Usagi Yojimbo

Real Name: Miyamoto Usagi

Other Appearances: Critters (Fantagraphics Books, 1986); Usagi Yojimbo (Fantagraphics Books); Usagi Yojimbo (Mirage Publishing, 1993); Usagi Yojimbo (Dark Horse)

Identity/Class: Anthropomorphic rabbit, normal in other respects (e.g. no superpowers). Trained samurai

Occupation: Ronin, bodyguard for hire, (former) Samurai in the service of Lord Mifune

Affiliations: Katsuichi (sensei), Mifune (former lord and master, deceased), Gen (rhino), Kitsuné, Tomoe Ame, Yagi and Gorogoro (a.k.a. Lone Goat and Kid), the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Zato-Ino (the blind swordspig), Lord Noriyuki (allies)

Enemies: Lord Hikiji (apparent slayer of Mifune)

Known Relatives: Magistrate Miyamoto (father, deceased), Jotaro (son), Terry Miyamoto (descendent, modern day detective), Space Usagi (descendent, feudal future)

Aliases: None known

Base of Operations: 17th century Japan

First Appearance: Albedo  Vol.1 #2 - story "The Goblin of Adachigahara" (Thoughts and Images, 1985)

Powers/Abilities: Superb swordsman and martial artist.

History: Usagi Yojimbo ("rabbit bodyguard") is a ronin in feudal 17th century Japan, who wanders the country battling a variety of foes and upholding justice and honour. He was born in a small village in the Northern Province of Japan, and was sent to train at the Dogora fencing school. But when he witnessed several students of that school being defeated by Sensei Katsuichi, Usagi chose to train under him instead, eventually becoming a Samurai. He entered the service of the benevolent and honourable Lord Mifune, whom he served loyally for many years. Sadly Mifune was treacherously struck down during the Battle of Adachi Plain, leaving Miyamoto Usagi masterless. He now makes his living as a ronin, hiring himself out to those in need, helping the weak and innocent.

Comments: Created by Stan Sakai. The character is based largely on the real life samurai Miyamoto Musashi. As well as numerous comic appearances, including crossovers with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (back when Mirage took over publishing him), Usagi has had his own computer game (back in 1989), and he has guest starred in the original TMNT cartoon. He also got an action figure through his association with the heroes in a half-shell.

Usagi's descendent has had his own series of adventures, and is known as Space Usagi.

Nathan D. contacted me to point out "you wrote that Lord Hikiji slew Lord Mifune, but in the comic book, it just shows Lord Mifune getting shot with an arrow (we do not know who shot it). Then Usagi gets angry, cuts off Lord Mifunes' head and starts chasing after Lord Hikiji. The only indication that we get as to that Lord Hikiji might have killed Lord Mifune is that Usagi mutters "Hikiji" under his breath." As such, I've changed the note under enemies to "apparent slayer".

Usagi Yojimbo will be appearing in the War of the Independents.

CLARIFICATIONS: Not to be confused with

Any Additions/Corrections? Please let me know.

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