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Afro Samurai #1
Afro Samurai Vol.1
"Gotta figure out a way to get this on the Big Screen!!! My Man Takashi Okazaki did his thang with this one!" - Samuel L Jackson
For fans of the original Afro Samurai manga and anime, this new “director’s cut” edition of the out-of-print cult classic book features a specially commissioned custom cover and a brand-new foreword by creator Takashi Okazaki.
In a feudal, futuristic Japan, samurai battle to become No.1 and rule the world, but when his father, who holds the coveted position, is challenged and killed, the young Afro Samurai vows vengeance. Relentlessly pursued by murderous assassins, will he stay alive long enough to keep his promise?
In the first of two volumes, we see the beginnings of young Afro’s quest, his battles with an array of assassins and warlords, that climaxes in the epic confrontation with the powerful Empty Seven Clan and a showdown with an old enemy…
For fans of the original Afro Samurai manga and anime, this new “director’s cut” edition of the out-of-print cult classic book features a specially commissioned custom cover and a brand-new foreword by creator Takashi Okazaki.
In a feudal, futuristic Japan, samurai battle to become No.1 and rule the world, but when his father, who holds the coveted position, is challenged and killed, the young Afro Samurai vows vengeance. Relentlessly pursued by murderous assassins, will he stay alive long enough to keep his promise?
In the first of two volumes, we see the beginnings of young Afro’s quest, his battles with an array of assassins and warlords, that climaxes in the epic confrontation with the powerful Empty Seven Clan and a showdown with an old enemy…
176 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2008
17 people are currently reading
284 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 78 reviews
February 20, 2018
This manga didn't really do it for me. It was readable but not really interesting. I may or may not read the second volume. It's pretty much just a guy seeking revenge and killing a lot of people in his way, including innocents. No one is safe. Now don't get me wrong. I love a badass. This guy was just more of an asshole than I'd like. I think the main character speaks once and it's only one word. There's practically no character development so I ended up feeling disconnected.
As far as the artwork goes I had trouble figuring out what was going on in the action panels more so than I normally do. I did really enjoy the black and white artwork being interjected with red blood wherever needed. I've always enjoyed that combo.
If you read manga for the art then this is for you. If you read it for the storyline then I wouldn't recommend this one.
As far as the artwork goes I had trouble figuring out what was going on in the action panels more so than I normally do. I did really enjoy the black and white artwork being interjected with red blood wherever needed. I've always enjoyed that combo.
If you read manga for the art then this is for you. If you read it for the storyline then I wouldn't recommend this one.
February 21, 2023
A bit disappointing. I really enjoyed Takashi's Star Wars: Visions book from last year. That comic has amazing artwork but at times is a bit hard to interpret the action. This book has the same issues.
The artwork is pretty good, very unique. The story is pretty simple. Afro Samurai is referred to as Number 2 and is allowed to challenge Number 1 (who killed Afro's father when Afro was just a young boy). It's a revenge tale.
The combat is similar to other Samurai manga like Lone Wolf and Cub.
There's not really enough here to create interest. It's great to look at but at times its difficult to tell what the panel is meant to depict. For such a simple story, there really shouldn't be any confusion.
The artwork is pretty good, very unique. The story is pretty simple. Afro Samurai is referred to as Number 2 and is allowed to challenge Number 1 (who killed Afro's father when Afro was just a young boy). It's a revenge tale.
The combat is similar to other Samurai manga like Lone Wolf and Cub.
There's not really enough here to create interest. It's great to look at but at times its difficult to tell what the panel is meant to depict. For such a simple story, there really shouldn't be any confusion.
October 16, 2018
This wasn’t quite as impressive as the anime series—or miniseries, I guess, since it’s only 5 half-hour episodes long—but it was definitely still great fun, full of ultraviolence, Afrodroids (vol. 2), killer teddy bears, and Inigo Montoya-style revenge. Also, it helps a ton if you listen to the show’s epic soundtrack while you read it.
Unfortunately, however, it just isn’t possible to get the full afro effect in this format. Hmm, now I’m tempted to try to make some sort of flip book...the hair is pretty essential.
Unfortunately, however, it just isn’t possible to get the full afro effect in this format. Hmm, now I’m tempted to try to make some sort of flip book...the hair is pretty essential.
August 14, 2016
Hubby loves the anime, so I picked up the manga/graphic novel. It was okay. 3 stars.
Afro Samurai is the second best fighter/warrior of all time. When he was just a boy his father battled No.1 and lost. Afro Samurai is seeking revenge for his father. This whole manga you see No. 2 fighting his way to No. 1 through hundreds of assassins and gangs.
I thought the drawings were too rough at times. I could hardly see what was going on. I just saw action lines and kanji with blood for emphasis. Also the Japanese people were pretty generic. All of them looked the same. So I didn't know who was who.
Overall it was an okay story. My husband said I would probably like the anime better. It is pretty funny and with all the fight scenes they look better animated. I will be reading Vol: 2.
Afro Samurai is the second best fighter/warrior of all time. When he was just a boy his father battled No.1 and lost. Afro Samurai is seeking revenge for his father. This whole manga you see No. 2 fighting his way to No. 1 through hundreds of assassins and gangs.
I thought the drawings were too rough at times. I could hardly see what was going on. I just saw action lines and kanji with blood for emphasis. Also the Japanese people were pretty generic. All of them looked the same. So I didn't know who was who.
Overall it was an okay story. My husband said I would probably like the anime better. It is pretty funny and with all the fight scenes they look better animated. I will be reading Vol: 2.
February 2, 2021
Very cool take on the vengeful samurai.
I gasped a few times that Afro is so dedicated to revenge that he did A LOT of harm to innocent people along the way.
Really interesting story about power, violence, and I found it thought provoking regarding how we choose to live, what is fate, etc.
But this is super gory and there is sexism/misogyny that I don't like, but thankfully it takes a backseat for this guy's life of revenge.
I gasped a few times that Afro is so dedicated to revenge that he did A LOT of harm to innocent people along the way.
Really interesting story about power, violence, and I found it thought provoking regarding how we choose to live, what is fate, etc.
But this is super gory and there is sexism/misogyny that I don't like, but thankfully it takes a backseat for this guy's life of revenge.
August 31, 2025
Highly stylized, hyper-violent, cynical and full of gorgeous art. I’m not sure who had the idea of getting the RZA to soundtrack the anime but my god it couldn’t have been a better idea. The whole story flows really nicely- progressively getting more and more impressive in its acts of violence and warfare but it still has this raw coolness.
I could hear the dirty RZA beats in my head while reading- the blunt smoke filling ancient Japanese kingdoms.
🎶you can see the weakness of a man right through his iris🎶
I could hear the dirty RZA beats in my head while reading- the blunt smoke filling ancient Japanese kingdoms.
🎶you can see the weakness of a man right through his iris🎶
February 23, 2009
Unlike LONE WOLF AND CUB, to which AS cannot help but be compared, this is long on style and short on substance. The style of LW&C is simple and elegant, whereas AS is overly busy and frenetic. I like the style, but it far overshadows the shallowness of the story. Yet, I enjoyed it. This might have depth, but I doubt it will gain much in the next TP. My guess is #2 (which comes out next month, as I type this) will contain more of the same, much like the DRAGONBALL series, which is just a series of fights to see who is the best. I like the style enough to give it one more chance, but I am skeptical this will rise above its simplistic beginnings.
November 13, 2016
Aesthetically appealing, the art in this three color book is incredibly well done. That said, the plot is pretty basic. A young boy sees his father murdered and becomes a cold hearted killer in pursuit of revenge. Still, this book has a few twists on that old saw that I enjoyed, and there's something to be said for the classic foil of the hero killing another warrior in honorable battle in front of his young son, definitively adding to the cycle of violence.
This book is ultraviolent, but worth reading if that sort of story appeals to you.
This book is ultraviolent, but worth reading if that sort of story appeals to you.
June 19, 2014
This is one of my favorites. I actually saw the anime before checking out the manga, and loved it. 0kazaki didn't disappoint with the manga. Besides the beautiful artwork and the awesome storyline, I was intrigued that this manga featured black characters. If I could give this 10 stars, I would. I am a huge fan of Takashi 0kazaki.
December 7, 2022
Journey is interesting, despite our main character not saying much and being very one dimensional.
The thing that disappointed me was the blurry manga style art. Its so dark and blurry at times, they may as well have skipped those pages.
I will read vol 2 to see if it gets better but overall this volume was just okay.
The thing that disappointed me was the blurry manga style art. Its so dark and blurry at times, they may as well have skipped those pages.
I will read vol 2 to see if it gets better but overall this volume was just okay.
December 30, 2022
Илюстрациите са нещото, което въздига този комикс. Има нещо, което прилича на история но очаквам по-интересно развиетие в Vol 2. Но това, което най-много ми липсва е характер, двуизмерни ми се струват героите.
December 22, 2020
‘Afro Samurai: Volume 1’ is the basis for the hit anime Spike TV series ‘Afro Samurai’ which features the voice of Samuel L. Jackson and was nominated for two Emmy Awards. The story was originally serialised in the avant-garde manga magazine ‘Nou Nou Hau’ and later issued in this pretty pocketbook version.
It’s set in a feudalistic future Japan where the warrior who wears the Number 1 headband rules the world, has god-like powers and may be challenged only by he who wears the Number 2 headband. In the opening pages, Afro Samurai is a little kid and watches as his father, Number 1, is challenged by the Number 2, a gunslinger named Justice. Number 1 loses, dies and Afro Samurai swears revenge. As they are all ruthless killers, I wonder why Justice didn’t just behead the kid there and then and save himself any future hassle but that would have made a very short book.
After Afro’s dad loses his head, we cut to a scene years later with Afro on a quest to kill Number 1 who, well aware of it, has posted an enormous reward to anyone that brings in our hero’s hairy head. A large band of warriors attack Afro and lose, obviously, because there’s only twenty of them. Fools! Then he goes onto a village and another gang thinks they’re hard enough and has a go. After that, an individual bravo called Shichigoro tries and then one Gorokube takes up the cudgels or guns, rather, which is smart. Gorokube is a rough brute who eats his dinner off a naked lady rather than a plate. Fitting her in the dishwasher afterwards must be a chore. She is a dish, though.
Afro Samurai doesn’t speak or show any indications of character apart from being tough. He’s just as ruthless as his attackers with no regard at all for civilians who get in the way. The story follows a predictable path with the opposition getting tougher and tougher. The art is stylish and competent, in grey tones with more than a hint of red, but in the fight scenes, it’s hard to see what’s going on.
I have no problem with stories of pure action in movies like ‘Enter The Dragon’ and ‘Last Man Standing’ or ‘The Warriors’, all of which I can cheerfully watch over and over. Switch your brain off and enjoy the corny dialogue, fisticuffs and gunplay. However, it doesn’t work as well in a graphic novel, especially where the art is grey. I can see why producers of anime TV latched onto this because it probably looks terrific in that medium and in the video game. In comic-book format, not so much.
This little pocketbook is very rare now and costs an arm and a leg online, so after buying it you might look as if you challenged Afro. Frankly, I don’t know why it’s so dear because it’s not brilliant. If potential buyers are fans of the TV show, I fear they would find the book disappointing. It’s okay. It’s not bad. It’s one of those rare cases where the film is better than the book. Oddly, there’s a Spanish version of this available for a reasonable price.
It’s set in a feudalistic future Japan where the warrior who wears the Number 1 headband rules the world, has god-like powers and may be challenged only by he who wears the Number 2 headband. In the opening pages, Afro Samurai is a little kid and watches as his father, Number 1, is challenged by the Number 2, a gunslinger named Justice. Number 1 loses, dies and Afro Samurai swears revenge. As they are all ruthless killers, I wonder why Justice didn’t just behead the kid there and then and save himself any future hassle but that would have made a very short book.
After Afro’s dad loses his head, we cut to a scene years later with Afro on a quest to kill Number 1 who, well aware of it, has posted an enormous reward to anyone that brings in our hero’s hairy head. A large band of warriors attack Afro and lose, obviously, because there’s only twenty of them. Fools! Then he goes onto a village and another gang thinks they’re hard enough and has a go. After that, an individual bravo called Shichigoro tries and then one Gorokube takes up the cudgels or guns, rather, which is smart. Gorokube is a rough brute who eats his dinner off a naked lady rather than a plate. Fitting her in the dishwasher afterwards must be a chore. She is a dish, though.
Afro Samurai doesn’t speak or show any indications of character apart from being tough. He’s just as ruthless as his attackers with no regard at all for civilians who get in the way. The story follows a predictable path with the opposition getting tougher and tougher. The art is stylish and competent, in grey tones with more than a hint of red, but in the fight scenes, it’s hard to see what’s going on.
I have no problem with stories of pure action in movies like ‘Enter The Dragon’ and ‘Last Man Standing’ or ‘The Warriors’, all of which I can cheerfully watch over and over. Switch your brain off and enjoy the corny dialogue, fisticuffs and gunplay. However, it doesn’t work as well in a graphic novel, especially where the art is grey. I can see why producers of anime TV latched onto this because it probably looks terrific in that medium and in the video game. In comic-book format, not so much.
This little pocketbook is very rare now and costs an arm and a leg online, so after buying it you might look as if you challenged Afro. Frankly, I don’t know why it’s so dear because it’s not brilliant. If potential buyers are fans of the TV show, I fear they would find the book disappointing. It’s okay. It’s not bad. It’s one of those rare cases where the film is better than the book. Oddly, there’s a Spanish version of this available for a reasonable price.
June 15, 2021
I am a fan of the television series including the movie. I watched it over a decade ago and when I recently stated reading graphic novels, comics books and manga, it only made sense for me to add this series into my collection. When Afro Samurai (the television series) came out in 2007 it received mixed reactions as it was dubbed as Cultural Appropriation mainly by manga fans. But over the years; Afro Samurai has gained popularity and fans, perhaps thanks to platforms such as Netflix which has made anime/manga accessible to a wider audience.
Regarding Vol 1, the first words that came into my mind whilst reading the graphic novel were: WHAT THE F*CK? GAWD DAMN! Like I said, I am a fan of the animated series and movie.
I knew picking up the graphic novel that Afro Samurai is cold and hell bent on avenging his father, that he would do anything to ensure he's survival. But when he shielded with Nee-Chan who was merely grieving her brother, Shoukichi's death [see picture below] to avoid being killed that was colder than the Afro Samurai I have came to know from the television series, who might of shown a smile once.
The spiritual theme within within the graphic novel really jumps at you which the television series really failed to execute. The overall storyline is not complex, and in Carlo Santos's words "Takashi Okazaki often gets lost in incomprehensible scribbles and style over substance." The are moments when you can not make out the "high action" scenes because of the poorly illustrated frames. That alone would of made this novel a 3/5 but I've got my bias and this book was a 5/5 before I opened its pages.
Regarding Vol 1, the first words that came into my mind whilst reading the graphic novel were: WHAT THE F*CK? GAWD DAMN! Like I said, I am a fan of the animated series and movie.
I knew picking up the graphic novel that Afro Samurai is cold and hell bent on avenging his father, that he would do anything to ensure he's survival. But when he shielded with Nee-Chan who was merely grieving her brother, Shoukichi's death [see picture below] to avoid being killed that was colder than the Afro Samurai I have came to know from the television series, who might of shown a smile once.
The spiritual theme within within the graphic novel really jumps at you which the television series really failed to execute. The overall storyline is not complex, and in Carlo Santos's words "Takashi Okazaki often gets lost in incomprehensible scribbles and style over substance." The are moments when you can not make out the "high action" scenes because of the poorly illustrated frames. That alone would of made this novel a 3/5 but I've got my bias and this book was a 5/5 before I opened its pages.
September 2, 2013
Kind of pissed that I got a late fee at the library for this one. Not worth the time to me. About 40% of the artwork is really hard to decipher, the plot is incredibly basic and dull and there is NOTHING likeable AT ALL about our so-called 'hero.' In fact, I stopped reading and started skimming after the scene where this character we're supposed to feel sorry for uses a disabled woman as a shield and cuts her head off. This whole book was nothing but a bunch of misogyny and gore for the sake of gore. Skip it.
July 23, 2020
Well, it's good.
It goes strait to the point. No time for chit-chat, just action. The main character is a badass looking for revenge, and he only say 2 (two), yes really, only 2 words through the whole volumen.
The art it's quite unique, very dark and it could be hard to follow sometimes.
It goes strait to the point. No time for chit-chat, just action. The main character is a badass looking for revenge, and he only say 2 (two), yes really, only 2 words through the whole volumen.
The art it's quite unique, very dark and it could be hard to follow sometimes.
April 5, 2009
Very fun read, especially after having played the Xbox 360 game demo. All b&w except blood. Sometimes the drawings are hard to decipher. The story line is simple yet exciting. If you like graphic-novels, a must read :)
August 9, 2011
The story ain't really there, but the artwork is incredible. My biggest complaint would be that the action is also really hard to follow as there is always lots going on in each frame. The use of black and white splashed with red blood is absolutely gorgeous!
October 5, 2011
If you like the samurai sequences on "The Boondocks" cartoon series, you will love this.
February 8, 2023
Your standard revenge piece filled with blood and violence on an almost epic scale.
February 8, 2024
TRIGGERS: violence, gore, parent death, murder, torture, kidnap, revenge, mass murder
While this story had great potential, I had a few issues with the content.
It started off so well. The Foreword was both touching and inspiring, and then the story began with such an intriguing concept - #1 and #2 assassins facing off against each other, one to steal the other's sign of power - a headband stating their position - in the pursuit of ultimate power. #1 is with his son when #2 challenges and eventually kills him, sparking an intense need for revenge in #1's young son.
Fast forward to when #1's son is an adult, he's now #2 assassin and spends the rest of the book single-mindedly searching for the current #1 who killed his father.
I really understand #2's struggles, his desire for revenge...right up until he repeated history and perpetuated the cycle. Once he killed a man right in front of that man's son, with a close-up implying that he would now be the target of that boy's hatred, the character lost all credibility. And I lost interest. I was looking for a John Wick-esque revenge story and what I got was more unrepentant, unfeeling than a T-1000 Terminator. That completely took away all my interest in his revenge, because he was so emotionless and uncaring that I was left with no one to root for. I didn't have this deeply scarred character that I could follow, and hope he eventually got his revenge. Instead, he shamelessly murders everyone in his path to get to his goal, including using a DISABLED woman as a shield, to protect him from bullets...right after mindlessly murdering her little brother...a CHILD!
Sorry, I was invested until #2 became a robot who didn't care about anything except revenge. I get that this was written/created 25 years ago and it was probably really revolutionary back then, but it just doesn't stack up well. Maybe it's the fact that I'M disabled and in a wheelchair, that I really don't appreciate seeing a version of myself being picked up off the ground and used as canon fodder just so that some emo kid can get revenge for a father that died when he was barely 3-4 years old...
If that stuff doesn't bother you, then ABSOLUTELY read this graphic novel. The art is sketchy but detailed, the plot is clever, but I just can't get behind a nameless assassin who has no soul. When they start killing women, children and the disabled just because it suits them, then you've lost me.
I've given it a 3* for the huge potential of the plot, the art and legacy of the book overall, and for the fact that the problems I had were *my* problems.
While this story had great potential, I had a few issues with the content.
It started off so well. The Foreword was both touching and inspiring, and then the story began with such an intriguing concept - #1 and #2 assassins facing off against each other, one to steal the other's sign of power - a headband stating their position - in the pursuit of ultimate power. #1 is with his son when #2 challenges and eventually kills him, sparking an intense need for revenge in #1's young son.
Fast forward to when #1's son is an adult, he's now #2 assassin and spends the rest of the book single-mindedly searching for the current #1 who killed his father.
I really understand #2's struggles, his desire for revenge...right up until he repeated history and perpetuated the cycle. Once he killed a man right in front of that man's son, with a close-up implying that he would now be the target of that boy's hatred, the character lost all credibility. And I lost interest. I was looking for a John Wick-esque revenge story and what I got was more unrepentant, unfeeling than a T-1000 Terminator. That completely took away all my interest in his revenge, because he was so emotionless and uncaring that I was left with no one to root for. I didn't have this deeply scarred character that I could follow, and hope he eventually got his revenge. Instead, he shamelessly murders everyone in his path to get to his goal, including using a DISABLED woman as a shield, to protect him from bullets...right after mindlessly murdering her little brother...a CHILD!
Sorry, I was invested until #2 became a robot who didn't care about anything except revenge. I get that this was written/created 25 years ago and it was probably really revolutionary back then, but it just doesn't stack up well. Maybe it's the fact that I'M disabled and in a wheelchair, that I really don't appreciate seeing a version of myself being picked up off the ground and used as canon fodder just so that some emo kid can get revenge for a father that died when he was barely 3-4 years old...
If that stuff doesn't bother you, then ABSOLUTELY read this graphic novel. The art is sketchy but detailed, the plot is clever, but I just can't get behind a nameless assassin who has no soul. When they start killing women, children and the disabled just because it suits them, then you've lost me.
I've given it a 3* for the huge potential of the plot, the art and legacy of the book overall, and for the fact that the problems I had were *my* problems.
March 14, 2025
Afro Samurai, Vol. 1: A Wild Ride with Stunning Visuals
If you're a fan of Ninja Scroll or the works of Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira), then Afro Samurai, Vol. 1 is an absolute must-read. This manga is a visually stunning and action-packed experience that grabs you from the very first page. The artwork is simply breathtaking—detailed, gritty, and full of energy, perfectly complementing the story's tone and setting.
The narrative starts off a bit slow in the beginning, taking its time to set the stage. The first chapter dives straight into the origins of the story, revealing the motivations of the main character, Afro, without any unnecessary detours. It’s raw, direct, and immediately hooks you. The next two chapters showcase Afro's determination and skill, delivering intense, high-octane action sequences that fans of the genre will absolutely love. The final two chapters are interconnected and explore the harsh realities of fate and the consequences of being dealt a bad hand in life.
What makes Afro Samurai stand out is its ability to blend a revenge-driven plot with deeper themes of destiny, loss, and resilience. The pacing, while a bit slow at the start, quickly picks up and keeps you engaged. The characters are intriguing, and the world-building is immersive, leaving you eager to see where the story goes next.
In short, Afro Samurai, Vol. 1 is a smart, stylish, and thrilling read that combines incredible artwork with a compelling story. If you’re into samurai tales with a modern twist, this one’s for you. Highly recommended!
Rating: 4.5/5
If you're a fan of Ninja Scroll or the works of Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira), then Afro Samurai, Vol. 1 is an absolute must-read. This manga is a visually stunning and action-packed experience that grabs you from the very first page. The artwork is simply breathtaking—detailed, gritty, and full of energy, perfectly complementing the story's tone and setting.
The narrative starts off a bit slow in the beginning, taking its time to set the stage. The first chapter dives straight into the origins of the story, revealing the motivations of the main character, Afro, without any unnecessary detours. It’s raw, direct, and immediately hooks you. The next two chapters showcase Afro's determination and skill, delivering intense, high-octane action sequences that fans of the genre will absolutely love. The final two chapters are interconnected and explore the harsh realities of fate and the consequences of being dealt a bad hand in life.
What makes Afro Samurai stand out is its ability to blend a revenge-driven plot with deeper themes of destiny, loss, and resilience. The pacing, while a bit slow at the start, quickly picks up and keeps you engaged. The characters are intriguing, and the world-building is immersive, leaving you eager to see where the story goes next.
In short, Afro Samurai, Vol. 1 is a smart, stylish, and thrilling read that combines incredible artwork with a compelling story. If you’re into samurai tales with a modern twist, this one’s for you. Highly recommended!
Rating: 4.5/5
January 19, 2019
Sempre ouvi falar muito bem de Afro Samurai. Na época em que foi lançado, em 2009, era muito hypado, tinha anime e até um filme ia ser feito com o Samuel Jackson. Mas esse mangá é mais Samurai do que Afro. Na verdade de Afro só tem o black power. Além disso, um dos personagens é cuspido e escarrado no Lobo Solitário. Então não entendi porque tanta celebração ao personagem. A história é boba, como homens lutando em testes de masculinidade para saber quem é o homem número 1. Os desenhos não são lá grande coisa também. A edição que a Panini Comics Brasil fez para o mangá, com impressão em papel pisa brite, o famoso papel jornal, que absorve muita tinta de impressão e deixa borrado as nuances que o desenhista fez, atrapalhando na compreensão geral da história. Eu sei que mangás não são a minha praia, mas vez que outra eu dou uma chance para eles. E, na maioria das vezes, eu acabo me arrependendo disso. Eu gostaria de saber explicar essa minha aversão por alguns mangás, mas nem sempre consigo. Neste aqui, a história não me conquistou nem um pouquinho e a arte foi prejudicada pela impressão porca. Mas, ok, isso não vai me impedir de tentar ler um mangá novamente.
October 31, 2024
אתחיל ואומר שזה סיפור אדג'י בטירוף.
ברמה של כשילד בן 13 יקרא את זה הוא יחשוב שזה הדבר הכי מגניב שהוא ראה בחיים שלו, אבל זה לא דבר רע.
הסיפור אלים מאוד אבל זה ממחיש את העולם בו הדמות הראשית נמצאת ואת הדרך האלימה שהוא עושה. זה במיוחד מומחש כאשר רואים את הדמות הראשית עושה דברים לא מוסריים לטובתו האישית, ולכן אני גם מסתייג לקרוא לו גיבור, כי מבחינת הירואיזם הוא מאוד אפור.
הדבר שפחות אהבתי בסיפור היה העובדה שזה הרגיש מאוד כמו "הנבל של השבוע" - בכל פרק מספר 2 ממשיך הלאה לנבל אחר, בלי באמת משקל לכל קרב שמתרחש בספר, אבל מצד שני אפשר לומר שזה ככה בשביל לשרת את הנרטיב של מספר 2: כל הנרטיב שלו הוא להגיע למספר אחד, וכל אויב בדרך הוא בסך הכל הסחת דעת, וזה ממש מורגש בדרך בה הסיפור מתקדם.
ניתן גם לומר שמספר 2 הוא דמות משעממת למדי, הוא חד ממדי עם אולי 2 בועות דיבור כל הספר, אבל זה בסדר, כי הוא מגניב אחושרמוטה.
בין הבעיות הבודדות שהיו לי עם הספר היה האיורים.
אני חייב לומר שהאיורים היו מטורפים וממש אהבתי אותם, אבל היו הרבה מקרים בהם לא יכולתי להבין על מה אני מסתכל, בעיקר בקטעי הקרבות שמופיעות באופן שכיח למדי בספר הזה.
ואם כבר דיברתי על הקרבות אז ראוי לציין לשבח את הפאנלינג המדהים שהיה .
ברמה של כשילד בן 13 יקרא את זה הוא יחשוב שזה הדבר הכי מגניב שהוא ראה בחיים שלו, אבל זה לא דבר רע.
הסיפור אלים מאוד אבל זה ממחיש את העולם בו הדמות הראשית נמצאת ואת הדרך האלימה שהוא עושה. זה במיוחד מומחש כאשר רואים את הדמות הראשית עושה דברים לא מוסריים לטובתו האישית, ולכן אני גם מסתייג לקרוא לו גיבור, כי מבחינת הירואיזם הוא מאוד אפור.
הדבר שפחות אהבתי בסיפור היה העובדה שזה הרגיש מאוד כמו "הנבל של השבוע" - בכל פרק מספר 2 ממשיך הלאה לנבל אחר, בלי באמת משקל לכל קרב שמתרחש בספר, אבל מצד שני אפשר לומר שזה ככה בשביל לשרת את הנרטיב של מספר 2: כל הנרטיב שלו הוא להגיע למספר אחד, וכל אויב בדרך הוא בסך הכל הסחת דעת, וזה ממש מורגש בדרך בה הסיפור מתקדם.
ניתן גם לומר שמספר 2 הוא דמות משעממת למדי, הוא חד ממדי עם אולי 2 בועות דיבור כל הספר, אבל זה בסדר, כי הוא מגניב אחושרמוטה.
בין הבעיות הבודדות שהיו לי עם הספר היה האיורים.
אני חייב לומר שהאיורים היו מטורפים וממש אהבתי אותם, אבל היו הרבה מקרים בהם לא יכולתי להבין על מה אני מסתכל, בעיקר בקטעי הקרבות שמופיעות באופן שכיח למדי בספר הזה.
ואם כבר דיברתי על הקרבות אז ראוי לציין לשבח את הפאנלינג המדהים שהיה .
February 3, 2023
As a child, he witnessed his father being gunned down. As an adult, he is the second strongest and most deadly man in the world. He is No. 2. His whole existence is the pursuit of his father’s killer. No. 2 could be the only man to take down No. 1 and avenge his father. But on the road to Mt. Sumeru, the Empty Seven send every assassin they have to stop No. 2.
Afro Samurai Vol 1 was a graphic novel by manga artist Takashi Okazaki before the animated series starring Samuel L. Jackson. Originally published in the Japanese magazine Nou Nou Nau from 1998-2002, this graphic novel was released in English in 2022 by Titan Comics. Even though the story is a translation, Okazaki’s art transcends all interpretations. The illustrations are as chaotic as the action-filled story. Okazaki drew in all black and white, with the only color being the crimson red of blood. If you liked the animated series, then the afro Samurai graphic novels will make an absolute killing.
Afro Samurai Vol 1 was a graphic novel by manga artist Takashi Okazaki before the animated series starring Samuel L. Jackson. Originally published in the Japanese magazine Nou Nou Nau from 1998-2002, this graphic novel was released in English in 2022 by Titan Comics. Even though the story is a translation, Okazaki’s art transcends all interpretations. The illustrations are as chaotic as the action-filled story. Okazaki drew in all black and white, with the only color being the crimson red of blood. If you liked the animated series, then the afro Samurai graphic novels will make an absolute killing.
November 14, 2024
I read this for Storygraph's 2024 genre challenge. I knew that an action manga wouldn't really be up my alley, but I had this on hand so I decided to try it out instead of going out to find a manga more suited to my taste. This just felt like violence for the sake of violence with very little plot and a main character with seemingly no personality, moral code, or motivation beyond revenge.
I do like the artistic choice of leaving everything black and white except blood. It makes the very stylized illustrations easier to follow in the fighting scenes. However, there were still a few panels I could not make out at all.
I do like the artistic choice of leaving everything black and white except blood. It makes the very stylized illustrations easier to follow in the fighting scenes. However, there were still a few panels I could not make out at all.
June 15, 2025
This was an awesome, action packed comic novel and I enjoyed it.
Afro samurai is on a path of revenge after the brutal death of his father by the hands of Number 1 which he witnessed as a young boy. This story is his journey to find 1 and the judgment and resistance he faces along the way.
The only this I didn’t understand is why he killed innocent people or left people he loved for dead. But other than that it’s an awesome graphic read and I loved the graphics and the story as a whole, Afro samurai is a badass!
Afro samurai is on a path of revenge after the brutal death of his father by the hands of Number 1 which he witnessed as a young boy. This story is his journey to find 1 and the judgment and resistance he faces along the way.
The only this I didn’t understand is why he killed innocent people or left people he loved for dead. But other than that it’s an awesome graphic read and I loved the graphics and the story as a whole, Afro samurai is a badass!
September 25, 2023
The story isn't much more than a simple revenge fantasy. Afro Samurai's father was killed in front of him as a boy and now he's out to kill those who killed his father.
The art is different for a manga. It's not your typical house style. It has a fluidity to it that I liked but the action scenes almost have too much motion in them making them difficult to decipher. If you're wondering, yes, this was turned into a anime with Samuel L. Jackson in the lead role.
The art is different for a manga. It's not your typical house style. It has a fluidity to it that I liked but the action scenes almost have too much motion in them making them difficult to decipher. If you're wondering, yes, this was turned into a anime with Samuel L. Jackson in the lead role.
April 3, 2024
Pretty much the epitome of style > substance, seems like a standard Kill Bill esque story where there is a master who kills everybody who gets in the way
I didn't love the black and white scheme the entire book, I think that color on most pages with black and white theme in only the fight scenes would have been better, that way you can get the pop that the blood gets while also painting a better picture of the surrounding setting
I didn't love the black and white scheme the entire book, I think that color on most pages with black and white theme in only the fight scenes would have been better, that way you can get the pop that the blood gets while also painting a better picture of the surrounding setting
July 7, 2024
Short and Sweet.
Afro Samurai is a beautiful work of style and design. You aren’t going to find a complex narrative and that’s okay. I believe Afro Samurai truly shines in It’s animated form but the manga is so accessible that I recommend anyone give it a read. I think Afro Samurai in general would be a great starting point for anyone looking to get into anime and/or manga with it being compact, standalone, and full of charm.
Afro Samurai is a beautiful work of style and design. You aren’t going to find a complex narrative and that’s okay. I believe Afro Samurai truly shines in It’s animated form but the manga is so accessible that I recommend anyone give it a read. I think Afro Samurai in general would be a great starting point for anyone looking to get into anime and/or manga with it being compact, standalone, and full of charm.
July 24, 2025
Raw, unforgiving, and essential. Afro Samurai ain’t just a story — it’s a war hymn wrapped in blood and silence. A black samurai haunted by the ghosts of his past, dragging vengeance like a corpse tied to his ankle. Every swing of his katana is a death sentence. The Empty Seven lurk like vultures, whispering “Only the Number One can speak to God”, but God’s not listening — Death is.
This volume doesn’t ask for your attention. It takes it, splits it open, and shows you the rot inside.
This volume doesn’t ask for your attention. It takes it, splits it open, and shows you the rot inside.
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