Year of release: 2007
Number of episodes: 13
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Review of the anime:
- PLOT: ♦♦♦♦♦
- ANIMATION: ♦♦♦♦◊
- CHARACTERS: ♦♦♦♦♦
- MUSIC: ♦♦◊◊◊
Plot summary
On the dark path of swordsmanship in a “Futuristic” yet Feudal Japan, it is said that the one who becomes No.1 will rule the world. But the only rule in this world is that only the No. 2 is allowed to fight the No. 1. The No. 2, the Afro Samurai, travels the road looking for revenge on the man who murdered his father in front of him when he was just a boy, a three-armed gunman who is the lord of the dark swordsman’s road and the current No. 1.
What I liked
The story of the anime is set in a really original concept. It’s developed in a futuristic world with a mix of high developed technology and the Japanese feudal era, here swordsmen are very competitive to become the best fighter, who is No. 1 and who can only be challenged by No.2. So it is harder for anyone to get the No. 2 and even to last with it… it’s a life were you’ll only get fight after fight!
The animation is f***ing awesome!! Scenes and combats are carefully planned in style and detail in a darkish atmosphere to give the perfect touch to the plot! In each fight you get to enjoy each and every single skill and talent of the main character and his opponents.
The main character is special and unique… don’t expect too many words from him in the anime… not to mention in a single episode, still his personality and motivation is easily transmitted through the story. Since the very first episode we see that Afro is already a mature and well experienced samurai, but that is not an issue as the character development continues (though shown in a rush as it is only 5 episodes!) and giving insight into Afro’s past.
Where to improve?
As mentioned before, it’s only 5 episodes… so I think you can’t really show too much in that length of time! The story actually flows faster than it seems, making it enjoyable but also with a sense that it just wasn’t enough.
With an extremely short story, the side stories of enemies that normally give a nice complement to any plot, were totally forgotten.
Personally I found the soundtrack not too great, or perhaps it could have been used better. One of the important voices in the anime is Samuel Jackson, who normally adds a great touch to so many characters he plays at Holiwood, it’s just somehow his voice in the anyme doen’t work for me. Also if you like Japanise audio, sorry but this is out of the question… you’ll have to stick with the English audio!
^o^
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