Samurai Deeper Kyo, Volume 28

Samurai Deeper Kyo #28

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

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

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 2 out of 5]

I think I remember why I had to take a very long break from this series. It wasn't only because I was bored, I was probably getting extremely frustrated with how story is structured. So the gang sets forth together, meet some enemy, fight, PLOT TWIST! Something happens and everybody gets split up in small group, they try to find their back to the large group, meet another enemy that challenges the belief/life philosophy of one member of the small group, they defeat that enemy, and by some luck everybody finds each other again for a brief time. And then we repeat the cycle again, and again, and again, and again.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

IS AKIRA BLIND OR NOT? I AM OFFICIALLY CONFUSED ON THIS.

[MissAnnThrope · Rating 4 out of 5]

26 August 2013

Samurai Deeper Kyo, Volume 28 begins with Kyo and Sasuke trying to gain passage to the Onmyo Palace, but they must first get past the quirky Shihodo, a former original member of the Four Elders. Don't be fooled by Shihodo's goofiness and vulgar humor. This potty-mouthed acrobat gives Kyo a beating without even breaking a sweat.

During Kyo's battle with Shihodo, his sword, Tenro, turns on him and determines that he isn't worthy of the mighty blade. Tenro tells Kyo to allow the one true person powerful enough to wield the sword to take over - Kyoshiro Mibu. It seemed as if Kyoshiro would emerge, but Kyo manages to make Tenro submit on all his own. He is ol' Demon Eyes, afterall.

While the battle with Shihodo isn't that thrilling, there are a few tasty tidbits revealed. I particularly enjoyed the flashback where we get to see the Baby Demon get protective over Muramasa. There are also hints that the Crimson King may have had an inkling that he might be headed down an evil path, and that he wanted those he trusted most to stop him. The most interesting teaser is that Kyoshiro is the original owner of Sasuke's Shibien and that he, too, has crimson eyes. DUN DUN DUNNNNNN. Man, Kyoshiro is turning out to be this duplicitous badass and I just cannot wait for him to resurface!

In the second-half of the volume, Bon, Akira, and Benitora go up against the ever-annoying brat, Tokito. This punk may be a pompous child, but he is lethal in battle. To save his friends from certain death, Bon makes a sacrifice that may cost him his life. As Akira realizes what Bon has done, he has heartwarming flashbacks of his childhood with Bon and of how the lovable lug will do anything for his friends. In a rage, Akira swears to save Bon and hopefully open up a can of whoop-ass on Tokito!

The volume ends with Kyo and Sasuke running into Akari and Yuya, who are acting awkwardly with each other. As the foursome catch up with each other, a surprise visitor drops in on them who just might know where Nobunaga's soul resides. The cliffhanger ending has me so curious to find out the connections between, Kyo, Kyoshiro, and Nozomu.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today’s post is on Samurai Deeper Kyo volume 28 by Akimine Kamijyo. It is published by Tokyopop. As it is the 28th in the series you need to have read the first 27 to understand the story. The cover has Akira on it looking very cool. There is language, no sex, and lots of violence in this volume. The intended reader is someone who likes samurai stories, fun action, and surprising love stories. The story is told from third person god perspective with character’s thoughts added for plot and character development. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Shihodo, guardian of the Onmyo Palace’s labyrinth, allows Kyo and Sasuke to leave on one condition: they retrieve the fourth cursed blade of Muramasa, believed to be held by the famed blacksmith Julian, once mentor to Muramasa himself! Later, the reunited group to Kyo, Sasuke, Yuya and Akari run into Yuya’s “dead” brother Nozomu again. But this time, what they discover about him has the potential to disrupt the balance of the entire world…

Review- Finally some plot answers! After 27 volumes of really nothing we get something. Shihodo is a fountain of information and she answers questions directly. Susake is the questioner and Kyo is himself. There is some slow points in the middle with Akira, Bontenmaru, and Benitora but then back to answers and stuff. I can see where Kamijyo is building for the next big fight but I really just wanted to spend more time Kyo and get more answers about the plot. There is some fighting and Kyo gets mad about Shihodo holding back on him but that is normal for Kyo. Tenro gets some action too and then the manga stops with Nozomu reappearing and turning to Nobunaga. Someone is going to die for putting his soul into Yuya’s brother’s body and I think that Kyo is going to be the one to kill them. Only ten volumes left in the series. That makes me sad but I have really enjoyed this ride.

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!!