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Afro Samurai #2
Afro Samurai Vol 2
It is said that he who wears the No. 1 headband shall rule the world. It is also said that only he who wears the No. 2 headband may challenge the No. 1. Years ago a swordsman who wore the No. 1 was brutally slain by a power hungry gunman named Justice. The swordsman s son witnessed the murder and has grown up to become the cold hearted warrior Afro Samurai. Afro has honed his skills with a single purpose in mind. With the No. 2 band around his forehead Afro sets out to give Justice his due. But with scores of assassins and two bit warriors eager to kill the No. 2 and take his place as top contender will he survive long enough to avenge his father s death
176 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2009
10 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Takashi Okazaki
30 books26 followersTakashi Okazaki (岡崎 能士), born in the Kanagawa Prefecture in 1974, is a Japanese comic book artist, animation concept artist and graphic designer.
Okazaki is most notably known for writing and illustrating the manga Afro Samurai (1998-2002), also adapted into an anime series.
Okazaki has been a character designer for animation and video games, most notably the movies Summer Wars (2009), Garo: Vanishing Line (2017) and Batman Ninja (2018).
Since 2020, Takashi Okazaki has worked on a number of Marvel comic book series, as both writer and artist.
Okazaki is most notably known for writing and illustrating the manga Afro Samurai (1998-2002), also adapted into an anime series.
Okazaki has been a character designer for animation and video games, most notably the movies Summer Wars (2009), Garo: Vanishing Line (2017) and Batman Ninja (2018).
Since 2020, Takashi Okazaki has worked on a number of Marvel comic book series, as both writer and artist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 24, 2023
Fleshes out Afro's origin and backstory. I don't know why this wasn't presented more in volume 1.
We get Afro battling a few different people including robots! It ends with a bit of a twist.
Nothing too special. I'm going to circle back and check out the anime now. I realized after reading this that this actually came out after the anime!
We get Afro battling a few different people including robots! It ends with a bit of a twist.
Nothing too special. I'm going to circle back and check out the anime now. I realized after reading this that this actually came out after the anime!
February 21, 2009
Ok… I decided to read this so I can create my “afro-disiac” shelve… so today when they left me off early from work I stopped by B&N and asked Mr. Greg for a copy of this crap and took the opportunity to tell him how crappy and funny this movie is… when out of no where I see this dude holding a copy of this “book” and he ask me what did I think about the movie… and I’m like ermmm… it was the worse movie I’ve ever seen in my life!!! Freaking hilarious man!!! And the dude looks at me all serious and says: well I think it is a really good movie and really sad and depressive… and I’m like WTF? Are you serious! Dude you do realize that there is a samurai with a giant teddy bear head on the cover of this crap… and in the movie too!!! There is no way you can take this shit seriously… dude that movie suck! And the guy keeps saying how depressive the “plot” is and how sad it is how it never stops!!! And I’m holding my laugh like there is no tomorrow cuz the dude started to look honestly sad, and I didn’t want him to start crying or something (he looked kind of emo) so I told him that I was sorry if I was offending his movie but that the truth was that it was a crappy movie!! I mean for Christ sake there is a line in the movie where the psycho bitch says: I have twisted the most twisted mind with my own twisteness!! How the fuck can one take something like that seriously??
February 2, 2021
Great but very intense manga.
I like the incorporation of both American comics and Japanese manga.
I think I'd like to watch the anime, too. I think I watched bits and pieces when I was younger but never fully watched it.
Revenge, choices, and destiny come into play. The cycle of revenge and agency and passivity....what is morality?
I really enjoyed this. I recommend it as long as you're okay with following someone who isn't a good person and there's a lot of bad decisions made and gore.
I like the incorporation of both American comics and Japanese manga.
I think I'd like to watch the anime, too. I think I watched bits and pieces when I was younger but never fully watched it.
Revenge, choices, and destiny come into play. The cycle of revenge and agency and passivity....what is morality?
I really enjoyed this. I recommend it as long as you're okay with following someone who isn't a good person and there's a lot of bad decisions made and gore.
February 21, 2019
Brutal. Una historia que lleva la venganza a otro nivel, con una ambientación mas que interesante.
September 6, 2016
I wasn't very impressed with the ending to this duology. I much prefer vol:1. The story line made more sense. 2.5 stars.
In Vol:1 of AfroSamurai, No.2 is seeking revenge for his father, who was killed by No.1. I'm not sure if this manga/graphic novel is referencing death or the grim reaper. I was super confused on who No.1 was.
Anyways, No.2, goes on a killing spree in the first book trying to reach this sacred mountain where he will find his father's murderer. It doesn't matter who gets in his way. Woman or child. Good or bad. No.2 will strike them down if they get in the way.
In Vol.2, we learn a bit of No.2's (Afro's) backstory. We learn he loved a girl once and had friends. Everything is ruined because of his endless need for revenge.
The ending was so confusing. I didn't really understand who the last fighter was. I'm guessing it was the kid from the noodle cart. What happens to Afro at the end? The last page doesn't make sense!!!
If you like samurai and sword fights and lots of blood you might like this series.
In Vol:1 of AfroSamurai, No.2 is seeking revenge for his father, who was killed by No.1. I'm not sure if this manga/graphic novel is referencing death or the grim reaper. I was super confused on who No.1 was.
Anyways, No.2, goes on a killing spree in the first book trying to reach this sacred mountain where he will find his father's murderer. It doesn't matter who gets in his way. Woman or child. Good or bad. No.2 will strike them down if they get in the way.
In Vol.2, we learn a bit of No.2's (Afro's) backstory. We learn he loved a girl once and had friends. Everything is ruined because of his endless need for revenge.
The ending was so confusing. I didn't really understand who the last fighter was. I'm guessing it was the kid from the noodle cart. What happens to Afro at the end? The last page doesn't make sense!!!
If you like samurai and sword fights and lots of blood you might like this series.
July 25, 2020
Far better than the first one. It gives you more background and more context. I've always been a big fan of the samurai theme being mixed up with futuristic stuff like the second part of this volume. So overall I think Takashi's work it's fantastic for everyone looking for a quick and badass read. Kind of remind me of Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru. Maybe Kishimoto got inspiration from Takashi)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2025
A little heady but the ending really solidified the story. Might as well have been chasing your own tail, huh?
The futility of seeking revenge.
The futility of seeking revenge.
July 17, 2015
1) Deutsche Rezension
2) English Review
1) Deutsche Rezension
Dieser Manga war ziemlich dämlich. Die Geschichte von Afro als Kind und junger Mann war weit besser als der Rest, da es ihn als eine echte Person darstellt und nicht diese flache Mordmaschine die er sonst ist. Und auch die Hintergrundgeschichte macht klar wie besessen er ist, da er willens war seinen Erzieher zu töten nur um seinen Vater zu rächen.
Was hier über diesen schwarzen Ninja gesagt wird sagt mir nachwievor nicht wer oder was er ist, und was ein anderer Charakter sagt, hilft auch nicht, es ist alles zu wirr um nach etwas besserem zu klingen als "hört wie schlau ich bin."
Der Manga war hauptsächlich Kämpfe und das Ende, sah ich lange kommen. Ich weiß auch nicht was das Ende sollte. Saß er da für Jahre rum? Zumindest der Typ der ihn töten will weist daraufhin. Und nach all den scheinbaren Jahren und seinem wahnsinnigen Lachen ist Afro plötzlich wieder fit, rasiert und bereit die Welt zu ändern?
Tut mir leid, aber das war der Tropfen der dieses Fass zum Überlaufen brachte. Die Geschichte ist zu oft zu dumm (die Gegner versuchen sogar hier ihn dazu zu bringen sich Ihnen anzuschließen trotz seines bekannten Fanatismus) als dass ich sie ernst nehmen könnte und ich denke, dass ich diesen Manga bald zum großen Teil vergessen haben werde.
PS. "Afrodroids?" Wirklich? Die Wahl dieses Namens lässt mich nicht glauben dass der Name "Afro" wirklich nur ein Wortspiel des japanischen Wortes "Afureru" ist.
2) English Review
This manga was pretty dumb. The story of Afro as a child and young man was much better than the rest, as it showed him as a real person and not the shallow murder machine that was otherwise. And even in the back-story it is clear that he is obsessed, as he is willing to kill the man who raised him only to avenge his father's death.
What was stated here about that black Ninja guy was still not telling us who or what he is, ad what another character said didn't help either, it is all way too chaotic to sound like something better than "listen to how smart I am."
The manga was mostly battles and the end, I saw long coming. I also don't know what was up with the ending. Was he sitting there for years? At least the guy wanting to kill him was hinting towards it. And after all those years and his manic laughter Afro is suddenly fit, clean shaven and ready to change the world?
Sorry, but that was one time too many: The story is simply too dumb (the antagonists even tried to get him to join them despite his known fanaticism) for me to take it seriously and I think that I will have forgotten most of the manga very soon.
PS. "Afrodroids?" Seriously? The name choice does not make me believe that the name "Afro" was just a word play of the Japanese word "afureru."
2) English Review
1) Deutsche Rezension
Dieser Manga war ziemlich dämlich. Die Geschichte von Afro als Kind und junger Mann war weit besser als der Rest, da es ihn als eine echte Person darstellt und nicht diese flache Mordmaschine die er sonst ist. Und auch die Hintergrundgeschichte macht klar wie besessen er ist, da er willens war seinen Erzieher zu töten nur um seinen Vater zu rächen.
Was hier über diesen schwarzen Ninja gesagt wird sagt mir nachwievor nicht wer oder was er ist, und was ein anderer Charakter sagt, hilft auch nicht, es ist alles zu wirr um nach etwas besserem zu klingen als "hört wie schlau ich bin."
Der Manga war hauptsächlich Kämpfe und das Ende, sah ich lange kommen. Ich weiß auch nicht was das Ende sollte. Saß er da für Jahre rum? Zumindest der Typ der ihn töten will weist daraufhin. Und nach all den scheinbaren Jahren und seinem wahnsinnigen Lachen ist Afro plötzlich wieder fit, rasiert und bereit die Welt zu ändern?
Tut mir leid, aber das war der Tropfen der dieses Fass zum Überlaufen brachte. Die Geschichte ist zu oft zu dumm (die Gegner versuchen sogar hier ihn dazu zu bringen sich Ihnen anzuschließen trotz seines bekannten Fanatismus) als dass ich sie ernst nehmen könnte und ich denke, dass ich diesen Manga bald zum großen Teil vergessen haben werde.
PS. "Afrodroids?" Wirklich? Die Wahl dieses Namens lässt mich nicht glauben dass der Name "Afro" wirklich nur ein Wortspiel des japanischen Wortes "Afureru" ist.
2) English Review
This manga was pretty dumb. The story of Afro as a child and young man was much better than the rest, as it showed him as a real person and not the shallow murder machine that was otherwise. And even in the back-story it is clear that he is obsessed, as he is willing to kill the man who raised him only to avenge his father's death.
What was stated here about that black Ninja guy was still not telling us who or what he is, ad what another character said didn't help either, it is all way too chaotic to sound like something better than "listen to how smart I am."
The manga was mostly battles and the end, I saw long coming. I also don't know what was up with the ending. Was he sitting there for years? At least the guy wanting to kill him was hinting towards it. And after all those years and his manic laughter Afro is suddenly fit, clean shaven and ready to change the world?
Sorry, but that was one time too many: The story is simply too dumb (the antagonists even tried to get him to join them despite his known fanaticism) for me to take it seriously and I think that I will have forgotten most of the manga very soon.
PS. "Afrodroids?" Seriously? The name choice does not make me believe that the name "Afro" was just a word play of the Japanese word "afureru."
June 15, 2021
The is no honor amongst the "warriors" who are out to claim the number 2 headband on Afro Samurai Vol 1. Afro faces a series of onslaught attacks from issue 1 to 5 (Vol 1). Afro is never given the opportunity to recover before he is challenged again. Then again, allowing him to recover and regain his strength is a death wish. So, how is he not dead? Who is the Teddy-Bear-Headed warrior?
You know Afro's biggest challenge is ahead of him on Afro Samurai Vol 2 when you open the first page of Chapter 6 and find him all bandaged up and not 6 feet under. Someone has spared his life; when they could of killed him at his weakest. But this is a formidable opponent.
Vol 2 had my favorite chapters in the entire series. In Vol 2 we meet a very emotive Afro. Still consumed by his desire to avenge his father's death, he has to make the hard choice of choosing his family or the solitude life which puts him in the direct path of Number 1.
The storyline on Vol 2 was dynamic and not as straight forward as on Vol 1.
Similar to Vol 1, Afro Samurai Vol 2 has Translation Notes, Takashi Okazaki's biography but a special addition is the interview with "The Man Behind the 'Fro".
You know Afro's biggest challenge is ahead of him on Afro Samurai Vol 2 when you open the first page of Chapter 6 and find him all bandaged up and not 6 feet under. Someone has spared his life; when they could of killed him at his weakest. But this is a formidable opponent.
Vol 2 had my favorite chapters in the entire series. In Vol 2 we meet a very emotive Afro. Still consumed by his desire to avenge his father's death, he has to make the hard choice of choosing his family or the solitude life which puts him in the direct path of Number 1.
The storyline on Vol 2 was dynamic and not as straight forward as on Vol 1.
Similar to Vol 1, Afro Samurai Vol 2 has Translation Notes, Takashi Okazaki's biography but a special addition is the interview with "The Man Behind the 'Fro".
January 29, 2023
Sadly this wasn't as good as I remembered it being; or maybe I'm remembering that the TV show was really good and not the manga. Either way, it's still worth a read. I enjoyed the action sequences and the dialogue was not actually as bad as I feared it might be (my standards were much lower 15 years ago) so I'd definitely recommend this, although it's not up there with my favorites or anything.
Thank you too the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you too the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2009
I love the melodramatic saga that is Afro Samurai's life. The movies are better than the books simply for the gorgeously bloody animation. The plot does go a little over-the-top, but Samuel L. Jackson wouldn't be associated with anything less!
September 14, 2020
6/10
Ahahaha end of the massacre, with few to none questions asked. The teddy bear samurai is quite haunting.
Ahahaha end of the massacre, with few to none questions asked. The teddy bear samurai is quite haunting.
December 11, 2022
I enjoyed the story, what little there is, in this volume more than the first. Overall it was ok.
February 6, 2023
A bit of an empty victory. Artwork is great. I feel sorry for No. 2 by the end.
March 14, 2025
Afro Samurai, Vol. 2: A Relentless Descent into Vengeance
Afro Samurai, Vol. 2 takes the intensity up a notch, continuing the narrative right where the previous volume left off. This time, our protagonist finds himself on the brink, reflecting on his past as the story dives into his childhood — a pivotal period that immediately follows the tragic event that set his entire journey in motion.
The flashback sequence is remarkably well-crafted, illustrating Afro's transformation from a lost child to a hardened warrior and, ultimately, a relentless avenger. The emotional depth here adds powerful context to his actions, emphasizing the sacrifices he's willing to make for vengeance.
The volume seamlessly returns to the ongoing battle introduced in the previous installment, pitting Afro against a familiar foe — the very warrior prominently featured on most editions of this volume’s cover. Alongside the action, more fragments of Afro's past are revealed, shedding light on events that directly influence his present-day path.
The climax is particularly memorable, featuring Afro’s confrontation with the final line of defense before reaching the elusive "Number One." The ensuing showdown is gripping, with a plot twist that forces both Afro and the reader to confront a profound moral question: What would I have done?
With stunning visuals, emotionally charged storytelling, and an ever-present sense of tension, Afro Samurai, Vol. 2 masterfully blends action with introspection — delivering a conclusion that lingers long after the final page.
Rating: 5/5
Afro Samurai, Vol. 2 takes the intensity up a notch, continuing the narrative right where the previous volume left off. This time, our protagonist finds himself on the brink, reflecting on his past as the story dives into his childhood — a pivotal period that immediately follows the tragic event that set his entire journey in motion.
The flashback sequence is remarkably well-crafted, illustrating Afro's transformation from a lost child to a hardened warrior and, ultimately, a relentless avenger. The emotional depth here adds powerful context to his actions, emphasizing the sacrifices he's willing to make for vengeance.
The volume seamlessly returns to the ongoing battle introduced in the previous installment, pitting Afro against a familiar foe — the very warrior prominently featured on most editions of this volume’s cover. Alongside the action, more fragments of Afro's past are revealed, shedding light on events that directly influence his present-day path.
The climax is particularly memorable, featuring Afro’s confrontation with the final line of defense before reaching the elusive "Number One." The ensuing showdown is gripping, with a plot twist that forces both Afro and the reader to confront a profound moral question: What would I have done?
With stunning visuals, emotionally charged storytelling, and an ever-present sense of tension, Afro Samurai, Vol. 2 masterfully blends action with introspection — delivering a conclusion that lingers long after the final page.
Rating: 5/5
March 9, 2023
Japan’s assassins, warriors, and warlords live in a world steeped in the traditions of the past and the technologies of the future. The one with the No. 1 headband rules this world as a god. This is whom Afro seeks. Afro’s entire existence is to avenge his father’s death at the hands of No. 1. The life Afro chooses is the path of vengeance and chaos. But to get to No. 1, Afro must face Jinno, the foe who wears a teddy bear mask.
Afro Samurai: Vol. 2 by Takashi Okazaki has been re-released in English as part of the 15th anniversary of the anime series starring Samuel L. Jackson. First published in Japan in 2008, Okazaki is the entire creative force behind this saga. As in the first volume, Okazaki’s other character tells most of the story. Afro is a man of action. More of Afro’s backstory is also revealed. The artwork enhances the narrative with its grimdark feel. Okazaki needs only black, white, and the crimson of blood to portray the violence and action in his artwork. Reading this graphic novel is choosing to follow the path of chaos.
Afro Samurai: Vol. 2 by Takashi Okazaki has been re-released in English as part of the 15th anniversary of the anime series starring Samuel L. Jackson. First published in Japan in 2008, Okazaki is the entire creative force behind this saga. As in the first volume, Okazaki’s other character tells most of the story. Afro is a man of action. More of Afro’s backstory is also revealed. The artwork enhances the narrative with its grimdark feel. Okazaki needs only black, white, and the crimson of blood to portray the violence and action in his artwork. Reading this graphic novel is choosing to follow the path of chaos.
January 8, 2025
Improvement from Vol. 1 in my opinion. Some real heart-tugging moments, great battles, etc. The character development really dove into Afro’s psyche and how his path to revenge is taking a bit of a toll on him. Some of the art was hard to follow in the fight scenes but overall this was fucking dope.
June 15, 2025
Just as the first volume, great action-packed story with a badass MC.
Still not sure about the innocent people that were killed though I understand with his journey, his master said he would have to become something he didn’t like, become a demon to be successful in his path to revenge. So I do get it and overall love the story.
Still not sure about the innocent people that were killed though I understand with his journey, his master said he would have to become something he didn’t like, become a demon to be successful in his path to revenge. So I do get it and overall love the story.
December 4, 2025
I loved this, however I thought that the TV show staring Samuel L Jackson was a stronger conclusion.
But a great story of you love Violent and beautiful art with a strong link to African American culture.
But a great story of you love Violent and beautiful art with a strong link to African American culture.
December 28, 2017
Que final tan abierto y tan malo jaja
December 26, 2022
Slightly disappointing finale to this awesome journey but again the artwork and action sequences are top drawer
April 30, 2023
Afro Samurai is a cool world and concept clogged with weak exposition and beautiful but ultimately confusing art, making the action often far more difficult to follow than it should be.
April 3, 2024
A revenge story where the main character doesn't get his revenge..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
Volume 2 was better than Volume 1. The entire series was lackluster. Good for rent/borrow but not for a buy.
April 16, 2025
WAY BETTER THAN THE FIRST.
May 15, 2025
If there is a better, more beautifully illustrated manga than this, I would LOVE to see it. Every single frame is just a masterpiece. I wish there was SO much more.
November 2, 2025
On dojde, on se bori, malo najbe, i onda pobjedi. Za moj ukus preškuro i previše ponavljajuće. Priču o osvjeti radije pratim u Oštrici besmrtnika, ako ništa druo lipše i preglednije je crtana.
August 18, 2019
A segunda parte do mangá desbanca fácil seu começo. A arte esta mais compreensível, o fundo sem contraste deixa de ser um problema, explora de forma mais interessante a vingança e ódio do personagem principal e ainda tem uma pequena discussão sobre a "importância" das figuras de culto. Ótimo final, quase inevitável de ser feito daquela forma.
January 9, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Titan Books- Titan Manga for an advanced copy of this adventure featuring samurais, technology and a classic tale of revenge.
Every story has a beginning and an end. A story of revenge begins in sadness and ends that way, also. Friends become enemies wearing Teddy Bear heads and great battles are fought in cities of the Gods with one man facing a lot of robots. A story about a world that looks to the past for honor, but to technology to fight it, and where headbands decide who is the strongest and most powerful. Welcome to the world of Afro Samurai, a world about a future which culls much from the past, where children watch parents die, and give up their innocence to take up the blade. A time when revenge is not served cold but with the warm tang of blood, and maybe motor oil from the many robots. Written and illustrated by Takashi Okazaki, Afro Samurai Volume 2, continues the adventures of this singular samurai and his attempts to destroy those who killed his father and made Afro take this dark road to damnation.
The book begins with a wounded Afro recovering from his numerous fights from the first volume, in a quite village, helped by both a local doctor and a young woman. This hamlet has found a new god one that has shown them that the path of violence and revenge is not a good path, but one that leads to sadness and destruction. Afro is reminded by the young woman of his days training at the dojo, and his friends who were there from the beginning of his quest for vengeance. Afro remembers the nicknames, the feeling of belonging, and another young woman who vowed to wait for him. Soon Afro has had to move on into conflict with a warrior from the past, wearing a Teddy Bear head, a conflict that Afro is hard pressed to win. For after this awaits a city of Gods, numerous foes, and possibly redemption.
The story is a standard revenge story, with swords set in a feudal looking high tech society. Afro is interesting, though a little stubborn and single-minded. The story is good, not remarkable, but similar to many stories about vengence, sword play and being made an orphan. The art though is really good. Clear, concise, and highly kinetic with action in almost every panel, and if the characters aren't moving, the feeling remains that violence could break out at any second. The use of color is good, the characters are all very crisp and consistent and when technology is suddenly injected into the story the feeling is both jarring, as it should be, and gives a different feel to the story. I would suggest reading Volume 1 first just to get an idea of the story, and to figure out where things are going. The ending is a little what just happened, and might need a reread or two but ties up things well, until the inevitable sequel.
Not for everyone. This is violent with a lot of blades, blood and betrayal. For fans of manga stories, especially for those who like stories about samurai, revenge, and lots of blood. Fans of the TV show will also enjoy it, especially if you can get keep the show's cast in one's head while reading.
Every story has a beginning and an end. A story of revenge begins in sadness and ends that way, also. Friends become enemies wearing Teddy Bear heads and great battles are fought in cities of the Gods with one man facing a lot of robots. A story about a world that looks to the past for honor, but to technology to fight it, and where headbands decide who is the strongest and most powerful. Welcome to the world of Afro Samurai, a world about a future which culls much from the past, where children watch parents die, and give up their innocence to take up the blade. A time when revenge is not served cold but with the warm tang of blood, and maybe motor oil from the many robots. Written and illustrated by Takashi Okazaki, Afro Samurai Volume 2, continues the adventures of this singular samurai and his attempts to destroy those who killed his father and made Afro take this dark road to damnation.
The book begins with a wounded Afro recovering from his numerous fights from the first volume, in a quite village, helped by both a local doctor and a young woman. This hamlet has found a new god one that has shown them that the path of violence and revenge is not a good path, but one that leads to sadness and destruction. Afro is reminded by the young woman of his days training at the dojo, and his friends who were there from the beginning of his quest for vengeance. Afro remembers the nicknames, the feeling of belonging, and another young woman who vowed to wait for him. Soon Afro has had to move on into conflict with a warrior from the past, wearing a Teddy Bear head, a conflict that Afro is hard pressed to win. For after this awaits a city of Gods, numerous foes, and possibly redemption.
The story is a standard revenge story, with swords set in a feudal looking high tech society. Afro is interesting, though a little stubborn and single-minded. The story is good, not remarkable, but similar to many stories about vengence, sword play and being made an orphan. The art though is really good. Clear, concise, and highly kinetic with action in almost every panel, and if the characters aren't moving, the feeling remains that violence could break out at any second. The use of color is good, the characters are all very crisp and consistent and when technology is suddenly injected into the story the feeling is both jarring, as it should be, and gives a different feel to the story. I would suggest reading Volume 1 first just to get an idea of the story, and to figure out where things are going. The ending is a little what just happened, and might need a reread or two but ties up things well, until the inevitable sequel.
Not for everyone. This is violent with a lot of blades, blood and betrayal. For fans of manga stories, especially for those who like stories about samurai, revenge, and lots of blood. Fans of the TV show will also enjoy it, especially if you can get keep the show's cast in one's head while reading.
October 19, 2015
Quite the same experience as the first one, though there were some differences.
Where the first volume was way too dark to make any sense of anything, I felt this problem was somewhat fixed here. That alone was a huge plus. The fights also seemed, at least on some points, more clear and more movie like and alive. Especially the "main" fight of the book with the Teddybear depicted in the cover looked great.
But where the fighting got more clear, the story did not. Before this the story had been straightforward revenge story (I want to revenge the death of my dad), now it tried to create depth in many different ways. This felt a bit too much and too rushed out. Suddenly there were histories behind characters that didn't make a whole lot sense and the whole mountain where the no. 1 was hiding seemed confusing and odd. Was No. 1 really a God, ruler of the world? What did he do? Why there were protecting him, etc. It was way too much way too late.
Same goes with the ending of the story. It felt at the same time great and horrible. What I mean is, the idea was really good and it brought up some surprising aspects that you were unlikely to see coming, and that was a good thing. It was a surprise that changed the story and how you see it, but it felt rushed out and ultimately empty. It just was.
The main feeling I got from reading these mangas was that I got to see the anime. The manga was created after the anime and you can see that the author wanted to make it different but really didn't know how to work with this form. Reading Afro Samurai in manga form isn't a bad idea - no way. It's entertaining and a fast read, but I bet there are some better mangas too. Look it up, if you feel like, though!
Where the first volume was way too dark to make any sense of anything, I felt this problem was somewhat fixed here. That alone was a huge plus. The fights also seemed, at least on some points, more clear and more movie like and alive. Especially the "main" fight of the book with the Teddybear depicted in the cover looked great.
But where the fighting got more clear, the story did not. Before this the story had been straightforward revenge story (I want to revenge the death of my dad), now it tried to create depth in many different ways. This felt a bit too much and too rushed out. Suddenly there were histories behind characters that didn't make a whole lot sense and the whole mountain where the no. 1 was hiding seemed confusing and odd. Was No. 1 really a God, ruler of the world? What did he do? Why there were protecting him, etc. It was way too much way too late.
Same goes with the ending of the story. It felt at the same time great and horrible. What I mean is, the idea was really good and it brought up some surprising aspects that you were unlikely to see coming, and that was a good thing. It was a surprise that changed the story and how you see it, but it felt rushed out and ultimately empty. It just was.
The main feeling I got from reading these mangas was that I got to see the anime. The manga was created after the anime and you can see that the author wanted to make it different but really didn't know how to work with this form. Reading Afro Samurai in manga form isn't a bad idea - no way. It's entertaining and a fast read, but I bet there are some better mangas too. Look it up, if you feel like, though!
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