Heeey Afroooo: Interview with Takashi Okazaki
Afro Samurai was created as a manga, but its claim to fame here on the western side of the pond is for a few reasons. Firstly, the anime aired here before it aired in Japan. Secondly, the voice of Samuel L. Jackson as “Afro” and “ninja ninja”, and Ron Pearlman as “Justice”, plus the sound track by RZA of Wu-Tang Clan - made it ultra hip, cool and frankly just bad ass. And thirdly the animation, the story, and the characters were dope. Yeah, I said it… DOPE.
The main character, Afro, becomes the “Number Two” swordsman in order to avenge his father who was murdered by “Number One”. The problem is that someone becomes “Number One” by killing the current Number One, donning the headband that denotes you are the most skilled, the One to be most feared, and truthfully, the baddest mofo around (yes, I said mofo).
The trick is this: only the "Number Two" can challenge the "Number One." It doesn’t stop there; anyone and everyone can try to kill the “Number Two” claiming his headband, and gaining the right to challenge Number One.
Leaving a mark among the stars: auncia
Since forming in 2006, auncia has moved from Indie to Major. A band consisting of very young members: TATSUKI on vocal, JIN on guitar, Yosuke on bass and Hikari on drums, they rocked it out at during the battle of the bands at Anime Expo 2009. In case you are unfamiliar with their work, they have released two mini-albums, two DVDs, and three maxi singles. Get to know them…
10 Minutes and Counting: Interview with Mana at Anime Expo
In 2006, Mana visited Anime Expo as a guest, this time, he came back to perform with Moi dix Mois in 2009. To reverse a little in time, Mana's career has spanned two decades, becoming well known for his role as leader and guitarist in the band Malicer Mizer. He launched a clothing label, Moi-même-Moitié, which has influenced Gothic styling around the world.
Read more: 10 Minutes and Counting: Interview with Mana at Anime Expo
