Although IDW had taken over publication of the monthly series, Dark Horse maintained the rights to reprint the paperback collection “Usagi Yojimbo Saga.” The name of the new venture comes from the Japanese word for prehistoric clay figures, particularly the Shakōkidogū (“goggle-eyed dogū”) depicted in the logo. Sakai, 69, created “Usagi Yojimbo” in 1984, and has had the series published by various companies, including Fantagraphics, and Dark Horse from 1996 to 2018. Stan and I have been friends for a very long time, and I am extremely pleased to renew our partnership at Dark Horse.”

Stan and his team are preparing new adventures with ‘Usagi Yojimbo,’ as well as bringing new and important voices to the comics community. Richardson adds, “Stan is one of comics’ legendary creators and we are extremely proud to announce the launch of Dogu Publishing. We feel that through this imprint with Dark Horse, an expanded Usagi Universe is becoming a reality.” Because of this new synergy, I am able to continue to do what I love most: create more ‘Usagi Yojimbo’ stories. I still write, hand-draw, and hand-letter each story. Being the sole creator of ‘Usagi Yojimbo’ takes a tremendous amount of time and responsibility. As the industry continues to change, I feel he brings a unique progressive perspective. I’ve known Mike Richardson for more than 30 years, and he is one of the pioneers and champions of creator-owned IP. “As the sole creator and owner of ‘Usagi Yojimbo,’ this is a significant milestone. “I’m very excited, honored and thankful to have my own publishing imprint with Dark Horse,” Sakai says. As well as “Usagi Yojimbo” (which has been at IDW Publishing since 2019), titles under the banner will include Stan and his wife Julie Fujii Sakai’s younger-skewing retelling “Chibi Usagi,” and more new comics, in what Stan promises will mark the beginning of a true Usagi Universe.

Via Screen Rant, Dark Horse Comics have announced they will once again be the home of Stan Sakai’s samurai rabbit saga “Usagi Yojimbo,” and that Sakai will serve as creative director of a new imprint called Dogu Publishing.

Usagi yojimbo by stan sakai