Afro Samurai

Created by the one and only Takashi Okazaki, Afro Samurai has been destined for greatest ever since its conception. Starring one of the world’s most renowned actors, Samuel L. Jackson is the voice of the Afro Samurai. Produced by GONZO, which is a Japanese animation studio, and directed by Fuminori Kizaki, the hit anime launched its first episode online on January 1st, 2007. Shortly after, Afro Samurai made its appearance on television on January 4th, 2007 around 11:00pm eastern standard time on Spike TV. The anime also aired in Japan on the Fiji Network. Also contributing to the creation of Afro Samurai is no other than the Wu-Tang Clan. The Wu-Tang Clan was responsible for creating a hip-hop based musical score which will be available for sale to the general public on CD. Afro Samurai consists of only five episodes which has an estimated cost of about five million dollars according to GONZO. Namco has also released plans of creating a video game version which will probably be made available for the Xbox 360.

Afro Samurai takes place in feudal Japan around the time of 1185-1568 A.D. The main character, named Afro, is on a quest of revenge to kill his father’s murderer. During this time there are strict rules when it comes to who can fight who. The best known warrior in the land, also known as "Number One", has in his or her possession a special head band which tells everyone that he/her is the best warrior in the known world. Being "Number One" has massive perks, power, and influence, similar to that of a King or a god. No one is allowed to challenge the "Number One" except the "Number Two". The "Number Two" is also identified by a special hand band and has only perk of challenging the "Number One". One major drawback of being "Number Two" is that anyone can challenge you. Which means that you will be constantly fighting just to hold your status. Afro’s father, Rokutaro, was once "Number One" and was killed by Justice, who was "Number Two" at the time. Justice is now "Number One" and Afro is currently "Number Two". Afro, goes through seemingly endless struggles until he finally revenges his father’s death and becomes the "Number One".