Usagi Yojimbo: Senso #2
Dark Horse
Words:Stan Sakai
Pictures: Stan Sakai

This book brings out the kid in me.  Granted, the kid in me is always eager and willing to come out and play, but this book is holding the front door open and shouting “Free Ice Cream!”  I’m in. 

I love the sci-fi element thrown into this conflict between Japanese Warlords.  Everybody is scrambling trying to figure out exactly what the giant rocket is and what’s inside of it.  Well, we find out soon enough, and it’s definitely not friendly.  So now there’s a weird cease fire between the two opposing sides; partly because one side has been all but laid to waste by our new, not so friendly octopod aliens. 

This book clicks on all cylinders.  The art is solid.  It might be a bit cartoony for some, but it works so perfectly with what is happening on the page.  Art and story wise, Stan Sakai delivers.  Besides, Stan even throws in some steam punky elements.  (Specifically in the form of a steam powered turtle tank that breathes fire.)  And near the end, our octopod alien friends have built some giant mechanical Ocdtopods.  Now we’ve got ourselves a party.  Feudal Japan + a dash of Steam Punk + a hint of Sci-Fi = What I love about comics.  Stan Sakai delivers an out and out fun book that I can’t wait to read next month. 

4.5 out of 5 Ice Cream Sammiches