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Afro-Samurai
Anime DVD Review
Statement of Bias — I'll watch *anything* with Samuel L. Jackson in it - even Snakes on a Plane! So, it should come as no surprise that I found this pairing of Jackson, anime, and the Spike TV network to be a real hoot. And in no way whatsoever does it disappoint — costing an obscene $1 million per episode, this Gonzo-created, over-the-top extravaganza is loaded with bloody carnage, action-on-top-of-action, and fight scene followed by fight scene — heck, we don't even get to the beginning of the plot until well into episode two!
 What plot there is — Afro Samurai is the story of a Black samurai in a futuristic yet feudal Japan who is on a mission to avenge the wrongful death of his father. Afro is a warrior who travels a solitary path encountering a myriad of enemies, friends, and challenges beyond imagination. To become "number 1", you have to kill "number 2" and then the current "number 1". It sounds easy, but it's not.
Afro Samurai blends traditional Japanese culture, funky technology and hip-hop to create a brutally fresh entertainment experience. Nothing is what it seems, and in a bizarre twist right out of a Satoshi Kon film, Afro even has to battle a Ninja teddy-bear (with really disturbing eyes).
Additionally, this "Director's Cut" release include never-before-seen footage (stuff too hot even for Spike!) as well as "behind the scenes" looks into the music production, voice acting and animation creation. While none of the extras are terribly deep, they are informative.
Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, July 2007
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