I hate it when I'm late on the scene regarding the next big thing. In the past I've been known to have blinders on when it came to certain aspects of pop culture. At one time I collected exclusively DC and Marvel graphic novels while feigning disinterest in books from independent companies. I actually missed out on the Milestone Comics era (a now defunct Black/minority based comic company during the 90s comic boom) because of this single-mindedness. It's akin to the 1980s phenomenon of wearing only acceptable sneakers and not skips (unknown brand athletic shoes). Nowadays, of course, it's one big free for all within the popular culture game-no rules apply. So, although I'm slowly breaking out of this funk for missing certain trends, I was however, a Johnny Come Lately regarding Sam Jackson's latest effort, Afro-Samurai. Samurai, originally started out as a Japanese manga story created by Okazaki Takashi, a graphic designer who funded the comic out of his own pocket. Here is Wikipedia's synopsis of the Afro Samurai storyline:
The TV anime series will be set in a "futuristic, yet feudal Japan," and star a black samurai named Afro. The story will follow Afro as he tries to avenge his father's murder. On the dark path of the swordsman, it is said that the one who becomes No.1 will rule the world. But the only rule in this world is that only the No. 2 is allowed to fight the No. 1. The No. 2, the Afro Samurai, travels the road looking for revenge on those who murdered his father in front of him when he was just a boy. The focus of his attentions is No. 1, a three-armed gunman who is the lord of the dark swordsman's road. Silent assassins lurk in the shadows, trying to get rid of No. 2, the only man allowed to fight No. 1. Can No. 2 achieve his aim?
Suffice it to say, I am definitely going to be looking for Mr. Jackson's latest celluloid effort-it's scheduled to air on cable's Spike TV on December 31st. Check your local listing. Click the links below for more information:
Afro Samurai Comic Takes Hollywood by Storm
Spike TV-Afro Samurai
Official Afro Samurai site
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