Harry M :: Usagi Yojimbo - Stan Sakai

Critters #3 Cover (August 1986)

Artist: Stan Sakai (All)

12 Comments - 593 Views - 18 Likes

Critters #3 Cover (August 1986) Comic Art

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Albedo #2 recreation and Usagi Yojimbo #6 IDW variant cover

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Dark Horse Usagi Yojimbo #40 Cover (August 2000)

Artwork Details

Title:	Critters #3 Cover (August 1986)
Artist:	Stan Sakai (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Cover
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	593
Likes on CAF:	18 19
Favorited on CAF:	2
Comments:	12
Added to Site:	1/19/2021
Comic Art Archive:

Description

I am not one to use the term grail commonly. Up to now the only grail piece in my collection has been the Young Romance #20 (1950) splash. I am pleased to add another grail.

I consider Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo as one of my favorite comics. I used to own all of the comics but now have all the collected volumes. I do not know if any other artists have had such a long and almost continuous run, but it certainly is impressive. Yes the characters are "funny animals" but there often there is nothing funny about them. They may be animals but Sakai instills in them a wide range of emotions. Lots of action and drama with cultural lessons thrown in. Always a good read.

I am quite please with the two examples of Usagi Yojimbo original art that have had up to now. But I have long wanted an early example. I like the different look to Usagi. A more triangular head, smaller face and smaller side hairs. Of the early covers, that for Critters #3 (August 1986) was my favorite. As the third Usagi cover by Sakai, it certainly fits the bill as an early example. Many thanks to David M. Gravatt for helping me to add this to my collection.

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About the Owner

	Harry M Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	March 2006
Last Login:	September 2025
Website:	http://kirbymuseum.org/blogs/simonandkirby/
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Comments on this Artwork

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Sewer Lid Collectibles
Member Since 2007

Posted on 1/19/2021

Outstanding!!! Long on my wantlist has been a Usagi covers as well. What a terrific pickup!

Rick W
Member Since 2017

1 - Posted on 1/19/2021

SO COOL !!!

Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013

Posted on 1/19/2021

wow! actually found this comic on my shelf the other day and wondered if the art was out there. just great to see it! Congrats!!

kent mansley
Member Since 2015

Posted on 1/20/2021

Holy cow! Now that is a special one! Huge congrats, Harry!

T J
Member Since 2015

Posted on 1/20/2021

What a great early example with wonderful detail, congrats!

F M
Member Since 2005

Posted on 1/20/2021

Excellent early example from a great series.

Richard Sams
Member Since 2007

Posted on 1/21/2021

Wow, what a wonderful picture. Enjoy.

Arrick Un Rama
Member Since 2020

Posted on 4/3/2021

My favorite early cover. I always liked this one better than Albedo 2. A true grail.

Jason R
Member Since 2015

Posted on 4/20/2021

Truly exceptional piece! Thank you for sharing.

West Stephan
Member Since 2007

1 - Posted on 10/12/2021

Fantastic series! Great cover!

Some Collector
Member Since 2017

1 - Posted on 5/31/2022

What a wonderful example of Stan's work.

Bill J
Member Since 2009

Posted on 7/18/2022

Lovely cover by Stan Sakai.

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