For those of us who live far away from where we were born, going back home can be a surreal experience. As we get older, we often have feelings of trepidation and nostalgia when something reminds us of that place. Many memories of why you left home in the first place are part of that internal consternation. We also are reminded of the things and people who are only in that place you came from.

Every time I have been home to New York I’m reminded of growing up there including both good memories and bad memories. I still call it home, even after being away from it for 25 years. What holds true is that every time you go back it feels different every single time. In Usagi Yojimbo: Homecoming, our protagonist goes home but to some unexpected reactions.

In “Tatami”, we find Usagi going back home to the North Province of Tatami, a place he had not been for a very long time, and he is flooded by memories of why he left in the first place, and where he and Chizu protect a valuable transport for the Lord who killed his master, a journey the Neko Ninja Clan looks to foil, but not without a fight from our protagonist, Chizu, and the vassals. In “Mon”, Usagi meets resistance in Tatami and finds trouble in those still bitter from a war long ago, where Usagi lets them meet their ends. In the last story“ The Return”, we find Usagi soon after he defeats the samurai in Tatami, where he ends in his home village and meets some old friends, but their reunion is cut short, when a band of ronin looks to avenge their master, but not before Usagi, his Sensei, and his friends defend their homes.

Overall, Usagi Yojimbo: Homecoming is an excellent collection of stories that proves Sakai still has many tales to tell. The stories by Sakai are exciting. The art by the creative team is beautiful. Altogether, this set of tales proves why everyone should read Usagi Yojimbo.

Story: Stan Sakai Art: Stan Sakai, Shawn Lee, Tom Luth, and Peach Momoko
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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