Takashi Okazaki – illustratör

Samuel L. Jackson (the voice of Afro in the anime) says: "Gotta figure out a way to get this on the Big Screen!!! My Man Takashi Okazaki did his thang with this one!"A manga classic that is essential reading for all fans of the medium and afro-Japanese-futurism. This is the ultimate boxed set that collects both volumes of the director's cut editions, and also includes two exclusive illustrated art cards!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.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.Volume 1:In the first of two volumes, we see the beginnings of young Afro's quest, his battles with an array of assassins and warlords, that climaxes in the epic confrontation with the powerful Empty Seven Clan and a showdown with an old enemy...Volume 2:After having defeated the Empty Seven Clan, Afro is forced to face a new threat: a deadly warrior who wears a teddy mask called Jinno. Will his bloodthirsty campaign of vengeance be thwarted, or will he finally face Justice and claim the number one headband?

Two acclaimed Japanese creators reveal their incredible Visions of the galaxy far, far away!Manga legend TAKASHI OKAZAKI continues his storytelling from the acclaimed Star Wars: Visions “The Duel,” featuring the Ronin — fusing the mythology of Star Wars with elements of Feudal Japan! We know the Ronin as a fearsome Sith slayer, but who was he before? Discover the early days of the fan-favorite character! Then, acclaimed creator PEACH MOMOKO unleashes her own visionary storytelling! Centuries after the death of a great Sith Lord, a cult has grown worshipping them…and the dark side. Tata, leader of the cult of Ankok, believes she is the successor to this deadly legacy! But is she truly in tune with the Force? Or is she just exploiting the people in her village? Kako and Gel are about to come face-to-face with the truth — even if it kills them!COLLECTING: Star Wars: Visions (2022) #1, Star Wars: Visions - Peach Momoko (2023) #1, Star Wars: Visions - Takashi Okazaki (2024) #1, Star Wars: Darth Vader - Black, White & Red (2023) #1 (Peach Momoko story)Written by Takashi Okazaki, Aki Yanagi & Peach MomokoPenciled by Takashi Okazaki & Peach Momoko

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.In the first of two volumes, we see the beginnings of young Afro's quest, his battles with an array of assassins and warlords, that climaxes in the epic confrontation with the powerful Empty Seven Clan and a showdown with an old enemy...Taking his inspiration from US soul and hip-hop cultures, Okazaki-san originally published Afro Samurai as a serialised, self-published (doujinshi) manga in Nou Nou Hau magazine from November 1998 to September 2002. It was picked up by Funimation and developed as an anime, airing five episodes in 2007, with Afro voiced by Samuel L Jackson and a soundtrack by RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. Okazaki-san then created these two manga volumes for the US market, which were published in 2008 and 2009.Both original English language volumes have been out of print since 2013 and 2016, respectively, and are highly sought after by collectors, selling for $100+.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.