Usagi Yojimbo: The Special Edition (anyone buy it?)

[DrSpengler]

I remember there was some confusion when this book was solicited as it said it would include some "bonus" and "non canon" TMNT stories "never before publish".

People were curious as to whether that meant it would include "The Treaty", which was never reprinted in an usagi graphic novel. It collects Books 1 through 7 of the Usagi graphic novel series, so presumably "Turtle Soup and Rabbit Stew" and "The Crossing" would be included (as they were both within Book 3) while the "Shades of Green" three-parter would not, as it was originally collected in Book 8.


Just want to know what's in the thing exactly, Turtle-wise, as I know many inquiring minds wish to be enlightened.

[Buffy]

This collected book should be available just before Christmas. I've ordered one, I'll let you know what's in it when I get it. :)

[DrSpengler]

This collected book should be available just before Christmas. I've ordered one, I'll let you know what's in it when I get it. :)

Thanks!

A bunch of sites still say October 15th, so I thought it had already come out. I probably shoulda checked Amazon instead of Wikipedia...

[Abnormal Freak]

Yeah, Amazon says the release got pushed back to December 6th. Definitely gonna be picking it up.

[Powder]

Definitely making that an Xmas request.

[DrSpengler]

Personally, I'd be picking it up too if I didn't already own Books 1 and 2. I bought them about a month before the Special Edition was solicited, which really ticked me off. If I'd only waited a little longer...

[oldmanwinters]

Here's a video preview!
72FxfZ9Z-jg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72FxfZ9Z-jg

It looks real classy, though I didn't spot any TMNT in the video.

[DrSpengler]

Mthat looks pretty as all get out.

I may just have to bite the bullet and double-dip on that one...

[gobo]

Me too !

[Powder]

Mthat looks pretty as all get out.

I may just have to bite the bullet and double-dip on that one...

Go for it! I am.

[Abnormal Freak]

What I like most about that presentation is that it's full-sized. I don't really like how all the other Usagi TPBs are smaller in dimension than the individual issues.

[gbhq]

i always wondered if the Usagi books were a good read?. it just seemed to me that every time i picked one up it didn't seem to me that it was directed for a mature audience. correct me if i am wrong.

[Powder]

i always wondered if the Usagi books were a good read?. it just seemed to me that every time i picked one up it didn't seem to me that it was directed for a mature audience. correct me if i am wrong.

You're super wrong. Any kid would be bored as hell by it, I figure.
Sword fights would be the most amusing aspect of it, for them, I figure.
Each book is like a Japanese history lesson taught by anthropomorphic animals.
I enjoy the hell out of it, but that's because I find the culture interesting.

[funatic]

i always wondered if the Usagi books were a good read?.

a GREAT read - usagi has been consistently amazing for the twenty-odd years of its existence (something I can't faithfully say for tmnt, unfortunately), all under the helm of Stan Sakai, who continues to blow me away with his amazing art and writing.

[Krutch]

I just read Volume One (Ronin) about three months back. I enjoyed the hell out of it as well. Had no idea this Special Edition was coming out. I know where my cash is going ;)

Where abouts do you order this thing?

[oldmanwinters]

You know, as I was looking at that video of the box's descriptions of the bonus material (at least I think that's what it says), it looks like it does mention "That Hilarious Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Usagi Crossover by Sakai."

[DrSpengler]

All the solicitations say "two 'non-canon' TMNT crossovers", which has me thinking that its only going to include "Turtle Soup and Rabbit Stew" and "The Crossing", once again skipping "The Treaty". This Special Edition appears to just be a big set of all of the volumes Fantagraphics could legally publish and they skipped "The Treaty" in their previous graphic novel collections.

Though the "non-canon" remarks strikes me as odd. The stories are canon in the Mirage universe (they're referenced in Vol. 4 #30) and don't do any harm to Usagi's timeline in anyway; just amusing asides. I wonder why Sakai would want them designated as such (or maybe that was just the doing of some overzealous copywriter penning the solicitation).

[Abnormal Freak]

Lotsa pics here:
http://www.facebook.com/fantagraphics#!/album.php?aid=257860&id=6356648068

Including this one:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1154.snc4/149656_462410573068_6356648068_5445912_4524008_n.j pg

I'm not yet too familiar with Usagi Yojimbo, but it looks intriguing and I just preordered this nice box set. Dunno if this panel is from one of the crossovers you guys are wondering whether the collection includes.

[DrSpengler]

Actually, that's from "The Treaty!"

So that one's going to be included in an Usagi collectio for the first time, then. Cool.

So if the "two" designation was accurate, I wonder which of the remaining crossovers they ommitted: "Turtle Soup and Rabbit Stew" or "The Crossing"?

Maybe "The Crossing" because it was drawn by Laird and not Sakai? But then, it was actually published in an issue of Usagi (#10). "Turtle Soup and Rabbit Stew" was published in the Turtle Soup one-shot, so maybe that got the axe?

Hmmm, curious.

[Spitfire]

Or maybe "Turtle Soup and Rabbit Stew" is considered non-canon because it wasn't in an Usagi book and "The Crossing" is canon because it was. Meaning that both would be in there.

[Brodie]

This set looks beautiful. I suggested it as a christmas gift to my 'rents. We'll see how that goes.

[Archon_Turtle]

From Amazon:

We're writing about the order you placed on November 18 2010 (Order# ###########). Unfortunately, the release date for the item(s) listed below has changed, and we need to provide you with a new delivery estimate based on the new release date: Stan Sakai "Usagi Yojimbo: The Special Edition (Usagi Yojimbo)"

Estimated arrival date: December 24 2010

We apologize for the inconvenience caused by this delay.

[Brodie]

Why's Stan Sakai always F-ckin' me over?

[Archon_Turtle]

Why's Stan Sakai always F-ckin' me over?

because you touch yourself.

[Brodie]

He's just mad I ain't touchin' him.

Or his goddamn book, apparently!

[Abnormal Freak]

I hope this doesn't turn out like the gigantic hardcover Spawn collection. That thing was a disaster; always getting pushed back, then Amazon cancels my order after several months, then it finally comes out but completely under my nose and I almost didn't get a copy.

Speakin'a which, I better get to preordering the second one.

[John Pannozzi]

Here's a video from Fantagraphics Books' own Youtube account showing the book in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72FxfZ9Z-jg

[usagigoya]

Why's Stan Sakai always F-ckin' me over?
because you touch yourself.
He's just mad I ain't touchin' him.

Or his goddamn book, apparently!

Maybe if you took your fist out of your a$$, you would realize that Stan Sakai has nothing to do with the delays in the release of the Usagi Yojimbo: The Special Edition.

All the delays are from the publisher! Stan Sakai finished his part of the publication process approximately eighteen years ago when those stories were originally published.

Fantagraphics is in charge of repackaging and republishing the new set and any delays in the release are probably due to setbacks the publisher might be experiencing, possibly due to the efforts to produce such a deluxe volume which reproduces the original art in a larger page size than ever previously published or possibly some problems with some printer or bindery located in Canada or China....

So, why don't you make use of all these delays and actually grow up, f-ckin' a$$hole!

[Powder]

He was making a joke... Chill. Didn't catch the snappy banter between him & Archon?

You've been here 4 years and not even posted until now, over this no less. Sheesh.

Wait a second...

You're Stan Sakai!

[Archon_Turtle]

Maybe if you took your fist out of your a$$, you would realize that Stan Sakai has nothing to do with the delays in the release of the Usagi Yojimbo: The Special Edition.

All the delays are from the publisher! Stan Sakai finished his part of the publication process approximately eighteen years ago when those stories were originally published.

Fantagraphics is in charge of repackaging and republishing the new set and any delays in the release are probably due to setbacks the publisher might be experiencing, possibly due to the efforts to produce such a deluxe volume which reproduces the original art in a larger page size than ever previously published or possibly some problems with some printer or bindery located in Canada or China....

So, why don't you make use of all these delays and actually grow up, f-ckin' a$$hole!

This has quickly become the best thread ever.

[Ninjinister]

Quite possibly the most bizarre first post I've ever seen.... o.O

[Venom]

Usagigoya's post makes me tingle with glee! :D

[Brodie]

Maybe if you took your fist out of your a$$, you would realize that Stan Sakai has nothing to do with the delays in the release of the Usagi Yojimbo: The Special Edition.

All the delays are from the publisher! Stan Sakai finished his part of the publication process approximately eighteen years ago when those stories were originally published.

Fantagraphics is in charge of repackaging and republishing the new set and any delays in the release are probably due to setbacks the publisher might be experiencing, possibly due to the efforts to produce such a deluxe volume which reproduces the original art in a larger page size than ever previously published or possibly some problems with some printer or bindery located in Canada or China....

So, why don't you make use of all these delays and actually grow up, f-ckin' a$$hole!

What...the ****?

This is AWESOME.

In one post I was able to get someone who didn't find any reason to post since joining in 2006, and got them to post the most angry response to a joke...ever.

Cementing my awesomeness.

[Krutch]

seriously, that's awesome. Good work dude :P

[Krutch]

So admist all the changes and confusion... does anyone know when this is really coming out?

[DrSpengler]

Amazon is saying December 17th, now.

We'll see if that comes true...

[Spitfire]

I'm taken back by how expensive this book is. 100 list, 63 on Amazon. I know it's 1200 pages but wow. They should have split it into 2 600 books. I guess they don't care if they sell well or not because they're probably printing a very low number. I'm guessing they assume only hardcore fans are buying this as it is and comic stores probably won't be seeing more then 2 copies.

[DrSpengler]

Likely, they're banking on a similar audience as thos who buy DC Comics "Absolute" publications; which each cost an utter fortune but come in incredibly fancy packaging and with oodles of bonus content not in the more economical collections.

Though I'm also wondering if there'll be a Special Edition Vol. 2, collecting the next seven volumes of Usagi graphic novels?

Doubtful, but maybe. Guess if this thing sells out whatever limited quantity its being printed in.

[oldmanwinters]

I'm taken back by how expensive this book is. 100 list, 63 on Amazon. I know it's 1200 pages but wow. They should have split it into 2 600 books. I guess they don't care if they sell well or not because they're probably printing a very low number. I'm guessing they assume only hardcore fans are buying this as it is and comic stores probably won't be seeing more then 2 copies.

Hmm... I think it is two books contained in one box set. Are you just saying the volumes should be solicited individually to keep the costs down?

[gobo]

Though I'm also wondering if there'll be a Special Edition Vol. 2, collecting the next seven volumes of Usagi graphic novels?
Perhaps, but I wouldn't hold my breath. If you haven't noticed, this is a collection of the entirety of the Fantagraphics run. All books beyond that were printed by Dark Horse (starting w/ the full run of Mirage's Vol. 2).

[Spitfire]

Likely, they're banking on a similar audience as thos who buy DC Comics "Absolute" publications; which each cost an utter fortune but come in incredibly fancy packaging and with oodles of bonus content not in the more economical collections.

Though I'm also wondering if there'll be a Special Edition Vol. 2, collecting the next seven volumes of Usagi graphic novels?

Doubtful, but maybe. Guess if this thing sells out whatever limited quantity its being printed in.
Yeah exactly. They've had the Hellboy books like this at my comic store for 2 years now. They just collect dust. Same with the Absolute Justice, which has sat there since it came out.

This is why they probably won't do another one. It might sell online though but comic stores probably won't be hot to jump on it. Usagi has a pretty limited fanbase so if this doesn't do well I'm not sure he will get a second chance like DC or Marvel might.

Hmm... I think it is two books contained in one box set. Are you just saying the volumes should be solicited individually to keep the costs down?
Yeah exactly. 2 hardcovers at 600 pages. People are more likely to spend 30 a pop on a book then 60 on one big book. Sure hardcore fans will dish it out no question but browsers won't. If someone's interesting in jumping into the Usagi mythos 60-100 bucks is a steep price to pay for something you might not like. That's who usually buys these besides collectors. People who don't want to to through the trouble of collecting single issues.

[Krutch]

As much as I like the Absolute editions, I never seem to have the cash to spoil myself at all for anything, let alone copies of books I've already read. Only exception is Kingdom Come, which is my favorite superhero epic. But my girlfriend bought me that, and I bought her Hush, so it kinda cancels out.

I'll pick this up because I've only ever read Volume 1: Ronin, and I liked what I read. Alot.

[Brodie]

Yeah exactly. They've had the Hellboy books like this at my comic store for 2 years now. They just collect dust. Same with the Absolute Justice, which has sat there since it came out.

This is why they probably won't do another one. It might sell online though but comic stores probably won't be hot to jump on it. Usagi has a pretty limited fanbase so if this doesn't do well I'm not sure he will get a second chance like DC or Marvel might.


Yeah exactly. 2 hardcovers at 600 pages. People are more likely to spend 30 a pop on a book then 60 on one big book. Sure hardcore fans will dish it out no question but browsers won't. If someone's interesting in jumping into the Usagi mythos 60-100 bucks is a steep price to pay for something you might not like. That's who usually buys these besides collectors. People who don't want to to through the trouble of collecting single issues.

I agree with what you're saying. The only reason I'm getting this is because I made a special request for Christmas. I love giant hardcover editions of books, but the prices are insane, so I rarely buy them. One of the only other books of this size I have is the Daredevil Bendis Omnibus volume 2. Only because I stumbled across it for $26 instead of $100. I'm really curious in the sales of this book. I imagine they might not be terrible, but the price might deter the people that might get the most out of this.

[Abnormal Freak]

Woohoo! My copy from Amazon has shipped. :D

[Topsu]

Just ordered mine for 63$. I do have books 1-7 already, but I just can't pass this one...

[Archon_Turtle]

Tada!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/JNCOPosterboy/The%20Collection/Comics/Collected%20Hardcover%20and%20Oversized/102_4017.jpg

[Krutch]

whatthef-?! I thought it was delayed again. Ugh. Alrighty, time to whip out ole' Mastercard...

[Buffy]

Looking good! Mine is on the way: can't wait. :)

[Abnormal Freak]

What the heck? On page 16 in the first panel, there's an empty word balloon. Usagi's supposed to say, "Such was my karma." Why would they edit that out and do it in such a sloppy manner as to keep the word balloon?

Cool collection, but I wonder if there are further omissions and maybe some redrawn parts.

I skimmed the interview with Sakai and he mentioned the Mirage series, when collected by I believe Dark Horse, was reprinted in black and white with alterations to the drawings (ink shading to make up for the lack of color and stuff like that). Are these volumes worth collecting for the altered art, or am I best off just sticking to their originally published format? I'm curious to see some of the differences if someone could do comparisons.

[Venom]

What the heck? On page 16 in the first panel, there's an empty word balloon. Usagi's supposed to say, "Such was my karma." Why would they...keep the word balloon?

You know what would be cool? Take the book to a con Stan is attending and ask him to letter the bubble! :tgrin:

[DrSpengler]

You know what would be cool? Take the book to a con Stan is attending and ask him to letter the bubble! :tgrin:

That is a very, very cool idea, actually.

I don't get out to many cons, but I'd totally do that if the stars aligned and I happened to go one with Sakai in attendance.

[Abnormal Freak]

That would be cool. I had half a mind to letter it myself :p but figured I'd just ruin it. Getting Stan to do it would be awesome, but I can't imagine him ever visiting Minnesota.

[Venom]

Well, since you like the idea why not email him privately and ask if you mailed him the book with return shipping if he would letter the page and maybe even autograph it. I'm sure it would be one-of-a-kind for quite awhile (until people stumble upon this thread! :P).

[TheCanadiandrome]

ok, so here's a newbish question likely answered in this thread, but i'm lazy to read all the posts so bear with me; how many Usagi graphic novels are there, and which are covered in this collection?

[DrSpengler]

ok, so here's a newbish question likely answered in this thread, but i'm lazy to read all the posts so bear with me; how many Usagi graphic novels are there, and which are covered in this collection?

The Special Edition encapsulates all the volumes Fantagraphics has the rights to publish, so the first 7 volumes.

Volumes 8 through 24 were published by Dark Horse comics and include the Mirage series as well as all the Dark Horse issues published up to that point.

There have been other volumes, such as grpahic novels and spin-offs like Space Usagi.

The Wikipedia article offers a fairly handy guide:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usagi_Yojimbo#Collections

[TheCanadiandrome]

The Special Edition encapsulates all the volumes Fantagraphics has the rights to publish, so the first 7 volumes.

Volumes 8 through 24 were published by Dark Horse comics and include the Mirage series as well as all the Dark Horse issues published up to that point.

There have been other volumes, such as grpahic novels and spin-offs like Space Usagi.

The Wikipedia article offers a fairly handy guide:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usagi_Yojimbo#Collections
thanks dude!

[Brodie]

This was delivered on my birthday, but my madre is making me wait to open it on Christmas. Terrible.

[TheCanadiandrome]

not sure what to pay for it, or where to get it from.

both Amazon US and Amazon Canada have it as does the book site Chapters

[John Pannozzi]

So, can any confirm if all three Usagi/Leo short stories are included in this Special Edition?

[Abnormal Freak]

The collection has only two TMNT/Leo stories: "Turtle Soup and Rabbit Stew" and "The Treaty". Peter Laird's "The Crossing" is absent. Is that the missing third story, or are there more Usagi/TMNT crossovers from the Fantagraphics line?

[DrSpengler]

Nope, that'd be the missing third story. Likely excised because Sakai didn't draw it, even though it was important to the narrative of the TMNT/Usagi crossovers.

Bummer.

[John Pannozzi]

^And BTW, according to Stan Saka (http://usagiyojimbo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5626)i, The Crossing was never included in a UY collection. Interesting.

[DrSpengler]

^And BTW, according to Stan Saka (http://usagiyojimbo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5626)i, The Crossing was never included in a UY collection. Interesting.

That's news to me! I knew that Book 3 collected issue #10 of Usagi and also included "Turtle Soup and Rabbit Stew", so I presumed "The Crossing" was in there.

Now that I know otherwise, I've amended the info in the reviews for those stories on my site (and added "The Treaty's" current reprint status).

[TheCanadiandrome]

i so want to get this. this is the right book on Chapters site

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Usagi-Yojimbo-The-Special-Edition-Stan-Sakai/9781606991541-item.html?ikwid=usagi+yojimbo&ikwsec=Books

certainly seems cheaper than Amazon

[Abnormal Freak]

I see a $105 list price there, and a $99.75 member's price. How is that cheaper than Amazon, which is selling for 63 USD (Amazon.com) and 78.75 CAD (Amazon.ca)? That, and that site says it's not out till February, when it's already out.

[TheCanadiandrome]

I see a $105 list price there, and a $99.75 member's price. How is that cheaper than Amazon, which is selling for 63 USD (Amazon.com) and 78.75 CAD (Amazon.ca)? That, and that site says it's not out till February, when it's already out.
yeah, guess didn't read clearly. lol! think i'll get it from Amazon.ca

[Abnormal Freak]

By the way, if anyone hasn't read "The Crossing" and would like to, found it on tOkKa's Flickr account while perusing it (and saving pictures—'cos jeeeez, does this guy have a lot of high quality scans of cool Turtles stuff).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrible2z/3434005775/

Starts here with the cover. You can view the pages in sequence by pressing the "Newer" button, and can zoom in to full size by right-clicking the image and selecting "Original."

Enjoy Peter Laird and Kevin Easter's Leonardo in this TMNT/Usagi crossover. ;)

You'll notice in the indicia that the story is copyrighted Mirage. Wonder if that has anything to do with it not appearing in this collection? That and perhaps the inconsistency in art with all of Sakai's stories.

[Spitfire]

I buckled and got it for my girlfriend for Valentines Day. It's freaking awesome. It was 100 even and I got 15% due to a discount card. Totally worth it. Two hardcovers with a cover to hold them in. Turtles never got anything this cool! Worth the price for sure. I had to see it in person to see how worth the price it is.