Usagi Yojimbo: Commission and Conflict

The endless battle between Miyamoto Usagi and his arch nemesis Jei is legendary. But it’s nothing compared to the idiotic rivalry that burns between Michelle and I whenever one of us challenges the other to a sculpt off.

Usagi Yojimbo and all related characters © Stan Sakai

Michelle was recently commissioned by one of our Patreon members to create a needle felted sculpture of Miyamoto Usagi, the main character in Stan Sakai’s comic series, Usagi Yojimbo. The commission comes part and parcel with that particular Patreon tier (BFF). Last year I was called upon to do a commission for this particular patron. This year, they chose Michelle.

Even in process, Miyamoto Usagi shows a sense of intense purpose.

Oh, I know I could have sat quietly by and watched her work her magic. I could have just smiled contentedly as she delivered a top notch wool sculpture to a very satisfied patron. But that isn’t how bloodthirsty rivalries work. So I challenged her to a sculpt off and chose as my avatar, Jei— The Blade of the Gods, The Demon Spearman, The Black Soul and arch enemy of Miyamoto Usagi who has vowed to defeat the samurai as part of his mission from the gods.

He may be a killer, but at least he's got a pleasant smile.

I view my sculpt off battle with Michelle in much the same way. So I threw myself into the fray, determined to defeat her despite this being only my second needle felted sculpt. The first was a Jersey Devil that went up against her Mothman and, to this day, we’re still arguing over who came out on top in that conflict.

Some of the weapons were customized toys, others were scratch built.

The fact is, it doesn’t matter. Not really. As long as there are wars to wage inside the walls of this studio, no matter how ridiculous, Michelle and I will always be inspired to improve our skills, up our game, and turn out the best work we can. And if we should ever tire of the incessant strain of battle, well…it still won’t matter because we’re just having fun making monsters. Stop taking everything so seriously.

"He's right behind me, isn't he."

If you want to see two friends go for each other’s throats, you can view this week’s video at the link below.