Most Popular Books by Stan Sakai

In the tradition of the celebrated collections The Art of Sin Cityand The Art of Hellboy, Dark Horse is proud to showcase the work of multi award-winning creator Stan Sakai in The Art of Usagi Yojimbo. The sold-out hardcover edition, timed to coincide with the twentieth anniversary of the creation of Sakai''s signature character, Usagi Yojimbo, was met with an overwhelming response from thousands of fans around the world. This edition features scores of never-before-seen pieces, a long out-of-print twelve-page primer illustrating how Stan creates each of his Usagi stories, forty-eight full-color pages of Stan''s beautiful painted artwork, and more. Additionally, some of the biggest names in comics pay tribute to their favorite rabbit ronin in a fantastic gallery section, with pinups by Frank Miller, Geof Darrow, Jeff Smith, Sergio Aragonés, and Matt Wagner, among others!

Usagi Yojimbo is one of the longest running and best-loved comic adventures of all time. Running from 1984 to the present day, and showing no sign of diminishing in popularity, the rabbit ronin is now seen as a figurehead of the comic book scene, and crucial to bringing the ideas of feudal Japan to a wider western audience. Roaming an anthropomorphic version of feudal Japan, the rabbit samurai has no master, but takes on tasks from any aggrieved animals he encounters - always ensuring he sticks to the noble way of the samurai.

Honoring the 35th anniversary of Stan Sakai''s award-winning series Usagi Yojimbo, this deluxe art collection includes hundreds of full-page cover pieces illustrated by Stan Sakai! From clashing swords with Lord Hikiji to standing alongside the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Usagi''s lively history is fully represented in this compendium of Stan''s greatest covers.

The rabbit ronin''s classic adventure in space—now in color and with a bonus issue-long story! As the general of Lord Shirohoshi''s space fleet, it''s Usagi''s responsibility to keep the lord and his heir safe. Now tasked with the education and protection of the lord''s heir, Usagi must remain vigilant at all times to protect the heir from a murderous plot and an unexpected betrayal. Featuring Stan Sakai''s emotive artwork and expert lettering, with colors by Emi Fujii. With a new introduction from Stan Sakai and collecting the Space Usagi: Yokai Hunter one-shot comic. This limited edition hardcover sports a dust jacket and exclusive tip-in sheet signed by Stan Sakai! Collects Space Usagi: Death and Honor #1–#3 and Space Usagi: Yokai Hunter.

The rabbit ronin saga continues with more action and thrills, including the iconic crossover with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! In this ninth volume, Usagi and Inspector Ishida team up once again to solve a series of murders and mysteries. Between deadly puffer fish assassinations, a run-in with a familiar pair of thieves, a large-scale corruption scheme, and a mission to uncover the meaning behind a foreign book, Usagi and Ishida have their work cut out for them! Then, join forces with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the ongoing battle of good versus evil from Edo-era Japan to New York City! Collects Usagi Yojimbo Volume 32: Mysteries, Usagi Yojimbo Volume 33: The Hidden, and every existing Usagi Yojimbo/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover comic in existence!

This seventh volume includes “Traitors of the Earth,” in which Usagi faces the undead, “A Town Called Hell,” wherein Usagi is caught between two competing gang lords, “Those Who Tread on the Scorpion’s Tail,” which pits Usagi against the notorious Red Scorpions, and more! Collects Usagi Yojimbo Volume Three #117–#138 and the Free Comic Book Day 2009 story “One Dark and Stormy Night.” “One of the longest running series in comics, the quality of the narrative still remains undeniably high.”—Paste Magazine

Dark Horse presents the quintessential companion to The Usagi Yojimbo Saga series--Usagi Yojimbo Saga: Legends! This volume collects some of the rabbit ronin''s most exhilarating and colorful stories, including Senso, Yokai, and the long out of print Space Usagi! In these breathtaking pages, Usagi takes on a myriad of opponents, including dinosaurs, aliens, and demons, but never loses sight of the warrior''s code: truth, honor, loyalty, and sacrifice. • By comics master Stan Sakai! • Includes stories not included in The Usagi Yojimbo Saga, including Space Usagi, which has long been out of print! • Complete your set--this is the essential companion to The Usagi Yojimbo Saga! • 540 beautiful pages, including a breathtaking color section! "I don''t think there''s much that I could write about Stan Sakai''s masterwork series that hasn''t been said . . . you are going to fall in love with this world, with this storyteller who will keep you guessing and enthralled." --Fanbase Press "This is the definition of a timeless work of art." --Multiversity Comics "[Stan''s] work seems both effortless and worked over; he is a true master of comics." --Multiversity Comics

For years, as Miyamoto Usagi has wandered the countryside, an unseen, malevolent entity has been tracing his steps. Thought dead since the events of Grasscutter, the demon Jei - the Black Soul - has been inhabiting the body of the swordswoman Inazuma, intent on destroying the evil he claims to see in Usagi!

Usagi continues his journey in serach of harmony.

Adventure in feudal Japan waits for no one! In this fifth definitive Usagi Yojimbo compilation, rabbit ronin Miyamoto Usagi shares those adventures with several returning friends, including Inspector Ishida, sneak thief Kitsune, and bounty hunters Gen and Stray Dog. And Usagi''s most important friendship, with retainer Tomoe Ame, is spotlighted in the epic-length "Mother of Mountains," her origin "Tomoe''s Story," and the poignant tea ceremony tale "Chanoyu." Throughout, Stan Sakai''s award-winning combination of intriguing storytelling and deft line work constitute a master class in the comics form! Collects Usagi Yojimbo Volume Three #76-#93, Usagi Yojimbo Color Special #1-#3, and more!

Celebrate Stan Sakai''s beloved rabbit ronin with the Second Edition collections of the comic saga featuring brand new original cover art by Stan Sakai! Follow Miyamoto Usagi in his epic trek along the warrior''s path, beginning with over 600 pages of Usagi''s essential adventures. In this first volume, Usagi protects a village from a band of assassins, reluctantly engages in a duel for blood money, hunts a gangster who has stolen his swords, and more! Collects Usagi Yojimbo Volume 2 #1-#16 and Volume 3 #1-#6!

Stan Sakai''s enduring samurai masterpiece continues with a volume full of incredible stories you won''t want to miss! Join everyone''s favourite rabbit ronin as he continues his gripping exploits on the warrior''s path! Collects Usagi Yojimbo Book 29: Two Hundred Jizo, Book 30: Thieves and Spies, and Book 31: The Hell Screen.

Follow Miyamoto Usagi in his epic trek along the warrior''s path, beginning with over 600 pages of Usagi''s essential adventures. In this first volume, Usagi protects a village from a band of assassins, reluctantly engages in a duel for blood money, hunts a gangster who has stolen his swords, and more!

Usagi and his friend Inspector Ishida join forces once again as they embark on a mission to track down and uncover the importance of a foreign book that''s been at the root of many problems across the land. The daring duo, desperate to solve the mystery and restore peace, are forced to undertake unusual measures as well as enlist the help of a few surprising sources to get the information they require. Will Usagi and Ishida come out victorious or will this mystery prove too much for them to solve? Collecting a complete story arc in one place, this is the perfect jumping-on point for any fans--new or old! Collects Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden issues #1-#7.

New challenges await the rabbit ronin in the fourth volume of this enduring saga, featuring new original cover art by Stan Sakai! Miyamoto Usagi’s past returns as he fights alongside his former teacher and struggles with the knowledge that his traveling companion Jotaro is his son! The Neko ninja and fan-favorite character Sasuké the Demon Queller reappear, and a manga classic is paid tribute in Lone Goat and Kid! Collects Usagi Yojimbo Volume Three #53-#75, a color cover gallery, and the color short story “A Lesson in Courtesy.”

Usagi Yojimbo is one of the longest running and best-loved comic adventures of all time. Running from 1984 to the present day, and showing no sign of diminishing in popularity, the rabbit ronin is now seen as a figurehead of the comic book scene, and crucial to bringing the ideas of feudal Japan to a wider western audience. Roaming an anthropomorphic version of feudal Japan, the rabbit samurai has no master, but takes on tasks from any aggrieved animals he encounters - always ensuring he sticks to the noble way of the samurai.

One of the most critically acclaimed, longest running, and beloved adventure comics! This seventh volume includes the stories "Traitors of the Earth," in which Miyamoto Usagi faces the undead; "A Town Called Hell," which sees Usagi caught in the crossfire between two competing lords; "Those Who Tread on the Scorpion''s Tail," where Usagi takes on the notorious Red Scorpions—and more! 600 pages of emotive and thrilling samurai action! Stan Sakai’s evocative artwork and gripping tales continue to enthrall readers of all ages. Collects Usagi Yojimbo Volume Three #117–#138, the Free Comic Book Day 2009 short story "One Dark and Stormy Night," and the color short story “Cut the Plum.”

The rabbit ronin faces a horde of the undead when a harmless-looking but powerful charm brings a betrayed army back to life. With hundreds of zombies and an evil wizard to contend with, Usagi finds himself far out of his depth! Fortunately, he has the aid of fan-favorite character Sasuké the Demon Queller, most recently seen in the Yokai graphic novel. This volume also features several action-packed short stories, including the Eisner-nominated “Death of Lord Hikiji”! Collects Usagi Yojimbo #117–#123 and stories from Dark Horse Maverick 2001 and MySpace Dark Horse Presents #35.

The seventh volume in this legendary series about a wandering rabbit samurai in feudal Japan is now available in a newly redesigned edition! This dense tome collects issues 32 through 38 of the original Usagi series as well as the Usagi strip from Critters #38. In addition to the novel-length "Gen''s Story," which forms the centerpiece of this volume, and which relates the heretofore untold story of the mercenary swordsrhino Gennosuke, Usagi Yojimbo Book 7 includes "Kitsune" (introducing a new romantic interest for Usagi), "The Last Ino Story" (the final fate of the Blind Swordspig Zato-Ino), "The Return of Kitsune," and "Broken Ritual," a tale of hara-kiri based on an idea by Sergio Aragonés, who also contributes this volume''s introduction. This perennial favorite features dragons, ghosts, demons, bats and more, all in set in Sakai''s warrior landscape. A classic!

Wandering ronin Usagi Yojimbo is alone once again, having emerged from his travels with young Jotaro. His brief respite from danger was not destined to last long, for adventure in feudal Japan waits for no one! In this volume of the internationally acclaimed series, master storyteller Stan Sakai treats readers to intriguing tales of Usagi on his own and catches up with a bevy of fan-favorite characters - "whodunit" maestro Inspector Ishida has another puzzling mystery to solve, bounty hunters Gen and Stray Dog are each on the tail of the possessed swordswoman Inazuma, bodyguard Tomoe has a new political rival in Lord Noriyuki''s court, and Priest Sanshobo''s temple is plagued by a vile demon! Throughout these stories we follow Usagi as he is roped into a covert smuggling operation, escorts a cantankerous old woman through dangerous territory, assists an inventor with a visionary flying machine, and once again encounters a vengeful young samurai. • Featuring a rare short story starring Katsuichi and young Usagi which has never seen print in the Usagi comics series!

The rabbit ronin faces a menace from Mars in this extraordinary story from multiple Eisner award-winning creator Stan Sakai! Fifteen years in his future, Miyamoto Usagi fights with Lord Noriyuki''s Geishu clan, in an all-out war against the treacherous Lord Hikiji. In the fury of the final battle, a mysterious metal rocket crash-lands from the heavens, shattering both armies and igniting a new, more devastating conflict. It will take all the considerable fortitude, ingenuity, and heroism that Usagi and his loved ones can muster to combat the fearsome extraterrestrial war machines and halt the alien invasion. In the end, not everyone will survive to tell the tale.

Stan Sakai wraps up the new "Ice and Snow" miniseries with a single-issue epilogue story. Recovering from their battles with Jei, his henchmen, and an angry yokai, Usagi and his newly-found cousin Yukichi continue their journey across Japan. Usagi Yojimbo returns to Dark Horse with new color comics and an exciting new story arc!

The third volume in Dark Horse''s definitive Usagi Yojimbo compilations showcases Stan Sakai''s epic series at its best! Usagi faces a terrifying new foe who wears a demon mask; the Eisner-winning "Grasscutter" storyline receives a sequel, "Return to Atsuta Shrine;" pickpocket Kitsune''s history is revealed; fan-favorite character Sasuké the Demon Queller makes his debut; and a beloved ally long thought dead returns! Throughout, Sakai''s storytelling constitutes a master class in the comics form! Collects Usagi Yojimbo Volume Three #31-#52, along with stories from Dark Horse Presents and more!

The adventures of Stan Sakai''s beloved Miyamoto Usagi hit an early peak in this new deluxe compilation! Volume Two features the rabbit ronin''s first encounters with the Lord of Owls, Inspector Ishida, and more, and is highlighted by the Eisner Award-winning Grasscutter, a grand tale assembling nearly all the series'' characters in a struggle over the grasscutting sword of Japanese legend, with the fate of the nation in the balance! This omnibus collects Usagi Yojimbo Book 11: Seasons, Usagi Yojimbo Book 12: Grasscutter, and Usagi Yojimbo Book 13: Grey Shadows.

"This Gallery Edition reproduces Stan Sakai''s artwork for Usagi Yojimbo in full color and at original size. This first volume comprises the first ten years of Sakai and Usagi''s evolution, spanning from the earliest, unpublished Usagi story in the early eighties to the second Usagi Yojimbo series [in] the early nineties."--About this edition (CIP galley)

Yokai are the monsters, demons, and spirits of Japanese folklore, such as the shape-changing kitsune, the obakeneko demon cats, and the evil oni ogres. Usagi faces all these and more when a desperate woman begs for his help in finding her kidnapped daughter. Tracing the abducted girl deep into the forest, Usagi finds it haunted by creatures of Japanese legend and discovers that they are amassing for a great raid on the countryside! Fortunately, Usagi is joined by Sasuke the Demon Queller, who is also fighting to prevent the invasion, but things aren''t always as they seem — especially when dealing with the supernatural! * The rabbit ronin turned twenty-five, and Dark Horse celebrated with the first-ever Usagi Yojimbo original graphic novel, fully hand-painted, written, and lettered by creator Stan Sakai! * Completely self-contained story. * Usagi Yojimbo is a 2009 Eisner Award nominee for Best Continuing Series. First ever, full color, original story!

Stan Sakai’s epic series continues in the third volume of the definitive Usagi Yojimbo compilations featuring brand new original cover art by Stan Sakai! Usagi faces a terrifying new foe who wears a demon mask, the Eisner-winning “Grasscutter” storyline receives a sequel, pickpocket Kitsune’s history is revealed, fan-favorite character Sasuké the Demon Queller makes his debut, and a beloved ally long thought dead returns! Collects Usagi Yojimbo Volume Three #31–#52, along with stories from Dark Horse Presents and more!

Follows the adventures of a masterless rabbit samurai, Miyamoto Usagi, in Japan at the turn of the seventeenth century, as he stands up for justice and truth in a time of social and political unrest.

Dark Horse presents the quintessential companion to The Usagi Yojimbo Saga series--Usagi Yojimbo Saga: Legends! This volume collects some of the rabbit ronin''s most exhilarating and colorful stories, including Senso, Yokai, and the long out of print Space Usagi! In these breathtaking pages, Usagi takes on a myriad of opponents, including dinosaurs, aliens, and demons, but never loses sight of the warrior''s code: truth, honor, loyalty, and sacrifice. Complete your set--this is the essential companion to The Usagi Yojimbo Saga! 540 beautiful pages, including a breathtaking color section! Signed and numbered hardcover edition, limited to 1,500 copies! Collects: Space Usagi, Usagi Yojimbo: Senso, Usagi Yojimbo: Yokai

The rabbit ronin’s wanderings find him caught between competing gang lords fighting for control of A Town Called Hell. With the help of master swordsman Kato, Usagi takes on one gangster, while the other stirs up even more trouble! Now, with Kato on his trail, Usagi continues his travels, confronting a nukekubi—a flying cannibal head—aiding a disgraced samurai seeking redemption, and even crossing paths with the demon Jei! All the while, Kato awaits a rematch and a return to Hell! Collects Usagi Yojimbo #124–#131. * Introduction by Geof Darrow (Shaolin Cowboy, Hard Boiled)! * 2012 Eisner nominee for Best Continuing Series!

A premium collection demonstrating the effectiveness of the comics medium for telling the most personal of stories--the autobiography. Showcasing some of the first published autobiographical stories from living-legend artists, mainstream greats, and young "indie" up-and-comers! Featuring stories by Will Eisner, William Stout, Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon, Stan Sakai, Sergio Aragonés, and many more of comics'' top talent!

In this thrilling volume, the rabbit ronin teams up with--and faces off against--a multitude of unexpected characters! First, bandits plunder a village threatened by flooding . . . but their reasons for pillaging will surprise even the most steadfast! Then, Usagi must work alongside his natural enemy--a Kappa--to cast out a violent renegade of the same species. Later, a Komori ninja must honor her debts when she and Usagi end up on opposing sides of a trade agreement gone wrong. Finally, Inspector Ishida returns to investigate a ghastly painting known only as the Hell Screen! Collects Usagi Yojimbo issues #152-#158.

Circles features the graphic-novel-length epic title story, in which Usagi returns to his native village only to find everything very different indeed. (The discovery that his mentor, whom he thought dead, is actually alive and kicking is only the first of the shocks that await him.) "Circles" is an epic adventure, a love story, and one of the most affecting Usagi stories ever. In addition to the 80-page "Circles," this volume includes "The Bridge," "The Duel," and the hard-to-find "The Tangled Skein" from Critters #38. Jam-packed with lethal sword battles alternating with humor, horror, suspense and slapstick, this beautifully crafted and exciting volume (with an introduction by Jeff Smith) is both an excellent starting point for new readers, and an absolute necessity for Usagi completists.

Experience the rabbit action epic that might have been! More than just a precursor to Stan Sakai''s beloved Usagi Yojimbo, his tales of medieval unwits Nilson and Hermy are every bit as funny, exciting, and beautifully illustrated as the saga of the familiar rabbit ronin! Collecting Nilson and Hermy''s complete exploits! * Collects every Nilson story, plus rarely seen extra art! * Newly scanned from Sakai''s original art and colored by Usagi colorist Tom Luth! * Don''t miss Nilson and Hermy in November''s Dark Horse Presents #30! "Stan Sakai is a master."—Alejandro Jodorowsky "Stan Sakai is one of the few artists working in comics who completely understand the medium."—Jeff Smith

The wandering life of a ronin is often a lonely one, and Usagi has been on that path a long time. A temporary peace, staying with the merchant Endo and his daughter Hanaka, is interrupted by the deadly League of Assassins, setting Usagi back on the road, but with the uncomfortable sensation that he is being followed. * Collects issues #94-#102. This volume also includes the landmark Usagi Yojimbo #100, a celebratory roast issue featuring contributions from several of the best writers and artists in comics including Frank Miller, Matt Wagner, Jeff Smith, Sergio Aragonés, and more! Introduction by Brian K. Vaughan! “Matching the writing, Stan Sakai''s cartooning remains a lesson to anyone wanting to learn the craft. Well-researched details ground each scene in reality, while the carefully chosen angles and zooms maximize the humor or drama of each story beat . . . Long story short, Usagi Yojimbo continues to be the best adventure comic in the world today, and Bridge of Tears is simply more evidence.” -Newsarma

Fresh from winning the Best Serialized Story 1999 Eisner Award for Grasscutter, Stan Sakai returns with a new Usagi Yojimbo collection featuring six tales of the ronin rabbit''s journeys and adventures in feudal Japan. "My Father''s Swords" retells an encounter with a young samurai who follows in-and is followed by-the footsteps of his father''s warrior heritage. In "The Demon Flute," a village is plagued by a music-playing supernatural killer. Usagi recounts a classic Japanese folk tale in "Momo-Usagi-Taro." Two Tokugawa-era whodunits play out in "The Hair Pin Murders" and Taméshigiri," a pair of Inspector Ishida mysteries. Usagi becomes entangled in a conspiracy to overthrow a lord''s throne in "The Courtesan." Memory, mystery, and treachery intermingle to form Grey Shadows.