Usagi Yojimbo Animated Action Style
Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2016 23:36 -0700
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to know your thoughts on what would be a good rendition for Usagi Yojimbo to be translated into an animated sequence? There's different styles of course, for children vs adults, but over all, what do you think would fit Usagi the best?
These are some of the sequences/styles that I personally like:
Sonic CD opening. This was one of my favorite games growing up and I was astounded by the quality of the opening sequence. It stuck with me as it depicts an amazing (older though) style of animation. The way the "camera" pans as well as shows the quick/succinct movements of the character really stand out to me; especially in comparison to the current opening sequences of the franchise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYW7-hNXZlM
The second is the closing sequence. The reason I like this one is that it is fast paced, which is true to the character. Additionally, it is a blur, but you are left with a feeling of awe, because visually, you cannot keep up, and that's the point. Similar tone in Usagi's fighting sequences as he is reported to also be too quick to see.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYW7-hNXZlM
Yagyu Jubei Conspiracy: If you haven't watched this show, I urge you to find a copy and see it. Another great series that I loved as a kid. Sonny Chiba, the actor, truly makes the show as his poses, iconic looks, stances, slashes, and timing encompass badass action. I also like the old fashioned sound effects, even though they are unrealistic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4leMBjNNDs
Tsubaki Sanjuro: Directed by the genius Akira Kurosawa and starring legendary actor Toshiro Mifune, this closing sequence is amazing. It uses silence to make you sit on the edge of your seat. A similar feeling in my mind was in the duel between Katsuichi and Koji. Right after the blow, I remember freaking out and turning the pages rapidly to see what the outcome was! This pacing can balance out the crazy fast action sequences (of Usagi destroying groups of bandits/ninja's). If you haven't watched it, don't click on the link because it's the ending scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gEYlVmclrU
RWBY Black Opening: This is where I "sell out" a bit to make the scenes incredible, albeit unrealistic. I really enjoy this show and its history is akin to Usagi. American made animation, but Japanese style. The fight scenes are incredible, creative, insane, but are amazing. Not sure I like the format, as I prefer fluid animation, but the fight sequences are incredible nonetheless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImKCt7BD4U4
If a blending of these elements were to take place, I could foresee an AMAZING adaptation of Usagi, as well as a movie/show worth watching compared to today's....less than stellar shows/movies.
I was incredibly disappointed watching Rurouni Kenshin on its first anime adaptation because the character I envisioned as brilliantly fast with hordes of foes being extinguished in the blink of the eye, seemed dreadfully slow in "physical" adaptation. There's no way I'd want to see the same happen to Usagi. Just imagine the incredible potential of movements with the Neko Ninja's, the Komori Ninja's, the bandits, Yokai, Swordmasters (Usagi, Tomoe, Gen), Inazuma, Jei, Ino, Shingen, Chizu, Katsuichi, Koji, Lord Hebi, etc. Especially since Katsuichi's style is unconventional. The possibilities for seeing he and Usagi perform unorthodox swordsmanship would be incredible!
Anyway, that's what I think!
Just wanted to know your thoughts on what would be a good rendition for Usagi Yojimbo to be translated into an animated sequence? There's different styles of course, for children vs adults, but over all, what do you think would fit Usagi the best?
These are some of the sequences/styles that I personally like:
Sonic CD opening. This was one of my favorite games growing up and I was astounded by the quality of the opening sequence. It stuck with me as it depicts an amazing (older though) style of animation. The way the "camera" pans as well as shows the quick/succinct movements of the character really stand out to me; especially in comparison to the current opening sequences of the franchise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYW7-hNXZlM
The second is the closing sequence. The reason I like this one is that it is fast paced, which is true to the character. Additionally, it is a blur, but you are left with a feeling of awe, because visually, you cannot keep up, and that's the point. Similar tone in Usagi's fighting sequences as he is reported to also be too quick to see.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYW7-hNXZlM
Yagyu Jubei Conspiracy: If you haven't watched this show, I urge you to find a copy and see it. Another great series that I loved as a kid. Sonny Chiba, the actor, truly makes the show as his poses, iconic looks, stances, slashes, and timing encompass badass action. I also like the old fashioned sound effects, even though they are unrealistic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4leMBjNNDs
Tsubaki Sanjuro: Directed by the genius Akira Kurosawa and starring legendary actor Toshiro Mifune, this closing sequence is amazing. It uses silence to make you sit on the edge of your seat. A similar feeling in my mind was in the duel between Katsuichi and Koji. Right after the blow, I remember freaking out and turning the pages rapidly to see what the outcome was! This pacing can balance out the crazy fast action sequences (of Usagi destroying groups of bandits/ninja's). If you haven't watched it, don't click on the link because it's the ending scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gEYlVmclrU
RWBY Black Opening: This is where I "sell out" a bit to make the scenes incredible, albeit unrealistic. I really enjoy this show and its history is akin to Usagi. American made animation, but Japanese style. The fight scenes are incredible, creative, insane, but are amazing. Not sure I like the format, as I prefer fluid animation, but the fight sequences are incredible nonetheless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImKCt7BD4U4
If a blending of these elements were to take place, I could foresee an AMAZING adaptation of Usagi, as well as a movie/show worth watching compared to today's....less than stellar shows/movies.
I was incredibly disappointed watching Rurouni Kenshin on its first anime adaptation because the character I envisioned as brilliantly fast with hordes of foes being extinguished in the blink of the eye, seemed dreadfully slow in "physical" adaptation. There's no way I'd want to see the same happen to Usagi. Just imagine the incredible potential of movements with the Neko Ninja's, the Komori Ninja's, the bandits, Yokai, Swordmasters (Usagi, Tomoe, Gen), Inazuma, Jei, Ino, Shingen, Chizu, Katsuichi, Koji, Lord Hebi, etc. Especially since Katsuichi's style is unconventional. The possibilities for seeing he and Usagi perform unorthodox swordsmanship would be incredible!
Anyway, that's what I think!
