Written By: Takashi Okazaki
Studio: Gonzo
Original TV Run: January 4, 2007 – February 1, 2007
Episodes: 5
“Afro Samurai” centers on the quest for the “Number One Headband”. With the headband not only comes the recognition that you are the toughest, greatest fighter in the world, but also a power that rivals God himself. While the first part makes sense, the last does not in the grand scheme of things. Why? Because someone can lose the number one headband to the wearer of the number two headband in a battle to the death; just because you are the number one headband owner doesn’t make you an immortal being. When the series begins, a young boy witnesses his father decapitation in an effort to defend the headband and keep it out of the world’s system. The honorable, dead gentleman never has the chance to instill in his son the act of revenge can only beget more hurt and violence. This unintended lack of fathering leaves the boy to age and seek revenge for his father’s killer – a gray-skinned cowboy ironically named “Justice”.
The little boy grows up to be none other than the show’s lead character, Afro. For some reason, the boy either forgot or never had a real name. So a group of orphaned kids who eventually find the fatherless boy name him after what visibly stands out the most on him – his Afro. Though little Afro is able to live a wholesome life alongside his orphaned brethren, he opts to seek vengeance.
Throughout the series, we are given the chance to see the deep conflict hindering Afro’s growth that sits beyond his father’s death while being entertained by a mixture of blood and jokes made by Afro’s quirky little sidekick, Ninja Ninja. The bouncy, almost inhuman character with the double name is one of the series’ finest points. Though he might seem like a simple comic foil, Ninja Ninja seemingly represents a part of Afro that can’t be expressed any more. The fear, anxiousness, and subtle joy a normal man could show isn’t available through Afro, but by Ninja Ninja.
As you’d expect, Afro’s journey to the literal top of the mountain isn’t easy (and I do mean “literal”). Not only does Afro have to contend with his personal demons and people looking to take his head for the number two headband adorning his forehead, but also face himself in battle … literally. Thanks to the elicit Empty Seven – a brotherhood of six monks who help spread the belief that attaining all the headbands lead to god-like status – Afro has to take down robots with rocket propelled grenades, flame throwers, and even someone who knows him better than himself if he wants to meet Justice for a final battle. Oh, and there’s a double sword-wielding teddy bear thrown in there for good measure.
Animation: As you’d expect from a show produced by renowned company Gonzo, “Afro Samurai” is a beautiful piece of work to witness. The scenery pieces accent the top-notch action. It’s beautiful as it is blistering. The fights themselves are so gorgeous it’s downright sickening at times. Seeing blood spewing from someone’s detached arms sparkling in the moonlight is something that’ll turn your stomach if you’re not prepared.
Samuel L. Jackson: Coming into the show and seeing Jackson’s name attached to Afro is something you wouldn’t get excited about when you realize Afro barely talks. Thankfully, Jackson took the reigns of Ninja Ninja, and knocked it out of the park like only Samuel Jackson can. Often times during the series, the tone rests on Jackson’s talents. Should we be fearful or take the situation seriously is usually answered by Ninja Ninja’s evaluations. And to make each assessment feel real and unique is a credit to the talent of a man who is heralded the world over as one of the best.
Gives You What You Want: “Afro Samurai” doesn’t lure you into a false sense of security and not deliver. The series is an action romp through the bloody fields of feudalistic Japan; with a few questions of morality thrown in to make you understand what Afro feels.
The Sound: With the help of Wu-Tang’s The RZA, “Afro Samurai” is a beautiful meshing of Japanese sights and an American hip hop sound. You would think it wouldn’t work, but The RZA gets it done like only a man of his caliber could.
Unoriginal Story: This is a revenge story. A bloody, action-fueled revenge tale featuring a black samurai. “Afro Samurai” doesn’t turn the action/revenge genre on its ear, but embraces what it is. If you’re looking for something more than that, move along.
Feels Like A Broken Movie: Watching the show on DVD helps take this lowlight away. But it also reminds the viewers who witnessed “Afro Samurai” during its original airing on Spike TV that the series felt like one long movie broken up to last five weeks. This disjointed feel took you out of the natural flow this show provides in one sitting.
To a certain extent, “Afro Samurai” is a gory, hollow experience that those turning off their brains for two-plus hours can enjoy. In reality, it’s the epitome of a revenge tale that reminds everyone violence only creates more violence. As verbally noted during the series’ closing moments, “…it goes on, and on, and on.” If you like your action wild and your samurais black, give “Afro Samurai” a try. But don’t expect to walk away thinking you’ve see the second coming of “Akira”.
