Samuel L. Jackson plays a samurai with a vendetta across five episodes of “Afro Samurai,” and the show earns its reputation as a brutal, stylish slice of anime. This 2007 Spike series, created by manga artist Takashi Okazaki, compresses a years-long quest for vengeance into a tight, often grim package. It is not for the faint of heart, but for those who love action, it delivers.
Trailer, via illmatic00.
The Setup Behind the Sword
The world of “Afro Samurai” is a feudal yet futuristic Japan where combat is the law. The Number 1 headband is the ultimate prize, and the only way to claim it is to defeat the current holder in battle. Only the Number 2 headband’s bearer can challenge the Number 1, while anyone can challenge the Number 2.
The story opens with a tragedy. Rokutaro, the Number 1 headband’s owner, is killed by Justice, the outlaw who holds the Number 2. Justice commits the murder in front of Rokutaro’s young son, Afro. Afro swears revenge, and the show spends its runtime tracking his rise from a hunted fugitive to the man who finally faces Justice.
Jackson’s Voice Carries the Weight
Jackson’s performance is the engine of the series. He voices Afro and a second character, Ninja Ninja, with a gruff intensity that suits the material. His delivery is matter-of-fact, almost weary, which makes the violence feel less cartoonish and more earned.
Phil LaMarr voices several roles across the show, including Brother 1, Brother 3, Brother 5, Kuro and Teen Afro. Yuri Lowenthal rounds out the cast as Kuma and Jinno. The voice work is solid, but Jackson’s presence dominates the proceedings.
Five Episodes, One Revenge Story
The five episodes follow a clear arc. Afro kills a group of assassins, criminals and mercenaries sent by the Empty Seven Clan, who want his head. He faces Jinno, his childhood friend and fellow samurai, on Mount Shumi. Jinno blames Afro for killing their master, the previous Number 2 bearer. Afro defeats him and moves closer to Justice.
The final episode sees Afro confront Justice directly. Justice explains that there are other headbands beyond the Number 1 and Number 2, though the exact count is never stated. He claims he killed all headband holders and decorated his safe house with their corpses. Afro kills Justice and takes the Number 1 headband.
Jinno, now claiming all headbands from Justice, returns to take revenge. The series ends with Afro settling in as the new Number 1, while Jinno waits in the wings.
Music and Production
The show’s production is sharp. The animation is clean, and the action sequences are choreographed with precision. The show’s aesthetic draws on samurai films and hip-hop culture alike, and the result is a distinctive visual identity.
The soundtrack, composed by RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, is a major selling point. The score mixes martial energy with soulful bass, creating a soundscape that matches the show’s tone. It is a bold choice, and it pays off.
Where It Falls Short
Five episodes is a short runtime, and the middle stretch occasionally drags. Some plot threads feel rushed, particularly the handling of the Empty Seven Clan and their mercenaries. The show also leans heavily on its premise, and once the central conflict is resolved, the stakes feel diminished.
The show’s themes are heavy. Revenge, honor, and the weight of power are explored through Afro’s journey, but the series rarely pauses to let these ideas breathe. It is a fast, kinetic ride that does not linger on character development beyond the surface.
A Brutal, Earnest Slice of Anime
“Afro Samurai” is a tight, violent, and sometimes brilliant piece of animation. Its strengths are its focus and its lead performance. Jackson’s commitment to the role elevates the material, and the show’s willingness to commit fully to its premise makes it memorable.
The weaknesses are structural. A longer runtime might have allowed the middle episodes to breathe, and the show’s thematic ambitions could have been given room to develop. As it stands, the series is a strong, focused entry in the genre, but it leaves some threads unresolved.
| Episode | Title | Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Episode | 2007-01-04 |
| 2 | Second Episode | 2007-01-11 |
| 3 | Third Episode | 2007-01-18 |
| 4 | Fourth Episode | 2007-01-25 |
| 5 | Final Episode | 2007-02-01 |
The show’s influence is clear. Its sequel, “Afro Samurai: Resurrection,” continued the story, and the franchise spawned video games and a new manga adaptation. But the original series remains the clearest statement of what made it special.
“Afro Samurai” is a worthy entry in the canon of anime. It is not perfect, but it is focused, and it knows exactly what it wants to be. The revenge story is told with discipline, and Jackson’s performance anchors it from start to finish.
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