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Samurai Champloo Vol. 4 and Tokyo Underground Vol. 4 Anime DVD Reviews

© Holly Ellingwood

Cowboy Bebop in feudal Japan, Samurai Champloo is hands down the best samurai anime of the year. Fans of Rurouni Kenshin will love this show. It's a samurai action like none other. With Ganeon's release of Volume 4, we are brought to the halfway mark in the story of the three traveling companions, unruly swordsman Mugen, quiet but deadly samurai Jin, and high spirited and cute female Fuu. They continue towards Nagasaki in search of the Sunflower Samurai and as usual get into loads of trouble.

This volume finds the trio running into some people from Mugen's past, and they're pirates! Of course it leads to trouble for them, especially Mugen. With a creative blend of riveting action, gripping drama and the wackiest comedy ever, the story easily flows from intense duels between long time friends, dramatic betrayals, and zany comedy all within each and every episode. The most hilarious of them was by far the trip Mugen and Jin take to the Red Light District. By the end of the volume, the three have parted ways over petty differences and each facing dire situations alone. This volume does end on a cliffhanger, just fair warning.

Always surprising in the most creative ways, from the Japanese rap opening song to the ending acid jazz theme, we are shown a world that blends feudal epic storylines, rich character development, and this show stands out on all fronts as being the best anime has offered in some time. It has high kinetic, richly colored, and detailed animation style that is beautiful to watch. Outstanding on all points, Samurai Champloo volume 4 earns a high 9/10 kendo swords.

Extras: Bonus features on this volume include Geneon previews of other titles.

Rating: Samurai Champloo is rated 16 and up for violence and strong language.

Release Information: Samurai Champloo Volume 4 (of 7), containing episodes 13 to 16, is available now. Tokyo Underground volume 4 is a unique action anime series that mixes elements of a martial arts series, sci-fi, even fantasy, all peppered with humor here and there. With the release of Geneon's fourth volume of the series, we see more action yet as our separated friends face off against a new set of enemies sent by Company man Pairon. To recap (and please note: this will contain some spoilers), beneath Tokyo is an underground city where individuals live not too happily under the rule of the Company. There are some Underground individuals with special elemental powers. Rather than just keeping with the usual four elements like earth, wind, water, and fire, Tokyo Underground makes the anime intriguing by adding all sorts of creative elements such as Gravity, Storm, and Sound. Two people, Ruri the Maiden of Life, and her bodyguard Chelsea Rorec, tried to escape to the Tokyo above and were met and befriended by Rumina and his friend. However, the Company went after them and captured Ruri. Making a pledge to save her, Rumina and friend along with Chelsea, go into the Underground to save Ruri from the evil plans of Pairon.