Usagi Yojimbo Color Classics #3

IDW Publishing

Writer/Artist: Stan Sakai

In the last installment of Usagi Yojimbo Color Classics we saw the bunny win his first fencing tournament. As a reward for his victory, he earned a pair of swords. Chapter five is set two months later and Usagi has left Katsuichi after completing his training. The ronin rabbit is now living in the mountains and seeking a lord to serve under. Suddenly Usagi is challenged by Gunichi, the bodyguard of a lord named Mifune who appeared in the audience in the last chapter. They begin to duel until suddenly they’re set upon by assassins.

Much like Katsuichi in chapter three, Gunichi spends much of his dialogue here trying to teach Usagi a lesson. In this case, it’s that one shouldn’t rely on strength alone. It’s not as big of a part of this chapter as Katsuichi’s message though due to the focus on action. A large portion of this chapter portrays the battle between the two and it’s quite entertaining. Naturally, this is all a flashback as Usagi is recounting his early days to his friend Gen in the present. Gunichi appeared in the present during issue one so obviously both survive their duel here. It’s still a fun battle though and it sets up subsequent chapters of this story.

Chapter six shows Usagi visiting an inn where the owner requests his help in dealing with a rowdy customer. The customer turns out to be a drunken Kenichi, Usagi’s final opponent from the fencing tournament. After drunkenly passing out Kenichi is cared for by Usagi. Upon regaining consciousness the rival rabbit recounts how he had to leave his school after his loss in the tournament. Ever since he has been in this inn drinking his life away. Suddenly the innkeeper mentions that bandits are attacking the next village and cutting off supplies to the inn. Usagi and Kenichi realise that this is their village and set out to rescue it.

This is a nice break from the action that filled the last two chapters and focuses more on character development. Kenichi was an arrogant jerk in his previous appearance so seeing how far he’s fallen helps build sympathy for him. Seeing Usagi care for the disgraced swordsman also helps build Usagi’s character. He’s slightly arrogant himself across the previous chapters so seeing this kind side to him makes him more likable. The ending of the two storming out of the inn to save their village is a really nice cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see what happens to the pair in the next chapter.

The artwork as usual is lovely. The swordfight between Usagi and Gunichi is very well done. It’s not as realistically simple as the swordfights in the tournament but it’s still believable. The characters are still extremely expressive and I love the way the design of Kenichi has changed. He looks aggressive yet young and healthy in chapter three but here he’s lost that. In the months since his banishment, he’s become worn out. He’s unshaven, his face looks thinner as if he hasn’t been eating and the areas around his eyes have darkened. It makes him all the more pitiful and increases the impact when he finally snaps out of his stupor.

There’s not much to say about the lettering in this issue. It’s pretty average. There are the bold letters used to put emphasis on certain words and show when people are shouting. We also get some sound effects to add some visual oomph to the action scenes. It’s good and adds to the issue but there isn’t really anything that’s particularly notable about it.

In summary, I’d have to say that this was a really good issue. The action-filled opening chapter is a great way to hook readers right at the start. It’s a fun, well-drawn battle and the dialogue is solid. The chapter with Kenichi has a surprising amount of emotion to it. I was surprised at how invested in his character I was by the end of it. I haven’t mentioned much of the usual comedy so far but it’s there too. There are humorous interactions between Gen and Usagi in the present at the end of chapter five and the beginning of six. Other than that I’d say these chapters play things a little more seriously than past ones though. It’s nice seeing some higher stakes in this story though. I’d highly recommend grabbing a copy. Chapter six alone was worth the purchase.