Draft:Dogu Publishing

Dogu Publishing

Parent company	Dark Horse Comics (partner)
Status	Active
Founded	2022
Founder	Stan Sakai
Country of origin	United States
Publication types	Comics, Graphic Novels
Official website	StanSakai.com

Dogu Publishing is a comic book imprint founded in 2022 by legendary creator Stan Sakai, currently in association with Dark Horse Comics. Best known for his long-running samurai rabbit series Usagi Yojimbo, Sakai launched the imprint to expand his creative universe and to promote new talent in the comic book industry.

Dogu Publishing has introduced several high-profile projects, including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen crossover, the graphic novel Oni Ronin, and additional spin-offs within the Usagi Yojimbo franchise.

The franchise has also expanded into merchandise, such as NECA exclusive figures like the Samurai Usagi Yojimbo (Black & White Version), commemorating the character's 40th anniversary.

History and Leadership

Dogu Publishing is led by a diverse and experienced team, including Sakai as Creative Chairman. Julie Sakai, co-creator of Chibi Usagi and winner of an Eisner Award for Chibi Usagi: Attack of the Heebie Chibis, plays an integral role in the creative direction. Emi Fujii, who colored the Chibi Usagi graphic novel, contributes as a colorist on various projects.

As President and Publisher, Daniel Fuji, in tandem with CEO Jeremiah Blank, adds a forward-thinking business strategy to the imprint. Fujii was instrumental in overseeing the development of the Netflix animated series Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles, while Blank has extensive experience in entertainment and business development, having previously worked at Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment and co-founded Fanmio.

Sakai described the imprint as a significant personal and professional milestone, stating:

"As the sole creator and owner of Usagi Yojimbo, this is a significant milestone. 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 industry continues to change, I feel he brings a unique progressive perspective."

Sakai also emphasized that this collaboration allows him to focus on storytelling while relying on the support of his team:

"Because of this new synergy, I am able to continue to do what I love most: create more Usagi Yojimbo stories. We feel that through this imprint with Dark Horse, an expanded Usagi Universe is becoming a reality."

This partnership marked Sakai's return to Dark Horse after his series had spent a brief period with other publishers.

Dark Horse President Mike Richardson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Sakai's importance in comics history:

"Stan is one of comics’ legendary creators, and we are extremely proud to announce the launch of Dogu Publishing. Stan and his team are preparing new adventures with Usagi Yojimbo, as well as bringing new and important voices to the comics community. Stan and I have been friends for a very long time, and I am extremely pleased to renew our partnership at Dark Horse."

Notable Projects

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen (2023)

In 2023, Stan Sakai reunited his character Miyamoto Usagi with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in a five-issue crossover miniseries titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen. Published by IDW Publishing, in collaboration with Dogu and Paramount Consumer Products, the story centered around a time-traveling villain, Dr. WhereWhen, who opened a portal to feudal Japan.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles follow him and encounter Miyamoto Usagi, who is now 20 years older than in their previous meetings. By this time, Dr. WhereWhen has already established a stronghold in Japan, ruling with the help of his mechanical clockwork samurai. The stakes escalate as Usagi and the Turtles must battle not only time itself but also this new technologically empowered threat.

The miniseries featured the return of beloved Usagi Yojimbo characters, including Gen, Tomoe, Jotaro, Yukichi, Kitsune, and Chizu. Sakai expressed his excitement:

"I am so pleased with the story and art for WhereWhen. There is a lot of emotion and, of course, lots of action. I actually wrote this story about five years ago and had been anxious to get to it... This one is epic!"

The collaboration between Sakai and TMNT creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird is deeply rooted in mutual admiration. Both Usagi Yojimbo and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles debuted in 1984, and the characters have crossed paths multiple times since then—in comics, animated series, and toy lines. The collaboration drew praise from Eastman, who reflected on his enduring friendship with Sakai:

"Usagi Yojimbo arrived in the world of comics the very same year as TMNT, and our lifelong personal and creative relationships with the characters and each other were built on mutual love and respect for the medium. Anytime Stan Sakai wants to bring them together for a tale, I’m one-hundred-percent front row center."

IDW editor Scott Dunbier highlighted Sakai’s artistic prowess:

"Stan Sakai, aside from being a genius storyteller, is a kind and gracious person. It’s always a pleasure to work with him. WhereWhen is a truly epic story, filled with excitement and all-out action."

In addition to its gripping storyline, the series featured a stunning array of cover art. Each issue included a wraparound cover by Sakai, along with variant covers by notable artists such as Eastman, Sarah Myer, and David Petersen. The first issue also offered a blank cover variant, ideal for custom artwork at conventions.

Critics praised WhereWhen for its engaging narrative and seamless integration of both franchises. Reviews highlighted Sakai’s ability to balance action and character development, as well as the crossover’s respectful nods to Japanese mythology.

WhereWhen was ranked among the best TMNT crossovers of all time, with critics noting its faithfulness to the characters’ original incarnations while offering an exciting new adventure.

Oni Ronin (2023)

Oni Ronin is a graphic novel co-published by Dogu Publishing and Dark Horse Comics. Written by Mack Flavelle and Kohei Naganime, with art by Tatsubi, the story follows Sarobei, a cowardly samurai who embarks on a transformative journey of redemption during Japan’s Sengoku period.

The narrative blends historical events with Japanese folklore, featuring encounters with supernatural creatures like oni (demons) and kitsune (fox spirits). Early reviews praised Oni Ronin for its exploration of sacrifice and self-discovery:

"Oni Ronin was a sprawling tale of cowardice, sacrifice, and redemption. It combined historically accurate characters and locations with mythical figures and creatures of folklore."

Artist Manabu Seko contributed a distinct visual style that enhanced the story’s historical and mythological elements. The graphic novel exemplifies Dogu’s mission to support diverse creators and honor Japanese storytelling traditions.

The Oni Ronin trade paperback was released in bookstores on November 28, 2023, and comic shops on November 29, 2023. Pre-orders were made available through major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as local comic book stores across the country.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Usagi Yojimbo (2024)

Dogu Publishing collaborated with BOOM! Studios and Dark Horse Comics to publish a crossover event with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Written by Ryan Parrott with art by Shawn Daley, the story saw the Rangers transported to a world inspired by feudal Japan, where they encountered Usagi. During their adventure, the Rangers gained mysterious new samurai-themed powers.

The story began with the Power Rangers facing one of Rita Repulsa's many monstrous threats. In the midst of battle, they were unexpectedly transported to a world resembling ancient Japan, inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. There, they encountered Miyamoto Usagi. Although the Rangers were momentarily disoriented, there was little time for reflection as an ancient evil threatened to destroy both worlds if they and their new allies failed to stop it.

The crossover paid homage to both franchises' thematic roots. Usagi Yojimbo draws inspiration from the works of Akira Kurosawa, including Lone Wolf and Cub and Zatoichi. The series, centered on Miyamoto Usagi, has long been celebrated for its exploration of honor, duty, and survival in feudal Japan. Similarly, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers have remained a pop culture phenomenon since their 1993 television debut. Known for their colorful costumes, martial arts prowess, and teamwork-driven narratives, the Rangers have evolved through various iterations across comics, TV, and film.

This crossover introduced a surprising development: the Rangers received new samurai-inspired powers, though the reason for this upgrade remained shrouded in mystery. These new abilities hinted at deeper connections between the worlds of Usagi and the Power Rangers, blending elements of mythology and technology.

"The Power Rangers' latest crossover unleashed a new type of their iconic Samurai Rangers," remarked one review, highlighting how the series expanded the lore of both properties.

Fans and critics alike praised the crossover for its dynamic storytelling and action-packed sequences. The narrative was noted for balancing both franchises' unique themes while introducing new elements that enriched their respective mythologies.

Other Activities

Voltes V: Legacy at Comic-Con International (2023)

In a landmark event, GMA Network partnered with Dogu Publishing to bring Voltes V: Legacy, a live-action adaptation of the classic Japanese mecha anime, to San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). This marked the first time a Philippine television program was featured at the event. Blank emphasized the importance of global diversity in the industry:

"We aim to expand the reach of international panels from around the globe, driving the way for a more diverse comic book industry."

The Voltes V: Legacy panel, held on July 22 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, featured prominent members of the cast and production team, including Miguel Tanfelix (Steve Armstrong), Ysabel Ortega (Jamie Robinson), Gabby Eigenmann (Commander Robinson), and director Mark Reyes. GMA Network executives Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Helen Rose S. Sese, and Vincent C. Gealogo, along with Telesuccess Productions’ Larson Chan, also represented the show at the event.

Fans attending SDCC were treated to a signing session for a limited-edition Voltes V: Legacy poster, which was available at Dogu Publishing's Booth (#4807). Due to limited availability, attendees were encouraged to secure their spot early.

The presence of Voltes V: Legacy at SDCC symbolized a major achievement for the Philippine entertainment industry, blending Filipino storytelling with international appeal. The series, which aired as part of GMA Network’s GMA Telebabad block and GTV, continues to capture audiences with its high production values and homage to its anime roots, produced in collaboration with Japan’s Toei Company and Telesuccess Productions.

Collaboration with Mitsuhiro Arita (2024)

Mitsuhiro Arita, a Japanese freelance illustrator renowned for his contributions to the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), collaborated with Dogu Publishing on Usagi Yojimbo: The Crow. Born on January 12, 1970, in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, Arita began his professional career in 1996, illustrating Pokémon cards during the franchise’s early stages. His visual style played a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic and popularity of the TCG. Over the years, Arita has illustrated more than 500 Pokémon cards, including iconic designs like Charizard and Pikachu from the original Base Set.

In addition to his Pokémon work, Arita’s artistic talents have been showcased in several other notable franchises, including Shin Megami Tensei, Monster Hunter, and Super Sentai. He also contributed concept designs for Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV and worked on the Berserk: The Golden Age Arc film trilogy.

In 2024, Arita partnered with Sakai and Dogu Publishing to contribute to the Usagi Yojimbo universe. He created exclusive variant covers for both Usagi Yojimbo and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) comics. Arita appeared alongside Sakai at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) and New York Comic Con (NYCC) in 2024. During these events, fans were given the opportunity to interact with both creators through live sketching sessions and signings. Limited-edition variant covers illustrated by Arita were made available at Dogu Publishing’s Booth (#4807), drawing significant attention from collectors and art enthusiasts.

Reflecting on his participation, Arita stated:

"I am thrilled to attend SDCC, widely regarded as the pinnacle of pop culture conventions. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Sakai and his IP Usagi Yojimbo, illustrating covers that have opened many doors for me in the comic book industry."

Sakai praised Arita’s ability to balance fantasy with cultural depth, noting that his contributions further enhanced Usagi Yojimbo’s reputation as a series that seamlessly blends historical accuracy with folklore. Dogu Publishing CEO Jeremiah Blank described the collaboration as a milestone:

"It is genuinely thrilling to facilitate the partnership of two living legends for this project, particularly in celebration of Usagi’s 40th anniversary."

This collaboration stands as one of Dogu Publishing’s most successful initiatives, reflecting its dedication to creating culturally rich, artistically vibrant stories that resonate with both domestic and international audiences.

Focus and Future Plans

Dogu Publishing plans to continue expanding the Usagi Yojimbo universe with projects like Space Usagi and Chibi Usagi. Sakai remains personally involved in writing, drawing, and lettering his stories while mentoring new talent. Since its inception, Dogu Publishing has become a vital part of the comic book landscape by expanding the Usagi Yojimbo universe and supporting diverse creators.

External links

• Official website of Stan Sakai