Yes, we’ve seen the rabbit samurai Usagi Miyamoto (who appeared in the long-running indie comic Usagi Yojimbo) outside of the feudal Japan setting before. Particularly notable are Space Rabbit and the numerous crossovers. However, Phantom Thief ’84 is the first work in the 20th century to feature Usagi’s descendants, and more importantly, it appears to be the first Usagi series without script or art by original author Stan Sakai.
Usagi Phantom Thief ’84 #1 tells an action-packed story about two Robin Hood-like rabbit thieves stealing from real bad guys. When a crime lord makes the rabbits Kaito and Yukichi an attractive offer, they get a chance at a new, less dangerous life. But, of course, things are not as simple as they seem.
I really enjoyed Usagi Kaitou ’84 #1, even though it feels like it’s being thrust into the story without enough context, and Kaito’s motivations and morals could be a little clearer from the off.
The script is a little lacking in some places, but the dialogue is great and the artwork is just amazing. Jared Karam gives Usagi Kaito ’84 a very gorgeous, painterly style. I was a little concerned about Stan Sakai’s lack of involvement, but certainly from an artistic standpoint there was nothing to worry about.
What drew me in was that glorious Miami Vice-esque variant cover (by Jim Rugg). I’m glad it happened. I haven’t read much Usagi Yojimbo before, but I’ve been familiar with this character for decades, and I’m glad to see the series continue here in a slightly different form.
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