially as signs point to the return of Jei, the Black Soul?
#38
Usagi Yojimbo
The Green Dragon
2023
The rabbit ronin’s newest adventures continue in this fifth volume that sees Usagi and Yukichi on a mission to deliver a valuable object!
But first, in “A Ghost Story,” Usagi and Yukichi come upon a young woman, Shizuye, praying at a shrine to a girl murdered fifty years ago by her married lover. Shizuye is in the same predicament, and Usagi and Yukichi take it upon themselves to become her protectors. However, all is not what it seems as the local priest warns them to beware of ghosts in the area.
Then, in “The Secret of the Green Dragon” Usagi and Yukichi are obligated to deliver a priceless jade dragon to a merchant. During their journey they witness a courier delivering a parcel of jewels to the same merchant killed on the road ahead. However, the killers left the jewels and escaped with the container leading them to the realization that the box they carry may be even more valuable than the jade within.
Collects issues #27–31 of the all-new full-color Usagi Yojimbo series published by IDW.
#41
Usagi Yojimbo
Senso
2015
Twenty years in his future, Miyamoto Usagi faces a menace from Mars! It will take all the considerable fortitude, ingenuity, and heroism that Usagi and his loved ones can muster to combat the fearsome extraterrestrial war machines and halt the alien invasion. In the end, not everyone will survive to tell the tale. Collects issues #1–#6 of the miniseries.
#Extras
The Usagi Yojimbo Saga
Legends
2017
Dark Horse presents the quintessential companion to The Usagi Yojimbo Saga series—Usagi Yojimbo Legends ! This volume collects some of the rabbit ronin's most exhilarating and colorful stories, including Senso, Yokai, and the long out of print Space Usagi ! In these breathtaking pages, Usagi takes on a myriad of opponents, including dinosaurs, aliens, and demons, but never loses sight of the warrior's truth, honor, loyalty, and sacrifice.
• By comics master Stan Sakai!
• Includes stories not included in The Usagi Yojimbo Saga, including Space Usagi, which has long been out of print!
• Complete your set—this is the essential companion to The Usagi Yojimbo Saga!
• 540 beautiful pages, including a breathtaking color section!
"I don't think there's much that I could write about Stan Sakai's masterwork series that hasn't been said . . . you are going to fall in love with this world, with this storyteller who will keep you guessing and enthralled." —Fanbase Press
"This is the definition of a timeless work of art." —Multiversity Comics
"\[Stan's\] work seems both effortless and worked over; he is a true master of comics." —Multiversity Comics
#OGN
Chibi Usagi
Attack of the Heebie Chibis
2021
The rich world of Usagi Yojimbo, now more accessible to readers of all ages in this chibi-style original graphic novel.
Stan Sakai's beloved rabbit samurai has won countless fans over his 35-year history, thanks to a clever blend of thrilling action, heartwarming characters, and a realistic portrayal of Japanese culture. Chibi-Usagi brings these fun and thoughtful stories to middle-grade readers as an original graphic novel packed with adorable art and captivating energy.
While fishing for freshwater eels, Chibi-Usagi, Tomoe, and Gen rescue a Dogu, a clay creature from Japan's prehistory. The Dogu's village has been enslaved by the Salamander King and his Heebie-Chibi minions and are forced to work in their mines. Chibi-Usagi and his friends must rescue the Dogu people and eliminate the threat of the Salamander King forever in this feature-length story of adventure, humor, and slippery eels.
#OGN
Usagi Yojimbo
Yokai
2009
Yokai are the monsters, demons, and spirits of Japanese folklore, such as the shape-changing kitsune, the obakeneko demon cats, and the evil oni ogres. Usagi faces all these and more when a desperate woman begs for his help in finding her kidnapped daughter. Tracing the abducted girl deep into the forest, Usagi finds it haunted by creatures of Japanese legend and discovers that they are amassing for a great raid on the countryside! Fortunately, Usagi is joined by Sasuke the Demon Queller, who is also fighting to prevent the invasion, but things aren't always as they seem, especially when dealing with the supernatural!
Authors
Robert Asprin
Author · 3 books
For the SFF author, see Robert Lynn Asprin
Stan Sakai
Author · 28 books
Stan Sakai (Japanese: 坂井 スタンSakai Sutan; born May 25, 1953) is an artist who became known as an Eisner Award-winning comic book originator. Born in Kyoto, Sakai grew up in Hawaii and studied fine arts at the University of Hawaii. He later attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. He and his wife, Sharon, presently reside and work in Pasadena. He began his career by lettering comic books (notably Groo the Wanderer by Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier) and became famous with the production of Usagi Yojimbo, the epic saga of Miyamoto Usagi, a samurai rabbit living in late-sixteenth and early-seventeenth-century Japan. First published in 1984, the comic continues to this day, with Sakai as the lone author and nearly-sole artist (Tom Luth serves as the main colorist on the series, and Sergio Aragonés has made two small contributions to the series: 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 the Volume 11 trade paper-back edition of Usagi Yojimbo). He also made a futuristic spin-off series Space Usagi. His favorite movie is Satomi Hakkenden (1959).
