Product Description: Learn why Tomoe is the most valuable retainer of Lord Noriuki of the Geishu Province, then plunge into a terrifying ghost story where a string of mysterious murders point to a woman dead for ten years. Finally, experience the mesmerizing beauty of a formal tea ceremony, as Usagi and Tomoe share this spiritual event to mark the rabbit ronin's departure from the province to resume his travels. This volume chronicles the evolution of the relationship between Usagi and Tomoe, with a collection of stories ranging from exciting to exquisite. "Tomoe's Story" captures the very essence of what has made Usagi Yojimbo a hit for over twenty years!
Usagi Yojimbo another in a great series Not my favorite Usagi Yojimbo book, but definitely worth it, especially if you're trying to collect the set. I won't ruin any of the stories in it, but they are all good. I was hoping Tomoe's story would be a bit longer, along the length of Gen's story in book 7, but it is closer to the length of Kitsune's story. Still the story was quite good, in addition the stand alone stories are, as always, excellent, and there is definitely some to be continued material which means that hopefully we should see Volume 23 sometime in the future. Overall, good book, good stories, not the best so far but certainly worth buying if you are a Usagi Yojimbo fan. I wouldn't start out with this one, but if you know Usagi well you won't go wrong here.
Tomoe's story: Classy All the way
Who can say how talented Stan Sakai really is?
His creation, Usagi Yojimbo, is timeless in its' appeal, and the collections from Dark Horse Books a must read for those seeking good literature (not comic style adventure, although it is that too).
Tomoe is a talented wielder of the sword in the samurai tradition, and protector of Lord Noriyuki. More importantly, she is friend to Usagi Yojimbo, and friend of the people. Mr Sakai gives us several fascinating stories of a friendship, and short adventures with Yojimbo. The Ghost In the Well, the Door, and Chanoyu are amazing.
Probably the best story is the near wordless tale, Chanoyu. Between two friends, the tea ceremeony is a spiritual, heart felt, ritual pregnant with meaning. Mr Sakai's art and design on this story is powerful yet simple.
With such skill, he is indeed the samurai of the comic industry, wielding pen and ink with precision and skill.
Kudos on a marvelous collection.
Tim Lasiuta
Another good one from Stan What can I say about UY? After 22 volumes, you would think that Stan Sakai would start to run a little dry, but it keeps coming on strong and good. I really liked this one because it does what Stan does best: character-driven story-lines mixing Japanese folklore with historical contexts. The artwork is as good as ever. The last chapter with the tea ceremony is sublime.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
