Afro Samurai is an animated series, based on the Afro Samurai manga. The series is set in feudal Japan and follows Afro, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, as he avenges his father's death by becoming the number one samurai in the land.http://www.afrosamurai.com/ The Afro Samurai series is a Japanese seinen dōjinshi manga, which are self-published works typically targeted at an adult male demographic. The manga series originally ran from September of 1999 to May of 2000. The animated series had a short run from January of 2007, and came to a close one month later, in February of 2007.http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=afro+samurai
Although the animated series only had a short run of 5 episodes, it was successful in gathering a dedicated fan base and being nominated for two Emmy awards. Following the Afro Samurai manga and animated series, a film entitled Afro Samurai: Resurrection, and an Afro Samurai video game were released in 2009.http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=afro+samurai Both the television series and the film were provided soundtracks by the RZA, member of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan.http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=afro+samurai
In 2008, an Afro Samurai live action film was announced. The feature film is rumored to star hip-hop performer Andre 'Andre 3000' Benjamin, of the hip-hop duo Outkast, in the role of Afro and Samuel L. Jackson in the role of the father.http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-07/samuel-jackson-on-afro-samurai-live-action-film-plan
Afro Samurai Manga Series
The Afro Samurai manga series began as a self- funded and published piece. Written and illustrated by Takashi Okazaki, and originally ran from September of 1999 to May of 2000. The story is set in a futuristic feudal Japan. In an attempt to avenge his father’s death, Afro has set out to become the number one samurai. It is believed that the one who posses the number one headband shall posses god-like powers, and be the strongest fighter in the world. In order to obtain the number one headband, one must rise through the 25 ranks, challenging and defeating each level.http://www.gomanga.com/manga/afrosamurai.php
As the series opens, the number two headband, Justice, challenges the number one, Rokutaro. Justice is successful in defeating Rokutaro, decapitating him in the process. The gruesome battle is witnessed by Rokutaro’s son, Afro. Set on revenge, a now adult Afro is currently the number two headband. Afro travels to Japan in search of Justice. There, he is met by a number of challengers and enemies, before he finally meets and defeats Justice.http://www.gomanga.com/manga/afrosamurai.php
Afro Samurai Animated Series
Based on the Afro Samurai manga series, the Afro Samurai animated series ran from January 4, 2007 to February 1, 2007. The series was produced by Japanese Gonzo studio, where it took 3 years to develop. The Afro Samurai animated series starred Samuel L. Jackson as the voice of Afro. The soundtrack for the series was provided by hip-hop artist RZA, of the rap group Wu-Tang Clan. The series premiered in the United States on Spike TV, on January 4, 2007. It was later released in Japan in May of that same year. Between 2007 and 2008, Afro Samurai was released on both DVD and Blu-Ray formats.http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=afro+samurai
Episode List
- Number Two – original air date January 04, 2007
- Okiku – original air date January 11, 2007
- The Empty Seven Clan – original air date January 18, 2007
- Kuma – original air date January 25, 2007
- Justice – original air date February 1, 2007
Cast
- Samuel L. Jackson - Afro Samurai
- Phil LaMarr - Brother 1
- Yuri Lowenthal - Kuma
- Terrence 'T.C.' Carson - Sword Master
- John Di Maggio - Brother #2
- Greg Eagles - Brother #6
- Ron Perlman - Justice
- S. Scott Bullock - Dharman
- Jeff Bennett - Foo
- Jason Marsden - Sasuke
- Tara Strong - Otsuru
- Fred Tatasciore - Juzo
- Dave Wittenberg – Assassin
- Crystal Scales - Young Afro Samurai
