‘Usagi Yojimbo’ Ordered at Netflix

[Casey Burns]

If I'm doing the math right, it sure sounds like the world is ready for a hit video game set in Usagi's world.

[Mayhem]

If I'm doing the math right, it sure sounds like the world is ready for a hit video game set in Usagi's world.

There was one 30 years ago, but I agree, another one is long overdue.

[Angilasman]

That’s quite sad about the short and early age range for cartoons now... was never the case when I was a kid...

Well, that's because they're chasing after a certain demographic. There are cartoons for every age range nowadays - with plenty for teens and adults, but they usually fit into certain proven categories. Bob's Burgers or Bojack Horseman are sitcoms for adults, but they're following the same path that The Simpsons proved viable 30 years ago. Warner Brothers makes several grim and gritty DC Comics based animated movies that are released direct to video every year, but that's because they know there are enough adult DC Comics fans that will seek out every new release. Adult Swim shows are edgy alternative comedy for teens and adults, but usually with very short episode counts and very cheaply made. Low budget fair with few exceptions. It's rare that one of those shows breaks out and makes a ton of money for the network or the creators, as is the case with the phenomenal sucess of Rick and Morty these days.

Anime is popular with preteens and teens, but since those are already made it's not a financial burden to put them out here. Even if the American company releasing them in the west contributed some money for the production, it's far far far less expensive than producing an original animated series themselves.

Sounds like this Usagi series is something in the vein of what would have been a traditional Saturday morning cartoon back in the network TV days; going after a specific demographic of young kids with the potential for merchandising expansion and whatnot. The amount of market research that goes into this type of thing is no doubt enormous! It's like a food company undertaking an ambitious product launch, whereas the typical Adult Swim show is like a few scrappy filmmakers releasing an indie film.

[maichan]

* puts on speculation hat *

I think the reason it's not called Space Usagi is because they decided on more of a future Earth setting instead of lots of space travel.

I mean; I get it. You can have a retro-future with Japanese influences and not have to tackle the concepts of life and death, political maneuvering, class divisions, ritual suicide that are the bread-and-butter of the comics more realistic feudal Japanese setting. Still, there are probably something like a thousand Japanese children shows over the years they have kept the historical setting but still remained kid friendly. I'm not saying it's easy, but it is possible. It's been done.

What I don't get is...

1) Why people (especially on Facebook) think the animated series will be with Usagi Yojimbo? Didn't they bother reading the articles in any of the announcements? "Rather than centering around the comic books’ protagonist Miyamoto Usagi..."

2) Why people (especially on Facebook) think it'll be a Space Usagi era story. Nowhere is there mention of the story taking place in space. It does say "the series will take place in the far future" which could mean a lot of things, and not Space. And Stan did mention (during the chat with Mark Evanier the other day) that the story will take place after Senso in the timeline.

Other than that, I'm looking forward to seeing what it's all about.

[Eltanin]

The Usagi cartoon is great news. I'm looking forward to watching it.

[Krogu]

/Couldn't log for a long time, but glad to be back after long break!

The show is great news. I knew it's gonna be something for the younger audience, but this is good since Usagi needs new generations of fans
I also can't really imagine original stories beeing made into animated series, so it's good it's gonna be something new. Best, more adult UY is in comics and should be.

About the video game: I just finished Ghost of Tsushima released on PS4, where there are many references to UY.
It's great game with open world and I think it's gonna be a huge success. I advise every fan of Usagi to try it too...
You can pick ronin outfit there for your character that is very similiar to Usagi's clothes!