Stan Sakai Spotlight @ BCC 2025

Robots From Tomorrow!

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