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Graphic Novels

Graphic novels are fun to read with their comic book form and illustrations. If long, wordy novels tend to bore you, try a graphic novel instead.

Usagi Yojimbo

Usagi Yojimbo. Vol. 23: Bridge of Tears. Stan Sakai. 2009. 248p. ISBN 978-1-59582-298-7

A lone samurai for hire, Miyamoto Usagi wanders the countryside of 17th-century Japan, looking for bodyguard gigs and getting involved in adventures.

The types of stories and details are faithful to Japanese history and folklore in considerable detail, except that the characters are skillfully drawn anthropomorphic animals. (Usagi means rabbit.)

While theres plenty of humor, Usagi and his fellows are not "funny animals," and the overall saga drips with treachery and revenge.

Winner of multiple awards and a YALSA GGNT. (Note: Sakai is American)

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