When I first heard about Afro Samurai I was not interested in the least.  I figured it was some stupid gimmick.  I saw it recently on Netflix and read a few of the reviews.  A lot of the reviews talked about how the person really enjoyed the series.  So I decided to check it out and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.

Afro Samurai takes place in a futuristic Japan where they have returned to the warriors way of life.  Walking the country, fighting other warrior’s to become the #1.  But instead of just swords they have guns, grenades, RPG, robots, and cell phones.  When Afro was a boy his dad was the #1.  He was killed right in front of him by the guy who was at the time #2.  Afro takes the #2 headband, but it is stolen by bandits and he is left for dead.  He is later found by a man who later becomes his master.  From this point, basically you have 2 stories to follow.  Young Afro looking for the guy with the #2 headband, and adult Afro on his way to fight the #1 and get his revenge.

The main reason I like it is because of the art style of the show.  Not just the way its drawn, but how it looks while they are fighting.  I think the creators really paid attention to the feel of the art to help you feel the intensity of the fight.  The next reason has to be the music.  RZA did the music for this series as well as Samurai Champoo.  I’m glad the only time he really raps though is on the intro (stay off the mic RZA).  Most of the beats that have rhymes attached to it are by known artist like Raekwon or Big Daddy Kane.

I will tell you that the story is not to in depth.  I mean the season was only 5 episodes so there was only so much they could do.  I did get a little annoyed by the brother hood because they all talk like baptist preachers.  I have to say, overall I was entertained and am waiting to receive Afro Samurai: Resurrection soon.  Here are 2 clips from the show.