When it comes to the early days of superheroes, fans love to find out how those characters’ nuances first came to be. That’s why Smallville was so indelible. It gave fans a view of how Kal-El eventually became Superman. The show focused not only how he discovered himself but also how his loved ones molded him. It also showed those trials and tribulations where they found their inner strength.

The show changed the narrative in many ways. We found out Clark and Lex were actually best friends before they became mortal enemies. The audience got to enjoy the journey while appreciating the fact that we know where he is going. In Usagi Yojimbo: Origins Vol. 1, we get a collection of stories of how this sword for hire came to be.

In “Samurai”, we meet Usagi’s teacher Katsuichi-Sensei. Katsuichi-Sensei trains him in the way of the Samurai and Usagi moves up the ranks under Lord Mifune quickly, before his untimely death and because of a friend’s betrayal. “Kappa” has Usagi saving a man from a water monster ad incidentally runs into his dead mother. In “Quiet Meal”, Usagi makes quick waste of a bunch of drunkards starting trouble. “Blind Swords Pig” features Usagi running into Zato, a blind outlaw, which eventually ends in a duel between the two swordsmen. In the final tale, “Lone Rabbit and Child”, Usagi takes a job to protect a young heir and his guardian, long enough to be installed as the head of his clan.

Overall, Usagi Yojimbo Origins Vol. 1 is an engaging powerful origin story which shows just how skilled Stan Sakai is, as a storyteller. The stories by Sakai are fun and gripping. The art by Stan Sakai and Ronda Pattison is awe-inspiring. Altogether, a set of stories that give excellent insight into what makes Sakai’s protagonist, still so magnetic to readers.

Story: Stan Sakai Art: Stan Sakai and Ronda Pattison
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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