Afro Samurai#Anime

{{Short description|Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Takashi Okazaki}}

{{About|the manga and anime series|the video game adaptation|Afro Samurai (video game)}}

{{Infobox animanga/Header

| name = Afro Samurai

| image = Afro vol1 english.jpg

| caption = Volume one of the Afro Samurai manga remake that was first released in America by Tor Books and Seven Seas Entertainment

| ja_kanji = アフロサムライ

| ja_romaji = Afuro Samurai

| genre = Action, period piece,{{cite web|url=http://www.sevenseasentertainment.com/series/afro-samurai/|title=Afro Samurai|publisher=Seven Seas Entertainment|access-date=August 30, 2018|archive-date=June 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616210022/http://www.sevenseasentertainment.com/series/afro-samurai/|url-status=live}} post-apocalyptic{{cite news |last1=Solomon |first1=Charles |title=American, Japanese pop culture meld in 'Afro Samurai' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-feb-02-et-afrosamurai2-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=August 30, 2018 |date=February 2, 2009 |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028033557/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/feb/02/entertainment/et-afrosamurai2 |url-status=live }}

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = manga

| title = Afro Samurai!

| author = Takashi Okazaki

| publisher = Self-funded dōjinshi

| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher|NA=Titan Manga}}

| demographic = Seinen

| magazine = Nou Nou Hau (dōjinshi)

| first = November 1998

| last = September 2002

| volumes = ^JP 1
^NA 2

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Video

| type = tv series

| director = Fuminori Kizaki

| producer = {{ubl|Kōji Kajita|Taito Okiura}}

| writer = {{ubl|{{small|Story:}}|Yasuyuki Mutō|Tomohiro Yamashita|{{small|Screenplay:}}|Derek Draper|Chris Yoo}}

| music = RZA

| studio = Gonzo

| licensee = Crunchyroll{{efn|In North America through Crunchyroll (formerly known as Funimation), in the United Kingdom through Crunchyroll UK and Ireland (formerly known as Manga Entertainment) and in Australia through Madman Anime.}}

| network = FNS (Fuji TV), Wowow

| network_en = {{English anime network

| AUS = MTV, ABC2

| NA = Spike

| UK = Adult Swim, Bravo

}}

| first = January 4, 2007

| last = February 1, 2007

| episodes = 5

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Other

| title = Anime television film

| content = * Afro Samurai: Resurrection (2009)

}}

{{Nihongo|Afro Samurai|アフロサムライ|Afuro Samurai|stylized as ΛFΓO SΛMUΓΛI}} is a Japanese seinen dōjinshi manga series written and illustrated by manga artist Takashi Okazaki. It was originally serialized irregularly in the avant-garde dōjinshi manga magazine Nou Nou Hau from November 1998 to September 2002. Inspired by Okazaki's love of hip hop and soul music, it follows the life of Afro Samurai, whose father and the owner of the No. 1 headband, was killed by a gunslinger and the owner of the No. 2 headband. Afro sets on a journey for revenge.

The Afro Samurai dōjinshi was adapted into an anime miniseries by Gonzo in 2007, along with the television film sequel Afro Samurai: Resurrection in 2009, both of which starred Samuel L. Jackson as the title character. The anime received two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation and Outstanding Animated Program, which it won. After the release of the anime series, Okazaki remade the original Afro Samurai dōjinshi into a two-volume manga. Tor Books and Seven Seas Entertainment licensed the title and published it under their new Tor/Seven Seas imprint for a North America exclusive release. In addition to the miniseries, Afro Samurai has been adapted into two video games. For the television series and film, two soundtracks by RZA of Wu-Tang Clan and a profile book were released in Japan.

Plot

In a feudal yet futuristic Japan, it is said that the one wearing the Number 1 headband is the greatest warrior in the world and shall possess god-like powers. Some believe it grants immortality while others believe they received headbands from the gods themselves. The only way to obtain the Number 1 headband is to challenge and defeat the current wearer in combat. However, only the wearer of the Number 2 headband can challenge the Number 1 whereas anyone can challenge the Number 2. The Number 2 headband's current owner, the outlaw Justice, fights and kills Rokutaro in front of his young son Afro and owner of the Number 1 headband. Afro vows revenge against Justice who tells him to seek him out when he is "ready to duel a god."{{cite web |last1=Vachev |first1=July |title=Afro Samurai rundown |url=https://ifgn.com/afro-samurai-afro-samurai-2-revenge-of-kuma/ |website=IFGN |access-date=January 30, 2019 |archive-date=January 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131040017/https://ifgn.com/afro-samurai-afro-samurai-2-revenge-of-kuma/ |url-status=dead }}

Years later, Afro wears the Number 2 headband. He kills a group of assassins, criminals, and mercenaries sent by the Empty Seven Clan, for whom they seek the headband. Recalling his tragic past, Afro goes to Mount Shumi to face Jinno, his childhood friend and fellow samurai, who blames him for killing their master (who had the Number 2 headband). He defeats Jinno and tracks down Justice, who explains that there are other headbands in existence, ranging to an unspecified higher number. Claiming that he intends to use his power as the Number 1 to bring peace to all mankind, Justice reveals that he killed all headband bearers and decorated his safe house with corpses. Afro kills Justice and takes the Number 1 headband. Afro settles in as the new Number 1 while Jinno, now claiming all headbands from Justice, returns to take revenge.

In Afro Samurai: Resurrection, Jinno and his sister Sio, steal Rokutaro's body and the Number 1 headband. After killing Shichigoro and taking the Number 2 headband, Afro confronts the resurrected Rokutaro, who kills the siblings. Afro defeats Rokutaro, gives the Number 2 headband to Shichigoro's son Kotaro, and peacefully continues wearing the Number 1. Elsewhere, a unknown man meets the revived Justice.

Production

Okazaki started drawing African-American characters on items like Kleenex boxes when he was a teenager, inspired by his fondness for hip hop and soul music. He also drew ideas from American media and their depiction of Japanese culture.{{cite web|url=http://www.cinema-factory.net/contents/317_afrosamurai/interview.html|script-title=ja:木﨑文智監督、岡崎能士(原作者)インタビュー|language=ja|access-date=October 28, 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071210015102/http://www.cinema-factory.net/contents/317_afrosamurai/interview.html| archive-date= 10 December 2007 | url-status= live}} He started combining elements of samurai into his work, eventually developing the design for Afro. Okazaki began writing the original dōjinshi, then called Afro Samurai!, when he and his friends started independently publishing the art magazine Nou Nou Hau.{{cite web |first=Daniel Robert |last=Epstein |author2=Takashi Okazaki |title=Afro Samurai: Takashi Okazaki Interview |url=http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=16499 |publisher=UGO.com/UGO Networks, Inc. |location=New York, NY |access-date=August 31, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080129091528/http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=16499 |archive-date=2008-01-29 |url-status=dead |author2-link=Takashi Okazaki }} The preparatory "issue 0" of Nou Nou Hau was released in November 1998 with Afro Samurai artwork featured on the cover.{{cite web |title=NOU NOU HAU vol.0 |url=http://www.kugel-blitz.com/en/nounouhau/history_1998.php |publisher=Kugelblitz |year=2005–2006 |access-date=August 31, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713173324/http://www.kugel-blitz.com/en/nounouhau/history_1998.php |archive-date=2011-07-13 |url-status=dead }} Takashi Okazaki wrote the entire manga in the English direction, with elements from English and Japanese comics. He also used Afro Samurai for a cat food advertisement in the last pages of his manga book.{{cite book |last=Okazaki |first=Takashi |author-link=Takashi Okazaki |title=Takashi Okazaki: The Man BEHIND the 'Fro |editor-first=Adam |editor-last=Arnold |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=52-Uz2WVpVwC&pg=PT167 |access-date=August 18, 2009 |edition=1 |series=Afro Samurai |volume=2 |orig-year=2009 |date=February 2009 |publisher=Seven Seas Entertainment |isbn=978-0-7653-2239-5 |oclc=223883056 |id=52-Uz2WVpVwC }} In addition to the anime production, Okazaki re-made the dōjinshi, with an increased display of artistic skill. At the Japan Society from March 13 to June 14, 2009, original Afro Samurai dōjinshi artwork (as used on issue 0 of Nou Nou Hau) was showcased at the KRAZY!: The Delirious World of Anime + Manga + Video Games exhibition.{{cite web |first=Deb |last=Aoki |title=Afro Samurai by Takashi Okazaki |url=http://manga.about.com/od/imagegalleries/ig/KRAZY--Exhibit-Gallery/Afro-Samurai.htm |publisher=About.com |year=2009 |access-date=September 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827025655/http://manga.about.com/od/imagegalleries/ig/KRAZY--Exhibit-Gallery/Afro-Samurai.htm |archive-date=2011-08-27 |url-status=dead }}

Media

=Manga=

The series was originally published in the self-funded Nou Nou Hau dōjinshi magazine. First appearing in issue 0, the dōjinshi version was first published from September 1999 to October 2000. After the release of the anime version, Okazaki recreated the original dōjinshi. Although the recreation of the original manga was created in Japan, it was first published in the United States by Seven Seas Entertainment and Tor Books in two tankōbon volumes.{{cite web |title=Tor Books Partners with Seven Seas to Form New Manga Imprint and Announces Publication of Afro Samurai |url=http://www.comipress.com/press-release/2007/12/07/2970 |publisher=ComiPress |date=December 8, 2007 |access-date=September 18, 2009 |archive-date=December 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212184219/http://comipress.com/press-release/2007/12/07/2970 |url-status=live }} As a special supplement, thumb-nail sized clips of the original dōjinshi were shown at the end of the first volume.{{cite book |last=Okazaki |first=Takashi |author-link=Takashi Okazaki |title=Afro Samurai, Volume 1 |editor-first=Adam |editor-last=Arnold |edition=1 |volume=1 |orig-year=2009 |year=2009 |publisher=Seven Seas Entertainment |url=http://www.alibris.com/Afro-Samurai-Volume-1/book/10666708 |isbn=978-0-7653-2239-5 |oclc=248983719 |access-date=May 20, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407070653/http://www.alibris.com/Afro-Samurai-Volume-1/book/10666708 |url-status=live }} The English release of the manga was Tor Books and Seven Seas' first joint publication under the newly formed Tor/Seven Seas imprint. The manga was also released in Italy through Panini Comics' manga publishing division Planet Manga, on April 9, 2009.{{cite web |title=Afro Samurai 1 (Di 2) |url=http://www.paninicomics.it/web/guest/productDetail?viewItem=393542 |publisher=Panini Comics/Panini SpA |location=Modena MO Italy |language=it |trans-title=Afro Samurai 1 (of 2) |date=April 9, 2009 |access-date=September 11, 2009 |archive-date=July 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722050518/http://www.paninicomics.it/web/guest/productDetail?viewItem=393542 |url-status=live }} The manga was released in one volume in Japan on December 18, 2009. The limited edition came with all the issues of the original dōjinshi included in a separate volume.{{cite web|url=http://www.parco-city.com/mall/commodity_param/shc/99par084/ctc/afrosamurai/cmc/afro-024/|title=【アフロサムライ】AFROSAMURAI特別限定版(岡崎能士)[PCN掲載1月号]|publisher=Parco|language=ja|access-date=February 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121143801/http://www.parco-city.com/mall/commodity_param/shc/99par084/ctc/afrosamurai/cmc/afro-024|archive-date=2010-01-21|url-status=dead}} A director's cut of the manga was set to be released on July 26, 2022 with Titan Comics taking over the publishing under their new "Titan Manga" imprint. However, it was delayed to December 13, 2022.{{cite web |last1=Johnston |first1=Rich |title=Afro Samurai To Launch Titan Manga Line From Titan Comics |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/afro-samurai-to-launch-titan-manga-line-from-titan-comics/ |website=Bleeding Cool |date=22 March 2022 |access-date=9 April 2022 |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409230009/https://bleedingcool.com/comics/afro-samurai-to-launch-titan-manga-line-from-titan-comics/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Biordi |first1=Jordan |title=Afro Samurai Debuts New Director's Cut Re-Release Trailer |url=https://www.cbr.com/afro-samurai-debuts-directors-cut-re-release-trailer/ |website=CBR.com |date=12 November 2022 |publisher=Comic Book Resources |access-date=10 December 2022 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210015205/https://www.cbr.com/afro-samurai-debuts-directors-cut-re-release-trailer/ |url-status=live }}

{{Graphic novel list/header

| OneLanguage = yes

| WithTitle = yes

| Width = 70%

}}

{{Graphic novel list

| VolumeNumber = 1

| RelDate = September 2008{{cite web |url=http://www.gomanga.com/manga/afrosamurai.php |title=Afro Samurai |year=2004–2009 |publisher=Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC |format=PHP |access-date=November 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904015230/http://www.gomanga.com/manga/afrosamurai.php |archive-date=September 4, 2009 |url-status=dead }}

| ISBN = 978-0-7653-2123-7

| ChapterListCol1 =

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

| ChapterListCol2 =

Chapter 5
Translation Notes
Supplemental Material

| Title = Nothing personal, kid.

| Summary = After witnessing his father killed by Justice, Afro wears the No. 2 headband and plans to avenge his father's death.

}}

{{Graphic novel list

| VolumeNumber = 2

| RelDate = February 2009

| ISBN = 978-0-7653-2239-5

| ChapterListCol1 =

Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9

| ChapterListCol2 =

Chapter 10
Honorifics Guide
Translation Notes
Creator Interview

| Title = Death isn't the end...it's only the beginning.

| Summary = After killing Justice, Afro takes the No. 1 headband and challenges Jinno.

}}

=Anime=

One of Okazaki's friends decided to make action figures based on characters, which were released in small amounts. After they were created, a producer from the anime studio, Gonzo, happened to find them and thought about creating an animated miniseries based on the manga. It took three years to develop, and during that time the studio created a trailer, which happened to catch the attention of Samuel L. Jackson.{{cite web |title=Afro Samurai Vol 1 |url=http://us.macmillan.com/afrosamuraivol1 |publisher=Macmillan |location=New York |year=2009 |access-date=September 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004142707/http://us.macmillan.com/afrosamuraivol1 |archive-date=October 4, 2009 |url-status=dead }} It was announced that the series would be a five-episode "creative collaboration", between Jackson, Okazaki and Gonzo, and Wu-Tang Clan member RZA served as a music composer.{{cite news |title=Afro Samurai Press Release |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-05-05/afro-samurai-press-release |work=Anime News Network |date=May 5, 2005 |access-date=September 2, 2009 |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105034545/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-05-05/afro-samurai-press-release |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=The RZA Gets His Afro Samurai On |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-06-02/the-rza-gets-his-afro-samurai-on |work=Anime News Network |date=June 2, 2006 |access-date=September 14, 2009 |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915142947/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-06-02/the-rza-gets-his-afro-samurai-on |url-status=live }} Each episode of the anime cost $1 million.{{cite web|first=Jim|last=Fuquay|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram/126588467/|title=Motion capture helps bring King Kong, Spider-Man, Gollum to life|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|page=82|date=December 17, 2006|accessdate=June 23, 2023|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=September 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915144407/https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram/126588467/|url-status=live}}

In 2006, it was announced that Funimation (later Crunchyroll, LLC) acquired the rights to the anime series which would premiere on Spike, later that year, and that Jackson would voice Afro.{{cite news |title=Funimation Acquires Afro Samurai |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-02-27/funimation-acquires-afro-samurai |work=Anime News Network |date=February 27, 2006 |access-date=September 2, 2009 |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915142947/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-02-27/funimation-acquires-afro-samurai |url-status=live }} Afro Samurai debuted on January 4, 2007.{{cite news |title=Afro Samurai Hits Spike TV on January 4 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-31/afro-samurai-hits-spike-tv-on-january-4 |work=Anime News Network |date=October 31, 2006 |access-date=September 2, 2009 |archive-date=February 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210025929/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-31/afro-samurai-hits-spike-tv-on-january-4 |url-status=live }} The series premiered worldwide on Spike's website, where they streamed the first episode online. On May 3, 2007, the series premiered on Japanese television, in English with Japanese subtitles, and for the first time completely uncut.{{cite news |title=Afro Samurai to Air on Japanese TV in May |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-03-08/afro |work=Anime News Network |date=March 8, 2007 |access-date=September 2, 2009 |archive-date=May 3, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503231524/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-03-08/afro |url-status=live }}

On May 11, 2007, Funimation released the first Afro Samurai DVDs at Anime Central, at their own booth, the regular Afro Samurai: TV Version and the uncut Afro Samurai: Director's Cut. Both DVDs were released to the public on May 22, 2007.{{cite news |title=Funimation to Sell Advance DVD Copies at Anime Central |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-05-11/funimation-to-sell-advance-dvd-copies-at-anime-central |work=Anime News Network |date=May 11, 2007 |access-date=September 3, 2009 |archive-date=February 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218203909/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-05-11/funimation-to-sell-advance-dvd-copies-at-anime-central |url-status=live }} On September 4, 2007, all five episodes of Afro Samurai were released on iTunes. To promote this, Funimation released eight custom designed iPods by Takashi Okazaki.{{cite news |title=Funimation Puts Afro Samurai on iTunes, Gives Away Custom iPods |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-09-01/funimation-puts-afro-samurai-on-itunes-gives-away-custom-ipods |work=Anime News Network |date=September 1, 2007 |access-date=September 3, 2009 |archive-date=May 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080525090648/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-09-01/funimation-puts-afro-samurai-on-itunes-gives-away-custom-ipods |url-status=live }} In 2008, Funimation released the Afro Samurai anime series onto Xbox Live in high definition format and also debuted on Blu-ray Disc in that year.{{cite news |title=Free Bakugan #1 on iTunes; HD Afro Samurai on Xbox Live |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-02-29/free-bakugan-no.1-on-itunes-hd-afro-samurai-on-xbox-live |work=Anime News Network |date=February 29, 2008 |access-date=September 11, 2009 |archive-date=August 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090811033513/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-02-29/free-bakugan-no.1-on-itunes-hd-afro-samurai-on-xbox-live |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=VideoScan: Afro Samurai Debuted on Blu-ray at #16 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-09-10/videoscan-afro-samurai-debuted-on-blu-ray-at-no.16 |work=Anime News Network |date=September 10, 2008 |access-date=September 11, 2009 |archive-date=February 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202072335/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-09-10/videoscan-afro-samurai-debuted-on-blu-ray-at-no.16 |url-status=live }} The series was shown at the German Film Festival in Germany.{{cite news |title=Eva:1.0, L, Afro Samurai to Run in German Film Fest |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-08/eva-1.0-l-afro-samurai-to-run-in-german-film-fest |work=Anime News Network |date=August 8, 2008 |access-date=September 14, 2009 |archive-date=February 1, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201091009/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-08/eva-1.0-l-afro-samurai-to-run-in-german-film-fest |url-status=live }}

{{Episode table |total_width=98 |overall= |title= |airdate= |overallT=# |episodes=

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 1

| Title = Revenge

| AltTitle = Number Two

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|1|4}}

| ShortSummary = As a boy, Afro witnessed Justice decapitating his father and wears the No. 1 headband. As a man, he wears the No. 2 and sets out on his journey for revenge.

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 2

| Title = The Dream Reader

| AltTitle = OKIKU

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|1|11}}

| ShortSummary = Afro relives his harsh past through his dreams when he is discovered by an old friend, Otsuru (Okiku) at a riverbank who tends to his wounds. In the present day, she attempts to kill Afro, but she makes love with him. The assassins then kill Otsuru.

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 3

| Title = The Empty Seven Clan

| AltTitle = THE EMPTY SEVEN CLAN

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|1|18}}

| ShortSummary = As the Empty Seven Clan continues to put pressure on Afro, he kills them and the Afro Droid.

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 4

| Title = Duel

| AltTitle = KUMA

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|1|25}}

| ShortSummary = Jinnosuke (Kuma) fights with Afro about the consequence lesson of choosing revenge over family and using the No. 2 headband.

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 5

| Title = Justice

| AltTitle = JUSTICE

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|2|1}}

| ShortSummary = Afro goes to Justice's lair and duels him. After killing Justice and claiming the No. 1 headband, Afro reconciles and battles with Jinno.

}}

=Films=

In an Associated Press interview in 2007, Okazaki confirmed there would be a sequel to the anime series, and that it would air on Spike.{{cite news |title=Afro Samurai Creator Takashi Okazaki Confirms Sequel |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-10-25/afro-samurai-creator-takashi-okazaki-confirms-sequel |work=Anime News Network |date=October 25, 2007 |access-date=September 11, 2009 |archive-date=June 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611093344/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-10-25/afro-samurai-creator-takashi-okazaki-confirms-sequel |url-status=live }} In 2008, the sequel was announced to be a television film, Afro Samurai: Resurrection, with Lucy Liu and Mark Hamill joining the cast.{{cite news |title=Lucy Liu, Mark Hamill Join Afro Samurai: Resurrection (Updated) |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-24/lucy-liu-mark-hamill-join-afro-samurai-resurrection |work=Anime News Network |date=July 24, 2008 |access-date=September 12, 2009 |archive-date=April 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410061725/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-24/lucy-liu-mark-hamill-join-afro-samurai-resurrection |url-status=live }} Hip hop artist The RZA returned to provide the soundtrack of the film. Afro Samurai: Resurrection debuted on Spike on January 25, 2009.{{cite news |title=Afro Samurai: Resurrection Movie Debuts Sunday Night |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-01-25/afro-samurai/resurrection-movie-debuts-sunday-night |work=Anime News Network |date=July 25, 2009 |access-date=September 14, 2009 |archive-date=June 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604143014/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-01-25/afro-samurai/resurrection-movie-debuts-sunday-night |url-status=live }} On July 16, 2009, Afro Samurai: Resurrection was nominated for an Emmy in the "Outstanding Animated Program (for programming one hour or more)" category in the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards and the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. At the Emmy awards, Afro Samurai: Resurrection lost to Destination Imagination, a television film based on Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.{{cite news |title=Afro Samurai: Resurrection TV Film Nominated for Emmy (Updated) |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-16/afro-samurai/resurrection-tv-film-nominated-for-emmy |work=Anime News Network |date=July 16, 2009 |access-date=September 14, 2009 |archive-date=September 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090919123108/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-16/afro-samurai/resurrection-tv-film-nominated-for-emmy |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Foster's Home Wins Emmy over Afro Samurai: Resurrection |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-15/foster-home-wins-emmy-over-afro-samurai |work=Anime News Network |date=September 15, 2009 |access-date=September 15, 2009 |archive-date=September 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922184738/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-15/foster-home-wins-emmy-over-afro-samurai |url-status=live }} The art director of Afro Samurai: Resurrection, Shigemi Ikeda, won an Emmy for his work on Resurrection, which is the first ever awarded for work on a Japanese-animated production.{{cite news |title=Afro Samurai: Resurrection's Shigemi Ikeda Wins Emmy (Updated) |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-08-27/afro-samurai/resurrection-shigemi-ikeda-wins-emmy |work=Anime News Network |date=August 27, 2009 |access-date=September 14, 2009 |archive-date=September 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090921052051/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-08-27/afro-samurai/resurrection-shigemi-ikeda-wins-emmy |url-status=live }} Afro Samurai: Resurrection was the first Japanese anime to be nominated for and win an Emmy. Late 2009 also saw the release of Afro Samurai: Complete Murder Sessions on Blu-ray and DVD. A 4-disc collection of both Afro Samurai Director's Cut and Afro Samurai: Resurrection, together in one complete boxset.

Announced at the 2006 San Diego Comic-Con, a live action version of the series is said to be in the making.{{cite news |title=Comic-Con: Live Action Afro Samurai |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-07-22/comic-con-live-action-afro-samurai |work=Anime News Network |date=July 22, 2006 |access-date=October 29, 2009 |archive-date=April 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413080149/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-07-22/comic-con-live-action-afro-samurai |url-status=live }} On July 21, 2011, Gonzo K.K. announced that Indomina Group had obtained the rights to produce the film, with Samuel L. Jackson, Jasbinder Singh Mann (Indomina Group Vice Chairman and CEO), Shin Ishikawa (Gonzo Studios) as producers; Eli Selden of Anonymous Content as executive producer.{{cite web|title=INDOMINA AND SAMUEL L. JACKSON TEAM FOR LIVE ACTION "AFRO SAMURAI" FILM|url=http://releasing.indomina.com/news/2011/7/21/indomina-and-samuel-l-jackson-team-for-live-action-afro-samu.html|date=2011-07-21|access-date=2011-11-19|archive-date=2011-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113193823/http://releasing.indomina.com/news/2011/7/21/indomina-and-samuel-l-jackson-team-for-live-action-afro-samu.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=アニメ『アフロサムライ』ハリウッド実写化始動！サミュエル．L．ジャクソンがプロデューサーに決定！アニメ『アフロサムライ』ハリウッド実写化始動！サミュエル．L．ジャクソンがプロデューサーに決定！|url=http://www.gonzo.co.jp/gdh-news/pdf/110721.pdf|date=2011-07-21|access-date=2011-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216074355/http://www.gonzo.co.jp/gdh-news/pdf/110721.pdf|archive-date=2011-12-16|url-status=dead}} Production, however, stalled when Indomina Group suspended North American operations and shut its US office.{{cite web|title=Indomina Shutters Distribution Unit And Lays Off 15 In LA Office|url=https://deadline.com/2013/01/indomina-releasing-shuts-down-movie-distribution-operations-417131/|last=Yamato|first=Jen|date=January 30, 2013|access-date=February 13, 2016|publisher=Deadline|archive-date=May 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531105609/http://www.deadline.com/2013/01/indomina-releasing-shuts-down-movie-distribution-operations/|url-status=live}}

=Video games=

In 2005, Gonzo had awarded Namco Bandai Games exclusive rights to publish two Afro Samurai video games, as announced that year.{{cite news |title=Namco to Publish Afro Samurai Video Games |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-08-30/namco-to-publish-afro-samurai-video-games |work=Anime News Network |date=August 30, 2005 |access-date=September 15, 2009 |archive-date=April 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412025643/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-08-30/namco-to-publish-afro-samurai-video-games |url-status=live }} The debut trailer of the first game was released at the company's Editor's Day presentation.{{cite news |title=Namco Bandai Announces Afro Samurai Game |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-06-17/namco-bandai-announces-afro-samurai-game |work=Anime News Network |date=June 17, 2007 |access-date=September 15, 2009 |archive-date=May 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518105346/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-06-17/namco-bandai-announces-afro-samurai-game |url-status=live }} Afro Samurai was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on January 27, 2009.{{cite web |title=Afro Samurai |website=Amazon |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014G98WA/ |date=January 27, 2009 |access-date=September 15, 2009 |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915142947/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014G98WA/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Joseph |last=Szadkowski |title=Zadzooks: Review of Afro Samurai, the video game |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/19/zadzooks-review-of-afro-samurai-the-video-game/ |work=The Washington Times |publisher=The Washington Times |location=Washington, D.C. |date=February 19, 2009 |access-date=September 15, 2009 |archive-date=November 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122133343/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/19/zadzooks-review-of-afro-samurai-the-video-game/ |url-status=live }} A sequel, titled Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma, was released for the PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows on September 22, 2015. The game was developed by Redacted Studios and published by Versus Evil.{{cite web|title=Afro Samurai 2: Revenge of Kuma story trailer sets the stage for revenge|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/12/8774549/afro-samurai-2-revenge-of-kuma-story-trailer-sets-the-stage-for|last=Campbell|first=Colin|website=Polygon |date=June 12, 2015|access-date=July 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702161157/http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/12/8774549/afro-samurai-2-revenge-of-kuma-story-trailer-sets-the-stage-for|archive-date=July 2, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} An Xbox One version was planned to be released on October 9, 2015; however, after the negative reception of the game, it was never released.{{cite web |url=http://www.purexbox.com/news/2015/11/afro_samurai_2_release_cancelled_indefinitely_due_to_quality_concerns |title=Afro Samurai 2 Release Cancelled Indefinitely Due to Quality Concerns |last=Barnes |first=Ken |work=Pure Xbox |publisher=Gamer Network |date=November 24, 2015 |access-date=December 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304135332/http://www.purexbox.com/news/2015/11/afro_samurai_2_release_cancelled_indefinitely_due_to_quality_concerns |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }} The game was eventually delisted in November 2015, due to the negative reception.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/20/9770612/afro-samurai-2-pulled-steam-ps4-failure|title=Afro Samurai 2 pulled from retail, deemed 'a failure'|last=Frank|first=Allegra|work=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|date=November 20, 2015|access-date=December 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122165430/http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/20/9770612/afro-samurai-2-pulled-steam-ps4-failure|archive-date=November 22, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/260138/Indepth_The_decision_to_unpublish_Afro_Samurai_2_and_refund_buyers.php |title=In-depth: The decision to un-publish Afro Samurai 2 and refund buyers |last=Graft |first=Kris |work=Gamasutra |publisher=UBM plc |date=November 23, 2015 |access-date=December 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231215237/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/260138/Indepth_The_decision_to_unpublish_Afro_Samurai_2_and_refund_buyers.php |archive-date=December 31, 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last1=Biordi|first1=Jordan|title=Versus Evil Explains the Disappearance of Afro Samurai 2|url=http://www.cgmagonline.com/articles/news/versus-evil-exafro-samurai-2/|website=Comics Gaming Magazine|access-date=20 November 2015|date=19 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120172955/http://www.cgmagonline.com/articles/news/versus-evil-exafro-samurai-2/|archive-date=20 November 2015|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}

=Soundtracks=

Wu-Tang Clan member RZA produced the soundtrack for both the Afro Samurai TV series and the TV movie sequel Afro Samurai: Resurrection.{{cite news |title=The RZA Gets His Afro Samurai On |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-06-02/the-rza-gets-his-afro-samurai-on |work=Anime News Network |date=June 2, 2006 |access-date=September 14, 2009 |archive-date=April 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412021148/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-06-02/the-rza-gets-his-afro-samurai-on |url-status=live }} The first soundtrack for the anime series, The RZA Presents: Afro Samurai: The Soundtrack was released on January 30, 2007, by Koch Records (now known as E1 Music).{{cite web |title=Afro Samurai |website=Amazon |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000269IF/ |date=January 30, 2007 |access-date=September 15, 2009 |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321173252/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000269IF/ |url-status=live }} The second soundtrack for the TV movie, The RZA Presents: Afro Samurai: Resurrection: The Soundtrack, was also released by Koch Records on January 27, 2009.{{cite web |title=Afro Samurai Resurrection |website=Amazon |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N18HG4/ |date=January 27, 2009 |access-date=September 15, 2009}}

Voice cast

Samuel L. Jackson - Afro Samurai, Ninja Ninja
Mark Hamill - Bin, Oden Shop Master
Lucy Liu - Sio
Kelly Hu - Okiku / Otsuru
Ron Perlman - Justice
Jeff Bennett - Hachiro, Foo
Steve Blum - Assassin
S. Scott Bullock - Dharman
Terrence C. Carson - Sword Master, Brother 4
Grey DeLisle - Oyuki, Woman
John DiMaggio - Brother 2, Giant, Patron #2, Ivanov
Greg Eagles - Rokutaro, Brother 6
John Kassir - Shosun
Phil LaMarr - Teenage Afro Samurai, Brother 1, Brother 3, Brother 5, Kuro
Yuri Lowenthal - Jinno/Kuma
Jason Marsden - Sasuke
Liam O'Brien - Kihachi, Patron #4
Crystal Scales - Young Afro Samurai
Dwight Schultz - Assassin, Patron #1, Ronin
Tara Strong - Otsuru, Jiro
Fred Tatasciore - Juzo, Patron #5, Shuzo
James Arnold Taylor - Yashichi
Dave Wittenberg - Assassin, Patron #3, Punk, Matasaburo

Crew

Samuel L. Jackson - Executive producer
Jamie Simone - Casting and voice director

Reception

The manga series has received generally positive reviews from critics. Scott Green, writer of the Anime AICN segment of Ain't It Cool News said that the manga "is a work of design" and that it "utilizes the medium to which it is applied as a platform rather than as an ends unto itself." Scott notes that Okazaki does not have a "head for manga as a storytelling form" and that the "manga labors to show off Okazaki's design."{{cite web |first=Scott |last=Green |title=AICN Anime-Afro Samurai Manga, A Survey of Upcoming Events, News and More! |url=https://www.aintitcool.com/node/38397 |publisher=Ain't It Cool News/Ain't It Cool, Inc. |location=Austin, TX |date=September 19, 2008 |access-date=September 17, 2009 |archive-date=April 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409025340/http://www.aintitcool.com/node/38397 |url-status=live }} Anime News Network reviewer, Carlo Santos stated about the anime that "like most typical action-adventures, the story starts out slow and only picks up toward the middle and end when the blades really start flying" and that "Afro Samurai is hardly a complex story" and that it only has "a handful of characters and a straightforward beat-the-next-guy plotline". Carlo Santos also noted that "the original Afro Samurai manga is pretty lousy" and that Takashi Okazaki often gets lost in "incomprehensible scribbles" and "style over substance."{{cite news |first=Carlo |last=Santos |title=Afro Samurai Blu-Ray |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/afro-samurai/bluray-uncut |work=Anime News Network |date=November 4, 2008 |access-date=September 18, 2009 |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413193717/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/afro-samurai/bluray-uncut |url-status=live }} Volume 2 of Afro Samurai also charted 147 on ComiPress' "Top 250 Manga Volumes" of February 2009.{{cite web |first=Matt |last=Blind |title=2009-02: Manga Top 250 Volumes and Top 100 Series for February 2009 |url=http://www.comipress.com/special/manga-ranking/manga-top-250-volumes-and-top-100-series-for-february-2009 |publisher=ComiPress |date=March 10, 2009 |access-date=September 18, 2009 }} The Blu-ray of the anime series charted #16 on VideoScan's Blu-ray charts. In January 2009, IGN ranked the series 90th on a list of the top 100 animated series, saying that the over-the-top violence and quirky story and characters made the show enjoyable.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-animated-series/90 |title=Top 100 Animated TV Series - 90. Afro Samurai |work=IGN |access-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218152255/https://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-animated-series/90 |url-status=live }}

=China ban=

On June 12, 2015, the Chinese Ministry of Culture listed Afro Samurai among 38 anime and manga titles banned in China.{{cite web |url=http://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2015/06/12/china-bans-38-japanese-anime-manga-titles-including-attack-titan |title=China bans 38 anime & manga titles including Attack on Titan |publisher=Special Broadcasting Service |date=2015-06-12 |access-date=2018-08-31 |archive-date=2018-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831174910/https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2015/06/12/china-bans-38-japanese-anime-manga-titles-including-attack-titan |url-status=live }}

Notes

References

External links

{{Official website|http://www.afrosamurai.com/}}
[http://www.afrosamurai2.jp/news.html Official Afro Samurai: Resurrection website] {{in lang|ja}}
[https://web.archive.org/web/20090904015230/http://www.gomanga.com/manga/afrosamurai.php Official Gomanga page]
{{anime News Network|manga|5274}}
{{IMDb title|qid=Q115794785}}
[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1265998/ Afro Samurai: Resurrection] at Internet Movie Database

Category:1999 manga

Category:2000s American black cartoons

Category:Action anime and manga

Category:Anime and manga about revenge

Category:Anime series based on manga

Category:Censored television series

Category:Doujinshi

Category:Fuji Television original programming

Category:Gonzo (company)

Category:Manga Entertainment

Category:Post-apocalyptic anime and manga

Category:Samurai in anime and manga

Category:Seinen manga

Category:Seven Seas Entertainment titles

Category:Television censorship in China

Category:Titan Books titles

Category:Works banned in China