Afro Samurai

About Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai (アフロサムライ) arrives as an action anime by GONZO and Trilogy Future Studio (2007), and the premise is easy to summarize. The premise: After watching his father die in a duel against an unbeatable villian known only as 'Justice,' young Afro fixes his life on the study of swords and revenge. The tale of Afro Samurai is one of bloody hardship and pain.

More of the story: Along his solitary path of revenge for his murdered father, he sheds no tears & knows no love. Forever chased by powerful adversaries in a lawless technology-speckled dystopia, he evades bullets and blade to reach his final prey: a man who will not die. Afro will reach his quarry - even if it means painting a road of blood and brains from here to the bitter inevitable end.

As an action title, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. This one is best suited to viewers who like fast, high-impact fights. With 5 episodes in total, there is enough room for the story to develop.

Production & Appeal

Production sits with GONZO and Trilogy Future Studio, which means the visual identity of Afro Samurai follows that studio's craft. Because it leans on action, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. A 7.1/10 score points to a dependable, well-liked series. It aired in 2007, which makes it easy to place in the wider anime calendar.