Afro Samurai (2007)
A razor-sharp animated miniseries fusing feudal Japan, hip-hop soul, and relentless revenge — brought to life by Samuel L. Jackson.
Afro Samurai - Series Information
- Original Title: Afro Samurai
- First Air Year: 2007
- Last Air Year: 2007
- Created by: Takashi Okazaki
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 5
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 4, 2007 (United States - TV-MA), January 4, 2007 (Canada - PG), January 4, 2007 (United Kingdom - 18), January 4, 2007 (Germany - 18), January 4, 2007 (France - 12), January 4, 2007 (Australia - MA 15+), January 4, 2007 (Brazil - 18), January 4, 2007 (Mexico - C), January 4, 2007 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Spike
- Alternative Titles: Афро-самурай (UA), 武士阿非1 (CN), アフロサムライ (JP), 아프로 사무라이 (KR), Afro Samurai (BR), Afro Samurai (US), Afrosamuraj (PL), Афросамурай (RU)
- Production Companies: GONZO, Fuji Television Network
- Production Countries: United States of America, Japan
Afro Samurai - Plot
In a futuristic Japan where conflicts are settled by the sword, Afro Samurai must avenge his father's murder by challenging a powerful warrior.
Afro Samurai - Trailer
See the blade in motion — watch the official trailer for Afro Samurai:
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Afro Samurai - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Takashi Okazaki
Main Cast
- Samuel L. Jackson
- Phil LaMarr
- Yuri Lowenthal
- John DiMaggio
- Terrence 'T.C.' Carson
- Ron Perlman
- Fred Tatasciore
- Tara Strong
- Kelly Hu
- Grey DeLisle
Writers
- Derek Draper
Executive Producers
- Chihiro Kameyama
Afro Samurai - FAQs
Is Afro Samurai based on a manga or comic?
Afro Samurai is based on the manga of the same name created by Takashi Okazaki, which originally appeared in a dōjinshi publication in 1998. The anime adaptation brought the story to a global audience, blending feudal Japanese aesthetics with hip-hop culture and hyper-stylized action.
Who voices Afro Samurai in the series?
Samuel L. Jackson voices both Afro Samurai and his wisecracking alter ego Ninja Ninja. Jackson was also a producer on the project, making him deeply invested in its success. His commanding delivery gives the otherwise near-silent protagonist a powerful, layered presence throughout the five-episode miniseries.
What is the role of RZA in Afro Samurai?
RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan composed the entire soundtrack for Afro Samurai, crafting a score that fuses hip-hop beats with traditional Japanese instrumentation. His music is inseparable from the show's identity, amplifying the brutal action sequences and giving the series its distinctive, genre-defying atmosphere.
Where can you stream Afro Samurai?
Afro Samurai is available to stream on Crunchyroll, including through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, episodes can be purchased on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so check your local platforms for the latest options.
Did Afro Samurai win any awards?
Afro Samurai won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program in 2007, a remarkable achievement for an anime-influenced production. The win highlighted the series' exceptional production quality and helped cement its reputation as one of the most visually ambitious animated projects of its era.
Is Afro Samurai suitable for younger audiences?
Afro Samurai carries a TV-MA rating, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. The series features intense, graphic violence, strong language, and adult themes throughout. Parents should be aware that despite its animated format, the content is decidedly not appropriate for children or younger teens.
How many episodes does Afro Samurai have?
The original Afro Samurai miniseries consists of five episodes, all released in January 2007 on Spike TV. Each episode runs approximately 25 minutes. The story is self-contained, following Afro's complete revenge arc from beginning to its brutal, cathartic conclusion across the single season.
What shows are similar to Afro Samurai?
If Afro Samurai's blend of stylized action and bold aesthetics appeals to you, Samurai Jack is an essential watch — a similarly gorgeous, sword-driven animated series. Ninja Kamui and Suicide Squad Isekai also deliver high-octane animated action, while Scott Pilgrim Takes Off offers a different but equally inventive animated experience.
More About Afro Samurai
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