SciFi.com Blog Disses Afro Samurai, Star Wars
A video game based on Afro Samurai, coming in October, was recently previewed by Fidgit, a new gaming blog hosted by SciFi.com. The game is described as “hip-hop infused”, to which Fidgit editor Tom Chick comments “Oh, dear. “Hip-hop infused”? “
I’ve been enjoying the new gaming blog from Fidgit, but you know I had to say something. Tom goes on to compare Afro Samurai to 50 Cent: Bulletproof, and then confesses to never having seen the Afro Samurai series to begin with. Then, despite Sammy L.’s awesomeness and bad-assedness in Star Wars, Tom states: “anything with Samuel Jackson that doesn’t have the words “Star” or “Wars” somewhere in the title can’t be all bad.”
My comments to Tom on his cluelessness are posted, after the break.
By Cap’n Jack at 9:39 AM ON 06/06/08
Tom, you couldn’t be more wrong about Afro Samurai.
First, let me just say that there is nothing wrong with Hip-Hop. Just because something is influenced or includes hip-hop culture, does not mean it’s going to be bad (or ghetto, for that fact). Most Hip-Hop tends to be more thoughtful and entertaining, and even nerdier than other rap. Unfortunately, the music industry now labels all rap as Hip-Hop, even though it’s really the next step of 90s gansta rap.
Second, Afro Samurai was actually a very interesting and unique series because of its inclusion of hip-hop music and culture, in addition to a great story. By comparing Afro Samurai to 50-Cent, you’re doing the series a disservice. Try watching it first.
Finally, how is it that you write for SciFi, but you’re dissing Star Wars? While the prequels were only somewhat entertaining, Sammy L. was the greatest thing about all 3 of those movies, so give the guy some credit. Also, consider the expanded Star Wars universe before you dis the whole franchise. Clone Wars Volume 1 was better than all 3 prequels combined.
Interesting. Up until now the Fidgit blog has seemed pretty responsible. But, to post negative comments regarding a tv show and video game that you clearly know nothing about, doen’t that hurt your reputation? And, considering that, how would one be qualified to say that such a game “sends mixed cultural messages” when then don’t understand the game or the culture?
