The main protagonist of the Afro Samurai series is the same as its namesake. This Japanese manga series is inspired by the writer and illustrator artist Takashi Okazaki’s love of hip-hop, soul music, and American media. The series follows the life of Afro who was witness to his father’s death as a child. As an adult, Afro sets off to track down his father’s killer, a gunslinger by the name of Justice, to kill him and avenge his father’s death. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about Afro Samurai.
1. The Voice of Afro
The voice of Afro Samurai is none other than super-actor Samuel L. Jackson. While he is the most popular actor on the set, another popular American actor voices the part of Justice: Ron Perlman. If you’re a fan of either actor, you’ll definitely want to check out this series. Both actors definitely lend some of their brand of acting to the manga series. Jackson also voices Ninja Ninja.
2. The Basic Plot
In case you don’t already know, the basic plot is in futuristic Japan, where whoever wields the “Number 1” headband is the best swordsman in the world. In addition, whoever wears this special headband will possess god-like powers with some believing the headband also grants the wearer immortality. Nonetheless, as Afro learns, this is not true. The only way to get the “Number 1” headband is by defeating the wearer. However, only “Number 2” is allowed to challenge “Number 1”, but “Number 2” can be challenged by anyone. Afro’s father was “Number 1” until Justice, “Number 2”, challenged his father and killed him. Justice then becomes “Number 1”. Years later, Afro, after vowing revenge as a child, ends up “Number 2” and a master swordsman and is ready to face Justice.
3, The Beginning of Afro
Takashi Okazaki first began drawing African-American characters on Kleenex boxes and other such items as a teen. His drawing was inspired by his love of soul and hip-hop music. Additionally, he also loved how America media depicted Japanese culture and drew ideas from there as well. Once he started combining these efforts with those of the elements of samurai, he eventually developed Afro Samurai. Afro was also based on Yasuke, the legendary black samurai who existed in Japan during the Sengoku period.
4, His Attire
Afro Samurai’s attire consists of the “Number 2” headband, dark brown in color and with heavily unraveled hems around the ankles, a Japanese folding shirt, white in color, and a pair of Japanese clogs, or wooden sandals. In addition, he carries the sword which was passed down to him upon the death of his father.
5, His Personality
On occasion, Afro seems aloof, but he is most often a serious and fairly stern person. Rarely smiling, he was depicted as being a smiling child and teenager. However, he is seen to be laughing and smiling among his friends. After his father’s death and the deaths of his friends and master, Afro becomes a silent cold-blooded killer, having no qualms about killing whoever gets in his way; his only purpose is to move forward. Although he is labeled a monster, he is also seen to have some kindness as well, albeit a small amount.
6. His Younger Years
After watching Justice kill his father, he took the “Number 2” headband and hid. However, bandits found him, taking the headband, and leaving him for dead. He was then rescued by Jinno and Sword Master who raised him in his dojo for orphaned children. It was there that Afro got his training as a swordsman. While there, Afro killed a variety of lowlifes in his pursuit of the stolen headband before realizing “Number 2” was his Sword Master. For more on his younger years, watch the series.
7. Afro Samurai
In Afro Samurai, Afro completes his journey of located his father’s killing and seeking revenge for his death. To find out exactly how he makes this happen, check out the series.
8. Afro Samurai: Resurrection
In this movie, Afro tries to leave his life of killing behind him, however, that is not to be. Afro is eventually tracked down by Kuma and sister Sio who take the “Number 1” headband from him. Additionally, they steal the lower jawbone from Afro’s father’s skeleton. What do they want with it? Watch the movie and find out!
9. Afro’s Abilities
Afro is, of course, a swordsman of the highest skill. He is able to shatter bullets and deflect crossbow bolts with his sword in addition to performing lethal attacks. He can also us his subconscious for creating new combat techniques in the middle of a fight, which was taught to him by Sword Master. Find out more of his abilities by watching the series.
10. Afro’s Weapons
His one and only weapon is the sword left to him after his father’s death. It is a long blade with a gray square guard and a red hilt and sheath.
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