Below you’ll find the solicitations information and cover artwork for all of Dark Horse Comics comic book titles that were released on May 25, 2016. There are quite a few goodies on the list. Lobster Johnson and Death Follows are my picks of the week!

Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 29: Two Hundred Jizo
Written and Illustrated by Stan Sakai
Cover by Stan Sakai
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: June 10, 2015
Cover Price: $17.99

Once again I am in awe of Stan Sakai‘s brilliance in storytelling. Usagi Yojimbo: Two Hundred Jizo is another example of the amazing gift that Sakai has for adding new and exciting elements to his long running series, while remaining true to the heart of the titular character and his journey. In the 29th volume, the ronin rabbit continues his travels through Edo period Japan, and in what becomes a common thread throughout all of the collected stories, encounters lovers and creators of art and those who would do them harm.

Usagi Yojimbo: The Last Request is a seven minute animated/stop-motion film featuring Stan Sakai‘s anthropomorphic wandering ronin rabbit. The short, created by Lintika Films, was presented to Sakai in hopes that Usagi‘s creator would offer Lintika Films the film rights. Well, their hard work paid off! Sakai gave his blessing and it would now seem that The Last Request is simply a precursor to something grander.

Usagi Yojimbo is arguably one of the greatest and most beloved comic book series of all time, eloquently examining many facets of human nature. It’s clear that Lintika Films has taken great care with Sakai’s material and truly wishes to make a quality product. Let’s hope that a feature film will soon come to fruition.

Check out Usagi Yojimbo: The Last Request below!

Usagi Yojimbo, Vol. 28: Red Scorpion
Written and Illustrated by Stan Sakai
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: July 2, 2014
Cover Price: $17.99

Usagi Yojimbo: Red Scorpion is the 28th and latest volume of Stan Sakai‘s series about an anthropomorphic samurai rabbit in feudal Japan. The first installment since the summer of 2013, Red Scorpion is an epic treat that showcases the titular character’s compassion for the downtrodden and desire for justice.

The ronin known as Usagi Yojimbo roams the countryside with no particular destination in mind. Along his journey he meets a selfless drum maker who, in order to benefit the farmers in his town, makes a wish to the gods for rain. The man believes that if he creates a drum large enough, with the greatest sound, the gods will hear his cry and end the drought that has ravaged the land; however, the drummaker has a problem: the Red Scorpion Gang.

47 Ronin
Written by Mike Richardson
Art by Stan Saki
Color by Lovern Kindzierski
Letters by Tom Orzechowski and Lois Buhalis
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: March 5, 2014
Cover Price: $19.99

I’m sure that many of you are already aware of this, but the comic I am writing about today is based upon true events from the eighteenth century. 47 Ronin is more than just a great story, it’s a tale of honor, loyalty, and revenge. As I was not there for the actual events, I cannot attest to the accuracy. But this story has been called a national legend and it’s my pleasure to be able to introduce this comic adaptation to you.

I’ll be honest here, I am going to avoid the use of too many Japanese words as I am likely to inadvertently misspell a few of them. There are many different versions to this story but the main theme remains clear in all of them. And thanks to writer Mike Richardson, we all get to read it! Stan Sakai‘s artwork is distinctive and feels just right for this comic, simple yet refined. Between them, they have given us a wonderful graphic novel filled with action and intrigue.