Newsarama posted an interview with Usagi Yojimbo creator Stan Sakai this morning, discussing his first fully painted original graphic novel Yokai, a hint about Usagi figures hitting stores this fall, and the possibility of another color graphic novel down the road!
Here’s an excerpt:
Newsarama: You’ve had lots and lots of Usagi Yojimbo material coming out this year beyond the regular series. The new trade Bridge of Tears, the high-end Special Edition collection, and now in November, your first Usagi Yojimbo original graphic novel, titled Yōkai. First, what trouble can we look forward to Usagi getting into in Yōkai? Stan Sakai: Yokai is the most ambition Usagi project I have taken on. It is a fully painted (with water colors) original graphic novel. The story centers around the “hyakki yako” – the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons. The belief is that every year supernatural creatures congregate and take to the streets. In my story, once every hundred years, they also have a chance to take over the world of the living. However, they need a living soul to lead them. They capture a little girl to be their focal point, and Usagi has to save her and stop the supernatural invasion.
Follow the link above for more, and in case you hadn’t heard, Usagi Yojimbo was nominated for an Eisner, once more, in the ‘Oustanding Series’ category. The best of luck Stan, and what a way to continue Usagi’s 25th anniversary celebration!
