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バジリスク～甲賀忍法帖～ [Basilisk: Kōga Ninpōchō] #1
Basilisk, tome 1
THE BATTLE BEGINS The Iga clan and the Kouga clan have been sworn enemies for more than four hundred years. Only the Hanzo Hattori truce has kept the two families from all-out war. Now, under the order of Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, the truce has finally been dissolved. Ten ninja from each clan must fight to the death in order to determine who will be the next Tokugawa Shogun. The surviving clan will rule for the next thousand years. But not all the clan members are in agreement. Oboro of the Iga clan and Gennosuke of the Kouga clan have fallen deeply in love. Now these star-crossed lovers have been pitted against each other. Can their romance conquer a centuries-old rivalry? Or is their love destined to end in death? From the Trade Paperback edition.
208 pages
First published April 30, 2003
39 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Masaki Segawa
54 books10 followersMasaki Segawa made his debut in 1997 with the series Senma Monogatari, which ran in the weekly magazine Comic Morning. In 1998 he began his long-running series Onigiri Jyuuzou, which ended in the year 2000. Basilisk is his second long-running series and his first adaptation. He loves cats and watermelon, and currently lives in Funibashi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 26, 2024
This is an interesting manga title. The first of a series of five books that tells the ages old rivalry of two ninja clans and the lovers caught in the middle of it.
What makes it particularly heart wrenching for the star-crossed lovers was they were in the midst of preparing a wedding to finally unite the two clans. That was until fate intervened, or specifically the shogun, who planned to use their bitter enmity to resolve a succession crises among his sons. One clan would represent a son and the clan who was the last standing would claim the throne for its surrogate and the beaten clan would be wiped out to the last man.
Interesting take on the Romeo and Juliet story.
What makes it particularly heart wrenching for the star-crossed lovers was they were in the midst of preparing a wedding to finally unite the two clans. That was until fate intervened, or specifically the shogun, who planned to use their bitter enmity to resolve a succession crises among his sons. One clan would represent a son and the clan who was the last standing would claim the throne for its surrogate and the beaten clan would be wiped out to the last man.
Interesting take on the Romeo and Juliet story.
August 31, 2017
This is my review for the whole manga series.
The genre of manga is just spot-on for my taste. Romantic and gruesome, with a little ecchi thrown in — the storyline and graphics are intended for more mature readers.
I was a bit confused at first, but it's easy to understand as long as you focused on the vital points. The events took place during the Tokugawa Period — 1614 to be exact. The Shogun during that period, Tokugawa Ieyasu, decided to retire from power, and passed the torch to his son. Unfortunately, a succession dispute has risen concerning which of Ieyasu's grandsons are destined to take up the reins of power when their father finally decides to step down. The various government retainers are beginning to take sides and the Tokugawa Shogunate is on the verge of tearing itself apart. In order to solve the problem before it spirals out of control, Ieyasu orders the Kouga and Iga ninja clans (these two are rival clans who are engaged in a bitter blood feud that has spanned for centuries), to send 10 of their best ninja to enter a ruthless bloody competition of kill or be killed. The clan that slays the chosen ten of the other will be given favor for a thousand years while the grandson they represent will be pronounced the undisputed heir to the Shogunate.
While I was reading the manga, I can't help but realize that the story looked vaguely familiar, then later on I discovered that this manga has a movie adaptation — Shinobi: Heart Under Blade — which I already watched a few years ago. Anyway, the movie is very different from the manga.
I read this manga in one fell swoop, no breaks. It's just so epic — the storyline, the artwork, the characters, everything. Regarding on which ninja clan I favor more, I'd say that I love both Kouga and Iga.
The Kouga Ninja Clan
The Iga Ninja Clan
Each of the ninjas have their own special abilities, which is totally awesome.
I also loved the relationships between the characters, like Oboro & Gennosuke, Hotarubi & Yashamaru, Akeginu & Koshirou. Hmmm, and Ogen & Danjyou when they were still young and inlove.
I've developed a certain fondness for the guys like Gennosuke, Hyouma, Yashamaru, and Koshirou, because they are so damn fine. I also love the girls! Beautiful and deadly at the same time.
This manga is very wonderful to read, and it does not contain any dry pages. I simply love it.
The genre of manga is just spot-on for my taste. Romantic and gruesome, with a little ecchi thrown in — the storyline and graphics are intended for more mature readers.
I was a bit confused at first, but it's easy to understand as long as you focused on the vital points. The events took place during the Tokugawa Period — 1614 to be exact. The Shogun during that period, Tokugawa Ieyasu, decided to retire from power, and passed the torch to his son. Unfortunately, a succession dispute has risen concerning which of Ieyasu's grandsons are destined to take up the reins of power when their father finally decides to step down. The various government retainers are beginning to take sides and the Tokugawa Shogunate is on the verge of tearing itself apart. In order to solve the problem before it spirals out of control, Ieyasu orders the Kouga and Iga ninja clans (these two are rival clans who are engaged in a bitter blood feud that has spanned for centuries), to send 10 of their best ninja to enter a ruthless bloody competition of kill or be killed. The clan that slays the chosen ten of the other will be given favor for a thousand years while the grandson they represent will be pronounced the undisputed heir to the Shogunate.
While I was reading the manga, I can't help but realize that the story looked vaguely familiar, then later on I discovered that this manga has a movie adaptation — Shinobi: Heart Under Blade — which I already watched a few years ago. Anyway, the movie is very different from the manga.
I read this manga in one fell swoop, no breaks. It's just so epic — the storyline, the artwork, the characters, everything. Regarding on which ninja clan I favor more, I'd say that I love both Kouga and Iga.
The Kouga Ninja Clan
The Iga Ninja Clan
Each of the ninjas have their own special abilities, which is totally awesome.
I also loved the relationships between the characters, like Oboro & Gennosuke, Hotarubi & Yashamaru, Akeginu & Koshirou. Hmmm, and Ogen & Danjyou when they were still young and inlove.
I've developed a certain fondness for the guys like Gennosuke, Hyouma, Yashamaru, and Koshirou, because they are so damn fine. I also love the girls! Beautiful and deadly at the same time.
This manga is very wonderful to read, and it does not contain any dry pages. I simply love it.
January 5, 2021
A paper-thin plot serves as an excuse for a score of freaks to duke it out with their weirdass special powers. The fights are fine enough, though it gets a bit tiresome with everyone on both sides surviving several seemingly-fatal blows: you're never really sure when someone is down for good, making for a messy bit of storytelling. And the characters have very little personality beyond what special abilities they have. They all look distinct enough - especially once the fight begins - but it doesn't seem that deep stuff.
Overall I'm not holding my breath, but it's a short enough of a tale so I might as well keep up with it, see where it goes.
Overall I'm not holding my breath, but it's a short enough of a tale so I might as well keep up with it, see where it goes.
February 9, 2018
If you enjoyed Ninja Scroll, you'll enjoy Basilisk!
The thousand year old battle between the Kouba and Iga comes to a climax when they are asked to decided the fate of feudal Japan. A free for all battleground between 10 ninjas on both sided, the winner decided only when all 10 opponents are dead securing 1000 years of prosperity and deciding the next heir of the Tokugawa family.
Gennosuke and Oboro, the grand children of the current rival tribes leaders are in love. And this new mission may propel them to go against every fiber of their being. The Iga take a lead in the gruesome battle as they hunt those whom knew of the 10 names for each side. Keeping Oboro in the dark, they plan to exterminate every Kouga including her beloved Gennosuke. With the peace treaty finally broken, there is no holding back as each side has a deep hate for the other.
With each member of both sides having special abilities, the battle can be overturned at any moment. With wicked smiles and blood lust in their eyes, who will survive and who will die!
Iga - 9 Remain
Kouga - 6 Remain
The thousand year old battle between the Kouba and Iga comes to a climax when they are asked to decided the fate of feudal Japan. A free for all battleground between 10 ninjas on both sided, the winner decided only when all 10 opponents are dead securing 1000 years of prosperity and deciding the next heir of the Tokugawa family.
Gennosuke and Oboro, the grand children of the current rival tribes leaders are in love. And this new mission may propel them to go against every fiber of their being. The Iga take a lead in the gruesome battle as they hunt those whom knew of the 10 names for each side. Keeping Oboro in the dark, they plan to exterminate every Kouga including her beloved Gennosuke. With the peace treaty finally broken, there is no holding back as each side has a deep hate for the other.
With each member of both sides having special abilities, the battle can be overturned at any moment. With wicked smiles and blood lust in their eyes, who will survive and who will die!
Iga - 9 Remain
Kouga - 6 Remain
April 19, 2016
Romeo & Juliet ninja-style with lots of action, violence and a few ecchi.
Nothing extraordinary about this one for now and "Shinobi", the live-action movie inspired by this manga was a nice wuxia action flick.
For grown up fans of Naruto and people who like ninja anime like Ninja Scroll movie from Mad House animation (A real good one! Give it a try!!!).
October 1, 2022
It's gonna be a ninja bloodbath in here.
When rival ninja clans were so close to finally combing after a very long feud between them fate steps in pitting them against each other as old animosities begin to burn anew. In a battle royal between both clans nigh supernatural power and incredible ninja skills are showcased as each of the elite ninja members tries to eliminate the opposing clan. However at the head of each clan are the lovebirds that wished for peace amongst their people so only time will tell if they will find the strength for each other to fight against fate when they discover what the Shogunate has set into motion.
Adapted on the Ninja Scrolls novels by Futaro Yamada this book has both love and hate as well as humor and horror as each ninja exhibits power that sometimes borders on horror and has death scenes the weak of heart should probably try to avoid for things will get bloody when old rivals are asked to murder each other. If you are a fan of the classic Ninja Scroll (which this series is actually the first of the series form what I understand) then this series will be right up your alley. Romeo and Juliet meets assassin as the all out battle will determine the future of everyone.
When rival ninja clans were so close to finally combing after a very long feud between them fate steps in pitting them against each other as old animosities begin to burn anew. In a battle royal between both clans nigh supernatural power and incredible ninja skills are showcased as each of the elite ninja members tries to eliminate the opposing clan. However at the head of each clan are the lovebirds that wished for peace amongst their people so only time will tell if they will find the strength for each other to fight against fate when they discover what the Shogunate has set into motion.
Adapted on the Ninja Scrolls novels by Futaro Yamada this book has both love and hate as well as humor and horror as each ninja exhibits power that sometimes borders on horror and has death scenes the weak of heart should probably try to avoid for things will get bloody when old rivals are asked to murder each other. If you are a fan of the classic Ninja Scroll (which this series is actually the first of the series form what I understand) then this series will be right up your alley. Romeo and Juliet meets assassin as the all out battle will determine the future of everyone.
July 26, 2017
Real rating: 3/10
Manga/GN rating: 5/10
A visually distinct freak show that believes nudity and gore are acceptable replacements for depth and story. The tale follows ninjas whose names slip out of your mind the moment they pop on the page, because why bother they are 1 dimensional characters that serve very little purpose other than advancing to the next pool of blood.
This work is for someone who sees a slasher film as highbrow entertainment and for anyone who wishes to see the medium step into a higher state of literary awareness it is but a reminder that schlock sells better than quality.
Manga/GN rating: 5/10
A visually distinct freak show that believes nudity and gore are acceptable replacements for depth and story. The tale follows ninjas whose names slip out of your mind the moment they pop on the page, because why bother they are 1 dimensional characters that serve very little purpose other than advancing to the next pool of blood.
This work is for someone who sees a slasher film as highbrow entertainment and for anyone who wishes to see the medium step into a higher state of literary awareness it is but a reminder that schlock sells better than quality.
February 11, 2008
Take Romeo and Juliet, throw them in Japan, and make their families ninja. With absurdly awesome ninja fights, graphic violence and a cast of very unique characters, this is a must read for older manga fans. The story is a little predictable, considering the constant comparisons to R&J, but that is the only fault I can really peg on this book.
July 20, 2022
Basilisk Vol. 1-5 —> 3/5
July 21, 2019
I´m surprised that this is actually very good one
February 17, 2009
This book is essentially 'Romeo and Juliet' meets 'Ninja Scroll'. Simple story that still manages to be compelling and a large cast of characters who are for the most part pretty interesting. Excellent pacing as well.
gave-up-on
October 23, 2016I couldn't get past the artwork. Everyone looked so ugly.
May 2, 2020
Enmity between two competing ninja clans - famous Kouga and Iga - comes to a culmination when Ieyasu Tokugawa decides to use them as avatars for his own family feuding groups. Goal is simple - ten warriors from each clan will fight it out and surviving clan will have a secure contract with respective Tokugawa's family group (as they say for 1000 years). Of course it is not necessary to say what will happen with the losing team - most probably wiped out by winning team to the last men, women and child.
And thus starts our story. In the middle of this - lets call it tournament - we have a couple (like in all tragedies they come from opposing families) that tries through love to join the clans. But with all of the century old grudges this looks like an impossible mission (especially touching was the first chapter involving two old masters of the opposing clans as they leave the meeting Tokugawa).
Ninjas in this story are not your historical ninjas but supernatural warriors with incredible skills. In that regard story reminds of Chinese wuxia. Action is non-stop but I especially liked approach to the characters and plotting. The way how clans gain edge over the others is just great twist. And what I found very interesting is that in this clan to clan warfare people die and they dont return. Volume #1 starts with the bang, puts us directly in the center of the conflict and ends with quite the cliffhanger. I didn't have a straight forward favorite here, because these are assassin clans doing some pretty nasty stuff for people in power and ready to do whatever is necessary to defeat the other competitors. Characters are very good, their motives and stands more than clear. I am truly looking for the next volume in the series.
Recommended to fans of Japanese ninja mythology and manga.
And thus starts our story. In the middle of this - lets call it tournament - we have a couple (like in all tragedies they come from opposing families) that tries through love to join the clans. But with all of the century old grudges this looks like an impossible mission (especially touching was the first chapter involving two old masters of the opposing clans as they leave the meeting Tokugawa).
Ninjas in this story are not your historical ninjas but supernatural warriors with incredible skills. In that regard story reminds of Chinese wuxia. Action is non-stop but I especially liked approach to the characters and plotting. The way how clans gain edge over the others is just great twist. And what I found very interesting is that in this clan to clan warfare people die and they dont return. Volume #1 starts with the bang, puts us directly in the center of the conflict and ends with quite the cliffhanger. I didn't have a straight forward favorite here, because these are assassin clans doing some pretty nasty stuff for people in power and ready to do whatever is necessary to defeat the other competitors. Characters are very good, their motives and stands more than clear. I am truly looking for the next volume in the series.
Recommended to fans of Japanese ninja mythology and manga.
May 18, 2022
The Kouga and Iga ninja clans have been sworn enemies for generations. 400 years, to be exact. The fighting ceased though upon the signing of the Hanzo Hattori truce. Things have t exactly been peaceful but the truce has kept an all-out-war from being waged.
When the current Tokugawa shogun decides to dissolve the truce, though, and have 10 members from each ninja clan fight to the death for the winning clan to have the opportunity to select the next shogun, all bets are off.
It is an all out, no holds barred showdown between these two powerhouses.
The ten most talented and vicious of both clans are going to fight each other to the death in an epic battle royale. Who will come out on top?
And, perhaps more importantly, what will become of poor Oboro of the Iga clan and Gennosuke of the Kouga clan who were set to be married before dissolution of the truce as a means of joining the clans together? They’re actually in love with each other.
Will these two star-crossed lovers end up fighting each other to the death?
This is such a SICK story and I’m so sad I’m just now getting around to reading it. The art is brutally beautiful and the story is dynamic, populated with interesting characters, and full of intrigue so far. I’m really digging this story and I’m looking forward to reading more~
I’d definitely recommend this to someone who likes horror-esque stories but also wants a bit more action and a faster paced tale. This story is moving right along, with a couple fighters already being knocked off in the first volume. It’s bloody and graphic but in an enjoyable way???
When the current Tokugawa shogun decides to dissolve the truce, though, and have 10 members from each ninja clan fight to the death for the winning clan to have the opportunity to select the next shogun, all bets are off.
It is an all out, no holds barred showdown between these two powerhouses.
The ten most talented and vicious of both clans are going to fight each other to the death in an epic battle royale. Who will come out on top?
And, perhaps more importantly, what will become of poor Oboro of the Iga clan and Gennosuke of the Kouga clan who were set to be married before dissolution of the truce as a means of joining the clans together? They’re actually in love with each other.
Will these two star-crossed lovers end up fighting each other to the death?
This is such a SICK story and I’m so sad I’m just now getting around to reading it. The art is brutally beautiful and the story is dynamic, populated with interesting characters, and full of intrigue so far. I’m really digging this story and I’m looking forward to reading more~
I’d definitely recommend this to someone who likes horror-esque stories but also wants a bit more action and a faster paced tale. This story is moving right along, with a couple fighters already being knocked off in the first volume. It’s bloody and graphic but in an enjoyable way???
January 14, 2022
Why did the author think it's a good idea to pull two dozen named characters out of his ass in the first chapter? This manga is clearly aimed at an audience I'm not a part of, though I must say all the ninja special abilities feel original.
Instead of risking a long, destructive war to elect a new shogun, two rival clans keep their truce by employing 10 ninjas each and having them fight in a contest. The winning side will put their leader as shogun. The Kunichiyo sect choose to be represented by the Kouga clan and the Takechiyo sect, by the Iga clan. The agreement already starts on the left foot when two of its leaders, both included on the lists, kill each other before the official fights start. Their clans have been rivals for 400 years, so the recent truce doesn't carry too much weight anyway.
Instead of risking a long, destructive war to elect a new shogun, two rival clans keep their truce by employing 10 ninjas each and having them fight in a contest. The winning side will put their leader as shogun. The Kunichiyo sect choose to be represented by the Kouga clan and the Takechiyo sect, by the Iga clan. The agreement already starts on the left foot when two of its leaders, both included on the lists, kill each other before the official fights start. Their clans have been rivals for 400 years, so the recent truce doesn't carry too much weight anyway.
May 5, 2023
BASILISK Vol.1
Narra el conflicto entre 2 clanes familiares que llevan enfrentados varios siglos y que, tras un falso y breve acuerdo de paz, vuelven al conflicto.
Tiene un comienzo a mi parecer algo atropellado, una presentación muy rápida de personajes (todos ellos con un letrero con su nombre, que me parece la peor manera de presentación) que además te obliga varias veces a volver atrás a recordarte a que clan pertenecía cada uno para orientarte en la historia.
Las habilidades de cada miembro son sobrehumanas, pero las prisas del comienzo y las muestras de varias de ellas tan al principio hacen que pierda algo de exclusividad.
Conforme vas terminando el 1er tomo te pica un poco la curiosidad de cómo va a proseguir, ya que los capítulos se nombran en función del número de miembros que queda en cada clan (9 vs 9, 7 vs 9...) aunque también es un punto negativo porque te hace spoiler de lo que va a ocurrir. Le daré una vuelta a si continúo la historia o lo abandono.
Lo mejor: El dibujo es excelente, Segawa hace muy buen trabajo en ese aspecto.
Lo peor: Como he mencionado antes, un comienzo muy atropellado.
Narra el conflicto entre 2 clanes familiares que llevan enfrentados varios siglos y que, tras un falso y breve acuerdo de paz, vuelven al conflicto.
Tiene un comienzo a mi parecer algo atropellado, una presentación muy rápida de personajes (todos ellos con un letrero con su nombre, que me parece la peor manera de presentación) que además te obliga varias veces a volver atrás a recordarte a que clan pertenecía cada uno para orientarte en la historia.
Las habilidades de cada miembro son sobrehumanas, pero las prisas del comienzo y las muestras de varias de ellas tan al principio hacen que pierda algo de exclusividad.
Conforme vas terminando el 1er tomo te pica un poco la curiosidad de cómo va a proseguir, ya que los capítulos se nombran en función del número de miembros que queda en cada clan (9 vs 9, 7 vs 9...) aunque también es un punto negativo porque te hace spoiler de lo que va a ocurrir. Le daré una vuelta a si continúo la historia o lo abandono.
Lo mejor: El dibujo es excelente, Segawa hace muy buen trabajo en ese aspecto.
Lo peor: Como he mencionado antes, un comienzo muy atropellado.
March 5, 2024
Glancing at the reviews it’s entertaining to find that the lowest rated reviews have the most apt description of the series; I just disagree with the rating. While Basilisk is not a tale for the ages, it still succeeds in the same way Mortal Kombat has. It’s mayhem of madness pitting ninjas against ninjas in a heated rivalry that goes no holds barred real quick and the blood bath ensues. I found the art appealing, especially for this story, and remember quite clearly the impression the anime left on me in high school. Not gonna` lie I watched it for the ladies and stayed because it can hook you if you’re not put off by certain…proclivities. And the pacing? Over before you know it. Started last night and finished just now. There’s a hint of nostalgia and bias from the anime bleeding in here…Narf narf.
On to the next!
On to the next!
September 17, 2018
Rating: 6 out of 10
Violence: Heavy (Bloody Fighting)
Fan Service: High (Detailed chest)
Sexual Content: Low (Talk of sex)
Type: Carnage
Read: 1 Volume
More?: No
Plot Analysis: To determine who the next shogun should be, the truce between two clans is ended, and a battle between each of their ten best ninjas will decide the victor. While this carnage progresses, the young heirs to the family are deeply in love.
Review: The violence wasn’t that bad, and I’d gotten hopeful about the lack of fan service, but then we suddenly have one of the female ninja fighting topless. Without that, it could be a really good title.
Violence: Heavy (Bloody Fighting)
Fan Service: High (Detailed chest)
Sexual Content: Low (Talk of sex)
Type: Carnage
Read: 1 Volume
More?: No
Plot Analysis: To determine who the next shogun should be, the truce between two clans is ended, and a battle between each of their ten best ninjas will decide the victor. While this carnage progresses, the young heirs to the family are deeply in love.
Review: The violence wasn’t that bad, and I’d gotten hopeful about the lack of fan service, but then we suddenly have one of the female ninja fighting topless. Without that, it could be a really good title.
August 2, 2022
Set in the Keicho period in feudal japan, two ninja clans must battle it out to decide which son of the shogun will become the rightful heir. These two ninja clans have held a grudge for the past [very very very long time] years of their peace, and with this opportunity, starts a 10 v 10 battle royale between the best members of each clan. Too bad the two successors to the heads are the star crossed lovers in this scenario.
With beautifully drawn (and shaded) and easy to follow battles, this is an easy series to enjoy. The translation notes also have some novel information.
With beautifully drawn (and shaded) and easy to follow battles, this is an easy series to enjoy. The translation notes also have some novel information.
August 5, 2023
Supremely inventive fights. Although the large cast of characters make the plot appear quite complicated, in fact the premise is simple – two ninja families duke it out for the fate of the shogunate, putting the romance between their youngest members in peril. The book has a historical setting, but many of the ninjas have bizarre supernatural powers and grotesque designs. The artwork is sleek – with computer-generated backgrounds emphasising the action. It’s bloody, raunchy relentless fun.
October 18, 2022
Some nice art and a lot of action made this an entertaining read. It doesn't have much of a story carrying it though. We have two rival ninja clans that have 10 warriors each fighting for supremacy. I'm not expecting much in the way of plot development based on this first volume but the action was sure fun.
January 10, 2022
I only read the beginning. I wasn't really expecting so much fighting. I was in it for the romance. There were also many moments, even in the very beginning that were erotic. Not something to be read at work xD
November 16, 2025
There were aspects of this volume that I could appreciate (as an example, I found the art to be mostly quite neat!) but I doubt I will continue with this series as the story nor the worldbuilding really interest me. There was also a bit too much fanservice for my liking!
September 8, 2017
Many names, many faces to remember. Story and style both seem interesting enough. Curious about the next volume.
March 4, 2019
Too much magic, was hoping for more similar stories to LONE WOLF AND CUB
Read
January 11, 2020Yeeeeah. Not the target audience but I'll keep reading for the R/J romance.
October 21, 2020
Not my thing at all.
April 15, 2021
Decent ninja manga based In the Feudal Japan era! The action was pretty awesome but the plot/story was pretty dull 👌😁❤️
May 3, 2021
Typical Japanese warrior tragic story... the innocent all died at the end while the ones who started the slaughterings left unpunished. Interesting albeit bizarre ideas on the ninja abilities.
October 3, 2021
Weird. I wanted to like it more than I did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews