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!

No, it's not. But as an imaginative exploration of Sakai's world it is stunning. To see characters come to life in a whole different way blew me away. I'm glad I was wrong, because this 10-episode series was binge-worthy.

However, in the near future, I would love to see a more series take on Usagi Yojimbo, and I think I speak for most of the hardcore fans. We support this series nonetheless!

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.

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!

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.