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SAMURAI CHAMPLOO ROMAN ALBUM |
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Sunday, 01 April 2007 |
 | | ▪ | PUBLISHED BY: | | SAMURAI CHAMPLOO ROMAN ALBUM | | | ▪ | ARTIST/AUTHOR: | | KAZUTO NAKAZAWA, TAKASHI WAKI / SHINICHIRO WATANABE | | | ▪ | PAGES: | | 104 | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 02/21/2007 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 03/25/2007 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | CHRISTOPHER SEAMAN |
It is easy to criticize many anime shows for valuing style over substance; for putting the look of the piece over the feelings it can create within the minds of its viewers if only it had a better story.
SAMURAI CHAMPLOO isn’t one of those shows. It has a compelling story with great characterizations, a hip hop score that flies in the face of the historic setting and yet complements it beautifully, and a visual design that is a marvel to behold. Dark Horse has just released SAMURAI CHAMPLOO ROMAN ALBUM, collecting interviews with the writers, directors, producers, musicians, artists and voice actors who brought this gem to life. It is a worthy companion to the series, and a ‘must have’ item that should go on the wish list of anyone who loved following the adventures of Fuu, and her two bodyguards- the chaotic and uncivilized Mugen, and Jin, a samurai who is on a quest for personal absolution. As these three misfits take viewers on a road trip across Japan looking for ‘the samurai who smells of sunflowers’, we are treated to twisted interpretations of Japanese history and mixed up cultural associations as a backdrop to a buddy picture with loads of action, comedy and stylish animation.
In the ROMAN ALBUM, we are introduced to the story through the obligatory plot synopsis and episode summaries. Readers are give descriptions of the major characters and information on their back stories. In another essay, the producers make it clear why in the opening scene they declare the history is not important in the telling of this story. We are also given concise explanations for the use of the music, the design of the characters, and the hiring of the actors. Character design studies related to specific episodes, always a favorite among artists wishing to study the style of the show, are provided in abundance, printed large on the page for ease of study. Props are shown in design forms, as are settings, which are given an essay of their own during an interview with Art Director Takeshi Waki. For readers familiar with this series, it may actually be no surprise that at least part of the creative team behind the wildly famous COWBOY BEBOP was also behind this series, and in another interview, we are lead on a ‘journey’ into the history of the creation of SAMURAI CHAMPLOO by these people- out from under the shadow of its predecessor. Other interesting parts of the book deal with poster design, (an art show based on imagined album covers created for projected soundtracks was mounted at one point in Japan), the manga that has grown from the series, and even a game that players can enjoy, recreating the steps of young Fuu and her companions.
The designers of this book really deserve credit for creating a work that honors the series and captures its look so completely. Translated into English directly from the Japanese, and retaining the right to left reading format in which it was originally created, about the only problem in the book is a misprint, where the plot synopsis for Episode 10 is printed also in the place of the Episode 8 summary. It is very confusing, to say the least. However, it is not worthy of condemnation for the book as a whole. This book is a worthy addition to any serious collector’s anime companion library. For the look alone, it should be bought and studied.
IN SUMMARY:
SAMURAI CHAMPLOO is an amazing anime series. The SAMURAI CHAMPLOO ROMAN ALBUM is one of the best looking series guides produced in years. Dark Horse has a gem on its hands with this stunningly hip, ultra cool guide to an anime that has scratched out a fan base worldwide. |
