Usagi Yojimbo Will NOT Be Appearing In The New Series

[Powder]

Source- http://usagiyojimbo.com/forum3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6388 (Sixth post down)

When a user of the UY forums asked about a potential appearance in the new series, we got our answer.

by Stan Sakai » Fri Oct 05, 2012 15:03 +0000

Usagi will not be guest starring in the TMNT TV series.

I know, not much to read. It's his business, & I guess he'd rather not go more in depth. That definitely confirms that his interest in using Usagi in the TMNT was only under the terms of working with his good friend, Peter Laird. It's a shame, I'm disappointed, but I totally understand & respect his decision. I didn't expect him to be a part of this series, and tonally, I'm not sure he would've even worked. Oh well. Just figured we could knock off the speculation, hence this thread.

Odds are in favor of that meaning a comic crossover would be out of the question too, but one never knows. I do think Bobby (of IDW) said he reached out to Stan...

[alliance]

f*ck!! Usagi is so damn beautiful whats wrong with these guys..

so peaceful is Usagi..

[CyberCubed]

I know that is a blunt statement but that's only in relative terms.

How do we know come late Seasons 2 or 3 the idea wouldn't be presented to him?

[Cowabunga Carl]

I think Powder has it about right, it was only cause he and Laird were friends the two crossed over. People need to move on and except that those days are over and that we are entering into a new age. Just cause it happened before doesn't mean it needs to happen again.

[gobo]

I always figured as much. Stan doesn't want his intellectual property targeted by the big bad corporations. Thank goodness he trusted 4KIDS with Usagi. Those were even better than his OT appearances.

[MrTMNT2012]

Biggest Dissapointment all week! And since the Voice actors are already recording the second season, Usagi will not have a chance of appearing until Season 3.

[CyberCubed]

A TMNT cartoon with no Usagi Yojimbo appearance makes me sad.

I don't want to live on this planet anymore.

[Ninjinister]

A TMNT cartoon with no Usagi Yojimbo appearance makes me sad.

I don't want to live on this planet anymore.

Well... I guess we both get what we want, because

http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/i-like-this-planet-you-get-off-futurama.png

[The Stryker]

A TMNT cartoon with no Usagi Yojimbo appearance makes me sad.

I don't want to live on this planet anymore.

Oh how I wish you weren't making an unfunny meme joke.

Also, is Usagi really that essential? He's pretty much Leonardo.

[gobo]

I don't want to live on this planet anymore.
Flame-baiting is against the rules.

[Oculus Orbus]

It's sad, it was always nice whenever Usagi crossed with the Turtles, but with PL out of the picture, I guess we all could see that coming.

[Allio]

Someone better pick up that phone

cause I freaking called it

but seriously, it will be sad not to have Miyamoto Usagi appeared

[BubblyShell22]

I had a feeling this would happen, but I can understand why in some respects.

[Jephael]

As much as I loved Usagi in both the classic toon and the 4Kids series, I'm kinda glad he won't be showing up this time around. I'd kinda like to see Nickelodeon make up some more original TMNT characters instead of the pre-established ones we grew up with.

[Zany Orange Dude]

Well that's kinda disappointing. I like Usagi, but oh well, can't have everything.

[sdp]

Maybe we're looking too much into the quote, he probably hasn't been approached by Nick. I think it may be harder for the producers of the show to convince Nick to let them use a character they don't own than getting him to agree.

[odupianist]

It would be interesting to see his design with the new show style.

[TheCanadiandrome]

Well that's kinda disappointing. I like Usagi, but oh well, can't have everything.

Exactly right

[Powder]

I know that is a blunt statement but that's only in relative terms. How do we know come late Seasons 2 or 3 the idea wouldn't be presented to him?

Maybe we're looking too much into the quote, he probably hasn't been approached by Nick. I think it may be harder for the producers of the show to convince Nick to let them use a character they don't own than getting him to agree.

IDW already approached him, knowing how much fans love Usagi. I'm sure he's been contacted by others. I can understand you guys wanting to be hopeful but face it, it's not gonna happen.

Stan doesn't want his intellectual property targeted by the big bad corporations.

& this is why.

Flame-baiting is against the rules.

Then why did you make a thread mocking Cybercubed today? I know this kettle I'd really like to introduce to you.

[Candy Kappa]

We get Flaming Carrot instead :P


Would have been nice having a Usagi Yojimbo action figures, that looked a bit more accurate and had some proper articulation for a decent price.

I always find the Antarctic Press Toys Usagi figure with a high price tag on.

[oldmanwinters]

Well stick a pin in my balloon because I'm deflated!

However, it doesn't really surprise me, since it was Sakai's friendship with Laird that was responsible for all those crossovers. I kinda doubt will ever seen Usagi and the TMNT together again in any media.

[Jester]

Unless Nick BUYS USAGI!!!! MUHAHAHAHA!!!

[marcelangelo]

well, I posted the same news yesterday in another thread and it was stans answer to some questioning of us if he would appear in the new show or not..stan saying that usagi won't appear in the new turtles cartoon doesn't automatically mean that that will not happen in the future perhaps, it just means that as of right now he is not part of the show and we shouldn't get our hope up just to tune in and seeing him in the next episode or so...
I know that stan enjoys when usagi is being produced in other media, who wouldn't love to see his character make it into pajamas, cereal or toys if he is treated right...so maybe if ciro and stuff are interested and all concerned get together one day we may see usagi one day in this new style on the screen with a little luck...

[AT-Man]

Usagi is super cool and infinitely awesome, but not essential by any means. I'm not mourning over this information, he would've been the same as the two previous incarnations, which I almost liked to think as the same exact character. And if he wouldn't, it would ruin his character.

[TurtleTitan97]

I'll miss Usagi, but I look forward to see how Nick will be handling the Flaming Carrot crossover episode on the new series.

[Vivi]

A shame, Usagi is one of my favourite characters. He was great in the 4 kids show.

[gobo]

I wonder how an Usagi Yojimbo/Flaming Carrot crossover would have gone. ^_^ "Carrot Flambée, any bunny?" :P

[pannoni1]

We'll probably have a better chance at Flaming Carrot meeting Cerebus. Better yet, bring back Hokum Hare and give him Usagi-like abilities. But given the hostile rights between Mr. Sakai and Nickelodeon, I'm not surprised this is happening. This isn't the Teenage Mutant Ninja Rabbits. We all need to understand that nobody in this world has a monopoly and we need to let people and groups have their own brands, and view crossovers as special multi-family parties.

[cartoonistaaron]

We get Flaming Carrot instead :P

Dude I would commit violent crimes against some members of my own family to see Flaming Carrot show up on ANY TV show. I can see him voiced by Christopher Walken. "TAKE THAT YOU BUG TOO BIG!!"

[marcelangelo]

Dude I would commit violent crimes against some members of my own family to see Flaming Carrot show up on ANY TV show. I can see him voiced by Christopher Walken. "TAKE THAT YOU BUG TOO BIG!!"
this is too far but funny nontheless your enthusiasm;)....so great we'll get flamming carrot!!!christopher walken would really be a good match!

[gobo]

so great we'll get flamming carrot!!!
Seriously? That wasn't a sarcastic post by Kiwamu? O_o Source, please!

[Chaotix12345]

Seriously? That wasn't a sarcastic post by Kiwamu? O_o Source, please!

PING! (http://streetdate.radio.com/2012/02/06/ninja-turtles-return-in-2012/) There ya go. :)

[Blade Raider]

I'd rather see Usagi get his own show instead of appearing in TMNT again.

[MikeandRaph87]

Unless Nick BUYS USAGI!!!! MUHAHAHAHA!!!


I have had that hope since Halloween 2009 when Nick shockingly accuired Nick Usagi could join his friends. I remember when I first learned Usagi was his own comic character...that character was cool enough to stand on his own.The only problem is he is a TMNT character as much as he is his own and its hard to separate the two. He has always been one of my favorites no matter the TMNT media. I hope he is more receptive to IDW for an issue or two.That is still in the possibilties I bet. Usagi is known because of the TMNT.

Maybe if we get a number of us to agree to bombard blogspot or emails to Stan begging Usagi be used for an issue in IDW it could work?!

[Jephael]

::to Gobo:: I know this kettle I'd really like to introduce to you.

Is it me? It's me, isn't it?

[Powder]

...What? It's an aimless joke. "That's the pot calling the kettle black". Means he's a hypocrite.

[Chris]

Sad news that we won't be seeing Usagi this time around, but I can understand the reasons for it and respect Stan Sakai's decision.

Flaming Carrot... Not sure how I feel about that. Honestly think I'd rather they didn't do that crossover!

[Spitfire]

They will just make some knock off mutant rabbit if they feel like having him in the series. Same applies for IDW I'm sure.

[sdp]

Well opinions change overtime and in any case it will be because of Stan and not Nick that Usagi won't appear. He's not a TMNT character so there is only so much Nick can do.

[CyberCubed]

They will just make some knock off mutant rabbit if they feel like having him in the series. Same applies for IDW I'm sure.

Or the return of Hokum Hare.

*shudders*

[Jephael]

It's an aimless joke. "That's the pot calling the kettle black". Means he's a hypocrite.

I know what it means, dude. I was goofing with you.

[cartoonistaaron]

PING! (http://streetdate.radio.com/2012/02/06/ninja-turtles-return-in-2012/) There ya go. :)

HOLEY CRAP!! If Bob Burden allows FC to show up on TMNT and can somehow wrangle a mass-marketed action figure out of the deal.... He will have my undying love and respect, as much as any man can love and/or respect another man who writes and draws the adventures of a mentally retarded challenged man in a carrot mask and flippers.

[Ciro]

don't jump to conclusions. I can't deny or confirm anything, but things are always changing.

[CyberCubed]

don't jump to conclusions. I can't deny or confirm anything, but things are always changing.

Very cool. It'd be nice to see if some sort of agreement can come with Stan about Usagi for Seasons 2 or 3. :)

Also it'd be nice to see Bebop, Rocksteady and Krang (as in the character himself) all show up in Season 2...but that's for another topic.

[Jester]

I always liked Pinky McFingers. If he doesn't appear in season 2, then you guys are crazy, Ciro.

[The Big Bad]

You know, I'd be fine with Usagi not appearing. We've gotten a lot of good Usagi / Turtles stories already. No adaptation has been able to portray Usagi without compromise (although Usagi is a character who lends himself easily to lighter and softer takes) and here there's the issue that unless he's dramatically changed, this series more stereotypically teenage-like turtles wouldn't be Usagi's peers, which is kind of an essential part of the dynamic. The creative team of the cartoon has made it sort of a mission statement to not retread past elements nilly-willy. Is there any reason to have him show up other than "he's showed up before"?

[gobo]

Is there any reason to have him show up other than "he's showed up before"?
Because he's a fan-favorite guest character. Doy.

[CyberCubed]

You know, I'd be fine with Usagi not appearing. We've gotten a lot of good Usagi / Turtles stories already. No adaptation has been able to portray Usagi without compromise (although Usagi is a character who lends himself easily to lighter and softer takes) and here there's the issue that unless he's dramatically changed, this series more stereotypically teenage-like turtles wouldn't be Usagi's peers, which is kind of an essential part of the dynamic. The creative team of the cartoon has made it sort of a mission statement to not retread past elements nilly-willy. Is there any reason to have him show up other than "he's showed up before"?

Usagi can be shown more stoic.

[Candy Kappa]

having Usagi guest appear is almost tradition

[BubblyShell22]

don't jump to conclusions. I can't deny or confirm anything, but things are always changing.

Thanks for the heads up, Ciro. I could go either way with this, but in the end, it's Stan's decision whether he wants Usagi in the series or not.

[gobo]

don't jump to conclusions. I can't deny or confirm anything, but things are always changing.
Was this in reference to Usagi Yojimbo or The Flaming Carrot? O_o

[The Big Bad]

Because he's a fan-favorite guest character. Doy.

Oh, that. Yeah, I never put much stock in the belief that liking a character was an automatic argument for their inclusion in a work. To me, that's a few precious steps away from the sort of thinking that decides that putting Wolverine in every book or making new Watchmen stories are good ideas.

More important, to me, is the question: would it work in this particular show's particular context. And I don't know the answer to that question, because there hasn't been enough show to make a conclusion.

Does anybody remember Usagi's appearances in the original toon? I don't, and my first reaction is to be skeptical of claims that it worked, given what the old toon was and what Usagi is; sure, Usagi can work in fundamentally comedic stories, but it's a different type of comedy. It's also worth noting that the two Sakai Usagi/TMNT crossovers that are comedic in tone are also short gag strips of the sort that don't lend themselves to twenty-two minute episodes.

Meanwhile, the 4Kids Usagi appearances worked because there was a context set up that allowed them to use Usagi in a way that hadn't been done before and helped develop the turtles' universe by showing in what ways the Battle Nexus was an interdimensional thing.

Will this cartoon allow for that? I'm not sure. There's not a lot that has been developed so far, and their world is not yet a world that supports the sort of interdimensional travel that the crossover would require. Plus, given the fact that the creators apparently felt that the turtles being friends with a twenty-something April didn't work, I'm not exactly confident about their ability to develop a friendship between the turtles and somebody who's even older.

[TheBlueTurtle1]

We are getting a lot of new characters, let look at the glass being half full, not empty!

[Allio]

Because he's a fan-favorite guest character. Doy.



also it's the closest thing Usagi fans will probably ever see to the rabbit having his own show (I want to see animated Jei)

[marcelangelo]

Oh, that. Yeah, I never put much stock in the belief that liking a character was an automatic argument for their inclusion in a work. To me, that's a few precious steps away from the sort of thinking that decides that putting Wolverine in every book or making new Watchmen stories are good ideas.

More important, to me, is the question: would it work in this particular show's particular context. And I don't know the answer to that question, because there hasn't been enough show to make a conclusion.

Does anybody remember Usagi's appearances in the original toon? I don't, and my first reaction is to be skeptical of claims that it worked, given what the old toon was and what Usagi is; sure, Usagi can work in fundamentally comedic stories, but it's a different type of comedy. It's also worth noting that the two Sakai Usagi/TMNT crossovers that are comedic in tone are also short gag strips of the sort that don't lend themselves to twenty-two minute episodes.

Meanwhile, the 4Kids Usagi appearances worked because there was a context set up that allowed them to use Usagi in a way that hadn't been done before and helped develop the turtles' universe by showing in what ways the Battle Nexus was an interdimensional thing.

Will this cartoon allow for that? I'm not sure. There's not a lot that has been developed so far, and their world is not yet a world that supports the sort of interdimensional travel that the crossover would require. Plus, given the fact that the creators apparently felt that the turtles being friends with a twenty-something April didn't work, I'm not exactly confident about their ability to develop a friendship between the turtles and somebody who's even older.

I am afraid, I have to disagree with you here in one point..this turtles show uses april as a much younger female character because it shall attract little girls to the series and they felt storywise it would be of benefit if they all shared about the same age as having to cross certain barriers of growing up I guess(although that a mutant would have a whole different set of worries one might think of problems with pimples for instance)and share similar expperiences in this world(again, to a degree perhaps only)...

the thing that is didn't work out if april was a grown up and was seen as a kind of weird concept came from various fans talking about this online to my knowledge...apropos:I have never seen a problem there, from way back then I have never felt there was any kind of unpleasant weirdness in that..don't know where that stemms from?...

[Jephael]

Does anybody remember Usagi's appearances in the original toon? I don't, and my first reaction is to be skeptical of claims that it worked, given what the old toon was and what Usagi is; sure, Usagi can work in fundamentally comedic stories, but it's a different type of comedy. It's also worth noting that the two Sakai Usagi/TMNT crossovers that are comedic in tone are also short gag strips of the sort that don't lend themselves to twenty-two minute episodes.

I was just watching those episodes last night on my DVD player, and the more I thought about it the more I realized just why Usagi was only in two episodes. Stan probably didn't approve of his character's depiction by Fred Wolf Films, so he must've forbid them to ever use Usagi again.

[MikeandRaph87]

I always liked Pinky McFingers. If he doesn't appear in season 2, then you guys are crazy, Ciro.

Of all the mob boss including the namless one in the 2003 cartoon only Big Louie appealed to me. The parody of the Prohibiton area Italian Mob Boss who had a vendetta against Leave It To Beaver. He can be somewhat serious opposed to the other mob characters.

As for the Hokum Hare mention. I thought about it before but did not post it. He was a decent character,but he is not Usagi. I do think Usagi would fit in Year 3 of IDW quite nicely. Anyone want to start an ipetetiton to get him in? Just an idea!:trazz:

[gobo]

Hokum Hare was an insult to the memory of OT Usagi. I hated the character for that and several other reasons.

[The Big Bad]

I am afraid, I have to disagree with you here in one point..this turtles show uses april as a much younger female character because it shall attract little girls to the series and they felt storywise it would be of benefit if they all shared about the same age as having to cross certain barriers of growing up I guess(although that a mutant would have a whole different set of worries one might think of problems with pimples for instance)and share similar expperiences in this world(again, to a degree perhaps only)...

the thing that is didn't work out if april was a grown up and was seen as a kind of weird concept came from various fans talking about this online to my knowledge...apropos:I have never seen a problem there, from way back then I have never felt there was any kind of unpleasant weirdness in that..don't know where that stemms from?...

Oh--I'd never thought of that. I'm assuming that the creators are on the record as to this being the reason for the change? If so, it makes a bit more sense, even if I'm not sure I agree with the reasoning.

[rattrap109]

not cool they should put him in he would be kick but in this series

[zkarlette]

Indeed..I would love to see Usagi in the New show, he would fit really well ,and could be such a fun friend for the guys specially Leo.

[alliance]

don't jump to conclusions. I can't deny or confirm anything, but things are always changing.

Thank you for the hope at the least..

that means the world to core Usagi fans such as myself..

The gleam is hoping :tsmile:

Usagi's presence is what i want to feel again, beautiful rabbit..

[kzekedaurus]

You mean Miyamoto Usagi right? *nitpicking*

Honestly, I'm still holding out for a true Usagi animated series, even if it's Space Usagi. And maybe appearing in TMNT again will help that come true. But, like it's been said, it's up to Sakai. And I trust he knows what's best for his own franchise.

[marcelangelo]

Oh--I'd never thought of that. I'm assuming that the creators are on the record as to this being the reason for the change? If so, it makes a bit more sense, even if I'm not sure I agree with the reasoning.

yeah, I actually share those sentiments..but to me theres no harm done at all with the current april...I like her and want to find out more about her with time...

[Heckster]

That is a bummer!

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

As much as I loved Usagi in both the classic toon and the 4Kids series, I'm kinda glad he won't be showing up this time around. I'd kinda like to see Nickelodeon make up some more original TMNT characters instead of the pre-established ones we grew up with.

They've already given us two new silly mutant monsters (Snakeweed/Spider Bytez) who can never outmatch cool mutants like Leatherhead, Mondo Gecko or whatever. Except for them, the 2003 show is good. For first time since 1997-1998 (Next Mutation) we see a human Shredder again on the screen.

[RichardT1977]

If Nick wants a crossover with a dimension of anthropomorphic animals practicing martial arts in an Asian culture, they'll probably go with another series they already broadcast (even if they don't own it directly)...

(braces himself for the fandom rage...)

[Bossa Nova]

Can't say I'm terribly heartbroken over this. I think Usagi's a little too much like Leo for me to truly warm up to. I can only handle enough of Leo's Leo-ness in one character, it was tough when both shared the screen. Not to say I hated him or anything, but I didn't feel he really contributed a whole lot that someone else couldn't. Tbh, it was the The Real World episodes that really ruined him for me, couldn't take the entire thing seriously which sort of ruined the end for that arc for me.

Sure, I wouldn't mind if he did eventually somehow show up for an episode or two, but I agree in that I'd prefer to see all new characters introduced over him.

[NiNi]

Aw, that's a shame. I was kind of hoping for that it would happen. Oh well, at least there's a straight answer instead of having people constantly waiting and hoping for it. ^^

[Master of the Foot Clan]

I've heard about this but this is the first official word about this I've heard of. Yeah that sucks maybe as the series gets better Stan Sakai might change his mind.

[CyberCubed]

I wonder if Nick offered Stan a huge sum of cash would change his mind.

I am sure Nick would treat the character with the utmost respect too, he should be handled very well in the show based on the other characters we've seen so far.

[Jephael]

I wonder if Nick offered Stan a huge sum of cash would change his mind.

Keep dreaming, man! He's not as willing to sell out his creation as Eastman and Laird were.

[Allio]

I wonder if Nick offered Stan a huge sum of cash would change his mind.

I am sure Nick would treat the character with the utmost respect too, he should be handled very well in the show based on the other characters we've seen so far.


Just as soon as Alan Moore signs up with someone

[Metropoliskid41]

I do think Usagi would fit in Year 3 of IDW quite nicely. Anyone want to start an ipetetiton to get him in? Just an idea!:trazz:

Bobby Curnow has already approached Stan Sakai about this. Bobby is a huge Usagi fan, nobody wants to see this crossover more than he does. So anyone's enthusiasm can make it happen, its his, and he'll do anything in his power to see it through.

Heck I just want more Usagi in some form, unfortunately the comic has been on hiatus for most of 2012 due to Sakai working on stories for the Rocketeer Anthology that was coming out from IDW this summer and the 47 Ronin mini-series set to debut next week from Dark Horse. I'm eagerly looking forward to his collaboration with Publisher Mike Richardson on that, but I really miss Usagi, and I hope we see it return to it's approximately every 6 week publishing schedule soon.

[FredWolfLeonardo]

Interesting reading through this thread now.

If something gets disconfirmed for Rise of the tmnt today, we never know if that will necessarily hold true for the distant future.

[Powder]

Shout out to everybody who sees this thread title, thinks its a new thread pertaining to Rise, & gets disappointed by it. :tlol:

[IndigoErth]

Shout out to everybody who sees this thread title, thinks its a new thread pertaining to Rise, & gets disappointed by it. :tlol:
:lol: Yup, for a moment.

I've seen some that blew up to multiple pages before I got there, but the well over 13k views gave away that it's old.

That said, I'd be surprised if Usagi did turn up in this NEWEST one. But, hey, minds were change on 2012, so who knows.

[newfan]

:lol: Yup, for a moment.

I've seen some that blew up to multiple pages before I got there, but the well over 13k views gave away that it's old.

That said, I'd be surprised if Usagi did turn up in this NEWEST one. But, hey, minds were change on 2012, so who knows.

I suppose what you plan at the start is always open to change as a series progresses, especially with season 5 being tales, was a good opportunity for it. ...also enough fan demand?

[sdp]

:tlol::tlol::tlol::tlol::tlol:



The first replies totally make it seem like it's a Rise thread.


I don't expect Usagi to be in Rise either way because of the new Usagi cartoon and Nick not wanting to promote the competition.

[ToTheNines]

don't jump to conclusions. I can't deny or confirm anything, but things are always changing.

Man y’all stayed on his nerves lol

[Heyowakka]

What a weenie. To survive the Technodrome Forums one must become the Technodrome Forums.