Samurai Champloo Volume 3

The unlikely trio of Fuu, Mugen and Jin continue their journey across feudal Japan, continuing the search for “the samurai that smells of sunflowers.” Of course, the journey is never an easy one, and at every turn the group find themselves in some trouble or other with criminals, the authorities, or (more often than not) both at the same time.

The third volume of Samurai Champloo continues in the same vein as the previous ones, combining swordplay and humour with hip hop beats. On offer this time are another three standalone tales and a recap episode, all presented in a unique blend of culture and style. Although set during Japan’s Edo period, what sets Champloo apart from the crowd it the way it treats everything with equal parts respect and disregard, with a strong sense of humour throughout. A prime example would be the warrior monks intent on starting a revolution with the grass they’ve been cultivating. Of course, when Mugen shows up it all goes up in smoke -literally- with some great consequences, such as the psychedelic trippy-vision mode.

The highlight of the volume is certainly the third episode, which sees Jin finally getting some much-needed character development. In need of some quick cash, he takes a job as an eel vendor, and makes the acquaintance of a woman – who then drops a bombshell by telling him she’s been sold to a brothel. The usually stoic and silent Jin soon falls for her, and although it goes against the rules of society, decides to help her out. It’s a rather touching story, and proof that Champloo can deliver the emotional goods when it wants to.

Visually, Champloo is a real treat to behold. Sharp lines, strong colours and slick animation all blend together to make for one of the nicest looking series in recent memory. Most impressive is the quality of animation during fight sequences, as they are so smooth and well choreographed that you can quite easily forget this is a TV series. Every trick in the book is used, and the constantly moving camera gives the action scenes an exciting immediacy not seen elsewhere. There are also other nice touches, such as the old filmreel effect when starting a flashback

The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, particularly as it’s so integral to the whole experience. While hip hop and samurai may sound like an impossible combination, it actually works really well together, thanks to the stylish way the two are meshed together. The music always fits a given scene, be it a clash of swords between Mugen and a serial killer, or a depressed Jin trudging through the rain.

In Summary

Samurai Champloo remains the coolest, hippest anime series on the shelves. The combination of sharp visuals, tight soundtrack and off-the-wall humour continue to entertain. It’s not the greatest story ever told, but it’s too damn busy having fun to care.