Afro Samurai Creator Reveals Exclusive Star Wars Promo

Star Wars knows no boundaries. From live-action blockbusters to animated hits, the universe-spanning franchise has covered it all. Disney and Lucasfilm have pushed the series far beyond its original limits, and its realm continues to expand. This year, the franchise will see another exciting addition with the release of Star Wars Outlaws. Adding to the anticipation, the creator of Afro Samurai has released a special sketch to celebrate the game’s upcoming launch.

Takashi Okazaki, the artist behind Afro Samurai, inked this special Star Wars tribute for Weekly Famitsu. The promo, unveiled ahead of the game’s release, is a phenomenal piece of art. Star Wars Outlaws is set to launch on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC on August 30.

Okazaki’s detailed attention to this Star Wars homage is evident. Though it’s uncommon for the franchise to delve into the anime industry, Okazaki is a pro at such transitions. Renowned for creating Afro Samurai, Okazaki also contributed to Star Wars: Visions’ first season. He served as the artistic director for “The Duel,” a standout episode in the anthology series. Given his background, it’s no surprise that Okazaki was an ideal choice for this Star Wars Outlaws promotional artwork.

Lately, Okazaki has been occupied with another original IP, Ninja Kamui. He was tasked with character design for this hit Warner Bros. Discovery anime, which aired on Max. The anime, produced by E&H Production and Sola Entertainment with director Sunghoo Park, was a huge success on Max, gaining significant acclaim. Fans are already clamoring for a second season, and many hope Okazaki will return to Ninja Kamui soon.

It’s worth remembering that Afro Samurai, the 1998 historical drama, is still a beloved classic. The manga became an Internet sensation in the ’00s, and Studio Gonzo’s anime adaptation won several awards. For those keen on exploring Okazaki’s work, Titan Comics publishes Afro Samurai in English. Here’s the official synopsis of the series:

“In a feudal, futuristic Japan, samurai battle to become No.1 and rule the world. When his father, who holds the coveted position, is challenged and killed, the young Afro Samurai vows vengeance. Relentlessly pursued by murderous assassins, will he stay alive long enough to keep his promise?”

What do you think of Star Wars’ latest foray into manga? Feel free to share your thoughts on Twitter and Instagram.

Source: ComicBook