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Title:  Afro Samurai Vol 1

Author:  Takashi Okazaki

Publisher: Seven Seas/Tor

ISBN:  9780765321238

May Contain Spoilers

Though I have managed to somehow avoid watching the Afro Samurai anime, I was intrigued when I received this ARC.  I had no real prior knowledge of the plot, and about the only thing I knew about this series was that I hated the lead character’s massive mountain of hair.  It just seems impractical for a kick-ass fighter to have that mound of hair – it’s got to lead to neck strain, and what if it flops in front of his eyes in the middle of a heated sword battle?  Guess I am the only who worries about silly things like that.

After watching his father slaughtered when he was a young boy, Afro, now known as No. 2, seeks nothing but revenge against his father’s murderer.  Wearing the headband that designates him as the second strongest man in the world, he’s a cold-blooded killer with his sights set on Justice, No. 1, the strongest man in the world.  Every step of the way is filled with danger and assassination attempts as Afro follows his path to vengeance.  Will he survive?

Afro Samurai is chock full of action, as page after page of combat flies by.  This would be great – if only I could actually see all of that frantic activity.  The panels are so dark and murky it’s difficult to decipher what’s going on, except for when someone’s head goes flying off into the distance.  Then I knew that No. 2 had defeated his opponent, though I didn’t know exactly how.

The plot is very simple, as Afro heads with impressive determination to destroy his hated enemy.  We don’t know much about him, other than his father, the former No. 1, was defeated by Justice so he could take his headband and become the strongest man in the world.  Possessing the headband also gives one impressive powers, so the Empty Brothers are after it, too.  They want Afro’s headband, as well, so they will be the possessors of its “Divine Powers.”  They keep picking fights with him, slowing him from reaching his ultimate goal of challenging No. 1.  And that’s it – it’s revenge, nothing but revenge.

There is zero character development, and No 2 barely utters a word.  He’s a man of action, not speech.  The world of Afro Samurai is also a bit of a mystery, but it’s a combination of feudal and futuristic elements.  The bad guys communicate with cell phones, festivals feature dance-tastic DJs, and firearms are wielded with alarming nonchalance.  Only small details were revealed, leaving the setting disappointingly barren.

For rapid-fire action, Afro Samurai is hard to beat.  If you like Shaman Warrior, you will love this series.  If you’re hoping for a little more depth to your dismemberments and decapitations, this will leave you cold.  Remember – it’s all about revenge, nothing but revenge.

Grade: B-

Advance reading copy provided by Seven Seas/Tor Publishing