Usagi Yojimbo #87

Usagi Yojimbo #87 was published in 2004 as part of the long-running comic book series created, written, and illustrated by Stan Sakai. The series follows the adventures of Miyamoto Usagi, a rabbit ronin in an anthropomorphic version of Edo-period Japan. Sakai, a Japanese-American cartoonist, drew inspiration from classic chambara cinema, particularly the films of Akira Kurosawa and the Lone Wolf and Cub manga series, aiming to blend precise historical research with a distinct, accessible visual style.

Issue #87 specifically features a self-contained narrative that reflects Sakai's consistent dedication to character-driven storytelling within his established world. Throughout the series, Sakai’s work has been widely praised for its fluid linework and its respectful, nuanced synthesis of Japanese folklore and classic samurai tropes. This particular issue serves as a testament to the series' endurance, maintaining the steady aesthetic and thematic quality that has earned Sakai critical acclaim, including multiple Eisner Awards over several decades.