Grey Shadows (Usagi Yojimbo, Book 13)

Rating:
Summary: Sakai's usual excellence.
Review: The stories involving the two characters on the cover (Usagi and Inspector Ishida) are a couple of my favourite Usagi tales. In them, Usagi teams with Ishida to investigate a few murders. My fondness for these stories derives from my penchant for murder mysteries in general, and these are interesting. One of the mysteries is rather short and not too mysterious for the reader, while the other is more lengthy and might surprise some, especially if one is willing to be drawn into the world Sakai has created.

As well, like most of the trade paperback collections, there are a number of stories that stand alone, and these are very good too. Particularly good is one where Usagi encounters the son of a dead comrade.

Overall, another solid book in a series that is rapidly closing in on the 20th collection. (#18 to be released in a few months.) I'd still recommend book 6 as the best introduction to the series, but once you're hooked, you'll want this one along with all the rest.

Rating:
Summary: Dark Shadows, Darker Plots
Review: Truly one of the great works of comic fiction, Grey Shadows shows us a world, that while alien, becomes almost instantly familiar. The characters are likable and charismatic, but it is the complex interweaving plot and powerful themes of honor and compassion that really make this book a joy. The simplistic artwork initially give it a childish look untill you get used to it. The expressions wouldn't be nearly as intricate if Mr. Sakai had gone for a more detailed style of drawing though.