Less popular anime series that are better than popular anime series seem to be a diamond in the rough these days. Fortunately, for those looking for their anime fix without colliding into two hundred episodes of half-baked story plots, cheesy animation breaks, and lukewarm character development, they can find their satisfaction in Samurai Champloo.

Samurai Champloo is a short-lived anime that surrounds the lives of three individuals who reluctantly journey together in hopes of discovering the “Sunflower Samurai.” The three individuals, Fuu, a tea-shop waitress turned amateur traveler, Mugen, a self-concerned survivalist, and Jin, a disciplined samurai, learn more about themselves as they grow closer together as companions. Although the series is only twenty six episodes, anyone can easily fall in love with the anime after two episodes.

Two episodes into the anime allow anyone to see the good points of the series. The animation can be paralleled with the animation of Rurouni Kenshin, excluding the fact that Samurai Champloo’s fluid movements and excellent color selections are not limited to only fight scenes as they are in Rurouni Kenshin.

Besides the animation, Samurai Champloo’s best point lies in its character development. Although the viewer knows only tidbits of each character’s past, it is still easy to grow fond of each character.

Mugen, with his street-hoodlum ways, can make anyone burst at the seams with laughter. Surprisingly, you might find yourself shaking your head and murmuring an affectionate “Mugen!” Somehow, the brash big-headed fighter gets himself involved in strange situations without putting much thought into the consequences. Though a quick fighter, Mugen does not think things through, and in the process, initiates situations that are both dangerous and hilarious. By growing up on an island where betrayal, thievery, and violence reigned, Mugen cares only about himself. Seemingly, Mugen has a softer side to his personality—he does care what happens to Fuu—but it is as scarce as his humility.

Opposite of Mugen, disciplined and reserved Jin will make anyone ponder over his mysterious past. With his conserved manner, Jin speaks when he deems it necessary while keeping his distance from others. Despite his reclusive, quiet demeanor, Jin is surprisingly popular as a mastered fighter, and occasionally, he uses his sword to help others. While the two male characters of the anime series are what make the anime as loved as it is, the female protagonist, Fuu, pushes the anime’s main story.

Without Fuu, Samurai Champloo would sit in the realm of half-baked anime series. Fuu, the former tea-shop waitress, forces Mugen and Jin to travel with her to find a “samurai that smells like sunflowers.” Although there are several unfruitful attempts at ditching the young girl, Mugen and Jin put their lives and their mindlessly squandered money on the line for her to reach her goal. If Fuu had not saved them from being beheaded, Samurai Champloo’s funny yet unpredictable plot would cease to exist. Yes, the story is not the greatest story, but the story that Fuu’s character is developed around moves everyone forward.

Along with the story and its character development, Samurai Champloo offers one of the best aspects in anime that keeps an audience interested: comedy. Laugh-out-loud humor actually exists in the anime series due to Mugen’s rashness, the random breaks from the animation, and Jin’s ungodly attachment to his swords. In one episode, Mugen fights a large group of ninja warriors just to get an “amazing thing” from an under-cover prostitute. In the same episode, Fuu went from slim to thick after finishing a big feast. Finally, in a later showing, Jin grips his swords protectively when Mugen and Fuu decide to pawn his sword for food money. The anime is an excellent show for comedy lovers from all walks of the anime world.

Inevitably, after twenty-six episodes of humor, brawls, and unexpected underlying messages, Samurai Champloo comes to a rather subtle end. Although its finish makes anime lovers cry out for more, it leaves the series to venture into a much-needed DVD or OVA.

Bottom Line: 9.5 out of 10. Watch it! Buy it! Anything! Just see it!