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Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai is a Japanese seinen dōjinshi manga series created by Takashi Okazaki.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Afro Samurai is a Japanese seinen dōjinshi manga series created by Takashi Okazaki. It follows a swordsman named Afro as he seeks revenge for his father’s death in a stylized futuristic feudal Japan, and it was later adapted into an anime miniseries and a sequel film.

Premise

The series is set in a stylized world combining futuristic and feudal Japanese elements. Its plot follows Afro, a swordsman driven by revenge after witnessing his father’s death.

Publication history

Takashi Okazaki created Afro Samurai as a dōjinshi manga, which appeared irregularly in Nou Nou Hau from 1998 to 2002. The work drew on Okazaki’s interest in hip hop and soul music.

Anime adaptation

Gonzo adapted the manga into a five-episode anime miniseries in 2007, followed by the 2009 television film Afro Samurai: Resurrection. Samuel L. Jackson voiced the title character in the anime productions.

Reception and awards

The anime received Emmy nominations and won awards in animation categories. This helped the franchise gain wider international recognition beyond its manga origins.

Key facts

  • Afro Samurai began as a manga written and illustrated by Takashi Okazaki.
  • It was serialized irregularly in the dōjinshi magazine Nou Nou Hau from November 1998 to September 2002.
  • The story centers on Afro, who seeks revenge after his father is killed.
  • The manga was adapted into a 2007 anime miniseries by Gonzo.
  • A sequel titled Afro Samurai: Resurrection followed in 2009.
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Canadian context

The series has been available to Canadian audiences through international anime distribution and streaming services, and it is part of the broader North American pop-culture reception of Japanese anime.

Frequently asked questions

What is Afro Samurai?
Afro Samurai is a Japanese manga series by Takashi Okazaki that was later adapted into an anime miniseries and a sequel film.
Who created Afro Samurai?
Afro Samurai was written and illustrated by Takashi Okazaki.
What is Afro Samurai about?
It follows Afro, a swordsman who seeks revenge for his father’s murder in a futuristic feudal Japan.
When was Afro Samurai first published?
It was serialized in Nou Nou Hau from November 1998 to September 2002.
Was Afro Samurai adapted into anime?
Yes. Gonzo produced a 2007 anime miniseries, and a sequel film, Afro Samurai: Resurrection, was released in 2009.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro_Samurai
    Supports: Creator, publication history, premise, anime adaptation, sequel film, awards
  2. Anime News Network — https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5275
    Supports: Anime plot and adaptation details
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70204947
    Supports: Streaming availability and basic series description