Usagi Yojimbo Volume 28: Red Scorpion

It is a dark time; the forces of the mighty Red Scorpion gang roam about the land striking terror into the local populace; they take what they want, and they always want to take! Thankfully, a powerful wandering samurai known as Miyamoto Usagi has taken it upon himself to protect the innocent farmers and villagers from the wrath of the bandits.

This was a satisfying novel. It has plenty of action, a clear plot in each chapter, and a unifying conflict (the continuing clash with the Red Scorpions) that neatly holds the work together. A quick glance at the book’s art might lead to the conclusion that the work is intended for primarily younger audiences (anthropomorphic animals, bold art style, etc.); while the book can be quite lighthearted, it also features incredibly detailed illustrations, a stark portrayal of the best and worst sides of human nature, and an excellent depth to many of the characters, such as Suzuki; he was well-developed and incredibly realistic, despite being a dog. Overall, this book is an outstanding story and remarkable work of art.