Conejo samurái: Las crónicas de Usagi

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 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!

My boyfriend and I binged this series the other day. Unlike Charles, I wasn't a fan and I had no idea of what was going on or what I should expect in general but after finishing the series, I found it to be entertaining at best.

Usagi, Jen, Kitsune, Chizu and others are fun to watch and follow. The Yokai were not too scary (Maybe because I watch too many Yokai references) but still justifiable. I think its a great show. Season 2 is definitely something to look forward to.

Someone nailed it in the review section, its a futuristic samurai themed show that has its own appeal. I literally just thought that the characters were cute and lovable so I gave it a go.

F. Y. I. It's for children but its something on Netflix that you can definitely play in the background if you have kids! It reminds me of the golden age of Cartoon Network if that makes sense.

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.