A Theoretical Usagi Yojimbo Ultimates figure: a Rant

 

I mentioned that there's a possibility that a Miyamoto Usagi figure might not be possible in the TMNT Ultimates line. An alternative would be working with Stan Sakai about making a Miyamoto Usagi figure to test the waters for a line of Ultimates based on Usagi Yojimbo. The idea is to release an Usagi figure to gauge the waters before releasing an actual wave if the solo Usagi sells well. 

For the Solo Usagi figure I suggest the Ronin look. It's the main look for the character and is NOT RELATED to TMNT Ultimates. That way if he sells well, it's because of Usagi Yojimbo fans and not TMNT fans. If one were to be made, here's what I'd suggest:

-Extra Straw hat wearing head. Can't  have a ronin without those. See pic above.

-Cloak... see pic above.

-Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto. Samurai needs samurai weapons.

-Flute. No, it's not a Ghost of Tsushima thing. It's a Samurai thing, and there's art of Usagi playing the flute.

-Sake gourd. Again, Samurai thing.

Extra hands including one to hold the scabbard for sword drawing poses, flute playing hands

If Usagi does well, then we could get a wave or two of characters.

I won't go into detail for accessories and stuff, because I'm not well versed in Usagi Yojimbo. I have read a couple of stories, but not enough to say I'm super hardcore fan. But if a wave or two were to be made, here's who I'd add:

Wave 1:

Lord Hikiji:

Every hero needs a villain. Usagi is no exception.

Tomoe Ame:

Female samurai and ally. A favorite of Sakai, so she has a guaranteed spot.

Gen:

He's one of the few characters that has appeared in other media and could have some appeal to TMNT Fans.

Kagemaru:

Evil Cat Ninja, we need one of those.

Wave 2:

Jei: 

The dark warrior who keeps coming back from the dead and the closest thing to an Anti-Usagi.

Chizu:

A grey area character who has been both an ally and an enemy to Usagi. Also, female cat ninja. IIRC She has issues with Kagemaru.

Zato-Ino:

A pig version of Zatoichi, count me in!! He also has issies with Usagi and Gen.

Lord Noriyuki:

Given his smaller size he could be a two-pack with another small character, like say, Jotaro.

Those two waves can deliver a somewhat rounded roster to an Usagi line. I couldnt figure how to make an actual figure of Lord Hebi, so that's why he's absent. 

Extra figure not attached to a wave:

Armored Samurai Usagi:

This would be the closest to the TMNT Usagi. The look would be based from the comics.

And last but not least, *IF* S7 managed to iron things out between Nickelodeon, Playmates and Sakai a TMNT/Usagi Yojimbo crossover wave of 5 figures:

Playmates Usagi:

Based on the vintage toy.

The four TMNT wearing Edo period clothing.