Usagi Yojimbo - "The Last Request"

Usagi fans, by popular demand, here's the latest version of the proof of concept short film that we created and presented to Stan. This is the short film that allowed us to procure the feature film rights!
It's still a work-in-progress and about 90% complete. We're currently working on the sound mix and refining the film for the DVD release which will include behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, deleted scenes, and interesting details regarding the making of the featurette.
For updates and general information, please Like the Lintika FB page ( / lintikafilmstudio )

[@dugpa]

This is the direction Netflix should have gone. Amazing work!

[@Battleguy_515XD]

Wait, this was 7 years ago?? HOW AM I NOW SEEING THIS?!! Can you make more? I wanna see more of this!!

[@BrianHallmond]

This is ciminally underrated and undervviewed. ESPECIALLY for it's time. Can't wait for the Netflix series about Usagi.

[@winginitpodcast]

Love Usagi Yojimbo

[@kaiseravm]

quite amazing indeed =)

[@levance4766]

Impressive. I like it

[@marchrabbit85]

Like we all, brother...

[@user-yf9ku1tl6b]

Jay Flemming don’t we all?

[@reikokardell2529]

I admit, I wasn't familiar with Usagi Yojimbo comics or his appearance in TMNT cartoons (and I DID watch those!) But I can absolutely get into this story line and film! I haven't seen a stop motion animation flick in a long time and it is refreshing to see the quality of this one. I'll be keeping an eye out for the full length film when it's released and introduce my kids to my love of old samurai/ninja movies (animated and in clay no less!)

[@thefunkygrandpa]

Impressive passion project. Congrats on the feature rights - well-deserved.

[@jeffamido214]

Ro, you've tapped into everyone's inner teenager by bringing back that feeling of comic books and art. I really hope this short becomes the start of something even bigger!! We need more!

[@Dawnelldo2]

Usagi Yojimbo needs his own movie!

[@GrantDaily]

Agreed. Maybe Wes Anderson can get involve with this? Maybe?

[@nomoremaybes]

This could be the pilot for a HBO series. This makes me want to see the whole Usagi Yojimbo run in glorious stop motion.

[@RetroG-Man]

nomoremaybes I don't know if HBO would be a good station for this kind of thing, but I do agree that this would be an awesome TV show

[@kingcrimson2643]

A CGI Usagi cartoon has been confirmed to be in the works.

[@americanslime]

Ah, god. Usagi is just as amazing now as it was when I was nine.

[@glennmasuda4208]

Out-STAN-ding!! Great re-telling of the story, loved the integration of live action and drawn work. Can't wait for part two!!

[@jeffheller271]

Just watched the film, roel, and it positively blew my mind. While it was an amazing adaptation of Usagi (I loved all the cameos at the end, as well as the Zato Ino wanted poster!), what's most impressive is just how high quality this piece is as stop animation in its own right. Has anyone EVER successfully pulled off martial arts combat via stop animation previously? This was...amazing. And all the minor environmental details at the beginning -- the blustering rain storm, the crackling fire, even the realism of the fish on the cutting board. We always knew you had talent, roel, but this is extraordinary. You're destined for greatness

[@IronChuck]

There's always room for some Usagi Yojimbo! A+ for effort! After 30 years, it's totally time for this to make the big leap!

[@elonbartlettdc]

This is so cool. Can't wait for the full length version.

[@TurtleC0mic]

I wish this was a series. This is miles better than that Netflix kiddie show.

[@AVarStunts]

This is pretty awesome

[@Haggis_of_Doom]

Amazing!!!!!!!! Love it!!!!!! The music is awesome!!!!!!! Can't wait for this!!!!

[@leijin6302]

I haven't seen nothing like this in years! Please, studios should really consider making this happen - make it feature film length, or make a televison series! It will do great I bet! Everyone will love it! I love it!

[@mmmagicmmmike]

It's like taking something amazing and then turning it into a magical masterpiece. Too many a times are things rushed nowadays whether it be independent projects or full animation pieces; but, "The Last Request" proves that good polished work still exists. I cannot wait to see the feature length that's in store for us. The lighting, angles, and attention to detail were very superb for this short so I can only expect the same quality on the feature film!

[@williamcrook4644]

This should be a whole series hands down best usagi animation

[@FireAndFuryComic]

Excellent work! Usagi Yojimbo is one of the most memorable characters from my childhood. I really hope you get the chance to make the a whole feature film. I'd certainly go see it!

[@DoubleDowner]

I haven't even hit play yet and I already need to thank you. Huge long time Usagi fan, hmmmm come to think of it, for 16 years now !!!

[@Disciple_Of_Lerxst]

Why haven't more of these been made!!!??? I am an Usagi fan from the 80's and I just found this today!! This was AWESOME!!

[@cherdawg]

This is pretty great. I want more Usagi!

[@SwaggerLikeUz]

Awesome short film to one of my favorite characters since my 80's childhood. U have a great imagination, and I enjoyed everything about this. The dialogue, the stop motion, art direction, execution, pacing, directing, and your vision. fav'd it!

[@serasniketa9128]

Love it! Especially that little dog with the bell. Too cute.

[@stevehubbell90]

Awesome film! Not a whole lot on the internet gets me to turn on my speakers, but I am thankful that I did for this video. Now it is just a matter of waiting for Roel Robles and the rest of the amazing folks at Lintika Films to complete the Usagi Yojimbo feature film which they want to do. It will be fantastic to see a Usagi film of this quality at the theatre..... Now to share the link for this video with everyone I know!

[@2112gothmog]

Beautiful Work! Does Usagi justice and breaks new ground in stop-motion martial arts, with the right amount of humor - love the tribute at the end! Awesome!

[@clysly]

BEAUTIFUL! MY 10 YEAR OLD ENJOYED IT. GREAT WORK ROEL!

[@rickleeoconnor]

This is fantastic! I have been waiting for the day that a talented group of folks would do justice to my favorite honorary Ninja Turtle ;)

[@DoppelgangerShockwave]

I would love to see this made into a full-length feature film. This was awesome! : )

[@smartalek180]

Huh. I never noticed the Wanted poster on the wall last time. Assume that's Zato-Ino, the blind swordspig in the Usagi-verse? This gets even better on re-watching.

[@dougepps9425]

Loved this. Loved the translation from artwork to 3D via stop-motion, it created a very rich texturing and real-ness to the world. Can't wait to show my kids to get them excited about the world of Usagi Yojimbo.

[@jabba359]

This needs to be made into a movie. If they can make something like this on almost no budget, imagine what could be done WITH a budget!

[@toyotageek]

Most awesome to see Usagi come to life! Here's looking forward to more.... 乾杯 (Kanpai!)

[@kellysmith7285]

Wow - that was great. I am not familiar with the character but was pleasantly surprised how drawn in I was about the character. Great film - do more!!!

[@michaeltakahara4663]

Thank you for making and sharing this! It is great to see these characters come to life under your teams direction. Excellent!

[@kathrynotoshi69]

With so many Usagi Yojimbo fans out there - a feature film would certainly be exciting! Best Wishes!

[@terrymolatore4808]

awesome, I want to see more!

[@its5oclocksomewhere]

Love the comic, but stop motion AND martial arts!? This already has that nostalgic look/feel that I love about stop motion films, and it sucks you in, making you take notice of all the little details in everything! CAN'T WAIT to see the full length feature version!!

[@therikkemc]

This stop motion animation piece is brilliant and the story super engaging. Awesome!

[@Chimbri]

As a Usagi Yojimbo fan: Great work! I want to see more, keep up the good work!!!!!

[@SH-xq6cn]

you can just tell when something is made of love

[@sofana003]

This is pretty good I'm absolutely in love with it

[@zebra3494]

Fantastic stop motion animation! Great job. Can't wait to see this as a full length movie!

[@Deesy8]

SO AWESOME!!! I can't wait to see the full length feature film!!! Congratulations to the amazingly talented Roel Robles and everyone involved in making this short!!!

[@bxr2k1]

thank you....Mr. Sakai and his family should be proud.

[@evanzai1]

Love the video. There is so much I appreciate about the film. The attention to detail of sound and visuals at the beginning and the use of the soundtrack was good. Love the combination of the stop animation along with the sketch animation for the flashback. I only knew of Usagi through my cousin growing up and to see life brought to it through his vision makes this much more meaningful and special. Great job on this production and can't wait to see more!

[@moonbeamwendy]

Fantastic job from everyone involved! I loved the Taiko drumming, it really added atmosphere. Can't wait to see more!!

[@louise12197]

Thank you for making this! It was truly amazing to watch. All the hardwork you put in to the details and story was so cool! I hope you make a full film soon!

[@bonovox103]

I'd totally see a full length movie of this. The noodle coming out the rhino's nose was great.

[@alanmartin1037]

Fantastic short film...we need to see more!!

[@reuellorejo674]

You guys did an awesome job! hope to see this soon on the big screen. I like how Gen's sake just spills from his cup and the look in his eye after Hanzo introduces himself. Great stuff! Keep it up!

[@artwithalison3296]

Looks amazing! Love the all the sets and figures! Great work guys.

[@kaijuguy19]

This is a wonderful short movie. :) The time put into this shows effort and it's a great way to celebrate 30 years of the rabbit ronin.

[@MCANONYMOUS13]

This was fun to watch, thanx for making it!

[@AponceSWAG]

This is awesome!!

[@esaedvik]

Oh man, this brought back so many memories :) Awesome!

[@CANNABEARDGAMING]

I seriously stop by here every so often to re-watch this. I need to do a review of the new toyline in my Usagi costume, you can see a pic of me in my costume in the last "Usagi yojimbo color special" by dark horse comics.

[@Buffy1999]

What a fantastic look, I would definitely pay money to see a full length version, loved this!...thx guys!

[@ArthurIlasco]

This was awesome! The noodles in the nose had me bustin' up- hahaha!! I can't wait to see the full movie version.

[@stephaniesakai6295]

Beautiful work! I love the sets! I can't wait to see the full film.

[@lsgh79]

stop motion animation gives a captivating spin to this comic book fave. well done, roel, and best wishes on the project!

[@lilkumabear]

Nice work Roel! You got my family intrigued...my husband and my 5 yr old son know nothing about Usagi, but we all want more! The characters have magnetic personalities...charismatic, adorable, silly, and confident...and we can all easily relate to them.

[@aprilzackary]

Laika studios should absolutely get the rights to UY and make a full-length stop-motion film in the same style as Kubo and the Two Strings.

[@RockySunico]

Beautifully done.

[@makoftheyear]

I freaking love this! I'm excited to share this with the kids in my life who appreciate this craft and would go bananas over it! Please make this happen! I want MOOOOORE!

[@dunkorodunkoro]

I liked it very much. The details, the music, fantastic! Hope this project will go on, on screen on dvd, whereever.

[@billychu3750]

looking awesome, great work guys!

[@jeffnaniola7473]

Aloha~ First time experiencing Usagi Yojimbo--well done and well played! Flashback animation and stop motion--impressive! Most excellent Roel! Extremely proud of you sir! Mahalo from Maui!!!

[@vixencalica437]

Loved the animation,music,storyline, and sound effects!

[@abigailbarenfus3384]

Wow, this is great! Very creative and well-designed. I also really enjoyed the sets - I got a great feel for the setting. Wish this project all the best!

[@marcwendt269]

the look of this is so awesome.... I cant wait to see the feature film

[@mrwilson510]

that was awesome, can't wait for the sequel

[@ohboyhowdy1373]

Can't believe I'm just now seeing this!

[@yobubo]

So worth the wait, and OMG congrats on securing the rights for the feature length film! I will look forward to watching it's creation unfold (hint, hint, please post updates!)

[@mariarios6945]

Wow! That was great! Looking forward to seeing more!

[@treyblack3751]

This was a beautiful synthesis of the early Usagi stories. I'd love to see more!

[@rawcite]

Tight!! Great work. I'm an old school TMNT and Yusagi and Cerebus fan. So I feel you guys. Keep up the amazing work! Dope piece. Much respect.

[@DenDemp223]

Looks great. Can't wait to see it on big screen. Love the effects.

[@TheKiplarsen]

Some awesome work friends!!! Loved seeing so many familiar names in the credits. I was captivated not only by the quality of the work but by the story... This short film definitely left me wanting MORE!!! Hope "the powers that be" in Hollywood (or India for that matter) can pull their heads from their proverbial behinds long enough to realize what a great film this would make!

[@The_D_ray]

I can't believe I took so many years to understand that the "curve" Usagi has on his forehead is a scar and not an eyebrow line. And the best thing is that I even know who made the scar what the hell.

[@whoopshere]

Well done Roel! I really enjoyed this short. Would love to see feature length!

[@applepye1353]

Very well done. I love Usagi.

[@ftloc]

Gen's voice didn't sound anything like what I had in my head but I still loved it! Great little video.

[@bbretall]

Very cool Usagi Yojimbo short film. I love the stop-motion animation. Limited 2-D animation in the flashback was OK, liked the idea of the animation for the flashback.

[@2LiveRue]

Very much interested in seeing more of this! Great attention to detail! More, More, More, please!

[@TheGondolier]

This looks great! Such a unique style, so much artistry and passion in every frame. I want to see a feature version!

[@GenX-Memories]

That was actually really good! Nice job guys!

[@LinawSt]

This is great! Great job guys!

[@EnterSandwich]

Watching this during Usagi's 40th anniversary. Great work

[@zackb5636]

I wish something like this would come on as regular series but it would probably be slick CGI with no soul. This has soul.

[@cyagurl]

Fantastic!!! More more more! Stop action is a lost art - carry on.

[@michaeltakahara4663]

I watched this again and I am amazed at what you could do in such a short production time with no budget. I love the little details: great soundtrack that sets the mood, the use of Japanese maple leaves to end the title sequence, the stills of rain and restaurant fire/cooking before the introduction of characters mirrors Japanese cinema, the details of steam coming off of boiling water and the Japanese box meal make it authentic, the 2D animation background has the detail of a Studio Ghibli film, the steam coming out of tea cup and Usagi blowing it before taking a drink, the rhino spilling his sake and the noodle coming out of his funny, The stop motion is full of detailed movements that makes the characters come alive. The fight scene was well cut. I think if you had a budget and more time to tell the story, it you could make it flow into a classic animated tale (like The Lion King or Finding Nemo). I want to see more!

[@nomadicyoutube]

Great commentary - you caught a lot of the details!

[@trae126tn]

Awesome stuff!! Great job guys!

[@pendragonxt3674]

Incredible! This is amazing!

[@unica0101]

The film is so well made hopefully the KZbin algorithm gives it a chance!

[@blank557]

Well Done! Please do more. Usgai Yojimbo is my all time fav.

[@nancyl4822]

This is great! Can't wait for the feature film!!

[@paintbetty]

Can't wait to see this on the big screen ;)