Sunday Story Ratings #67: Usagi Yojimbo Book 3.4: Blade of the Gods
Usagi Yojimbo Book 3: The Wanderer's Road: 4. Blade of the Gods by Stan Sakai
Originally published July 1988?* Fantagraphics Books in Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 1 Issue 10; this edition August 2010
Fantagraphics Books
{*official website says July 1987, but that would be a year prior to the preceding issues, although if 1987 that would put it in the same month as the previous issue too.}
PG
Parental Guidance recommended for audiences under 15 years of age
(V, H)
Violence (PG)
Supernatural Themes (no weight)
Representations
Gender:
Only male characters present.
Sex:
No presence
Race & Ethnicity:
Characters are all anthropomorphic animals in a culturally Japanese (Edo period) setting.
Disability, Physical Diversity and Health:
Villain of this episode regarded as mad by others.
Awards
None found
Notes
Usagi seeks shelter from a storm with Jei, who turns out to believe he is chosen by the gods to execute the evil - and who seems to conclude sooner or later that all who cross his path are evil. The resolution is ambiguous. Mostly a fight episode but I believe there are to be long-term repercussions; it is left uncertain whether Jei is indeed supernaturally guided or protected.