Samurai Manga Madness!

Ah manga. The gift that keeps on giving. The inspiration that has now started inspiring. The original sin and also the original sinner.

Too dramatic?

Perhaps, but the mark of the mangaka is unmistakable and undeniable in our lives. Japan's mainstream comic book industry which started as the smallest of the small was an attempt to give the identity starved Japanese people heroes of their own, like the Americans had theirs. It was a humble attempt and was long ridiculed by the more powerful film companies of Japan who, at the time, ruled the entertainment industry. Serious directors/writers/artists kept their heads down and stayed away from manga/anime lest they incur the producer's wrath.

Today its impact cant be felt worldwide. 

Even in India we see kids gush over Naruto and collect a myriad of toys and collectibles while making "pika pika...pikachu" noises. It has in due course overtaken and overthrown the giant shadow of the American Comic book industry and today casts it's own shade upon the world. Being no stranger to manga (and by it's extension anime) I believe the stars to have sufficiently aligned and the time to be sort of right for new readers of comic books, namely you, to follow me into the great mysteries of the Orient.

Anime Review Presents – SAMURAI CHAMPLOO

Konnichiwa minna!

Has everyone been indulging liberally in anime while I was gone? Your oujo sama spends a lot of time watching anime and reading manga, and tends to get lost in those worlds – all for you! All so that I have recommendations that people will enjoy. Ready for what I have this week?
Samurai Champloo is an old anime, originally aired in 2004, and ever since it’s debut continues to remain one of the classics in the field. Set in the 'Edo' period, the story is centered around Fuu, a 15-year-old girl who works in her uncle’s teahouse. A random series of encounters bring her together with two ronin – Jin and Mugen – whose lives she saves, only to insist they help her find ‘the samurai who smells of sunflowers’. Though vague initially, the antics of the characters keep you sufficiently entertained, until just enough of the central plot is revealed to make you wonder what’s going on.

Anime Review: Samurai Champloo

I absolutely loved Cowboy Bebop and the intertwining jazz music, which truly shone bright and etched the series into my mind and heart. So, I fished for some more “stuff” from Mr. Shinichirō Watanabe. Coming across “Samurai Champloo” I thought of getting some info about the series before I jump into it. This is how my friend described it to me – “I don’t remember the series name but it involves two samurai’s. One was strict and the other was a total ruckus but they rocked the house and it was awesome!!Oh and it has Hip-Hop mashed with old Japan”.