Book Review: Usagi Yojimbo Book 12 by Stan Sakai

Usagi Yojimbo Book 12: Grasscutter by Stan Sakai

This epic tale in the life of Miyamoto Usagi, the rabbit ronin hero, centers on a legendary sword called "Grasscutter." Four prologues give the history of the creation of Japan and the sword used by an ancient emperor to fight his enemies. The sword was lost in the sea over a thousand years ago. In Usagi's time, several different factions hope to gain the sword and thereby control in Japan. The Conspiracy of Eight has a member who uses a witch to locate and raise the sword from the seabed. Things do not go according to plan and Usagi winds up with the weapon. At the same time, several other previous characters (some of whom seemed to be in one-off stories) become involved in the pursuit of Grasscutter.

The presence of so many familiar faces give the story a huge, sprawling feel. This one story fills the whole volume and is the best story I have read yet. Sakai did a lot of research into the history of the sword (it isn't made up!) and lays it out clearly for the reader. So many little payoffs are made with previous characters and storylines, as if the past eleven volumes were building to this moment. The story is highly compelling and the art, so detailed and so evocative, makes it all the richer. Happily, the story goes on and I can't wait to read more.

Highly recommended.