Chapter 1: Introduction to Afro Samurai

Do not be alarmed, dear readers; the seemingly misspelled title of this essay is intentional. Rather than referencing the widely recognized term "samurai," we’re playing with words to highlight the South Pacific island of Samarai, located in Papua New Guinea. Now that this is clarified, let’s dive into a narrative about my encounter with Bob Okazaki, the mastermind behind the comic, action figure, and animated series Afro Samurai, during my visit to San Diego Comic-Con.

For those unfamiliar with Afro or Bob Okazaki, rest assured that you will gain the necessary insights by the conclusion of this piece. If everything unfolds as intended, this enlightening discussion will segue into an exploration of Papua New Guinea and the splendor of its people.

Even if you possess a fair amount of knowledge regarding Papua New Guinea or its relevance in history, prepare yourself for a fresh perspective. And for those who can pinpoint Papua New Guinea on a map but are curious about its relation to Afro Samurai, stay tuned—you'll gain insights just like everyone else.

edification | edəfəˈkāSH(ə)n | noun: enlightenment or instruction, especially of a moral or spiritual nature.

Now, let’s settle in. I present to you my alter ego, Professor Paco, who will guide you through today’s lesson.

Chapter 2: The Birth of Afro Samurai

The character Afro Samurai first emerged in Japan within the pages of a doujinshi, an amateur self-published magazine. A decade later, he materialized as a collectible action figure and eventually inspired an animated series in the United States.

Created by Takashi Okazaki, affectionately known as Bob, Afro Samurai is a modern twist on traditional Japanese adventure heroes. Picture a stylish, cigar-smoking samurai adorned with gold hoops in his ears and a vibrant green afro reminiscent of broccoli.

Okazaki drew inspiration from various sources, including classic samurai films, blaxploitation cinema, and the Star Wars franchise. His eclectic mix of influences also incorporated a love for 1970s Soul Train reruns and contemporary hip-hop, alongside his fondness for Afros.

In the fall of 2004, I first encountered the character through a limited-edition action figure while searching online for intriguing items to feature in my zine, Kung Fu Grip. The figure, labeled "Afro Sam-rai," caught my eye on a collectibles website.

The striking design of the figure captivated me, compelling me not only to write about Afro Samurai but also to desire ownership of the collectible. However, I hesitated to purchase it at retail price, which was set at $100—a significant sum for a struggling artist. Instead, I opted to write a review for my zine and include a photo from the site.

Just two issues later, the character was featured again when a second action figure was produced in collaboration with the animated series in development.

The Afro Samurai animated series premiered in January 2007 on Spike TV, blending Eastern and Western influences to great success. Following this, Funimation, the show's production company, began working on a new storyline to expand Afro's adventures.

In a documentary included with the Afro Samurai DVD, Eric Calderon, a co-producer, recounted his initial meeting with Okazaki, who appeared nervous and shy. I experienced a similar impression when I encountered Bob at Comic-Con in 2008, where he was accompanied by a translator.

As I wandered the convention, I stumbled upon a table adorned with Afro Samurai posters and spotted Bob nearby. I quickly joined a growing line of fans eager to meet him. My excitement led me to snap a few photos before shaking his hand. Despite our language barrier, the translator facilitated our exchange of pleasantries.

After selecting a poster, Bob signed it "To Paco!!" with enthusiasm, adding a delightful touch to an already memorable weekend. Earlier that day, I had attended a panel featuring sneak peeks of upcoming Afro Samurai episodes and a related video game.

Sitting on stage with Bob were notable figures, including RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan, who created the show’s soundtrack, and Samuel L. Jackson, the voice behind Afro and his sidekick, Ninja-Ninja.

Chapter 3: The Cultural Landscape of Papua New Guinea

Throughout my life, literature has transported me to various corners of the globe, including Ethiopia, Somalia, India, and Papua New Guinea. However, despite this intellectual journey, a lingering doubt persists regarding whether I will ever step foot in these distant lands.

At Comic-Con, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts, I listened intently as Bob, Sam, and RZA discussed their contributions to Afro Samurai. This experience fueled my desire to contribute creatively in my own life.

In Japan, the term "otaku" describes individuals like Bob and, to some extent, Sam. This word embodies a deep passion for pop culture, including comics, animation, and cosplay.

As someone who identifies as an otaku, I have even envisioned my own prequel story for Afro Samurai, driven by a desire to understand the origins of Afro’s character.

The narrative begins with Afro as a child, tragically losing his father in a duel. This pivotal moment shapes his path of vengeance.

While Bob likely has his own detailed backstory for Afro, I sought to explore the geographical and cultural context that could explain Afro’s lineage.

Considering the distance from Africa to Japan, I turned my attention to Papua New Guinea, which lies approximately 3,000 miles south of Japan.

Chapter 4: The Connection to Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, the world’s second-largest island, became the logical homeland for Afro Samurai. The name "New Guinea" was bestowed by Spanish explorer Yñigo Ortiz de Retez in 1545, inspired by the resemblance between its inhabitants and those from the Guinea regions of Africa.

The name "Papua" derives from the Malay word meaning "fuzzy" or "woolly," aptly describing the native population’s hairstyles. Genetic studies confirm that the indigenous peoples of Papua share ancestry with Australians, highlighting a common heritage that spans vast time and distance.

In my exploration of Afro Samurai's origins, I pinpointed Samarai Island as a fitting location for his homeland. I came across a striking historical photograph of three men from Samarai, which sparked my imagination.

Envisioning one of these men as Afro's father, dressed in traditional samurai attire, I thought of the powerful symbolism of a sword juxtaposed with flowers in his hair—a representation of strength and tenderness.

By imagining Afro and his father journeying across the seas in search of trade, I crafted a narrative where they are caught in a storm and eventually rescued by Japanese fishermen, setting the stage for their new life in Japan.

As I wrap up my thoughts on this cultural intersection, I invite anyone with connections to Bob or Sam to share my ideas for an Afro Samurai prequel.

Class dismissed.