Samurai Deeper Kyo Volume 26

Samurai Deeper Kyo #26

by Akimine Kamijyo

Kyoshiro and Kyo--one a peaceful medicine seller, the other a merciless red-eyed samurai--are two spirits fighting for dominance of the same body as they travel with Yuya, a bounty hunter who helps them look for Kyo's true body.

Genres: Manga, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Shonen, Comics, Graphic Novels, Action

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Akimine Kamijyo (上条明峰 Kamijō Akimine?, born September 13, 1975, Kanagawa Prefecture) is a Japanese manga artist best known for creating Samurai Deeper Kyo. The name 'Akimine Kamijyo' is merely her pen-name. Her doujinshi work was done under the name 'Meika Hatagashira' (伯明華?).

Her second series was Shirogane no Karasu also known as Silver Crow. It started on May 30, 2007 in Weekly Shōnen Magazine and ended after 3 volumes.

She is currently working on Code: Breaker.

Reviews

[Cecillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so Bontenmaru's whole beast mode thing is kind of funny. But it's also a bit sad that he's the only character that I can remember that has a "comical" side effect of their special technique/power.
I've also pretty much lost interest in Yukimura's storyline at this point. At the beginning of the series I kind of liked his character, but now I'm just bored.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I demand custodial rights of Yukimura. I cannot trust Kimijyo to use him as anything other than to fill space at this point.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le roi rouge juste another pretty boy

[MissAnnThrope · Rating 5 out of 5]

24 August 2013

Ahh . . . Yukimura gracing the cover of Samurai Deeper Kyo, Volume 26 should give you a clear indication of how amazing this volume will be. Yukimura has been absent for far too long, and I'm happy to report he is back in full force. This volume is heftier than usual but it goes so quickly because of all the awesome Yukimura action and the revealing of several juicy mysteries.

From the ending of the last volume, I was really excited to see Bon finally get to unleash his inner beast, but his fight is completely overshadowed by Yukimura's battle with Shindara. Although I enjoyed learning about Bon's secret powers, Yukimura steals the spotlight. I do love how Bon is just a big ol' puppy dog, and Yukimura's playful teasing of him. Kyo's trick of how to get Bon to snap out of it is also hilarious.

Meanwhile, Shinrei learns the truth about Taihaku's death when he overhears Chinmei's conversation with Fubuki. Enraged, he lashes out on Fubuki who easily stops the attack and leaves Shinrei for dead. Hishigi saves his life only to sentence him to life imprisonment. Shinrei nearly gives up hope until a kooky, badly nearsighted scholar stumbles upon his cell. I am absolutely smitten with this affable lover of books. His genial nature belies the powers stirring within.

Speaking of almighty powers, one of my favorite parts in this volume is the Four Elders' visit to the Former Crimson King. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the brat, Tokito, put in his place by the Former Crimson King. Witnessing this display of power got me really excited for what's to come.

The star of this volume is unquestionably Yukimura. One would think that his newfound powers and "Speed of the Wagtail" would be what makes him so impressive, but it is Yukimura's unfailing belief and loyalty to his family, the Sanada Juyushi, that leaves you in awe of him. He steadfastly believes in Shindara the Immortal even after being betrayed by him.

Saizo, Kosuke, Jinpachi, and Kamanosuke are a seriously entertaining bunch. Kamanosuke's Akita dialect amuses me so much. Darn tootin'! The contradiction between her delicate features and that mouth is hilarious! Plus, her hobby of wrasslin' bears is too much! These goofballs are loyal to their leader and who can blame them? He's the life of the party and has their backs at any cost. It's sad to know that Shindara was once part of this. I can't help but wonder what could have possibly been so worth it that he shunned this loving family. I look forward to finding out more of his story in the next volume.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today’s post is on Samurai Deeper Kyo volume 26 by Akimine Kamijyo. It the 26th in the series and so you need to have read the first 25 to understand the story. It is published by Tokyopop. The cover has Yukimura on it looking cool. The intended reader is someone who loves samurai manga, lots of character’s and unexpected romance. There is implied nudity, language, and lots of violence, older teens and adults only for the best. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- In order to put a stop to Haira of the Twelve God Shogun, Bontenmaru must resort to his ‘Beast’ mode if he wants to come out victorious- and alive. Next, Yukimura defends his men against the unstoppable Shindara, which results in a heart-touching revelation. And at last… the identity of the Former Crimson King is revealed!

Review- Kyo is not much in this volume but Bon is funny. He has to fight and it gets nasty. But he wins and the story gets to the real meat of this volume. All about Yukimura and real Crimson King. The King is something both funny and very scary. I really want to see some interactions between him and Kyo. We get to see why he is still in power in spite of the Five Stars being so powerful. Then Yukimura takes the stage. We get what happened between him and Shindara and bonus we get to meet more of Yukimura’s ninja’s. There is some foretelling with Yuya but I cannot wait to see it come to fruition. Lots of plots development and fighting and stuff. Great manga.

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

[Dominique "Eerie" Sobieska · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is a bit dull when it starts off with Yuya and Kyoshiro. But as you progress, the plot thickens and newly cast members introduced piece by piece make this manga unique and a bit of a masterpiece. There are two main story lines: 1- Yuya is looking for the man that killed her brother and 2- Kyo is searching for his true body to exact his revenge. Every other plot in between just adds fuel to the story and lets you learn of the diverse background of many characters, friends or foes. The story itself was captivating and it is a shame that many people know of this series.

The art style refined over time, giving the battle scenes flaws execution. The each character had their own torments and demons to deal with but I would have to say that certain individuals needed more evolution or better backstory. The end was well received and left no stone unturned.

I have watched the anime adaptation and I don't recommend it. It doesn't do it justice.

Do I recommend:

Yes! Just not the anime!!