Next is the introduction of subplots that are entirely irrelevant to the main story which cast a series of 1-800-what-the-fuck-did-I-just-read episodes to my mind as I tried to get through them. First of all, I must say the illustration changes drastically around volume 7 and it's for the worse :( which is sad because it's the style that got me hooked from the beginning (oh how I wish I could start a petition to re-illustrate it! The change of style bothered me so much). However, there are some things I don't really like. *warning: The ending would leave your soul numb for days* This is not just any manga, it's literature. God-tier storytelling technique, by the way. It's a criticism and a slap-in-the-face to feudalism in Japan, or perhaps basically power-corrupted human beings, in the finest form. Well, I think you must be a veteran of the way of the samurais and Japanese culture a bit to understand the theme, which is a mixture of loyalty, duty, and honor. It is a story of revenge, honor, corrupted souls of the samurais like no other. This is a story of the first match between Fujiki Gennosuke, the one-armed swordsman, and Irako Seigen, the blind samurai, following by a flashback of events that led them to the final showdown. It's 16th century Japan: the Daimyo has ordered to hold a tournament where 20 of the best samurais in the country must fight each other to death to entertain the foul-mood tyrant. 1, but Shigurui (Death Frenzy) will hold a special place in my heart. My #1 is still Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls, Vol. This is by far one of the most graphic, violent, gore, and most of all best samurai mangas I've ever come across in years. There are 15 volumes of this masterpiece but I'll write just one general review here (because I don't want to flood your walls with my reviews). (*Note: I have read the complete 15 volumes but decided to record as 1 book in the Annual Reading Challenge*) 1, but Shigurui (Death F 4.5 stars ★★★★ for the whole series!!!
The story on the other hand is passable, though it may be too early to judge the whole series, given only the first volume.moreĤ.5 stars ★★★★ for the whole series!!! (*Note: I have read the complete 15 volumes but decided to record as 1 book in the Annual Reading Challenge*) There are 15 volumes of this masterpiece but I'll write just one general review here (because I don't want to flood your walls with my reviews). It is bloody and gory, giving its readers an uncomfortable imagery of guts, awkward body movements and weird muscular structures. The Takayuki Yamaguchi's samurai illustrations has got to hold the world record for the most number of muscle flaps! Set during the Tokugawa era of Japan, Shigurui volume one follows two swordsman students of the Kogen school as they prove themselves worthy of the dojo leadership and a woman who happens to be the daughter of the current leader. Takayuki Yamaguchi's samurai illustrations has got to hold the world record for the most number of muscle flaps! Set during the Tokugawa era of Japan, Shigurui volume one follows two swordsman students of the Kogen school as they prove themselves worthy of the dojo leadership and a woman who happens to be the daughter of the current leader.