Thursday, June 30, 2016

Usagi Yojimbo #155


Rain-soaked and road-weary, Usagi arrives at the Temple of the Golden Buddha (home to a most unusual piece of art depicting the nature of Hell). At first turned away by a over-zealous guard, Usagi refuses to leave which leads to a reunion with his old friend Inspector Ishida who has arrived to investigate a murder an decide the fate of the temple. With factions wanting both the temple to remain open or to be closed, and the victim killed in a manner Ishida can't identify, the inspector asks for Usagi's help on the case.

The first multi-issue arc in several months doesn't disappoint at it establishes a mystery to solve which is only deepened by the legend of the Hell Screen and a second death following soon upon the heels of the first. It appears Usagi and Ishida have their hands full.

The Hell Screen is an interesting piece of the story. Is it simply a red herring, to throw suspicion off those who want the temple's lands for themselves. Or does the graphic depiction, said to seek vengeance on those who offend it, have some supernatural tie to the deaths? Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $3.99]

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