Usagi Yojimbo #100
by Stan Sakai and special guests
$3.50

One of the best all-ages comics of all-time, Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo has consistently delivered laughs, action, and an endearing emotional warmth for years. Issue #100 — which is really just the 100th Dark Horse issue, as Usagi was previously published by Fantagraphics and Mirage — is a break from the ongoing narrative about the titular rabbit ronin. Instead, Usagi #100 is a breaking-the-fourth wall tribute/roast to Sakai, featuring memorable anecdotes and stories from admirers and peers such as Frank Miller, Jeff Smith, and Sergio Aragones. While this isn’t the best way to introduce someone to the wonderful world of Usagi (try any of the trades, or even the more recent, terrific #99), it’s a thoroughly charming tribute to a true legend and his legendary creation.
KFR Rating: A

Star Wars: Dark Times #1
Story: Welles Hartley
Writer: Mick Harrison
Artist: Douglas Wheatley
$2.99

Referencing the famous Ben Kenobi quote (”Before the dark times, before the Empire.”) from Star Wars, Dark Horse’s new series promises to tell the story of the rise of the Empire following Revenge of the Sith. Things start out promising. Douglas Wheatley’s pencils are beautiful (his Darth Vader in particular will delight anyone who grew up a Star Wars fan), and the early glimpse into Vader’s self-doubt is seriously compelling. From there, however, we’re off to Expanded Universe territory, featuring Jedi and aliens we’ve never heard of before (see cover). It’s typical of what we’ve seen in previous Star Wars comics: Jedi and friend fighting, Jedi and friend losing, Jedi and friend escaping. It’s nothing new, but it’s not altogether disappointing, and witnessing more stormtrooper ruthlessness definitely gives this a welcome, darker tone. Once collected, this should make for a good trade to pick up when the Star Wars mood strikes you.
KFR Rating: B

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