Usagi Yojimbo

Usagi Yojimbo (the Rabbit Bodyguard) is a comic book series created by Stan Sakai. Set in Edo period (early 17th century) Japan, where humans are replaced by different animals, it features a rabbit ronin, Miyamoto Usagi, who wanders the land on a shogyusha, warrior's pilgrimate, occasionally selling his services as a bodyguard. The character of Usagi has been inspired by the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.

The books consist of short stories, with underlying larger plotlines, including the 'Shadow Lord' Hikiji's relentless schemes to overturn the Tokugawa Shogunate. The stories include many references to Japanese history and folklore and sometimes include mythical creatures. The architecture, clothes, weapons and other objects are drawn with faithfullness to the period's style.

External links:

The official Usagi Yojimbo website (http://www.usagiyojimbo.com/)