Afro Samurai (2007– )

A Black samurai goes on a mission to avenge the wrongful death of his father in a futuristic feudal Japan.

Writer:

Takashi Okazaki (creator)

Stars:

Samuel L. Jackson, Phil LaMarr, Yuri Lowenthal

Cast

Series cast summary:
Samuel L. Jackson	...	Ninja Ninja (5 episodes, 2007)
Phil LaMarr	...	Brother 1 (5 episodes, 2007)
Yuri Lowenthal	...	Kuma (4 episodes, 2007)
Greg Eagles	...	Brother 6 (3 episodes, 2007)
Terrence 'T.C.' Carson	...	Sword Master (3 episodes, 2007)
John DiMaggio	...	Brother 2 (3 episodes, 2007)

Storyline

In a strange world of swords, guns and kimonos, cell phones and cybernetic body parts - a black samurai, Afro Samurai, seeks revenge from a man named Justice who killed his father and also happens to be the #1 fighter in the world. After Afro earns the rank of #2 fighter needed to challenge the #1, he starts his lonely walk to revenge. He faces bounty hunters, bar thugs and fanatical monks - all of whom seem to have clues to the whereabouts of Justice and all of whom covet the position of #2 for themselves. Also along the way we are introduced to Afro's chatty companion - the light hearted Ninja Ninja.

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Plot Keywords:

afro | samurai | japan | feudal japan | revenge | 

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Genres:

Animation | Action | Adventure | Drama | Fantasy

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Details

Official Sites:

G.D.H. [jp] (English)

Country:

USA Japan

Language:

English French

Release Date:

4 January 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Afro samuraj

Box Office

Budget:

JPY 119,580,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fuji Television Network, G.D.H., Gonzo

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min 125 min (5 episodes)

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

[to young Afro after killing his father]
Justice: It's unfortunate you had to see this, boy. This moment will always haunt you. Challenge me when you are ready to duel a god.

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Connections

Featured in Anime: Drawing a Revolution (2007)

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Soundtracks

"Hate"
Written by Michael Baiardi and Christian Altman and Matthew Harris
Published by Soundfile Publishing (ASCAP)
Performed by M1
Courtesy of Soundfile Records

User Reviews

Samurai champ-wha?

So, I was on the phone channel surfing last night and I almost missed the premiere of this show I've been waiting on for months! I told the person I was talking to that I had to go and I strapped in for the most exciting, action-packed and engrossing anime since Ninja Scroll. A few years ago, SAMURAI CHAMPLOO officially set the bar for innovative feudal-era anime in America. Well, after watching this, AFRO SAMURAI will have you saying "Samurai champ-wha?" The setup is straight out of an Albert Pyun flick: Young boy sees father slain by big baddie. Young boy then grows into badass man and proceeds to challenge big baddie. But the things that GONZO adds to the anime make it more than just your average chop and dice. The mish-mash of ancient Japan and present day also add an interesting visual style to it, kind of like Yûji Shimomura's DEATH TRANCE. In addition, Spike TV did not skimp out on the violence. There's decapitations, impalements, limbs being chopped off, blood spirts like out of KILL BILL; and this was supposed to be the edited-for-TV version!! And let's not forget Samuel L. Jackson, who voices Afro and his sidekick Ninja Ninja. He manages to do both voices completely different (cool, calm and few words with Afro; energetic banter by Ninja Ninja), and of course it's SAMUEL-FRICKING-L. JACKSON!!! The man is just too cool for description! He was the absolutely perfect choice for this project!! I can't wait until the next episode, and please believe I will be copping this bad boy when it debuts on DVD. Until then, Spike TV bitches!!!!