Nov 13, 2025
In this panel discussion Greg moderated from this year’s Baltimore Comicon, renowned cartoonist Stan Sakai discusses his celebrated career, particularly focusing on his iconic creation, Usagi Yojimbo. The conversation covers various aspects of Sakai's journey, from his early inspirations and the development of the character, to his unique storytelling techniques and processes. He also shares anecdotes about his collaborations, his publishing journey, and the importance of maintaining control over his work. Sakai offers insights into his meticulous research trips to Japan and hints at future storylines, while reflecting on his relationships with industry peers. The episode provides a deep dive into the life and work of a creator who has become a legend in the world of comics.
[This episode is number 823 in a series.]
CHAPTERS
00:00 Preamble
00:00 Introduction and Panel Setup
01:23 Stan's Early Career and Inspirations
03:38 The Creation of Usagi Yojimbo
06:15 Research and Real-Life Inspirations
10:29 Balancing All-Ages Storytelling
15:31 Crafting Stories and Artistic Process
19:43 Favorite Samurai Movies and Influences
20:31 Supporting Characters and Spin-offs
21:39 Creators and Publishers: A Journey
22:15 Ownership and Control: The Power of Owning a Character
23:19 Editorial Freedom and Marvel Collaborations
24:04 The Long Storyline of Usagi
25:12 The Role of Editors: A Tribute to Diana Schutz
28:35 Color vs. Black and White: Publishing Decisions
30:04 Returning to Dark Horse: Reasons and Relationships
32:45 The Evolution of Publishing Rights
38:03 Favorite Collaborations and Characters
39:50 Future Storylines and Inspirations
41:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts