AFRO SAMURAI's deep themes and visual appeal - A thorough review

Afro Samurai - A tale of vengeance and swords

Overview

"Afro Samurai" is a TV anime series based on the original manga by Okazaki Noriyuki, which was broadcast on WOWOW in 2007. Although it was a short series of only five episodes, it became a hot topic due to its unique worldview, stylish visuals, and the participation of Samuel L. Jackson as a voice actor. Animation was produced by GONZO, and the director was Kizaki Fuminori.

■ Story

The story of "Afro Samurai" is set in a special world called "The Way of the Dark Swordsman." In this world, the rule is that whoever holds the "Number One" headband will rule the world, and only the holder of the "Number Two" headband is allowed to fight "Number One." The protagonist, Afro Samurai, has his father killed by a gunman named Justice when he was a child, and he vows to take revenge. As an adult, Afro obtains the "Number Two" headband and sets out on a journey of revenge.

During his journey, Afro meets a jokey man named Ninja Ninja, and together they reach a small town. There, they are attacked by small fry, but they learn that their sworn enemy, Justice, is on Mount Sumeru. However, Afro is wounded by a poisoned arrow and falls into a valley. Mortally wounded, Afro sees childhood memories between dreams and reality. He was picked up by a swordsmanship master, lived with other orphans at a dojo, and developed bonds with his older brother, Jinnosuke, and a young girl named Otsuru. When Afro regains consciousness, his wounds are healed by the dedicated care of a woman named Okiku, but Okiku is a kunoichi from a mysterious religious group called "Mumu Bozu". Okiku is unable to kill Afro, and "Mumu Bozu", sensing his betrayal, kills Okiku and steals the memory chip containing Afro's swordsmanship data.

As Afro and his friends head for Mount Sumeru again, Mumubozu sends in a new assassin. It is Aphrodroid, a clone robot that looks just like Afro. Afro struggles against this formidable opponent who surpasses him in every way, but he remembers his master's words, "Munen Musou," and defeats him. Afro destroys Mumubozu's main camp and reaches the top of the mountain, only to be confronted by Samurai Kuma, wearing the head of a stuffed bear. In the midst of the fierce battle, Afro realizes that he recognizes the way the bear strikes him. When the bear's head is torn off, it reveals the completely changed form of his former senior apprentice, Jinnosuke. He, too, is a sword demon obsessed with "revenge." Afro wins the fight against Jinnosuke and finally faces off against Justice. The story reaches its climax, with the question of whether Afro will be able to avenge his father and rise to the top of the "Dark Swordsman Way."

■Explanation

"Afro Samurai" became a hot topic across the US when Samuel L. Jackson voiced the role of Afro Samurai. With the theme "the sword is mightier than the gun," the film attracted attention as a fusion of Japanese spirit and Western learning. The original work was a limited edition comic by Okazaki Yoshishi, which was animated by GONZO, and the project progressed significantly when Samuel L. Jackson himself announced his participation. Furthermore, a number of talented Hollywood actors participated, and The RZA provided hip-hop sounds, bringing together a luxurious staff and cast.

Afro Samurai is one of the few examples of a Japanese animation that has made a comeback and been successful in Japan. It received enthusiastic support at the Shibuya preview and director Kizaki Fuminori was also highly praised, garnering wide support from core Japanese anime fans to overseas audiences. The sight of the outrageous hero, an afro-haired samurai, slashing through bows, missiles, and androids in a world that resembles a period drama was surprising, not comical, but cool! Afro Samurai has made a triumphant return to Japan not only as a leader in the contemporary cultural scene, but also as a piece of global content that cuts through the cultural gap between pop and otaku in one fell swoop.

■Cast

• Afro Samurai, Ninja Ninja: Samuel L. Jackson
• Justice: Ron Perlman
• Okiku: Kelly Hu

■ Main staff

• Original author: Noriyuki Okazaki
• Director: Fumitomo Kizaki
• Music: The RZA
• Screenwriters: Tomohiro Yamashita, Yasuyuki Muto, Derek Draper (English version), Chris Yoo (English version)
• Character design: Hiroya Iijima
• Animation Production: GONZO

■ Main Characters

• Afro Samurai (aka Afro)
  When he was young, his father, who was the No. 1 in the "Dark Swordsman Way," was killed right before his eyes by Justice, who was the No. 2 at the time. In order to avenge his father's death, he trained in the sword and began his journey of revenge as a samurai wearing the No. 2 headband.
• Ninja Ninja A mysterious man who follows Afro. In contrast to Afro, he talks a lot.
• Justice A gunman who killed Afro's father and is now the "number one" swordsman in the world of dark swordsmen.
• Okiku A mysterious woman who devotedly nurses Afro's injured body.

■Subtitle

• #01: Number Two
• #02: OKIKU
• #03: THE EMPTY SEVEN CLAN
• #04: KUMA
• #05: JUSTICE

■ Related works

• Afro Samurai The Movie
• Afro Samurai Resurrection

■ Theme songs and music

• TM1
• First Movement
• Lyricist: Robert Diggs
• Composer: Robert Diggs
• Arrangement: Robert Diggs
• Sung by: meg rock

■ Evaluation and recommendation

Afro Samurai has been a hot topic due to its unique worldview, stylish visuals, and the participation of Samuel L. Jackson as a voice actor. Although it is a short series of only five episodes, it is packed with a dense story and the charm of the characters. In particular, Afro Samurai's journey of revenge, his comical exchanges with Ninja Ninja, and the final battle with Justice are not to be missed. The hip-hop sound by The RZA also adds to the atmosphere of the work and captures the hearts of viewers.

This work is a representative example of "Japanimation" that embodies the fusion of Japanese spirit and Western learning, and is also recognized as a work that leads the modern cultural scene. It is recommended not only for anime fans, but also for those interested in movies and music. It is especially a must-see for fans of Samuel L. Jackson and those who want to experience hip-hop culture. "Afro Samurai" is a short but deep story and visuals that will leave a strong impression on viewers.

■Detailed information and recommendations

"Afro Samurai" is a 5-episode TV anime series that was broadcast on WOWOW in 2007. The original work is a manga by Okazaki Noriyuki, and the animation was produced by GONZO. It was directed by Kizaki Fuminori, and the music was by The RZA. Many talented Hollywood actors participated in the series, including Samuel L. Jackson, who plays the dual roles of Afro Samurai and Ninja Ninja.

The story is set in a unique world called "The Way of the Dark Swordsman." In this world, the rule is that whoever holds the "Number One" headband will rule the world, and only the holder of the "Number Two" headband is allowed to fight "Number One." The main character, Afro Samurai, has his father killed by a gunman named Justice when he was a child, and he vows to take revenge. As an adult, Afro obtains the "Number Two" headband and sets out on a journey of revenge.

During his journey, Afro meets a jokey man named Ninja Ninja, and together they reach a small town. There, they are attacked by small fry, but they learn that their sworn enemy, Justice, is on Mount Sumeru. However, Afro is wounded by a poisoned arrow and falls into a valley. Mortally wounded, Afro sees childhood memories between dreams and reality. He was picked up by a swordsmanship master, lived with other orphans at a dojo, and developed bonds with his older brother, Jinnosuke, and a young girl named Otsuru. When Afro regains consciousness, his wounds are healed by the dedicated care of a woman named Okiku, but Okiku is a kunoichi from a mysterious religious group called "Mumu Bozu". Okiku is unable to kill Afro, and "Mumu Bozu", sensing his betrayal, kills Okiku and steals the memory chip containing Afro's swordsmanship data.

As Afro and his friends head for Mount Sumeru again, Mumubozu sends in a new assassin. It is Aphrodroid, a clone robot that looks just like Afro. Afro struggles against this formidable opponent who surpasses him in every way, but he remembers his master's words, "Munen Musou," and defeats him. Afro destroys Mumubozu's main camp and reaches the top of the mountain, only to be confronted by Samurai Kuma, wearing the head of a stuffed bear. In the midst of the fierce battle, Afro realizes that he recognizes the way the bear strikes him. When the bear's head is torn off, it reveals the completely changed form of his former senior apprentice, Jinnosuke. He, too, is a sword demon obsessed with "revenge." Afro wins the fight against Jinnosuke and finally faces off against Justice. The story reaches its climax, with the question of whether Afro will be able to avenge his father and rise to the top of the "Dark Swordsman Way."

"Afro Samurai" became a hot topic across the US when Samuel L. Jackson voiced the role of Afro Samurai. With the theme "the sword is mightier than the gun," the film attracted attention as a fusion of Japanese spirit and Western learning. The original work was a limited edition comic by Okazaki Yoshishi, which was animated by GONZO, and the project progressed significantly when Samuel L. Jackson himself announced his participation. Furthermore, a number of talented Hollywood actors participated, and The RZA provided hip-hop sounds, bringing together a luxurious staff and cast.

Afro Samurai is one of the few examples of a Japanese animation that has made a comeback and been successful in Japan. It received enthusiastic support at the Shibuya preview and director Kizaki Fuminori was also highly praised, garnering wide support from core Japanese anime fans to overseas audiences. The sight of the outrageous hero, an afro-haired samurai, slashing through bows, missiles, and androids in a world that resembles a period drama was surprising, not comical, but cool! Afro Samurai has made a triumphant return to Japan not only as a leader in the contemporary cultural scene, but also as a piece of global content that cuts through the cultural gap between pop and otaku in one fell swoop.

This work is a representative example of "Japanimation" that embodies the fusion of Japanese spirit and Western learning, and is also recognized as a work that leads the modern cultural scene. It is recommended not only for anime fans, but also for those interested in movies and music. It is especially a must-see for fans of Samuel L. Jackson and those who want to experience hip-hop culture. "Afro Samurai" is a short but deep story and visuals that will leave a strong impression on viewers.