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ok.... so the Tokugawa (Edo) Period, in a nutshell, was more-or-less peace from 1600 to 1867. this story takes place during that time period. the drama of deceit and betrayal run deep in this plot. this show is not typical by any means. if you are not Japanese or do not understand Japanese historical culture, you may want to do some research into the culture. this show is very true to Japanese theater from music to character's actions. this is NOT a Naruto or a Bleach type show; DO NOT EXPECT IT OR COMPARE THIS TO THOSE TYPE OF ... ANIME!!! they do not compare to what this show has to offer to the viewer.

The OVA vs. the series

Even-though the premise is the same, the story has been re-vamped. This is what makes the OVA a better watch than the series. While watching the series, I experienced a bit like too much was going on. The revisions in the OVA fixed that for me. Yes, it's a post-apocalyptic that is similar to the likes of Evangelion, Escaflowne & RaXhephon, but there's a different fight here. Most have not seen this because they are too wrapped up in the fact that it resembles older titles. In a sense, I could even say it is ... similar to Voltron. This title like the others, has a specific fight. Like I don't give away the story (because others have already), I would recommend a watch of the OVA as it is only 2 episodes. If you are curious to know the difference of the series, see if this holds your attention well enough, then check out the series. Also, find the true battle in this story.

Ok.... so you've probably read some reviews of this ONA & you're probably like... "WOOOW...." I will not go into each episode because you have already taken that trip through the other reviews. So here's the "skinny" from someone who has watched anime for many years.

This can be compared to The Animatrix & Batman Gotham Knight. It is a collection of stories that take you into the Halo universe. It gives you a history of how things began & stories from other perspectives, that will tie-in answers to unanswered questions of the game followers. Those who don't follow the game ... are in for an experience into this universe that has been at war throughout space & time.

This collaboration of stories have been written, animated & produced by a collection writers, directors, producers & animation studios from Japan. The main directors overseen the entire production in making sure that each episode stayed true to the original story line of the game. The 8 different episodes all have a different animation look. Each one, even-though done in a different animation style, brings to life a different aspect in how the story is viewed (from who's eyes) based on story being told.

Like with anything, in order to know what it's truly about, you should watch it and base your own opinion; especially if you're reading these reviews - it only shows you have a curiosity of what's going on.... If you're gonna base whether you watch it or not based on these reviews & you go into it with a formulated opinion, remember... it wasn't your TRUE opinion to begin with.

Enjoy!

Unlike many of the reviews prior to my own, the story here is a story that far surpasses what was understood. If you have seen Ninja Scroll (movie & /or series) & The Blade Of Kamui, you can almost tie the 3 movies together. Not only is there a forbidden, Romeo & Juliet-type love going on here. This was a time when the government was trying to get rid of both ninja and samurai. If you go through the characters of these 3 titles, you will run across similar names. This particular story is indeed a bloody battle of the ... 2 clans, but if you are like me & truly get into the story, it is worth watching.

Created by Takashi Okazaki, this title will be a legend in its time & for times to come. Okazaki, being from Japan, did what traditional creators HAD NOT... this was not about Samuel Jackson, Kelly Hu, & Ron Pearlman being the huge voice overs that people took to. This is a story that crosses boundaries on a much larger scale.

This is a story of "good vs. evil" told in the culture of the Japanese, placed in a future, post apocalyptic era in a multi-cultured society as we live in today. The music combined with the mixed Far East/Western scene combinations ... sets "Afro Samurai" in a place where no other creator has dared to go. Not only did "Afro Samurai" catch up with the times of our society in its visual & musical aspects, but it bridged the gap of Eastern & Western societies.

Its story is a "straight-to-the-point", "pay-attention" story; no fluff added - but it keeps your attention & makes you want more. Its 5 episodes are packed with action and a deep underlined story; anymore development would have taken away from the intensity of the story.

This is NOT your typical anime; it is the "Akira" of THIS millennium. Like all anime, it is meant to bring entertainment, but it is like fashion where it makes a statement. "Akira" made a statement in 1987 & has grown to be a classic of its kind. "Afro Samurai" made a statement in 2006 & it already has its place amongst the classics.

ok.... let me put this into perspective...... this ORIGINALLY came out in 1986. FOR IT'S RELEASE TIME.... you had a great story in a post nuclear world! the only thing close to this WAS Mad Max. you had the bad guys you HAD to hate, but they were such bad guys, you liked them as characters & the roles they played. Kung Fu movies were the only thing that was showin' martial arts back then & here was a 'cartoon' that exploited not only martial arts, but different styles that attacked pressure points only & killed you!!

in '86.... that was highly impressive & revolutionary ... for an animated story. for you to look at it now, you'd see it as 'corny' with 'over-rated' dialogue. as an enthusiast, your approach to watchin' THIS title... you have to be able to transport yourself back in order to appreciate the values on this story & it's innovation of the time. only then, will you fully see "Fist of the North Star" for the classic it has become.