Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Usagi Yojimbo #1 (2025)! Usagi Yojimbo tells the story of an anthropomorphic ronin rabbit named Miyamoto Usagi as he traverses the landscape of Edo-period Japan, experiencing many exciting adventures. This comic does not have an official ongoing title, so fans often have to wait long periods of time between new issues. And now, the wait is finally over, as Dark Horse Comics announces a new Usagi Yojimbo miniseries, marking the long-awaited return of the icon.
In a launch of Dark Horse Comicsthe publisher announced a new edition of five issues Usagi Yojimbo miniseries from creator/writer/artist Stan Sakai, which will be published in collaboration with Dogu Publishing. The miniseries features stunning covers by acclaimed artists: Stan Sakai, Mitsuhiro Arita, Eric Talbot, Hitoshi Ariga, Jennifer Meyer and the Escorza brothers (who are doing special three-part interconnected covers).
This new chapter in Usagi Yojimbo It’s two full story arcs told over five issues and promises to be emotionally engaging while delivering the action and adventure this iconic series is known for. The two arcs are titled “Ten Thousand Plums” and “Tabo,” and while both promise to be incredible sequels to the wider Usagi Yojimbo mythStan Sakai shares that “Tabo” holds a special place in his heart.
Stan Sakai: “’Tabo’ is very personal to me. It was written as a tribute to my younger brother, Kenneth, a month after his death and was inspired by his struggles during his final days.”
Usagi Yojimbo #1 (of 5) is available March 1, 2025 from Dark Horse Comics/Dogu Publishing.
What Fans Can Expect From Usagi Yojimbo’s Two New Story Arcs
Usagi Yojimbo“Ten Thousand Plums” and “Tabo”, Explained
The first arc of this totally new Usagi Yojimbo miniseries“Ten Thousand Plums” will see Usagi and her two allies, Yukichi and Gen, find themselves in a field of the Shogun’s prized plum trees, and one of the Shogun’s samurai isn’t too happy to see them there. While staying in this area, the three warriors notice a series of strange events that leave the local residents gripped by fear. It seems that Usagi has stumbled upon a mystery that requires her immediate attention, a mystery that has left this village trapped in a cycle of tragedy that only Usagi can break.
The second arc, “Tabo,” finds Usagi and Yukichi among a band of pilgrims, who are on a journey to find a goddess known as “The Mother.” Initially, the two ronin are skeptical, doubting that this “Mother” exists. However, as they spend more time with the pilgrims and witness their desperate plight to find this divine source of salvation, Usagi and Yukichi begin to become believers and will stop at nothing to help their new friends on their pilgrimage.
Usagi Yojimbo’s New Comic Series Is Exciting Beyond This New Series
Usagi YojimboThe new miniseries opens the door for much more to come
Details of this new Usagi Yojimbo Comic book series are exciting, but what’s arguably more exciting is the fact that fans are getting a new Usagi Yojimbo comic book series at all. Usagi Yojimbo is creator-owned, which allows comics the freedom to partner with publishers like Dark Horse Comics at any time. However, this also means that new installments are sporadic and fans have to wait an unspecified amount of time before getting new comics. But with this new chapter in Usagi Yojimbo lore, the series is back on fans’ immediate radar, which opens the door for even more comics.
Regardless of whether it is even more Usagi Yojimbo comics are on the horizon, this new miniseries from Dark Horse Comics/Dogu Publishing is enough to get excited about. Usagi Yojimbo“Ten Thousand Plums” and “Tabo” promise to be a captivating, visually stunning and emotional return to the world of cinema. Usagi Yojimbo.
Source: Dark Horse Comics