Netflix Reveals First Look, April Debut For LeSean Thomas Anime 'Yasuke'

 

What exactly does the word 'anime' mean to you? Here at AFA towers, we use it to distinguish animation that is made, or at least partially made, in Japan. Others believe it's a style, and to them, you can produce anime anywhere, and animation can be produced in Japan that is not anime. One of the biggest names in support of this philosophy is none-other-than Netflix who will happily slap the 'anime' label on animation without an ounce of input from Japanese creatives. As it becomes more globally popular, Japan's animation industry is becoming more international, and more non-Japanese artists are getting to work within it. 

Perhaps the best known Gaijin working in the industry is American artist and The Boondocks-alumni LeSean Thomas. Already having created Cannon Busters and Children Of Ether, Thomas is now producing a new anime for Netflix with major studio MAPPA (Yuri On Ice, Attack On Titan The Final Season) and acclaimed anime director Takeshi Koike (Redline, Afro Samurai).

Thomas's Yasuke has been on fans' radar since it was first revealed, but Netflix has now announced a late April debut and revealed more deets and images. The series is a fantasy feudal action-adventure that is inspired by the (true story of) first Black Samurai. Set in an alternate history version of Japan, it adds magic and mechs to the mix, so don't expect a whole lot of historical accuracy. Do expect this to be a heap of fun.

In a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, the greatest ronin never known, Yasuke, struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence. But when a local village becomes the centre of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords. 

Yasuke is directed by LeSean Thomas, who also executive-produced and wrote the script alongside Nick Jones Jr.  The soundtrack comes from Flying Lotus (Blade Runner: Black Out). Although Chadwick Boseman was supposed to voice the lead, following his untimely passing,  LaKeith Standfield will voice Yasuke instead.

Yasuke will debut with a six-episode series and will be available from April 29.