Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles is a children’s animated series that follows Yuichi, a descendant of the famous warrior Miyamoto Usagi, who starts on an epic quest to become a true samurai. The season is now streaming on Netflix.
Story
Season 2 picks up just after Usagi saves the world from the Yokai. The Yokai are no longer enemies. The Ki-stone is operating without any equipment but is quiet for some reason.
Usagi and the gang enjoy only a short-lived period of peace until problems arise. The Makkine aliens plan to use the Ki-stone to open an inter-dimensional gateway and invade the world.
The gang decides to seek assistance from Moguras and ninjas and successfully brings the two groups together. The team plans to protect the world by fighting the Makkine and using the willow-branch sword to cut the clavis off the Ki-stone.
The Bat squadron’s mistake causes the energy of the Ki-stone to be drained and the gateway opens. The Makkine’s army of monsters and warbottos start entering the city. Will the team be able to save the world?
Positives
The animation in Samurai Rabbit is well done, with great frames on display. Certain sequences like Usagi and Kagehito entering the quantum bubble and Usagi channelling the Ki-stone’s power are visual spectacles to watch.
The characters are remarkably written with all their flaws and virtues. Their personal growth and relationships with each other are beautifully depicted. The friendship demonstrated is indeed heartwarming.
The voice actors do a great job overall and can express emotions through voice modulation in a fine manner. Darren Barnet is perfect as Usagi.
It has some comedic and light moments which makes it a great watch for young audiences.
Negatives
The pacing and the progress of the main story are too slow. Unnecessary subplots and storylines are introduced which aren’t as interesting.
Season 1 made sense because of Usagi’s character development and an inspiring message but this season felt unnecessary and forced with repeated plots around saving the world while having no intriguing character development or storylines.
The sub-plots are overdone and repeated as if they are in a loop, especially the rivalry between Lady Fuwa and Chizu.
Verdict
Although not as strong as the first season, Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles season 2 is a sweet and light watch. It has bits of adventure, friendship, action and basically an Avengers-like plot, but in animation and is best suited for a younger audience.
Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles season 2
Director: Derek Lee Thompson, Alfred Gimeno
Date Created: 2022-09-02 12:30
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