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Yu-Gi-Oh! #5
Yu-Gi-Oh!, Vol. 5: The Heart of the Cards
Yugi, Jonouchi, and Anzu have survived Kaiba's deadly theme park, but now they're faced with the two Kaiba brothers, heirs of the biggest game empire in Japan. Seto Kaiba has spent years and millions of dollars building the greatest "Duel Monsters" deck ever. Armed only with his grandfather's hand-me-down deck, Yugi fights Seto Kaiba for his grandfather, for his friends, and most of all, for revenge. But will faith, and good card playing, be enough?
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 1997
43 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Kazuki Takahashi
293 books240 followersTakahashi (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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 3, 2020
After starting off on a somewhat somber note, this volume of Yu Gi Oh is mostly taken up by a pair of lengthy games -- a shorter one against Mokuba and then a longer one against Kaiba, each using their signature games.
This volume is starting to pull together all the aspects that will eventually be at the heart of Yu Gi Oh in later arcs -- lengthy game battles, complicated strategies, ever-changing aspects and rules, the magic of plain old luck and the power of friendship.
It's good, but if I'm being honest, it's also one of my least favorite volumes of the series, and I think it's because of Mokuba's bit. the deal going into Death T was that Kaiba was doing all this to exact his revenge on Yugi for earlier encounters. So as they get down to the end, you expect them to emergte from the other "games" and go straight into the showdown with Kaiba, who's the clear mastermind. The game with Mokuba isn't that interesting, and throws the brakes on the momentum for me.
The fight with Seto is pretty good though. Bonus points, we also get a bit of a look into his backstory and some of the pretty terrible things that happened to make him the Xanatos-esque jerk we have come to know. It's a pretty far cry from his first appearance. Like I said, a lot of this is coming together in ways that become even more extreme later.
(though speaking of that, what's the deal with absolutely garbage father figures in this series? Jonouchi's dad is an abusive drunk, the Kaibas' situation is awful and later on, we meet another young gamer whose guardian hits a trifecta, being emotionally, physically and mentally abusive. Big yikes.)
The longer arcs do sometimes leave the shorter stories feeling unfulfilling, and the same happens here with the final two chapters of this book, one of which showcases a crappy teacher and the other of which presents us with a rigged game show. (Pursuant to the above note, Jonouchi enters the game show to try to win money specifically because his dad's drinking and gambling habits have collection agencies harassing them.)
Overall, still entertaining, but creeping noticeably in the new direction.
This volume is starting to pull together all the aspects that will eventually be at the heart of Yu Gi Oh in later arcs -- lengthy game battles, complicated strategies, ever-changing aspects and rules, the magic of plain old luck and the power of friendship.
It's good, but if I'm being honest, it's also one of my least favorite volumes of the series, and I think it's because of Mokuba's bit. the deal going into Death T was that Kaiba was doing all this to exact his revenge on Yugi for earlier encounters. So as they get down to the end, you expect them to emergte from the other "games" and go straight into the showdown with Kaiba, who's the clear mastermind. The game with Mokuba isn't that interesting, and throws the brakes on the momentum for me.
The fight with Seto is pretty good though. Bonus points, we also get a bit of a look into his backstory and some of the pretty terrible things that happened to make him the Xanatos-esque jerk we have come to know. It's a pretty far cry from his first appearance. Like I said, a lot of this is coming together in ways that become even more extreme later.
(though speaking of that, what's the deal with absolutely garbage father figures in this series? Jonouchi's dad is an abusive drunk, the Kaibas' situation is awful and later on, we meet another young gamer whose guardian hits a trifecta, being emotionally, physically and mentally abusive. Big yikes.)
The longer arcs do sometimes leave the shorter stories feeling unfulfilling, and the same happens here with the final two chapters of this book, one of which showcases a crappy teacher and the other of which presents us with a rigged game show. (Pursuant to the above note, Jonouchi enters the game show to try to win money specifically because his dad's drinking and gambling habits have collection agencies harassing them.)
Overall, still entertaining, but creeping noticeably in the new direction.
June 3, 2020
Anyone who has read the fourth volume of Yu-gi-Oh! should know exactly what to expect in this fifth outing - Yugi vs Kaiba: The Rematch.
This rematch has been a long time coming, but it was definitely worth the wait, as these chapters are Yu-Gi-Oh! back to it's best. There is something about a card game being played out in manga format that makes for surprisingly compelling reading. Don't ask me why, because in all honesty, I cant explain it. It should probably be more boring than watching paint dry, but for whatever reason, it really works.
And that is how I would summarise this particular volume. When you analyse the individual parts it is nothing special, but in it's complete form, this volume was exactly what the series needed.
p.s There is also a small romantic chapter tagged on to the end of this volume. Its just a silly little story, but I did found it quite endearing. It was the perfect relief from the heavy drama that preceded it. 4/5
This rematch has been a long time coming, but it was definitely worth the wait, as these chapters are Yu-Gi-Oh! back to it's best. There is something about a card game being played out in manga format that makes for surprisingly compelling reading. Don't ask me why, because in all honesty, I cant explain it. It should probably be more boring than watching paint dry, but for whatever reason, it really works.
And that is how I would summarise this particular volume. When you analyse the individual parts it is nothing special, but in it's complete form, this volume was exactly what the series needed.
p.s There is also a small romantic chapter tagged on to the end of this volume. Its just a silly little story, but I did found it quite endearing. It was the perfect relief from the heavy drama that preceded it. 4/5
July 12, 2015
The Good: This is the closest the manga has come so far to the anime as I knew it. With pretty much the entire book being about monster duels, this is what I've come to expect from Yu-Gi-Oh! in general. It also cuts down on the offensive bits that plagued the previous volumes. If you've read the series up to this point, you should definitely continue with this one.
The Bad: Nothing really to complain about; hence, the five-star rating.
Content Concerns:
• Sex: A reference to women being "hot". 4/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: Profanity implied with symbols; usage of euphemisms such as "butt" and "crap". 4/5
• Violence: Plenty of fantasy violence within the duels, but none of it is bloody or graphic. 3/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Some suspenseful moments, including a traumatic childhood flashback. 3/5
Conclusion: This is Yu-Gi-Oh! as I've come to expect it; what could be better than that?
Score: 5/5
The Bad: Nothing really to complain about; hence, the five-star rating.
Content Concerns:
• Sex: A reference to women being "hot". 4/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: Profanity implied with symbols; usage of euphemisms such as "butt" and "crap". 4/5
• Violence: Plenty of fantasy violence within the duels, but none of it is bloody or graphic. 3/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Some suspenseful moments, including a traumatic childhood flashback. 3/5
Conclusion: This is Yu-Gi-Oh! as I've come to expect it; what could be better than that?
Score: 5/5
August 7, 2023
Fuck you kaiba !!!!!!!!
April 1, 2023
Epic showdown between Kaiba and Yugi. The unstoppable Exodia. What more do you need?
November 22, 2024
Seto and Yuugi's battle was fun to see
February 6, 2014
I honestly don't know if it's a good idea to time and time again go back and compare the manga with the anime (I saw the anime first). However, it's fun to see how the Duel Monsters game have improved. And how the characters have changed, especially Seto and Mokuba. But back to this volume.
In this volume Yuugi reach the two final stages in Kaiba's game, Death-T. Honda is gone and Anzu and Jounouchi hostage. Yuugi doubt himself as he reach the final stage of the game. The older Kaiba brother is sure hes going to win, as he has three Blue Eyes White Dragon cards in his deck, and doesn't hide it. The duel goes on and Yuugi's life points are getting lower for each turn.
Takahashi has managed to describe the action far better than I think it would be if I saw the duel live. (But not as good as in the anime.) I also like how the relationship between the Kaiba brothers is described (even though Seto is a complete jerk) and later how Mokuba starts to (hopefully) show a sweeter side.
After the Deat-T games life goes back to normal. Or as normal as it gets for someone with two personalities and a gift for games. One chapter focuses on Anzu and there you get even more reasons to ship (fangirl terms,not sorry) her with Yuugi/his alter ego. The last is Jounoushi's moment, which turns out not as expected and exactly as you thought.
This might be the best volume of the manga so far. Let's see where it goes from here :)
In this volume Yuugi reach the two final stages in Kaiba's game, Death-T. Honda is gone and Anzu and Jounouchi hostage. Yuugi doubt himself as he reach the final stage of the game. The older Kaiba brother is sure hes going to win, as he has three Blue Eyes White Dragon cards in his deck, and doesn't hide it. The duel goes on and Yuugi's life points are getting lower for each turn.
Takahashi has managed to describe the action far better than I think it would be if I saw the duel live. (But not as good as in the anime.) I also like how the relationship between the Kaiba brothers is described (even though Seto is a complete jerk) and later how Mokuba starts to (hopefully) show a sweeter side.
After the Deat-T games life goes back to normal. Or as normal as it gets for someone with two personalities and a gift for games. One chapter focuses on Anzu and there you get even more reasons to ship (fangirl terms,
This might be the best volume of the manga so far. Let's see where it goes from here :)
May 5, 2015
Ех, Кайба, Кайба... Виж до какво води злобата. Публично унижение и съжалението на близките ти. Естествено, като на манга, хората, които се опита да убиеш хич не ти се сърдят, няма да те докладват в полицията и даже ще ти станат приятели, ама беше ли нужно да се заплашва бебе с пистолет.
Драги читатели, запомнете от сега: ВИНАГИ има по-силна карта. И в реалния свят е така: винаги има някой по-добър. Така че, по-полека със самочувствието и арогантността ;)
Драги читатели, запомнете от сега: ВИНАГИ има по-силна карта. И в реалния свят е така: винаги има някой по-добър. Така че, по-полека със самочувствието и арогантността ;)
April 11, 2023
Love the idea of summoning Exodia (accumulating 5 specific cards in your hand over the course of an entire game) being considered unthinkably impossible
December 31, 2024
You can see how the plot direction is slowly going towards the Duel Monsters one, and it makes me sad as well as excited. I love Duel Monsters. It's a big part of my childhood and all. However, yami being a mence, the random games, the penalty games, and comically evil villains are really fun things that I'll miss a lot.
Also, it finally made sense as to why kaiba was so damn dramatic about losing a CARD GAME. I didn't understand why he was so terrified at losing in the anime, but it turns out it was because he had a literal piece of his mind being crushed by whatever curse yami put on him. Why did they have to water it down to just card games and harmless holograms in the anime? Ugh
Things I thought were funny in this volume: everyone moving on from Honda's "death"
These people didn't give a shit for more than 3 seconds, then cheered when he came back.
Kaiba's father yeeting himself out of the window like omg why is everyone overreacting can't you just hand him your position at the company and go on with your life as a retired old man?
Anzu having a crush on Yugi's alter ego like I get it, I really do, I'm with her on that one, but it's so funny how she wants to hang out with Yugi to see his other self lmao
Also, it finally made sense as to why kaiba was so damn dramatic about losing a CARD GAME. I didn't understand why he was so terrified at losing in the anime, but it turns out it was because he had a literal piece of his mind being crushed by whatever curse yami put on him. Why did they have to water it down to just card games and harmless holograms in the anime? Ugh
Things I thought were funny in this volume: everyone moving on from Honda's "death"
These people didn't give a shit for more than 3 seconds, then cheered when he came back.
Kaiba's father yeeting himself out of the window like omg why is everyone overreacting can't you just hand him your position at the company and go on with your life as a retired old man?
Anzu having a crush on Yugi's alter ego like I get it, I really do, I'm with her on that one, but it's so funny how she wants to hang out with Yugi to see his other self lmao
March 14, 2020
Capsule monsters makes a triumphant return, and this time the game is actually interesting! Likewise, Magic & Wizards seems more dynamic and fleshed out. The tone is a lot more childish compared to the volume before, and George is criminally underused. The much spoofed "smiley face on hands" movements makes its debut, and in context it works amazingly. It is the big end to the Kaiba saga, and it does not disappoint. There are two shorter stories that follows, out of these the Anzu one works the best. It fleshes out the character, her relationship to Yami/Yugi, and is overall a fun and ridiculous chapter.
The volume overall suffer for the fact that the more complicated games (magic & wizard, Capsule Monsters) seems to have arbitrary rules. While this can be used to some very great cinematic movements, it feels deux ex machina at times.
Not as good as the volume before, and while the tone is too childish at times, this book is fun, have amazing art that never get boring.
The volume overall suffer for the fact that the more complicated games (magic & wizard, Capsule Monsters) seems to have arbitrary rules. While this can be used to some very great cinematic movements, it feels deux ex machina at times.
Not as good as the volume before, and while the tone is too childish at times, this book is fun, have amazing art that never get boring.
May 7, 2023
Yu-Gi-Oh Vol 5 finally showcases what the heart of the franchise embodies through a duel with Mokuba plus Yugi and Kaiba's rematch; friendship, belief in yourself, and overcoming the hatred of others. The volume jumps into a Capsule Monsters match Yugi has against Mokuba. It being a pretty fun affair. Capsule Monsters is one of my favorite "side games" the series has. Then there is a four chapter Duel Monsters rematch he has with Seto Kaiba. It really cements the foundation this series would be known for; being the card game. Yugi struggles with confidence and finds the "heart of the cards." The final two stories in this collection are Anzu accepting she has feelings for Yami Yugi and Jonouchi appearing on a game show. They are decent one-off stories.
Volume 5 captures the heart of the Yu-Gi-Oh franchise in a fun (and early) way; and will not disappoint fans.
Volume 5 captures the heart of the Yu-Gi-Oh franchise in a fun (and early) way; and will not disappoint fans.
July 28, 2019
En teoría el anime comienza a adaptarse en este punto... en teoría, se supone que el manga es bastante distinto al anime que llegamos a conocer.
Seto sigue sufriendo por esto...
Pero se recupera un poco :3
Seto sigue sufriendo por esto...
Pero se recupera un poco :3
February 8, 2021
I love the "Death-T" arc. Seto Kaiba sets up a tournament comprised of shadow games of his own designs. Unlike Yugi, who uses Egyptian magic to punish greed and cheating, Kaiba using his own greed and money to design death traps. The side characters, particularly Honda, get numerous chances to shine, and the monster designs when it comes to the final Duel Monsters showdown are great. There are then a couple return-to-formula stories at the end where our characters go back to school and have random adventures, but those are a nice breather after the dark Death-T arc.
October 7, 2024
HAY MUCHO QUE DECIR DE ESTE VOLUMEN:
Literalmente obtenemos un nuevo intento de Mokuba queriendo matar a Yugi haciendo trampa, Kaiba vs Yami Yugi con el INCREIBLE MOMENTO del Blue Eyes vs Exodia… PERO lo que me hizo gritar fueron los dos capítulos restantes
Anzu le da un juego que es popular entre las chicas y bueno, ella tiene un crush tan evidente con Yami Yugi que me parece adorable… YYY JAJAJA Yugi y sus amigos no son muy brillantes en la escuela, la mamá de Yugi es tan… amo a esa mujer.
Jou intentando conseguir un millón y lográndolo… y NAOOOO, eso es tener mala suerte, pobre vato
Literalmente obtenemos un nuevo intento de Mokuba queriendo matar a Yugi haciendo trampa, Kaiba vs Yami Yugi con el INCREIBLE MOMENTO del Blue Eyes vs Exodia… PERO lo que me hizo gritar fueron los dos capítulos restantes
Anzu le da un juego que es popular entre las chicas y bueno, ella tiene un crush tan evidente con Yami Yugi que me parece adorable… YYY JAJAJA Yugi y sus amigos no son muy brillantes en la escuela, la mamá de Yugi es tan… amo a esa mujer.
Jou intentando conseguir un millón y lográndolo… y NAOOOO, eso es tener mala suerte, pobre vato
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2021
This volume contains what a lot of anime fans would recognize as the iconic first duel between Kaiba and Yugi with Yugi using the heart of the cards to pull off the iconic Exodia against Kaiba's three blue eyes. It is nice to the original build up to that duel and seeing how that arc was supposed to unfold and does help make the season 1 of the Yugioh Duel Monsters make a bit more sense as that original duel was meant to be the climax of an arc not a first fight of a series.
August 29, 2022
The Heart of the Cards was an amazing story, and it all worked out nicely for Yugi and his friends at the end.
I really like Yugi's other personality Dark Yugi very much, he is definitely my favorite character. The different games he creates are pretty cool and they show the crocks and criminals what's truely in their heart. Anzu having a crush on Dark Yugi is kinda cute and so is Yugi having a crush on Anzu lol.
I really like Yugi's other personality Dark Yugi very much, he is definitely my favorite character. The different games he creates are pretty cool and they show the crocks and criminals what's truely in their heart. Anzu having a crush on Dark Yugi is kinda cute and so is Yugi having a crush on Anzu lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2024
This is the volume that has the iconic Exodia duel between Yugi and Kaiba. It was dramatic, and having watched the same story in the American anime made it pretty nostalgic for me. There are also a few games at the end that are more similar to the stuff at the beginning of the series. You can definitely tell Takahashi is running out of ideas though. We have another mean teacher who is revealed to be less perfect in appearance than they seem and another greedy tv producer.
October 6, 2025
The Kaiba corporation needs to be sued, because what is all of this? And how are all the kids making up the audience just cheering for Kaiba? Depending on the age I'd have thought they'd be scared by at least some of what's going on.
On a more "technical" storytelling note, I like that the last two chapters are back to the more light-hearted, if a bit ridiculous, one-shot stories. It's a good way to relieve the tension from the Death-T games.
On a more "technical" storytelling note, I like that the last two chapters are back to the more light-hearted, if a bit ridiculous, one-shot stories. It's a good way to relieve the tension from the Death-T games.
Read
December 22, 2025(Read as a Kid, Review from 2025)
The last of the YuGiOh volumes I read in elementary school. Truthfully was a bit tapped out at this point and was transitioning towards manga I preferred/have stuck with me to today. This volume finishes the story arc the first episode of the American anime adapts with Yugi beating Kaiba. There's some other non dueling cards games but they're not interesting at all.
The last of the YuGiOh volumes I read in elementary school. Truthfully was a bit tapped out at this point and was transitioning towards manga I preferred/have stuck with me to today. This volume finishes the story arc the first episode of the American anime adapts with Yugi beating Kaiba. There's some other non dueling cards games but they're not interesting at all.
August 3, 2017
This definetly is my favourite volume out of the series so far. This volume caries a very strong message of friendship and the importance of it. This volume also switches up the format again as it follows up on the last volume and well, I really loved it, especially because of the callbacks to earlier volumes.
August 22, 2024
El Kaiba tiene atrapados en una serie de juegos mortales a Yuugi y sus amigos.
Los dibujos han mejorado mucho en este volumen y hay más desarrollo de personajes. Lo malo es que las reglas de los juegos de Monstruos encapsulados y del Duelo de monstruos aquí no están claras y no tienen mucho sentido las partidas. Pero está bueno.
Los dibujos han mejorado mucho en este volumen y hay más desarrollo de personajes. Lo malo es que las reglas de los juegos de Monstruos encapsulados y del Duelo de monstruos aquí no están claras y no tienen mucho sentido las partidas. Pero está bueno.
March 24, 2017
The card games have arrived! Everything in this volume was exactly what I wanted except the last two chapters which were more of the same "villain of the week" type stuff from the previous volumes. Still and interesting story, though, and I'm excited to continue the series.
July 1, 2017
Three stars just because I love this battle against Kaiba.
July 20, 2017
Gr8
Yu-gi-oh volume five is a very good piece of the original manga. I play read and watch yu-gi-oh. I hope u like it 2.
Yu-gi-oh volume five is a very good piece of the original manga. I play read and watch yu-gi-oh. I hope u like it 2.
September 21, 2017
That feel when you realize you're being possessed by a vengeful spirit
April 15, 2018
Hab doch gesagt, das Yugi Kaiba fertig macht. Gegen Yugi helfen auch keine 3 weißen Drachen xD
March 17, 2018
It is challenging game shown how yu-gi is a intelligence challenger even he face stronge enemies.
March 28, 2020
Death-T is cool
April 27, 2020
Bit more entertaining then the rest mostly the dueling scene was fun. Tho after was just a filler and repetitive on how everyone but Yugi and his friends are horrible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews