Rapid Reviews - 26 January 2005 - Part III

Must finish last week's reviews so I can get to this week's reviews...

Usagi Yojimbo #81: "Into The Mist" and "Nocturnal": Another issue lacking Usagi himself. And yet, it's still fantastic. The stories involve a trip into the past and a ghost. As usual, both stories count as some of the best I've read this month. The only problem with Usagi Yojimbo is that it's so consistently wonderful that it's hard to come up with any praise.

Simpsons Classics #3: "When Bongos Collide!": This reprints a multi-part crossover involving Itchy and Scratchy, Radioactive Man and all the Simpsons. It's a fun adventure, not bad at all. While I'm still not a huge Simpsons fan, this was certainly readable.

Noble Causes: Distant Relatives: A color reprint of previously published B&W stories. This was an excellent mini-series, makes a great collection, and the events in this book are key to the current series. Definitely worth getting.

Samurai Executioner Vol 3: "The Hell Stick": More brutality, more fascinating looks into the history of Japan. There are three stories in this one. The first story involves a woman who needs to be cut to save herself and her family. I had to read that one twice to figure out why, but I eventually understood the nuances behind the plot. The second tale features a man who wants Yamada's job. The last tale told of a policeman who learns from Yamada. The stories led into one another, particularly the first and second. And the insight they provide is amazing. This is a good one to check out.