Created by Stan Sakai, Usagi Yojimbo is a comic series set in Edo Japan and populated by anthropomorphic animals. Leading character Moyamoto Usagi is a rabbit swordsman who travels around to take on whatever challenges come his way. While the comic has fantastical elements, it is also inspired deeply by Japanese history, and, despite its animal characters, things can get pretty serious for Usagi. Instead of following the comic beat for beat, the Netflix animated adaptation Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles follows a new lead character far into the future. Focusing on a descendent of Moyamoto Usagi gives the series more breathing room to explore new storylines, genre, and tone.
In Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles, the new Usagi (Darren Barnet) is just starting his journey as a Samurai. While he has the technical skills needed to be a master swordsman, he still has much to learn, so he embarks on a trip to the big city, Neo-Edo, where he quickly meets up with his core group and takes on the task of capturing deadly spirits. This version of Sakai's world takes on more of a sci-fi feel, bringing advanced technology -- along with some supernatural aspects -- to Edo Japan, and creating a fun and unique world to play in. The series at large also leans into this more whimsical attitude by relying heavily on humor, although the comedy often does not land.
At its heart, Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles is made for a younger audience, so its comedy can come off as childish. While this may hit with some viewers, others may find the gags and punchlines predictable and unoriginal. In fact, some of the dialogue can be easily guessed before the joke is even finished, and it feels like it would be more of a fit amongst cartoons from the early 2000s.
This retro-approach can also be credited to the animation style, as the CGI art makes some of the action feel slowed down, while the expressions are not as emotional as one would hope. There are moments where the show cuts back to the more stylized 2D art associated with the comic, and it's a great contrast between how Usagi imagines what it's like to be a Samurai and his reality. However, one wishes this unique and dynamic art style could transcend into the main plot of Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles.
On top of that, the plot is too rushed, as seen with the characters' rapid bonding and the multiple moments of exposition being fed to viewers. It's understandable that the plot needs to get going, as there are some major and interesting things at play, but this comes at the cost of character development and twists with proper payoff.
While a bit heavy-handed, Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles is clear with its messages for viewers. Given how on the nose these lessons are, it would have been nice to see Usagi himself learn from his actions and peers. Everything moves so quickly, so it's surprising to see Usagi not pick up on these lessons at a similar pace, thus making the character feel a bit delusional and underdeveloped, while also missing a chance to do something new with the "chosen one" trope. Usagi is also a very traditional protagonist in terms of an action-comedy aimed at kids, feeling like he would get along great with Sonic the Hedgehog and Po from Kung Fu Panda. While he may not be revolutionary, Usagi -- as well as his friends -- all fit into familiar tropes that have worked for younger viewers for years.
Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles had the chance to break the mold with its source material and the unique art teased throughout, but instead, it plays it safe with characters, humor, and beats that have been seen before in this genre of animation. There is the chance for growth hopefully down the line, especially given the fun setting, high stakes, and freedom from the comic's original storyline; however, at the moment, the series seems happy to be something playful yet predictable.
Catch Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles, streaming now on Netflix.