![]() When characters who basically are in the same vein as Usagi, like Bucky O’Hare, get a full fledge toy line, why didn’t our beloved Rabbit warrior? I make exceptions for toys that are really out there and Space Usagi gets the pass for just being too quirky and over the top! One issue that diehard fans have is that Usagi is neither dressed nor resembles his comic book counterpart other than the ears in a bun. In the TMNT vintage line, he appeared twice. Don’t get me wrong he’s been made into a few figures over the years. The adventures of this talented anthropomorphic biped have captivated comic fans for a long time yet he has never seen a proper toy line. Finally, Fantagraphics gave the ronin rabbit his own ongoing series with issue #1 being published in July 1987. Usagi’s popularity influenced Fantagraphics to then release the Usagi Yojimbo Summer Special in October 1986. ![]() Stan Sakai accepted an offer to move his warrior rabbit to Fantagraphics Books where he appeared in several issues of the new anthropomorphic anthology series, Critters. Today I want to talk about a book that’s pushing 30 years now.Ī brief history – 兎用心棒 Usagi Yōjinbō (pronounced oo-SA-gi) “The Rabbit Bodyguard” created by Stan Sakai that first appeared in Albedo Anthropomorphics #2 published by Thoughts and Images in November 1984. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Aug 11th.Welcome to the first article in a series talking about great comics that never had a truly great toy franchise. One entry per person and you must have a USA shipping address. To enter to win, you must email with the subject line: Get in, I wants me a Usagi Figure!, or share our image over on Instagram with the hashtag #GetinIwantsmeaUsagiFigure. Currently, Clutter readers can be entered to win a Usagi Yojimbo with the horse signed by the creator of Usagi himself, Stan Sakai. In addition to this Usagi figure, Playmates also released an XL version (to be reviewed tomorrow), a version in samurai armor and another version of the armored Usagi with a horse. And while some may still have a soft spot for the Usagi of the original toy line, this is definitely Playmate’s most faithful version of the character to date. They really put a lot of care in making Usagi everything he should be. ![]() His scabbards are also there, but they’re permanently attached.įor those unfamiliar with the Playmates TMNT line, oftentimes, they tend to skimp on the toys of their supporting characters while delivering very good figures of the Turtles themselves. While they didn’t quite go so far out with the main release, all Usagi really needs is his two swords, and he’s got them. There was a SDCC exclusive version which had his pet tokage, a few alternate heads, painted accessories and a flag with his symbol. Sometimes Playmates doesn’t apply paints in some places which can be frustrating, but for Usagi they didn’t miss anything. Again, nothing special, but nothing is missing. The tie for his ears is unpainted, but it’s usually depicted as white anyway, so this is consistent with the comics. The coloring is simple, his head is solid white with eyes and mouth, etc painted on. Nothing special here, but nothing missing either except for a sticker on the back (his crest is present twice on his chest, but it’s not on the center back. So, overall, a solid amount of articulation for a mainstream toy. While nothing spectacular, he’s on point with the best of the toys in this line, sporting neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and swivels at the feet. It isn’t highly detailed, but given his appearance on the cartoon and Sakai’s style of art, he’s right on point with what we’d want from him.įor a toy line that sometimes misses the mark on articulation, Usagi is not that way at all. He is slim and agile-looking and sports all of the trademarks we’d want the samurai rabbit to have, including the baggy pants, tied ears and iconic facial expression. Usagi’s sculpt is very good, and very true to his comic book appearance. While Playmates has made several Usagi figures in the past, this particular figure is undoubtedly their most accurate to his appearance in the comics written and drawn by his creator Stan Sakai. One of the figures sent to us by Playmates was their basic Usagi figure. 90694_TheSamurai_Usagi Yojimbo_Main.jpg, by Brian
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