Following up on my last post, this is the original Playmates Usagi Yojimbo action figure from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line, first released in 1989.
I recently acquired this guy for my collection, having previous to now only owned the more modern (and more Sakai accurate) TMNT
Usagi Yojimbo.
This version of Usagi is pretty far off from Stan Sakai's art; I think he actually appeared in the old TMNT cartoon looking like this.
Still, an angry rabbit with Samurai swords is an impressive sight.
I do like the Samurai armor this Usagi Yojimbo is sporting, which looks a lot like the cover of
Usagi Yojimbo Book 1. A neat custom which I'm sure someone has already done somewhere in the world would be this body with the more recent action figure's head. But it won't be done by me, I only have one of each!
On his butt it says "1989 Stan Sakai Playmates Toys" which is awesome because it gives creator credit right there on the toy! No mistaking who created this wabbit - WTG Stan!
I recently acquired this guy for my collection, having previous to now only owned the more modern (and more Sakai accurate) TMNT Usagi Yojimbo.
This version of Usagi is pretty far off from Stan Sakai's art; I think he actually appeared in the old TMNT cartoon looking like this.
Still, an angry rabbit with Samurai swords is an impressive sight.
I do like the Samurai armor this Usagi Yojimbo is sporting, which looks a lot like the cover of Usagi Yojimbo Book 1. A neat custom which I'm sure someone has already done somewhere in the world would be this body with the more recent action figure's head. But it won't be done by me, I only have one of each!
On his butt it says "1989 Stan Sakai Playmates Toys" which is awesome because it gives creator credit right there on the toy! No mistaking who created this wabbit - WTG Stan!
I thought he has a tail...
ReplyDeleteWhen I was at Comic Con in 2006, I commissioned a b/w drawing of Space Usagi from Stan Sakai. It's one of my favorite pieces of artwork.
ReplyDeleteSakai seems to spend most of the convention drawing commissions. I'm sure it's a fun way to pay for renting a booth, travel, etc. I just hope he gives himself some time to see the rest of the con!
I had a chance to chat with him for a few minutes when I picked up the art at the end of the weekend. A very nice, friendly guy.
I had that figure! I've always dug Usagi, and I have the more recent version now. Although it's unlikely, it would be really cool if NECA did one as part of their TMNT comic line.
ReplyDeleteHe does, LEon - under his pants ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, Doc! I'd love to see it - you can do a guest post here if you'd like :)
I'd love to see NECA do a full blown comic book Usagi too :D
A cool figure, but if you want one that looks like the comic you need to hunt down the Antarctic Press version, they did a Comic accurate and a special edition for Dark Horse Comics.
ReplyDeleteI've seen that one online, CB, and may have to track one down soon!
ReplyDeleteI remember my younger cousin having this figure in his collection of TMNT toys and always thought it was the coolest! I wonder if he still has it laying around at his parents some where i should give him a call sometime about it lol.
ReplyDelete