Fun fact: My first major interview was with Stan Sakai. It was in 2003 and I was working for a website called Comic Bloc, and I wanted to try to interview one of the legendary creators from the 80s. The rabbit ronin Usagi Yojimbo was as cool to me as a kid as the ninja turtles were. And it turns out, Stan was as cool as his Ronin. Stan was and still is one of the nicest interviews I’ve ever done. I’ve always had a soft spot for his work since. I’m a ninja turtles guy, and I’m a stan sakai guy. When I see both thrown together, I’m in.
The Book
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen
Written and Illustrated by Stan Sakai
Publisher: IDW Publishing
TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen begins in ancient feudal Japan where Usagi is being led by Lord Noriyuki on a campaign to defeat Lord Hijiki. On the way to this battle, Usagi and company settle in a village. While there, the villagers ask Usagi Yojimbo to help defeat evil kappas. Usagi gets permission to do this and sets off with some companions to go try to achieve this.
In the present day, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are battling a villain named Dr. Wherewhen. The result leads to Wherewhen escaping into the past, dragging the turtles back into ancient Japan. Naturally from here, it’s easy to see what happens.
And you know what? That’s okay. Sakai does fantastic character work and takes a simple story and lets the characters add the depth and experience you want. There are lots of little personal politics happening at the beginning of the story. For example, Usagi and Tomoe have romantic tensions with each other. Tomoe is married in a relationship of duty and there is no real love between her and Kubo, and this drives tension as it’s apparent that Usagi and Tomoe like each other. This is contrasted wonderfully with Gen’s appearance, as he is happily married and skips out on this adventure because he’d rather spend time with his wife. There are lots of little conflicts happening that are very human. Sakai does great characters that show passion and restraint in a very classic samurai way.
Also, I never thought I’d enjoy watching Sakai draw the TMNT so well. His battle scenes with the wherewhen drones are so fun. Sakai gets the turtles, and honestly, I would love to see a longer story with just them from him at some point. It’s such a refreshing change of pace to the Armageddon Game going on with the main book of TMNT.
And the breath of fresh air is the perfect way to describe this book. If you want a fun TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo story that’s self-contained, a fun story that will make you smile reading it, I recommend this. It’s awesome.
The Business
I hope all of you had a fantastic easter. I’ve been doing client work the likes of which I never expected. I’m working on a power rangers video. A parody power rangers video, but that’s awesome. I never expected my life to be so creative. I want to thank anyone here that’s been listening to the podcast. I’ve been averaging one hundred downloads a day on a regular basis. I appreciate everyone here at First Comics, and elsewhere for listening
On top of that, I can say that my education massage therapy series Healing Hands with Shelniel Bostic will be launching on May 9th. I’ve been working on this series since November. I’m nervous about showing it to the world and will be making some previews in the newsletter in the weeks to come. Click on the link to subscribe if you wish.
I realize I promised something from Stephanie Phillips. I will in about two weeks. Next week I talk about a Blonde Assassin. That’ll do it for this week. Stay inspired out there.
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