The “Samurai Champloo” anime trekked off the well-beaten bushido path with its mash up of Edo- and pop-culture. It oozed with attitude and enough edge to cut down a shogun’s army. Capturing this same pent-up youth bravado and style, the manga’s episodes blend seamlessly into the anime’s storyline, starting with Fuu’s first encounter with the anarchic swordsman Mugen and the effortlessly deadly ronin Jin. Their journey doesn’t come to a conclusion, like in the anime, so this collection serves more as a companion. The artwork has a sort of looseness, as if the lines were frozen in motion, yet cemented in intent. The small details for Mugen’s face, in particular, bring his wild determination to life. The only thing missing is the hip-hop soundtrack, and unless you implement some sort of Hallmark musical-card technology, at least the spirit of the beat resonates. Additional Information:

‘Samurai Champloo Complete’

Created by Manglobe; written & illustrated by Masaru Gotsubo ($14.99, Tokyopop, action for ages 13+)

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