Afro Samurai: Volume 1

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?

This new creator-approved 'director's cut' edition of the out-of-print cult classic book features specially commissioned custom covers and a brand-new foreword by Takashi Okazaki.

Japan has become a land of warriors, warlords and assassins, where the technology of the future exits alongside the brutal traditions of the past. This world is ruled by whoever possesses the legendary No.1 headband, which many believe bestows god-like powers on the wearer, but to attain this headband, a warrior must first become No.2, and only then can they challenge for the right to become No.1. But who can challenge the No.2? Everyone! So to be the world's second greatest warrior is to be in a constant fight for survival.

When the boy Afro Samurai's father, Rokutaro, is challenged as No.1 and killed by the No.2, a lethal outlaw known as Justice, he swears revenge, starting on a bloody path of retribution that will make him the No.2 warrior and allow him to challenge Justice.

Afro Samurai's lasting impact can be seen in today's appetite for all things manga and anime, as it was one of the first cross-cultural collaborations that celebrated Asian pop culture and Afro American hip hop, to create an entirely new hybridised visual and musical language.

About the Author

Takashi Okazaki is a Japanese manga writer and artist, and visual designer most well-known for creating Afro Samurai. He has also created character designs for many other games and anime, including Batman Ninja. Most recently, he has worked as a cover artist for Marvel Comics on titles including Werewolf by Night, Black Widow and Deadpool.