Chibi versions of well established characters by Stan Sakai are a perfect introduction to the rabbit samurai and his friends. The story is full of humor, the graphic panels are bright with high kid appeal. The story is a neat introduction to creatures from Japanese prehistory. Would recommend.

Though the illustrations are so adorable and kids will love, the dialogue didn't quite catch my interest.

Oh my squee, this was so cute! Stan Sakai and his wife Julie team up to bring us a kid friendly alternate universe of chibi versions of Usagi, Gen, and Tomoe, who are out fishing for unagi (freshwater eels). They find an injured Dogu (an ancient clay figurine that modern scientists aren't sure of the purpose of) and nurse him back to health, and Dogu asks them to save his village from the evil Salamander King that has enslaved the Dogu village with help from his band of Heebie Chibis. The team follow Dogu (all the Dogu are named Dogu) back to his village, and fight the Salamander King, only to be defeated when the Heebie Chibis threaten to throw some of the Dogu into the river, which would cause them to dissolve. The Salamander King, thinking the friends are Dogu from a different clan, puts them on the island where they keep the Dogu prisoner at night, not realizing Usagi et al won't be trapped by the water surrounding the island. The trio come up with a plan for escape, and to drive away the bad guys- will they be victorious?
This story takes up most of the book, and has lots of fun in it, with jokes, action, and themes of friendship and working together. After the main story, we get a short story involving the Usagi we're used to fighting a Tengu, getting knocked out, and coming to in the chibi universe, where he gets a lesson in swordplay from Chibi Usagi, before returning to his own universe. In the after notes, kids get a maze, an explanation of the Japanese terms used, and a bio of Stan and Julie Sakai, with a mention of the upcoming Netflix series that I personally can't wait for! If you're an Usagi fan and want to share the love with any kiddos in your life, this book is a great introduction.

#ChibiUsagi #NetGalley

Great introduction into Japanese graphic art. Storyline was simple and easy to follow. Will be good for students who like manga.

I had a hard time putting this graphic novel down. The tale starts simple enough, but the story shifts once these friends make the acquaintance of a small clay person. Once they tell these friends their plight they decide to help them out. They are led to a small village under the thumb of a deadly foe. Many battles ensue but at the end the village is saved as this foe leaves, never to return. If you are a fan of Usagi Yojimbo then this is a graphic novel you will want to check out.

From Julie and Stan Sakai. Published by IDW.
(A review copy of this book was provided by NetGalley.)
(Also, I swear that's Groo on the cover.)

For years I have thought that the number one comic everyone, including dedicated comic readers, are sleeping on is Usagi Yojimbo. Amazing stories, with arguably the most detail perfect art anywhere on the stands. This original graphic novel takes the familiar characters and introduces them to the middle grade set, with the same quality of art and writing that adults have been enjoying.
While out fishing, Usagi, Tomoe, and Gen rescue a clay creature named Dogu. Our heroes find out Dogu's village is under the control of the Salamander King and his army of Heebie Chibis. Usagi and his friends vow to free Dogu's people and many an adventurous and hilarious moment ensues.
I thought this was one of the most enjoyable and fun books I've read in awhile. I purposely read it in front of my 7 year old and pretended to be surprised to find him looking over my shoulder, wanting to know more. Every character is adorable, but adorable plus. Adorable plus heroic, or plus monstrous, or plus conflicted. Emotions shine through every anthropomorphized face.
The adventure will keep any reader of any age determined to finish this book in one sitting. Nothing is too scary for young readers, but they will be constantly wondering how their new favorite heroes are going to get out of jam after jam. There was a great heroic moment in the final act that caused me to gasp and then cheer. If this book can pull such a reaction out of a jaded reader like myself, kids will be running through the house in excitement before rushing back winded, but with just enough energy to turn the page.
If all you know of Usagi is his connection with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, you're missing out on some of the best comics published today. With this OGN, your kids don't have to miss out on him anymore.

Great introduction for young readers of Japanese art. Fast moving plot; fun characters. Readers will be asking for a sequel.

Usagi Yojimbo is a famous classic character and this chibi reimagining was adorable. I don't know much about Usagi but my husband likes him. I went into this book knowing nothing and was completely fine. It was a cute story about Usagi and his two friends who happened apon a clay creature that needed their help fighting a bad guy. They learned some lessons along the way that would be beneficial to young readers like friendship and perseverance.

What a fun introduction to Usagi (if you haven't already met him from previous manga or TMNT). It's such a quick, fun read with art that's a joy to look at. That's all you need to know. Buy it for your kids already.