Usagi plans to return to his village in ‘Homecoming’
I have read a few Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles graphic novels lately. Many of them told tales of this family I had never heard before. A few of them even had them work together with another well known family. When I heard about Usagi Yojimbo: Homecoming I was hoping I might get to read it. I was able to get a digital copy of this graphic novel and here is my thoughts on it.
You can read the plot for Homecoming here:
In “Tatami,” Usagi returns to his home province only to find intrigue and betrayal! An important tea ceremony is about to take place, but what sinister plan does Lord Hikiji have for it and how are the Neko ninja clan involved?
Then, in “Mon,” long ago, Lord Hikiji defeated Usagi’s Lord Mifune to take control of the Northern Province. Usagi, now traveling through his old territories, still wears the mon (a family crest) of his former lord. But, there are those who still remember the Great Wars with bitterness and threaten to kill any samurai loyal to Mifune. What happens when they come across Usagi?
In “The Return,” Usagi is on a pilgrimage to his late lord’s gravesite, however, wearing the Mifune clan crest in Lord Hikiji’s territory has made him an enemy. Traveling through this dangerous land he has made his way to the one place he had been avoiding–the village in which he grew up. Bittersweet memories awaken with his long-time love, until the village becomes embroiled in a plot to assassinate an emissary of the shogun.
I had a blast reading this graphic novel. Each story was exciting, full of action and had plenty of dramatic moments. To see Usagi in action was a true sight to behold. They never wanted to fight anyone, but when provoked they pretty much always ended up the victor. Once they get to their old village, much has changed over the years. Yet when something bad is going on, Usagi is more than happy to help. As this graphic novel came to a close old wounds get healed and the this journey has come to an end.
Usagi Yojimbo: Homecoming is available now. You can order this graphic novel on Amazon, at Barnes and Noble and Indiebound.
