Samurai Champloo 101

[Tommy]

I sorta got into this series a few weaks ago, but I`m sort of lost in the plot.

1) Who is Champloo? Lugin or the guy that my friend says: "Resembles a Librarian?" So basically, what I`m asking is, which of the two samurais is the main character?

2) It is said Lugin needs to transport that girl to some city. Why do they need to go there? What is the main point of the plot?

3) Stupid question. Is this an american-made anime (aka fakime) or is it just pure anime form Japan? Just not 100% sure.

And finally, I hear this series mainly fouces on character developement so can I just have a mini-recap of what has happened? Thanks in advance.

[The Grammarian]

Mugen, Jin (the "librarian"-lookalike) and Fuu are equally the 'main' characters. Champloo is from the Okinawan word "champura", which is a mix or hybrid--and has nothing to do with any of the characters. It has more to do with the various anachronisms and mixes of styles in the anime. It IS anime from Japan, and it's made by some of the same people that made Cowboy Bebop.

As for the plot, Muigin and Jin are escorting Fuu around Japan looking for "the samurai who smells of sunflowers," who has some connection to Fuu's past.

[mitsuki lover]

As it goes on we learn more about each of the characters.For instance Mugen was raised on an island where they used to banish the worst criminals.Sort of Japan's version of Australia's Botany Bay.

[blue elf]

Most of the eps. of Samurai Champloo so far are pretty much stand alone eps. The whole search for a samurai that smells like sunflowers has mostly been in the background(pretty far back) so far.

[Tommy]

Last nights episode was pretty cool, but I`m sure we can all agree that there were many "unnesscary" aspects to that episode. So it`s Mugin..I could`ve sworn that they were saying Lugin....heh, my bad. From all the episodes I have seen, Mujin gets the most spotlight.

IS there manga to it? If so, can someone pull it up? Pm me, remember.

[The Grammarian]

There IS a manga series, which is based on the anime series (not the reverse). I've only seen one volume of it, but it looks like there is some additional content ("filler eps" of sorts) in the manga that aren't in the anime.

[uc pseudonym]

Your original questions have been answered, but I have a few things to add.

The Grammarian is completely correct regarding the meaning of "champloo" but I read that it referred to the mix of styles that Mugen uses to fight. Thus, you could say he is the main character. However, Jin is a strong presence from the beginning, and in terms of the actual plot, Fuu matters more than anyone.

Regarding the manga, I wasn't impressed by what I saw in the first volume. Generally just inferior versions of the anime (though that is highly subjective).

Most of the eps. of Samurai Champloo so far are pretty much stand alone eps. The whole search for a samurai that smells like sunflowers has mostly been in the background(pretty far back) so far.

They will get back to this plot... eventually. Essentially only the last three episodes, though some previous ones are related to the plot.

[Bobtheduck]

This show got an R-18 rating in Japan! Um... Battle Royalle got an R-15... Actually, some very harsh and inappropriate movies have gotten R-15... What gets this its R-18 rating?

[RedMage]

The review of the manga in Newtype said that it's not bad, but a lot of what makes the SC anime unique just doesn't translate well to the printed page. *Shrug*

[Tommy]

It`s a pretty good show overall. Most of my friends that hate anime like this.

[uc pseudonym]

This show got an R-18 rating in Japan! Um... Battle Royalle got an R-15... Actually, some very harsh and inappropriate movies have gotten R-15... What gets this its R-18 rating?

Having seen the entire series in subbed format, I can honestly say that I have no idea. My review here gives you a pretty good idea as to the content:
http://www.christiananime.net/reviews.php?display=170

[Tommy]

I love your review, UC. Very accuarate.