Adventures of Nilson Groundthumper and Hermy

Although the much-loved Usagi Yojimbo series is what Sakai is best known for, he’s created other characters in his long career. In this collection, two hapless adventurers—the dim but enthusiastic Hermy and his only slightly brighter partner Nilson Groundthumper—fumble their way through a fantasy medieval Europe populated by voracious monsters, conniving thieves, cruel lords, and malevolent wizards. Nilson prevails through hard work, determination, and skill while Hermy remains safe within an armor composed of equal parts ignorance and innocence. Also included is a tale of the pair’s descendents in 2199, armed with futuristic weapons but no wiser than their ancestors, as well as various pieces of art, both previously published and unpublished until now. This volume contains all the Nilson Groundthumper and Hermy works to date. Sakai’s deliberately cartoonish art demonstrates a keen grasp of his medium, exaggerated drawings conveying character and action with a skill that other comic book artists only dream of mastering. (Apr.)