Country: America / Japan
Genre: Action
Year released: 2007
Running time: 5 Episodes
Director: Fuminori Kizaki
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson / Kelly Hu / Ron Perlman
Review by: M. Douglas
Date of review: 05/17/07

Perhaps best known for having the involvement of actor Samuel L. Jackson starring in a major role in the series production, “Afro Samurai” presents an interesting and unique take on the samurai genre. And while putting all casting-hype aside, and with animation being done by popular Japanese studio Gonzo, its mixture of east meet west philosophies seem to set it apart from the anime norm, providing the viewer with an entertaining and somber tale of vengeance.

The plot follows our relentless protagonist, who is only known throughout the land as the “Afro Samurai” (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson); a wandering soul who seeks vengeance for his father’s murder. You see, his father was the number one fighter in the world-that is until a warrior by the name of Justice mercilessly murders Afro’s father in a duel for the number one ranking. With Afro witnessing this horrific act, he abides to himself to dedicate his entire life to seek out and destroy Justice, thus ending his torment and despair. Along the way he garners many friends but even more foes, all who have the intent to stop him from reaching Justice. One friend in particular, whose name is “Ninja-Ninja” (also voiced by Jackson), is Afro’s tag-along partner who sees fit that he follow Afro until he reaches his destination. It’s a long and arduous journey that Afro must take…

First off, the animation is absolutely stellar. From the exhausting life-or-death battles, which range from aerial sword duels to lightening fast gun showdowns, to the beautiful and visually stimulating environments, each animated sequence is a sight to behold. Animation studio Gonzo has recently become a front-runner in the realm of anime, providing articulate and mesmerizing animation for shows such as “Samurai 7″, “Blue Submarine No. 6″, “Gantz”, and “Blood+”, “Afro Samurai” is yet another stepping stone for the studio, and is most certainly their most accomplished show yet.

With music production done by Wu-Tang Clan member/producer RZA, the surreal yet rhythmic nature of the soundtrack fits the show excellently. Best known for his contributions to the hip-hop world, RZA delightfully tries his hand at a number of innovative techniques that provide the show with a fascinating musical landscape that blends well with the series atmosphere and showcases RZA’s talent for constructing compositions that become not just a part of the show, but an essential element. And with voices talents such as Samuel L. Jackson, Ron Perlman, and Kelly Hu, how could you go wrong?

“Afro Samurai”, in the very least, is a technical milestone in its ability to combine superb animation, awesome voice talent, and a well-composed musical score. And while just a tad light in the story department, and perhaps too much “ultra-violence” for its own good, “Afro Samurai” is still a marvel to behold. If this is the result when America and Japan combine forces to produce an anime, the phrase “more is better” definitely comes into mind. A dark and gloomy work of art, “Afro Samurai” is a definite recommendation.

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Final Score

B+

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Trailer

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