Long ago, the evil sorcerer Aku attacked the world, seeking to bring it under his rule. His power and fury were such that it seemed none had the power to oppose him. Until one warrior stepped forward and, alone, challeneged the evil wizard. There was a terrible battle, and Aku was knocked to the ground, vanquished by the samurai. However, before the warrior could finish the battle, Aku, in desperation tore a portal into the future and flung the warrior, named Jack, into the future, where the world is under the cruel rule of Aku. Now Samurai Jack wanders this bleak, scarred future-world, searching for a way to return to the past and undo the evil future of Aku before it can take hold.

Opening Narration by Aku:

Long ago, in a distant land, I, Aku, the shape shfiting Master of Darkness, unleashed an unspeakable evil. But a foolish samurai warrior wielding a magic sword stepped forward to oppose me. Before the final blow was struck, I tore open a portal in time and flung him into the future, where my evil is law. Now, the fool seeks to return to the past and undo the future that is Aku!