Samurai Champloo Vol. 4 2004 Geneon Entertainment Official US Website Buy It Now Official Japanese Website

In some ways, Samurai Champloo on UMD is a little bit of a tease. Please don’t misunderstand, I really have been enjoying the series, but only two episodes per release is enough to get you going and just when things get even more interesting . . . the volume is over. But, at least Geneon has been sticking with releasing these UMD’s more than other anime titles (we’d still love to know what happened to the Hellsing UMD releases.) Samurai Champloo though is popular, hugely popular actually, and there’s no reason to not keep them coming.

As we’ve been seeing time and time again, most of the episodes so far have dealt with Jin and Mugen being the star attractions, and in general, they are close to being at each others throats due to their unfinished fight. However, as this fourth volume begins, Fuu actually gets an episode that is all her own, at least to some extent. Money and food are the two biggest issues these three have been facing, and they score big after doing a little gambling (with some help of course) but their money isn’t going to last long. It’s stolen by a pickpocket and now the hunt is on to find him.

Fuu however starts to learn more about the young man behind the crime, and she’s not the only victim. He’s made a big mistake after stealing a large amount of opium from a local dealer, and now he and his cohorts are on his trial as well. The young man however is simply trying to get money to buy medicine for his ailing mother, and Fuu can definitely sympathize with his predicament. Samurai Champloo however will show that not every episode is going to be about happy endings, and let’s simply leave it at that in case you haven’t already seen the episode.

The second episode is actually hilarious. Again, lacking finances, Jin finds that his glasses are going to be pawned and there happens to be a man looking to fight a samurai wearing glasses: Jin. Without his trademark though, he’s not easy to recognize and this fighter who thinks far too highly of himself also has a beat box entourage that accompanies him as backup. While he’s busy hitting on Fuu, Jin and Mugen find themselves the victim of a local beauty who is simply using her feminine charms to drug men and take their money. Once again, they need to find a way to earn some quick cash and get Jin’s glasses back.

Very rarely will you find extra features on UMD’s, but Geneon has at least been giving everyone a look at other anime titles that are out, both on the PSP and on DVD. In this case, some of these are also “coming soon” titles that will be hitting stores soon, and you’ll see the reviews right here as soon as we get copies of them.

All I’m asking for is one more episode per release, and I don’t think that’s too much to ask. Regardless though, Samurai Champloo is one of those titles that I enjoy having tucked into the PSP carrying case (which I getting far too full) and popping in when I’m not in the mood to play games. This may not be even close to being accurate history, but that’s really what makes it entertaining to watch.

Episode 7 – A Risky Racket (Surrounded on all Sides)

After a bit of gambling and winning big, food is on the agenda, at least until Fuu’s wallet is stolen by a pickpocket. The gang isn’t the only ones looking for the young man however and Fuu soon discovers that real reason that he’s been stealing from the townspeople, but that may not be enough to protect him.

Episode 8 – The Art of Altercations (Self-Conceit)

Still lacking money, Jin’s glasses end up in the pawn shop in order to get lodging. Fuu is hit on by a swordsman who just so happens to be looking for a fight with Jin and the boys get rolled by a beauty who is simply looking to take their money.

-mike-