Back Issues: "Usagi Yojimbo", Book One: "The Ronin" (1985)
SAMURAI RABBIT. There. Back Issues is done. As if there needs to be more of a recommendation, more information. That’s all you need. ... Fine. FINE. I suppose I could tell you more.
In “The Goblin of Adachigahara,” we see Usagi approach an old woman on a snowy night, seeking shelter in her hut. Naturally, since they don’t have TV, they begin talking. The old woman (A cat, in case you were wondering) tells him that her husband died in battle. Coincidentally, Usagi was in the same battle when he lost his master. Even more coincidently... Coincidentallier... Something that is also coincidental is the fact that this battle took place not too far from where they’re staying. 
What's up, Doc?
Usagi relates his tale, which involves decapitation and burial, to the old woman. He then asks her if she’s worried about the goblin that is rumoured to be hanging around the area. You know where this is going. Rhino Goblin! RAAAAAGH! The story ends how you’d expect it to end. But it works very well, despite its simplicity. It’s well told and well drawn by Sakai, who clearly has a love for classic Japanese tales. Which this feels like. This story is followed up by “Lone Rabbit and Child,” the title obviously referencing “Lone Wolf and Cub,” a classic Japanese story. A cat lady bodyguard (Tomoe Ame) and a young Panda (Noriyuki), on the run from assassins who want to kill the little panda (who is now the heir of his clan, after the death of his father) stumble upon Usagi, who is deep in meditation. 
Cats & pandas. Together at last.
After a brief mix up, where Ame attacks our hero assuming he’s a bad guy, Usagi helps them escape some assassins who have been pursuing them. Then, having nothing better to do, Usagi accompanies the two on their journey to Edo, the capital, in order to make the whole thing official. On the journey, Usagi learns more about Ame; he learns that she’s a very skilled fighter and the daughter of some famous samurai fella, who started some school about rain. I’ll let her explain it... 
Why does it always rain on me? Is it because the Falling Rain School of Swordsmanship?
See? Falling rain. She must be British! They head to Edo, encountering all kinds of assassins (one of which rides a boat! Boats are cool). It’s during this battle that Ame is seriously wounded, almost killed. Usagi gets her to a safe place but, naturally, she can’t really go on with them. This leaves Usagi to look after Noriyuki as they had to Edo. NINJAS! Yes, they’re attacked by a swarm of ninjas while crossing a bridge into Edo. It’s a pretty awesome battle, actually, with some excellent panels. 
Badass battle scenes.
This story actually leads into more in the future, introducing some regular characters. Definitely essential. Stan Sakai is a very gifted artist and, as you read through the series, he really develops as a writer. While he originally starts with simple stories based on Japanese lore and history, he grows and matures along with his character. So, what do you think? He’s pretty awesome, right? It gets better... There’s a crossover with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Please, don’t explode with excitement. Just go buy the books if you haven’t already. THEN explode. So what DO you think? Are you on the Usagi Yojimbo train already? What are some of your favorite stories? Let us know in the comments! 
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