Samurai Rabbit - Le avventure di Usagi

Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles is a new action cartoon aimed at kids that is loosely based on the Usagi Yojimbo comics (a comic I was not aware of as a kid, as I knew the Usagi Yojimbo mostly for his appearances in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cartoons and toyline).

Set in the near future, the show focuses on the decendant of Usagi Miyamoto, Usagi Yuichi, who arrives at the city of Neo Edo to become a samurai warrior. However, due to being reckless and acting before he thinks, he gets into a lot of trouble, especially with Gen, a rhino who is a bounty hunter, and Kitsune, a fox who is thief stealing by doing puppet shows. However, the three get along when Yuichi is shown to have a reaction to the Ki-Stone, and with one touch, he accidentally releases yokai back into the world, and with it, Kagehito, who plot to pave the way for the Old Ones. Now, Usagi, Gen, and Kitsune form a team alongside Chizu, a female cat who was caretaker of the Ki Stone's shrine, but is also a kunoichi, to fight the Yokai while helping to clear Miyamoto Usagi's name, as Lord Kogane has branded them criminals, but have hired them to fight the yokai for him as a way to keep them out of jail for the time being, unknowing that Lord Fuwa, the leader of the Neko Ninja Clan, has plans to take the Ki-Stone hold Neo Edo at its mercy.

I actually like this show, as it reminds me a lot of how the 2012 TMNT cartoon was done. While the show is done in CGI, flashbacks and stories about Miyamoto Usagi are done in tradional drawings (even going as far as to use the comics sometimes). Also, other than Lord Fuwa and Lord Kogane, there are other villains like Chikabuma, a primate who leads a gang called the Mogura, and the Bat Squadron, a gang of bats wearing fighter pilot uniforms led by Admiral Nochi. Each character has a unique personality that is matched by his or her VA. Also, for a kids' cartoon with the TV-Y7 rating, at least it manages to treat death right without being too graphic (with death being shown as a word bubble with a skull in it).

Also, the series has character development, as Usagi starts off as an impatient, reckless troublemaker, but throughout the ten episodes that make up the first season (hopefully, this series continues), he grows up to be wiser and more caring, although he still has his carefree attitude. Also, the episodes build upon each other to build an amazing story. If I have any gripes about it, it's that they could do a lot more with character development (especially explore more of the characters' lives, not just Usagi's and Chizu's). However, it's still a good cartoon, and is a good kids' cartoon that anyone of any age will enjoy, as its goody storytelling, amazing voice cast, and good combination of humor and action makes it a solid hit in my book.

I grew up reading Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo. After countless animated appearances throughout the decades on the various TMNT shows, Usagi was deserving of his own show.

When I heard about this show I was excited but that excitement was fleeting. Because I found out the show took place in the future and starred a descendant of Usagi. And if one was to look at the profiles of Candie and Doug Langdale (Creators), you'd probably think this show would be woke.

But as the old saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover". I'll admit I was wrong. "Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles" is shockingly free of the woke nonsense that is plaguing shows today, especially Netflix shows.

While Chronicles is not my first choice, it certainly isn't bad. Sure, I'd prefer if it was closer to the source material but if you can get over that, it is actually quite enjoyable.

The stories are lighthearted. The animation is pretty well done - very reminiscent of the 2012 TMNT Nickelodeon reboot. And the messaging is spot on for change - hard work, responsibility, patience, etc. Many heroes today suffer from no trial by fire, not needing to prove themselves, a total lack of a hero's journey. So it was refreshing.

The voice acting however is an issue. It I can be all over the place. I personally found certain characters a little off-putting.

The setting takes some time to get used to. Neo Edo, the gadgets, and high magic can be a little much but it is a show aimed at 7 year olds while the comics were aimed at readers that were older. So I was willing to give that a pass.

If this show stays the course I think I'll enjoy it as much as the reboots of Thundercats 201, He-Man 2002, and TMNT 2012. Because in my opinion those reboots were probably some of the best of those franchises. While Samurai Chronicles isn't a reboot, it is a reimagining of a beloved property but it does manage to deliver as did those reboots.

So give it a shot!

This was a random show me and my girls stumbled upon over the weekend. At first, there were just so many characters and the plot lines were a bit confusing to us, but as we progress, the narrative becomes clearer and clearer. I guess this was a comic book I assume. I would have to research on that and dive deeper into Stan's universe. I adore Kitsune!

I have to admit that I had low expectations for this show. I believed it would be a cheap copy of Kung Fu Panda using Stan Saiki's characters.

Fortunately this was not the case. The animation is good considering the tiny budget, it's funny, the characters are well written and the plot is decent. My only disappointment was the fight and action scenes are kind of childish, compared to the original story which is very violent and brutal. I missed that in the show but I understand the desire to appeal to a younger audience.

To all the Yojimbo fans saying 'That's not the Usagi Yojimbo I know', remember that this is a spin-off series and doesn't necessarily have to be an accurate portrayal of the original stories. Also remember that Stan Saiki is deeply involved in the production of this show, so it's not just a generic show using a random ip. I can see Saiki's essence in it.

So instead of complaining, just put the nostalgia aside, enjoy the show as it is and be thankful that this show will surely help bring new fans to Usagi Yojimbo's fandom.

If you liked Kung Fu Panda, I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy this show. I look forward to Season 2 despite Netflix's struggles.

NEW REVIEW AFTER WATCHING S2: Writing/dialogue is stale. Scenes are tedious. Doesn't have the same originality, as if the writers are new or their hearts weren't in it for the love of the project.

OLD REVIEW AFTER WATCHING S1: I'm not familiar with this character or any previously written books, shows, etc., but I found the show thoroughly entertaining. Engaging w/o being over-the-top, good writing (witty and relevant), w/likeable characters. Hoping for more seasons.