Booklist Review

In this new Usagi Yojimbo graphic novel designed for young readers, Usagi, Tomoe, and Gen have been chibi-fied. Chibi-Usagi and his friends rescue a Dogu (a small clay figure) whose forest has been invaded by King Salamander and his minions, the Heebie-Chibis. The Dogus are trapped with no hope of escape and forced to work in a mine. The three heroes follow the Dogu back to his village, where they encounter the fire-breathing King, who mistakes them for Dogus from another tribe. After a successful sneak attack, Chibi-Usagi, Tomoe, and Gen free the Dogus and are making their way toward a celebratory dinner when who should appear but the defeated King Salamander. The Usagi Yojimbo graphic novels, first published in 1984, are beloved for their dynamic art, impeccable storytelling, and respect for the history, language, and folklore of Japan, and Chibi-Usagi maintains the same level of excellence while aiming the story at younger readers. The plot is engaging, the art delightfully cute, and the same alternate Edo-period Japan used in the original book remains in place, grounding this story firmly in the well-established world of Usagi Yojimbo. The volume closes with a fun side story, definitions of the Japanese words used, and more. A welcome introduction for new readers to a comic-book institution.