Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 A Classic story June 18, 2008
Nikki Caudill (Ohio)
Another wonderful classic by Stan Sakai!
this is one of Usagi's grandest adventures and a must have for any Ronin fan!
Beautifully drawn and written!
Usagi's first major epic June 15, 2008
shaxper (Lakewood, OH)
Usagi Yojimbo is the kind of quality work that transcends time, genres, demographics, and even age groups. It crafts a delicate and beautiful balance between honor and savagery, cute innocence and dark brutality, simple heart-warming stories and multi-part epics that shape a dense continuity. Whether or not you've ever been a fan of feudal Japanese culture, furry anthro characters, or independent, non-superhero comics, Usagi Yojimbo is a comic that can't help but impress even the harshest critic.
While "The Wanderer's Road" (volume 3) proved that Stan Sakai was master of the stand-alone adventure, "The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy" (volume 4) raises the stakes a thousand-fold. Here, Usagi takes part in a 7 part epic, tying together much of Sakai's established universe and characters in a complex story of intense battles, political intrigue, interpersonal drama, and great pathos. Miyamato Usagi's world almost literally explodes on the page, proving without a doubt that you haven't seen anything yet. If this volume doesn't leave you panting, reeling, and in tears by its conclusion, then something is terribly wrong.
Of course, this is just another step in the development of the Usagi Yojimbo universe. Bigger and better things are yet to come, but that will almost seem impossible after reading this explosive installment.
 Essential reading for the Usagi Fan January 20, 2007
James Takahashi (Beavertown, OR, USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
While I agree with others' reviews that this is not the best place to start, for someone like me who had previously read other, later Usagi installments, it turned out that this issue filled in some key back stories. If like me, you are already familiar with the characters Jen and Ino, you definitely will want to read Volume 4.
In addition, the intro by Alejandro Jodorowsky provides an unintentional chuckle. Of Usagi, Jodorowsky writes, "Rendered with a grace that verges on the miraculous...". Hey Alejandro, it's just a comic book :-)
Dragon! Dragon! Rock the Dragon! USAGI BALL Z! (yeah, I know...I'm bored) September 25, 2006
Alexander Heaukulani (Hilo, HI)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This collection consists of one long epic story arc. Tomoe is sent on a spy mission into a rival lords territory where she discovers a plot to overthrow the Shogun. Unfortunately she is captured before she can relay word to Lord Hikiji. It is left up to Miyamoto Usagi to free Tomoe and upset the rival lord's plot. Along the way Usagi finds himself allied with former enemies Ino (the blind swords pig/outlaw), Shingen and his clan, as well as his ol'buddies Gen and Spot.
This is a great story for fans of Usagi Yojimbo but I must caution new and young fans. This is more of an epic story instead of the usual short one shots you may be use to. Also, you may need to be familiar with the series to make sense with all of the events.
the Dragon Bellow Conspiracy September 22, 2005
Roseanne Edson (Seattle, WA)
2 out of 5 found this review helpful
My son and I love Usagi Yojimbo, so 'The Dragon Bellow Conspiracy' was definately a hit, though not our absolute favorite issue. It was in excellent condition and we are happy to own it.
I was somewhat disappointed with the purchasing however. I applied for the Amazon credit card in order to take advantage of the half off deal they were advertising... I was told that I didn't qualify, so I didn't order the other books I wanted. Then, some time later, I got their credit card in the mail! This made no sense to me, so I called and closed the account.
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