Not only appropriate but an almost necessity for NECA to include Stan Sakai's legendary character into the TMNT line. From NECA:
NECA licenses Stan Sakai’s “Usagi Yojimbo” for inclusion in its TMNT action figure line!
HILLSIDE, NJ, August 31, 2021 — NECA is thrilled to announce an incredible addition to its bestselling line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures! In partnership with award-winning creator Stan Sakai, NECA has licensed world-famous comic book series Usagi Yojimbo, starring Miyamoto Usagi, who appeared many times in the classic and modern TMNT cartoon series as well as the comic books.
Set in Edo-era Japan, Sakai’s continuing story of the rabbit rōnin (masterless samurai) has drawn praise for its faithful reflection of many aspects of traditional Japanese culture. Since its beginning in 1984, Sakai has won numerous awards for the series, including the National Cartoonists Society Award, the Parents’ Choice Award, the Harvey Award for Best Cartoonist and over ten Eisner Awards in addition to being inducted into the Eisner Hall of Fame in 2020.
NECA has been a long time ViacomCBS partner and has produced an expansive line of collector products based on the franchise’s movies and animated series, including collector figures, prop replicas, accessories, collectibles and more — available at Target, Walmart, and local comic book stores across the United States as well as internationally through authorized distributors around the world.
Prototype sculpt – not final
