Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Afro Samurai: The Coolest Cartoon on Television
Samuel L. Jackson may have chosen a few questionable roles in recent years (we're looking at you, Snakes and Jumper), but there's no denying his involvement in the latest anime-inspired project Afro Samurai is downright awesome. Upon receiving immediate praise after its first season aired in 2007, the follow up full-length feature (Afro Samurai: Resurrection) is finally slated to release this week, alongside a highly anticipated video game of the same caliber. LAist was invited to sit down with Jackson at a blogger roundtable in Beverly Hills, where the celebrated actor piqued our interest about the tales of the New Number 2.
"Anything exotic, anything that would take me into a world of fantasy", Jackson explained, in response to a question about his previous experience with anime and involvement in the series. "Anything that would take me out of Chattanooga, TN."
Spike TV's somber yet highly entertaining and stylized series has attracted the likes of other celebrities, including vocal contributions by Lucy Liu and a soundtrack by The RZA of Wu Tang Clan fame.
"They flew us out to Japan for a ceremony to bless the project"; Jackson muses. Geishas, samurais, and extravagant ceremonial adornments festooned the event, to which Jackson concluded his stature in the pop culture phenomenon.
Afro Samurai: Resurrection continues the saga of a young fighter who witnessed his father's death as a boy, ultimately devoting his life to vengeance. To coincide with the film's release is the Afro Samurai video game, which by the same token is an equally stylized and intuitive concept. In the same vein as a Japanese influencedDevil May Cry-style game, the narrative and character design are congruent with the series. After a few brief demos, there's no question that the title will appeal to both hardcore fans and casual gamers alike.
Afro Samurai: Resurrection airs January 25th on Spike TV at 10 pm. The video game will be released on Tuesday, 1/27 on Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, along with the show's soundtrack.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
-
Hexavalent chromium is the same carcinogen Erin Brockovich warned about in the 1990s, but researchers say more study is needed on the potential health effects of nanoparticles detected earlier this year. Experts will answer questions at a webinar this evening.
-
The budget gap has led to a tuition hike, along with spending cuts and fewer course offerings. At the same time, generative AI already has transformed higher ed — including post-grad job prospects.
-
The construction work is part of a $143.7 million plan to rehabilitate pavement between Van Nuys and Westwood along the Sepulveda Pass.