Season 1 – Afro Samurai

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Alex B @Aeizalt Dec 15 Afro Samurai is a hidden gem: not much talked about, a short jaunt through the world of the black afro'd samurai, but more than enough to chew on for many years to come. I believe making the series longer would dilute its potency. I'm so glad I stumbled across this absolute masterpiece: I'm surprised at the lack of ratings but not at the 75% Popcornmeter. I could see how this tour de force would go over some people's heads. Story: 10/10 Animation: 9/10 Effects: 9/10 Character Development: 10/10 Pace: 10/10 Character Design: 10/10 Voiceover: 9/10 Music: 8/10 There is so much raw meaning embedded into this absolute joy of an animation, coupled with compelling, unique, and engaging character design and visual mechanics. The originality goes way beyond even a lot of what I see today. Of course, it's also refreshing to see a black protagonist in the world of anime. I usually cringe at excessive violence, but when it's laden with meaning I find it much more palatable. Well done. See more Jude chelsea T @RT50839863 Dec 1 ONLY 74 PERCENT?! It should be at least 95! See more Ash P @AshParth Sep 25 Afro Samurai, an anime that I remember growing up through the end of my high school years as this was on Toonami. Five short episodes of a black samurai, which is like a portrayal of Yasuke himself, on a path of revenge against his father's killer. All for the sake of a handband that could grant godlike powers for anyone who wears them. Afro, the main character himself, wears the Number Two Headband, traveling to the place where his father was killed, and the new bearer of the Number One Headband, Justaice, resides. Behind him, the Empty Seven Clan sends their legion of robot ninjas and mechanical creations to kill Afro and take the Number Two Headband for their own purpose. As the story goes on, we see Afro's backstory as well as running across a few other individuals alongside his companion, Ninja Ninja. Yeah, it's pretty much the story of it being a straightforward revenge plot. Besides Afro being the main character, we have several others who are either friendly or working alongside the Empty Seven Clan. You have his childhood friend, Jinnosuke, and his sister, Otsuru, alongside the rest of the dojo where their master had brought Afro in as a new member of his family. Brothers 1-6 who lead the Empty Seven Clan who send their minions to kill Afro to get their hands on the Number Two Headband. Therefore, sending out Kuma, Okiku, Afro-Droid, and Dharman, who is the one who makes multiple mechanical creations for the Empty Seven Clan. The world building works well for what it is, being Western/feaudal Japan with some post-apocalyptic feel to it. Especially with how the animation and the atmosphere lays out for the characters. This is technically non-stop action for what it's worth when you have folks coming after you for a headband. It does have its moments to relax before the next action sequence takes place. Keep in mind, this is a bloody series for what its worth. Expect to see nothing but bodies being sliced and diced by the Afro Samurai. It also provides a stacked voice cast for what it's worth. Samuel L. Jackson as Afro and Ninja Ninja. Ron Perlman as Justice. Phil LaMarr as Brothers 1, 3, and 5. John DiMaggio as Brother 2. Yuri Lowenthal as Kuma. You also have Jason Marsden, Tara Strong, Greg Eagles, Terrence C. Carson, Liam O'Brian, and Kelly Hu. The funny thing is that I am comparing this anime with Yasuke as they are both portrayed as a historical figure as well as being a short series. What makes this anime superior was that the story was simple and took itself seriously. If I have to be honest, as much as Afro is an understandable character, I have to say Yasuke is a better character. With Yasuke, you do see his backstory while he understood what was at stake with the past coming back to haunt him. However, the story of Yasuke is just all over the place with what they were adding, as well as having the child character being unlikable throughout most of the series. Sure, Afro Samurai has a comic relief in the form of Ninja Ninja, yet at least he doesn't annoy me like Saki did for me. We could also compare the animation on both ends, yet they are just their own style. Gonzo was the company who worked on Afro Samurai while MAPPA was involved with Yasuke. Speaking of the animation, how about a fun fact about the person who drew Afro Samurai? The writer, Takashi Okazaki, started drawing African-American characters on items like Kleenex boxes when he was a teenager, inspired by his fondness for hip-hop and soiul music. Combining elements of samurai into his work, which eventually develop Afro himself. It goes to show that Okazaki cooked when he drew ideas from American media and their depiction of Japanese culture. Characters and art style aside, let's talk about the music. RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan was the man who composed the soundtrack for both the anime and the movie sequel, which we will look into in the future. It ain't just Okazaki who cooked, RZA also cooked with the music, for bringing black culture into a short, but sweet, anime series such as Afro Samurai. Despite some that are one-sided yet still successful with characters outside of Afro, this action-packed series is worth checking out if you want something short to pass the time. Sure, not too much on character growth. It's more or less a revenge story for a man who wants to avenge and take back the headband his father wore. At the least, we at least look into the tale of Afro before setting off his revenge via flashbacks. With a strong voice cast and good vibes from the music, this is one of my favorites. Short, sweet, and simple. I give Afro's story nine Afro smoking and chilling out of ten. 9/10. See more Reagan R @ReddRover Jun 22 If you are a young animation fan and stumble across this, take the advice of an elder and watch this show. The animation style will look dated, the story boring and the hip hop soundtrack a reflection of the past. But this anime remains an iconic, ambitious work. It has a singular style. Jagged outlines and striking colors paired with a fluid movement. The characters and backdrops are surreal, the editing and frame positions perfect. But mainly…it’s just undeniably cool. See more Read all reviews

Afro Samurai — Season 1

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