David Farnor | On 29, Apr 2021

In a war-torn feudal Japan of mechs and magic, a retired ronin must take up his sword in Netflix’s Yasuke. While that might sound like the start of a familiar samurai saga, the animated series isn’t the show you expect.

Created and directed by LeSean Thomas (The Boondocks, Cannon Busters), with Grammy nominee Flying Lotus composing the music and Lakeith Stanfield (Atlanta, Sorry to Bother You) voicing the protagonist, the six-episode animation follows the first African samurai who actually served the legendary Oda Nobunaga.

Set in alternate fantastical Japan during the feudal era, Yasuke follows a samurai warrior of African descent who must return to his life of sword and violence in order to protect a mysterious girl from the dark forces. Yasuke struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence. He takes up his sword to transport this child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords, after a local village becomes the centre of social upheaval between warring daimyo.

The series premieres on Netflix on 29th April. Here’s the trailer:

 

Yasuke is available on Netflix UK, as part of an £9.99 monthly subscription.

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