News
Usagi Yojimbo Creator Stan Sakai's Wife Sharon Passes Away
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
Sharon Sakai, the wife of Usagi Yojimbo comic artist Stan Sakai, passed away Tuesday morning from complications from a brain tumor. Stan took Sharon home to Pasadena, California for hospice care on Monday and she passed away surrounded by family. She was 61 years old.
Sharon was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2004. She underwent treatment, but the tumor returned in 2011, causing paralysis. The Cartoon Art Professional Society hosted an auction to raise funds for Sharon's treatment last year.
Stan and Sharon married in 1977, having first met as students at Waikiki Elementary in Honolulu. The celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary this year. Sharon is also survived by her son Matthew and daughter Hannah.
Stan Sakai, a Japanese-American, has been drawing the Usagi Yojimbo comic series for almost 30 years. Most recently, Sakai has also collaborated with Dark Horse Comics president and founder Mike Richardson and Lone Wolf and Cub creator Kazuo Koike to create the 47 Ronin comic.
Sources: Star Advisor's Otaku Ohana, ComicsBeat.com
