Yu-Gi-Oh!: Duelist, Vol. 10: The Egyptian God Cards

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelist #10

by Kazuki Takahashi

Yugi enters the Duel Monsters, the world's most popular collectible card game, where he must face ruthless opponents like game designer Maximillion Pegasus in the hopes of discovering the origin of the game and his own powers.

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Shonen, Young Adult, Fiction, Comics

200 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2000

About the author

Takahashi (高橋和希) started as a mangaka in 1982. His first work was Tokiō no Tsuma (闘輝王の鷹), published in 1990. One of his earliest works was Tennenshokudanji Buray (天然色男児BURAY), which lasted for two volumes and was published from 1991 to 1992. Takahashi did not find success until 1996 when he created Yu-Gi-Oh!

Reviews

[Adrian Santiago · Rating 3 out of 5]

El inicio del siguiente arco.

No está mal, ver a Exodia está genial y que Anzu tenga una pequeña batalla le dio un poco de protagonismo (del cual ni Tristan ni ella tienen en la historia), a la vez hay más cartas nuevas y fue todo un suceso en su época. Pero sé que la historia va de bien a mejor y otros capítulos serán mejores.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonsense! Nonsense! Nonsense! This is a joke! 'Duel Monsters' was invented in the mid-90s! There's no way it's 3,000 years old!

Super fast (cuz let's be so for real, the Dungeon Dice conclusion is not the arc anyone would be excited about in volume 10), Yugi flounders a bit trying to find a way to defeat Duke/Otogi at Dungeon Dice Monsters (DDM) and gets a surprising assist from Yami Bakura, who gives him this pep talk: 'Yugi! Don't be a baby! Stand up! This is the King's final challenge to see if you are the true successor of the Millennium Puzzle.'

Predictably, this pep talk works, Yugi digs deep, figures out a way around his predicament, and wins the game. The only interesting thing about this is the consistency of Yugi's strategy of revealing hidden strength in 'weak' monsters. Narratively, I like that. Both because I like the implication that there isn't one aesthetic for strength, and also because it keeps Yugi distinct from 'Yami Yugi', who conforms to a more traditional performance of masculinity. It also, frankly, sets him apart from other 'strong' characters like Kaiba or Joey/Jonouchi who are also very traditional shonen characters both in aesthetics and dueling styles. The fact that this is the beginning of a journey that ends in Yugi proving himself to be the 'King of Games' honestly feels ahead of its time. So, well done, Takahashi -- we stan the nuance.

But that's where I started to wish we could get on with it, knowing Battle City was up next.

There's an anime-divergent episode involving Duke/Otogi's father from the previous volume taking the Millennium Puzzle (still in pieces) and hammering it into a stone to force Yugi into a Shadow Game that doesn't even end up happening, but does result in the game shop catching fire and Yugi having to put the puzzle together quickly enough to restore the spirt of Yami Yugi while Joey/Jonouchi leverages the puzzle out of the stone so they can escape without getting burnt to a crisp.

I think it was smart in the anime re-write to have this occur during a duel between mind-controlled 'Bandit' Keith and Yugi because A) it ties into the broader plot while B) introducing the villain of the arc and setting up the conflict between them right away.

But let's get into Battle City.

Kaiba is invited by Ishizu Ishtar to the Domino Museum, she reveals to him the Egyptian origins of Duel Monsters, she shows him the infamous stone tablet which kicks off the Yugi-Kaiba eternal rivalry storyline, and she gives him the Obelisk the Tormentor card to convince him to throw a tournament, from his perspective, so he can acquire the other two God Cards and use them to achieve the title of 'Duel King'.

There's a lot of debate among fans about Kaiba's relationship with the Egyptian magic. Famously, he doesn't believe it in the English dub, which becomes increasingly hilarious the more immersive the magical stuff going on becomes, whereas in the manga and Japanese dub he moreso just doesn't think it matters.

'Is that who you are, Yugi? Are you the embodiment of some ancient grudge? Do you still seek the lost honor of the past? Then I will take the glory of the future!! This is my era!'

Ultimately, both characterizations amount to the same thing: what sets Kaiba apart from everyone else is his belief that the future is more important than the past, a belief that comes to form the backbone of the tension between him and Yami Yugi, who is very invested in the past, since that's literally where he belongs.

I wish we'd gotten a more in-depth look at Kaiba's side of this and explored why he feels this way. We get allusions to it, but it's never given the same narrative weight, and in the end, I can only conclude that the 'correct' answer is past>future, since that's the story we get.

Eh, that's what fanfiction's for.

But let's get to the tournament!

Ahead of announcing Battle City, Kaiba perfects the now iconic Duel Disk design, and uses it to test out his God Card. Satisfied that it's as powerful as Ishizu claimed, he swiftly puts together the Battle City Tournament in which every duel has to include anteing up your rarest card. In a savvy business move, he also requires the use of his Duel Disks, and as a promo, each qualified tournament participant receives one for free.

Also, not for nothing, but Kaiba Corp was right up there with the best of them in terms of collecting user data that we later find out includes the ability of the company to track people via a locator chip in their Duel Disk. They also apparently have no disinterested third party monitoring their data usage because Kaiba is personally able to manipulate it so that Joey/Jonouchi isn't qualified for the tournament. Which, yes, that's petty and kind of funny, but also concerning if you stop to think about it considering how much economic leverage a good Duel Monsters standing gives you in this timeline.

Finally, we get the kind of cute, kind of awkward, Yami Yugi/Téa(Anzu) date. I am not invested in this ship, so I wasn't that invested in this storyline, but we do get an interesting piece of information about the Yami Yugi/Yugi 'sharing one body' dynamic. Apparently, unlike in the anime, whoever is controlling the body is the only one experiencing anything in the real world, so that means that when Yami Yugi and Téa/Anzu go to the museum and find out about Yami Yugi's past as an Egyptian Pharaoh, Yugi doesn't know about it. And in fact, Yami Yugi tells Téa not to tell him because he doesn't think Yugi's ready to face the reality that they don't have a shared goal. Apparently, Yugi wants Yami Yugi to stay with him forever, whereas Yami Yugi has realized what he really wants is to uncover his past and then return to the afterlife.

This would be a somewhat somber note to end the volume on, so the actual final thing that happens is that Joey/Jonouchi gets stopped by one of Marik's 'Ghouls' (in the anime, the Rare Hunters) in an unofficial first Battle City duel over the Red Eyes Black Dragon card. We catch a glimpse of Marik as well, though we don't yet know much about either him or his connection with Ishizu, or even really why she was so invested in getting Kaiba to host the tournament in the first place.

For that, we'll have to head to Volume 11...

[Seamaiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume is a diamond for puzzleshipping fans. Yes, the manga and anime helped me discover the depth of the bond between Yugi and Yami. I was thinking Tea and Yami and Yugi would make a cute couple but as I read more I understood that Yami and Yugi are perfect for each other.
Yugi risked his life in that fire for Yami. During the fire all he wanted was to see "the other me". That's more than a friend.

I know not everyone think the same but for me this volume's highlight was the fire scenes. I also loved how Joey risked his life to help Yugi. That's true friendship. This guy cares extremely for Yugi. I don't know if there is more there but I will stay on the friendship. I don't see couples everywhere :P

[Micah Stanciel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this book very entertaining and I love the way they showcase different aspects of the book’s plot. The book is fun to read and has a lot of potential to read over and over again.
“Yu-Gi-Oh” is a visually appealing book, with panels that catch a reader's attention and stunning character design that is unique to each character. The design is original and every action panel helps you feel the attacks that are thrown in each duel. The conflict is also unique bringing two rivals against each other in the biggest tournament in the world, the determination to defeat their biggest rival in their entire lives brings emotion to the fight and helps you feel when emotions are being shown. From excitement to sadness it still helps readers feel what characters feel in the book.
“Yu-Gi-Oh” has a special place in my heart for its physical trading card game that I loved to trade with others. The aesthetic and the thrill it gives me is unmatched to anything I have read/watched in my life. The series is beloved around the world and its uniqueness brings life to the idea the creator wanted.

[Warda | وردة · Rating 4 out of 5]

Battle City!! the best arc in the series. I remember the first time I watched the anime. This arc felt so exciting, and my younger self was really immersed in it. almost felt like it was an event that was happening irl lol

This is the first time I liked the anime better than the manga. The voice acting (Yami Yugi's voice actor is wonderful at bringing him to life), the background music, the opening, the animation itself has a unique feeling to it that the manga just couldn't deliver.

From now one Kaiba seems to be the most interesting character. He is insane and I love that for him.
Yami Yugi, not so much.. gone are the days where he casually tortures people for the fun of it.. plus, you have that BADDIE Anzu in front of you, and all you think about is those cards.. bfr..
Jounouchi is fun and honestly the realest. He is so close to being that obnoxious side character, but Kazuki Takahashi balances him out in a way that makes him just lovable and wholesome.

[Joseph B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yu-Gi-Oh Duelist Vol. 10 brings the series into arguably one of its most popular story arcs and does a deep dive into the Egyptian lore. The opening chapters finish off the Dungeon Dice Monsters cliffhanger and it's a satisfactory conclusion. Then the rest of the volume lays the groundwork for the Battle City mega-arc. The Egyptian lore of Duel Monsters is expanded on, Yami Yugi's mysterious past is teased more, we are introduced to Ishizu Ishtar, and the legendary Egyptian god cards come into play.

I won't say more as to not spoil it but this collection shows what Yu-Gi-Oh can be as a shonen manga. The side characters are more in the forefront and clear direction is taken for the series. Takahashi's art game is also stepped up. You won't want to miss this volume as it lays the groundwork for a fan favorite story arc for this franchise.

[Leandro Escobar-herrera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yu-Gi-Oh pulls its punches while serving weak plotlines.

The amazing DDM games continues but while the ending is dramatic and full of tension, it feels empty. Yami does not do penalty games anymore, so the villain just learn his lesson on his own. This after school special way of telling story feels unfulfilling. At least they are finally giving Yami some personality in the old school yu-gi-oh follow up with Anzu. The problem is that the rest of the book is filled with plot, which this book series is notoriously bad at. Yu-Gi-Oh might have lost some of its original flavor, but the gaps should be filled with good character moments and not the plotlines that needed to be more camp to survive.

[Kassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was insane. Yugi beat the kid with the monster dice and ended up in the hospital from a fire cause he wouldn't leave the millennium puzzle behind, which kinda makes sense since there is another soul inside it that he grew fond of.

Also Kaiba is back in this volume and so is Mai. Kaiba talked to an Egyptian lady who gave him an ultra rare card and tasked him with finding 2 more. Insane. And that ultra rare God card has the power to defeat 3 blue eyes white dragons. Crazy.

The duelist tournament that Kaiba put together is insane and cool. The ending where Joey got beat in a duel was kinda sad.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

8 years to solve the millennium puzzle the first time but caught in a fire with 30 seconds to live, solves the puzzle with no problem. Ok. The clown father is also a despicable old fart not worthy of a villain title and his sudden change of heart was pathetic.

The cards have been shuffled and dealt with Kaiba standing by the side ready to scream Duel!. Battle City is about to begin. The stakes are higher than ever. Let's get back to Duel Monsters.

[Optimus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this volume a lot.

The battle city arc is introduced amazingly.. The villain(s) too.. Immediately they beat Joey and take his Red Eyes...a good way to make an impact is to have one of your stronger characters outclassed by just a minion.

Takahashi sets up in this volume not only the Battle city arc but the events that will happen at the end of the story.. Love when the author does that early.

[Brandon Bundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having had to skip volume 9, it was fascinating to come into 10 with Yugi trying to stand on his own. Its fascinating to see Bakura's machinations growing, since I remember where it all ultimately leads to. Yugi and Jounouchi's friendship proves once more how deeply it runs in the face of imminent death. And the backstory of the past grows. Looking forward to seeing the Ghouls get theirs soon.

[Petra Jayne Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this volume. The conclusion to DDM and the beginning of Battle City. The duels become more action packed and exciting with the introduction of the new duel disk system. More new characters. We are introduced to Ishizu and Marik.

[KowaiMangl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Definitely my favorite volume so far.

[Jane Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Con mejoras respecto al anterior.

[Kurtis Burkhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always loved yugioh, it was my favorite show as a kid and my first manga! Love all the great characters and the Egypt story line it has😻👌😁❤️

[Inge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the mystery about the Egyptian cards and more mystery about the memories and the millennium items. I'm curious.

[Jaden John · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Daniel Pappas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rest In Peace sweet prince

I’m on a roll here. Gonna go down this Battle City tournament rq see you all later. (P good stuff)

[Alex Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the volume where things kick into high gear, and it contains Chapter 90, easily the best chapter of the manga thus far, and probably in the entire series.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battle City has begun!

[Burberi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yayyy we finally know that the pharaoh is a pharaoh!!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 10 closes the very short Dungeon Dice Monster Arc and begins the Battle City Arc (sort of). Ryuji thinks he has Yugi beat in this dice game of his own creation, the finale of their "duel" is just as dragged out as the start was back in volume 9. It does lead to a fire of the game shop and some intense scenes of Yugi trying to salvage the Millennium Puzzle in order to save the "other him". There is some fluff in which Anzu takes the "other Yugi" out about town and he admits that his greatest desire is to unlock his past memories and discover "who he really is". That opportunity comes from Ichizu who opens an Egyptian exhibit at the local museum. There, she displays tablets of old depicted a very familiar battle between a Pharaoh with a Dark Magician creature and a priest with a dragon. She lures Kaiba in with a tale of "destiny" and bestows a God Card of Obelisk to him and eggs him on to find the other two to discover the "King of Duelists".
Great plot work to set up one of the most intense arcs of the series. This was definitely a transitional volume that wrapped up one arc and begins the framework for the next.

[Nightshade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yami Bakura continues to encourage Yugi and states that Ryuji could never claim the puzzle. When Yugi wins Yami Bakura returns his puzzle to him and this is when he places some of his spirit into the puzzle.
Ryuji’s father tries to strangle Yugi when he wins against Ryuji and then force him to play a forbidden Devil’s Board Game. Yugi’s friends manage to find Yugi just as Ryuji’s father traps Yugi and himself into the room with the forbidden game. The Millennium Puzzle is nailed to a table. The room is set alight when Ryuji’s father tries to fix the puzzle. Yugi manages to put the puzzle together in roughly five minutes before Jonouchi carries him out of the burning, collapsing building. The nurses in the hospital are also seen wondering at Yugi talking to himself, this is something that amuses me as I would have thought that Yugi would just talk to Yami in his mind rather than speaking out loud.
Both Kaiba and Yami Yugi meet Ishizu (although Yami keeps what he learns about himself a secret from Yugi) and Yami Yugi has his ‘date’ with Anzu. Johnny Steps is in only one scene where Anzu beats him at the dance game, the duel in the anime did not happen. Kaiba’s new duel disk is introduced and his tournament set up.
You also get to see Marik for the first time in this volume. Finally Jonouchi loses his Red Eyes to the Rare Hunters, becoming Marik’s group’s first victim.
This volume seemed to contain loads and was interesting.

[Roselyn Blonger · Rating 4 out of 5]

No sé si emocionarme o decepcionarme con todas esas preciosas escenas puzzleshipping porque, al final, terminaron cerrando como secretos y mentiras y sí, entiendo que Yami quiera conocer su pasado, pero ocultárselo a Yugi no suena como él mismo. Principalmente sabiendo lo mucho que ese par se quiere.

[Mochacat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume is basically the start of my insanity. Marik has always been a rather depressing and twisted villain. Also I cannot believe it! This volume basically confirms puzzleshipping! What the heck!


well everyone fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a bumpy ride! The ishtar family drama arc has begun!

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Quickie Review

This tenth volume has me excited for the further installments; the "Enter the Shadow Realm" saga was my favorite Yu-Gi-Oh! storyline. Now, I just hope I can get my hands on volumes eleven and thereafter...

[Sarah Maddaford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on previous volumes Yu-Gi-Oh! Volumes 1-4 and Duelist Volumes 1-5 as well as the final volume

[Melissa Noël · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #28 of the 2018 Reading Challenge

[Дени ★ Проданова · Rating 4 out of 5]

Арката на Бойния град започва, а с него и разбулването на мистерията за самоличността на Ями. Новия злодей, макар и показан само за малко е къде, къде по-злодейски от Пегасъс.

[Emma L.B.]

- Will re-read before I put a review -