Genndy Tartakovsky

Samurai Jack Classics Vol. 1

Lorien O'Brien

Samurai Jack is an unnamed Samurai who's land was conquered and enslaved by the evil immortal shapeshifter Aku. Trained since he was a boy he fights Aku and defeats him, but before he can seal him away yet again, he's thrown into the future and goes on a long (never ending) journey to get back to his time and undo Aku conquering first the world, and then the stars.

This volume starts strong, retelling Jack's beginning and then moving into individual one-shot stories about his adventures. But slowly the adventures get sillier and sillier, and more and more lame. It loses the beautiful imagery that the series was known for, and every line seems to be a pun. Jack's struggle seems dumbed down for 5 year olds, while the 50 episode show was known for being quiet violent, just using oil and robots for blood and gore. I felt like Jack's story of self-sacrifice is hidden beneath him and the Scottsman getting into trouble and dealing with the lamest problems.

I don't really recommend this, especially if liked the show. Just watch that, I recalling it being easy to find to watch. 2.5 out of 5 stars, a big disappointment.

Samurai Jack Classics Vol. 1

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