As introduced final yr, legendary comedian creator Stan Sakai, finest identified for his Usagi Yojimbo comedian, returned to his earlier writer Dark Horse Comics underneath his personal creator imprint, Dogu, to publish Usagi Yojimbo comics in addition to different initiatives. Last weekend at SDCC, Mathias Lewis, Sales director at Dogu Publishing, moderated the “Usagi and Friends” panel that includes Sakai alongside together with his spouse and designer/creator Julie Sakai, in addition to Emi Fujii, the stepdaughter of Stan Sakai and present Usagi Yojimbo colorist.
Lewis started the panel by noting that as of now Sakai has turn out to be the recipient of 12 Eisner awards. He then introduced up the newest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen crossover miniseries. The thought for this miniseries got here to him seven years in the past round the time a new TMNT/Usagi crossover was proposed. However, the writer desired a one-shot as a substitute of a restricted sequence. So Sakai was thrilled at the likelihood to revisit his unique thought. WhereWhen takes place instantly earlier than Usagi Yojimbo: Senso, a storyline that imagines a potential future the place Usagi battles invaders from Mars.
As most individuals are conscious, Stan Sakai has maintained a shut friendship with TMNT creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Sakai recalled his early bi-coastal correspondence with Eastman and Laird and the way they finally met and have become nice associates. Years later, Laird apparently floated the thought to Sakai about producing a Miyamoto Usagi motion determine in addition to having the character seem in the unique 1987 TMNT cartoon.
Because Usagi Yojimbo is a creator-owned comedian and Sakai has full and sole possession of the character, Miyamoto Usagi has been in a position to seem in occasional quick tales printed by different firms. That autonomy has allowed Sakai to create and draw Usagi Yojimbo comics at his personal tempo. For occasion, the “Grasscutter” storyline took him 5 years to analysis and one other few years to really write and draw. That story is especially significant to him as a result of not solely did he win the Eisner award in 1999 for Best Serialized Story, however the legendary Will Eisner offered Sakai with the award. In truth, he even signed the award for the Sakai!
Beginning with the first problem of the just lately introduced Ice and Snow miniseries, the Usagi Yojimbo sequence will begin that includes legacy numbering with Ice and Snow #1 marking the 270th problem.
Julie Sakai’s involvement in her husband’s started earlier than they bought married when she created a Chibi Usagi clothes line for youngsters. A new assortment of the numerous Chibi Usagi comics in addition to Julie Sakai’s artwork might be printed by Dark Horse subsequent yr.
Emi Fujii mentioned her totally different approaches to coloring the totally different Usagi Yojimbo books describing the fundamental sequence as extra sensible and sophisticated with fall colours whereas Chibi Usagi is extra cartoony and kooky. Fuji mentioned the daunting job of coloring the unique black and white Usagi Yojimbo tales that can delight each new and previous followers.
Shifting away from Usagi, Lewis launched Mack Flavelle, the creator of Oni Ronin a new graphic novel from Dogu Publishing out there November 28th. Set in Japan throughout the Sengoku or “Warring States” interval, Oni Ronin combines traditionally correct characters and areas with Japanese folklore. Flavelle famous the intense analysis concerned and praised the work of his collaborators.
Perhaps the greatest announcement was Space Usagi: Yokai Hunter, a one-shot coming this October that bridges the hole between Usagi and his future descent Space Usagi. The iconic Bruce Lee movie Game of Death was apparently the fundamental inspiration for the story which finds the rabbit rōnin rescuing a lady from Japanese demons. Perhaps the greatest tease that can entice collectors is the one-shot will introduce a essential new character to the franchise. So in the event you’re a fan, you higher add Space Usagi: Yokai Hunter to your pull listing!
On the topic of Space Usagi, Sakai revealed he has a least yet another story with the character assuming he can discover the time amidst his busy workload. He additionally teased a new Usagi Yojimbo venture that can invite different creators get to play in the Usagi world. Some creators he talked about embody Skottie Young, Jeff Smith, and Geoff Darrow. In addition, it was announced that Sakai was working with cartoonist and painter Jared Cullum on a watercolor Art of Usagi Yojimbo ebook.
Some tremendous thrilling information, associates.. I heard it was introduced at SDCC so I’ll point out it right here..
1. The variant cowl sequence I did for Usagi Yojimbo is popping out quickly! (Ice & snow 2-5)
2. I’m working with the fantastic Sakais on a watercolor ‘Art of Usagi Yojimbo’ ebook quickly!🐇🗡️ pic.twitter.com/T9TkWa6dDM— Jared Cullum (@Jared_Cullum) July 24, 2023
Before transferring onto fan Q&A, Lewis famous that whereas 2023 could also be the Year of the Rabbit subsequent yr will mark the character’s fortieth anniversary and inquired about any plans. Sakai performed coy, joking that he’ll lastly kill of Miyamoto Usagi.
The first fan as much as the microphone requested about a potential Usagi Yojimbo film. Sakai merely performed coy refusing to talk on the matter, however maybe his silence in all probability speaks volumes.
An aspiring creator was interested by listening to about Sakai’s determination to keep up his independence. Sakai recalled numerous presents from firms to purchase his IP, however he resisted. recalled being provided by firms to purchase his IP, however he strongly resisted. Nevertheless, he conceded the cash was alluring however credit his good friend Sergio Aragones, the creator of Groo the Wanderer, and his encouragement of creator-owned work that impressed him to retain the rights.
Though a few folks have voiced Miyamoto Usagi in numerous media over the years, Sakai praised actor Yuki Matsuzaki who voiced the character in the 2012 Nickelodeon TMNT cartoon. In truth, Sakai so admired his efficiency that he advocated Matsuzaki to reprise Usagi in the Samurai Rabbit cartoon on Netflix.
At the age of 70, Sakai assured followers he had no intention of retiring anytime quickly. In truth, he admitted he’s busier than ever.
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