Afro Samurai Vol 1 (v. 1) (Paperback)

~ Takashi Okazaki (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Set in an odd world that blends feudal Japan with some modern technological accents, this source manga for the hit animated series follows the title character's quest for vengeance against the Empty Brothers, a cadre of warrior monks who killed his father in order to have one of their own claim the title and powers of the strongest man in the world. The unnamed hero—who is referred to either as Afro or No. 2—wades his way through violent and episodic sword fights and mayhem common to the wandering samurai genre and as such it's entertaining enough, but few answers and little character development are in this inaugural installment. That's not to say Okazaki's graffiti-influenced art style and scripting are not entertaining, but there's not much more here than clashing steel and macho posturing occasionally interrupted by bits of dialogue heralding what a badass Afro is. Presumably the story will gather more narrative meat as it progresses. (Sept.)
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From School Library Journal

Grade 11 Up—In this violent world, which mixes elements of feudal Japan, cowboy Westerns, and apocalyptic sci-fi, the best fighter is the one who acquires the magical Number 1 headband, which grants strength far beyond that of normal men. The only warrior with enough power to challenge Number 1 is Number 2. In an effort to avenge the murder of his father, the former Number 1, Afro has struggled hard to claim the Number 2 title. The story opens with him questing his way toward Number 1's castle, battling Number 1's underlings and countless assassins. With his endless array of quips and bad raps, Afro's sidekick Ninja supplies some much-needed humor to a dark story. Fans of the anime adaptation will find essentially the same plot here as in the original manga. Unfortunately, it lacks a lot of the flashbacks into Afro's history. Hopefully, these details will come later on, since they make Afro more sympathetic. Okazaki's stylish art, with its expressionist lines and darkly cartoon faces, serves as a good match for the world he has created. This is a fun but gritty adventure that many are bound to pick up on name recognition alone. The violence, gore, and brief nudity make it best suited for older teens.—Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Tor/Seven Seas (September 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765321238
• ISBN-13: 978-0765321237
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #143,664 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Why do you want to control the world?", September 21, 2008

By	Brian C. Miller (Everett, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"It's just revenge."
"Heh ... revenge ... what a joke."

OK, I like the concept of Afro Samurai. But this isn't "Lone Wolf and Cub" so don't compare it. Afro lives in a post-apocalyptic world, a long time after whatever it was that happened. He's the #2 warrior in the world, and he's coming to kill #1, who killed Afro's father.

There are no philosophical bits; the story just follows a killing machine cutting a groove in blood. Everybody around him shows some character, but not him. Afro is like a combination of Clint Eastwood, Bruce Lee and Jimi Hendrix. Eastwood because he doesn't talk and just goes and does, Lee because of his skill, and Hendrix because he's the best and he has a style all his own.

Yeah, I'm going to buy the next book when it comes out. Bet on that.

5.0 out of 5 stars AFRO ATACK, January 12, 2009

By	Irene Mireles Camacho "Carlos Alfonso Ponce G... (Guadalajara, Jal. México) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you like the series, the manga is bether, you can see and fell the cold-bloded samurai, this explains a lot of the series, the art is amazing and the new characters too.

4.0 out of 5 stars Revenge is a dish best served..., December 2, 2008

By	Michael Valdivielso (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

hot with a side of warm bread and mashed potatoes. What? The manga is cool but in a world all its own. Mini-guns, DJs, teddy bear outfits. Not too sure what that last part means but just read the manga. Have advanced reading copy, so no adds or junk, just manga. Just story.
A boy wants to get back at those who killed his father for his Number One headband. Does he care about the headband? No, only where it will take him and what it will give him. Revenge at ANY cost.
Kinda sad, really. Made into a anime.