The Mother of Mountains

I've been reading the entire Usagi series since late last year, through the ups and downs (95% ups), and enjoying every moment of it. Stan delivers thrills and chills, and masterfully crafts samurai legend in the form of the rabbit bodyguard. Well, throughout the series, we've seen Usagi only a few times without his daisho (sword set), and in this volume not only do we see that, but we see him as a fellow laborer. Holding his own, it was humbling to see Usagi put in some elbow grease and rend his samurai class off. Granted, he's probably the humblest ronin you'll ever meet, but this volume really adds some depth to his personality. Not only that, but we see his close friend Tomoe in the same position, and most of the pages here finally add some background to her. This volume builds what seems to be a big plot, and adds a whole new level of personality for two of the series' main characters, as well as introducing a poignant new one.

Stan Sakai's "Usagi Yojimbo" has no shortage of fans, many of whom can do this book greater justice than I, so I'll keep this review brief. I've been a fan since 1998 when I first read "Daisho," and this latest installment just shows how Sakai's skills have improved over the years. I can't recommend this book highly enough, if just for the deeper look into the life of Tomoe.

I have all the previous volumes so i knew what to expect out of it, i love the saga and the charachters. Nevertheless I found it more enjoyable then ever in some aspects and the plot is fantastic. My only suggestion is to start from the beginning of the serie ( I mean volume 1, 2 etc.) because it's a long long long story that developes and continues in every book!

I'm a fan of all the UY books, and this one is no different. However, I wish it was a LITTLE different: this is another "Usagi and friends foil conspiracy" story.

I've read Usagi Yojimbo ever since volume 1 til now, volume 21. They're all an excellent read. I especially liked the story about Jotaro when Usagi finds out he is the father of Jotaro in the previous volumes. But this volume does not talk about Jotaro at all except to say that he still hasn't told Jotaro that he is the father, which is fine, I'm sure Stan Sakai will bring him up again in the future volumes. This volume is all about Usagi and Tomoe. The story is interesting and keeps you going as usual. I do not want to ruin the story so I won't elaborate on it but to say it's a good read and am looking forward to the future volumes.