Usagi Yojimbo: The Special Edition: 2 Paperback – Special Edition, 20 Oct. 2015

Fantastic books! Made a great gift as it was presented really nicely.

The last printing of this special edition hardcover collection has been unobtainable for years and a much sought after collectors piece.Wanting to try out Usagi, and in the best format possible I jumped at this reprint.First of all, before commenting on the story, the books and slipcases themselves are great. Each reads really well and holds open nicely with lovely sewn binding and good paper stock.Honestly, if you read a lot of comics on electronic devices you may want to consider whether you need to spend the extra money to own this physically. I loved the art, but it is black and white with strong lines that I imagine would read nicely on a decent tablet. That said this edition looks great on the shelf.I wasn't quite sure what to expect going into Usagi Yojimbo other than that it was an independent comics classic and evidently had anthropomorphic animals in it (something warmed to since reading Usagi).Really, Usagi is an episodic narrative set in feudal Japan. I was surprised to find that it felt more like Lone Wolf and Cub than anything else (tributes to which are contained within).If you think that you will be attracted to stories of wandering Samurai, feuding lords, assassinations and tales of honour then definitely give this a go. Usagi is a very likeable character. You do learn about him and his past as the story progresses, but this is one of those stories where each adventure is meant to be fairly self-contained and enjoyed in its own right. Approach it in that mindset and you will definitely get more out of it.So this is actually chronologically the first set of Usagi adventures. If you have read this then his stories continue in the Usagi Yojimbo Saga collections published by Dark Horse, starting with number 1 of those collections - a little confusing but that is not the first Usagi book - this is.I definitely recommend this. There are a few extras like interviews and covers that help to make this feel like a pretty complete collection. It's a fun, relaxing and often heartwarming read.