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バジリスク～甲賀忍法帖～ [Basilisk: Kōga Ninpōchō] #2
Basilisk: O Pergaminho Secreto dos Kouga Vol. 2
The bloody battle to rule Japan has begun: the Iga and the Kouga clan are locked in a fight to the death. Driven by a centuries-old hatred, the clans will do anything to annihilate each other. The Kouga clan is engaging in a little espionage and has planted a shapeshifter, disguised as an Iga ninja, in the Iga palace. Meanwhile, the Iga clan turns to its last, best hope: their new leader, Oboro, who alone can defeat the Kouga's formidable leader, Gennosuke. But is Oboro willing to kill the man she loves?
As the war grows more desperate, true love may be the next casualty...
As the war grows more desperate, true love may be the next casualty...
200 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2003
13 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Fūtarō Yamada
157 books33 followersFutaro Yamada (山田 風太郎 Yamada Fūtarō?, January 4, 1922 – July 28, 2001) was the pen name of Seiya Yamada (山田 誠也 Yamada Seiya?), a Japanese novel writer, famous for his ninja stories and mystery fiction based on japanese legends. He worked in genre of historical fiction, popularizing legendary characters, ninjas and supernatural abilities in his works. Thanks to him many historical characters weren't forgotten in our days.
In 1947, he wrote a mystery novel Daruma-tōge no Jiken (達磨峠の事件?, lit. "The Incident on Dharma Pass") and was awarded a prize by a novel magazine Houseki (宝石?). He was discovered by Edogawa Rampo and became a novelist. He wrote many ninja (忍法帖 Ninpōchō series) and mystery stories. Many of his works have been adapted for film, TV, manga, and anime.
In 1947, he wrote a mystery novel Daruma-tōge no Jiken (達磨峠の事件?, lit. "The Incident on Dharma Pass") and was awarded a prize by a novel magazine Houseki (宝石?). He was discovered by Edogawa Rampo and became a novelist. He wrote many ninja (忍法帖 Ninpōchō series) and mystery stories. Many of his works have been adapted for film, TV, manga, and anime.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 7, 2024
"All's fair in love and war." --John Lyly
More deceit, blood, and brutalities as the clash of two supernaturally powerful ninja clan rivals are allowed to slaughter one another. With the Iga Tsubagakure clan having an advantage in knowing of the break of the truce between them and the Kōga Manjidani clan they set plans in motion to be the winners of this deadly contest. However in the end even secrets are not safe with ninjas about as we see both sides becoming fully aware of what is at stake.
Will love see the warring factions ever be united through the affections of their leaders or will the deep seated hatred of rivalry tear everyone and everything apart? Only time will tell as we reach the middle volume of this series next volume. :)
More deceit, blood, and brutalities as the clash of two supernaturally powerful ninja clan rivals are allowed to slaughter one another. With the Iga Tsubagakure clan having an advantage in knowing of the break of the truce between them and the Kōga Manjidani clan they set plans in motion to be the winners of this deadly contest. However in the end even secrets are not safe with ninjas about as we see both sides becoming fully aware of what is at stake.
Will love see the warring factions ever be united through the affections of their leaders or will the deep seated hatred of rivalry tear everyone and everything apart? Only time will tell as we reach the middle volume of this series next volume. :)
January 6, 2021
Going by the character focus they receive, the white clothing they wear, and how they tend to not look as monstrous and evil, the story seems to be trying to paint the Kouga Clan as the good guys. It doesn't really work: in practice both clans are about equally amoral. Pretty weak.
A lot more cheesecake here than in the first volume. If you like that sort of stuff, feel free to add an extra half-star or so.
A lot more cheesecake here than in the first volume. If you like that sort of stuff, feel free to add an extra half-star or so.
November 24, 2020
The first volume saw several of the more interesting ninja characters meeting their prematurely, but the second volume proved that there were more willing to step up.
The pacing was a bit slow, since took two whole volumes before it became a full-fledged ninja war between the rival clans. Now, the consequences of the shogun's decision was made clear and the star-crossed lovers were rendered asunder.
This is like the old Romeo and Juliet story but with more bloodshed and ninja arts.
The pacing was a bit slow, since took two whole volumes before it became a full-fledged ninja war between the rival clans. Now, the consequences of the shogun's decision was made clear and the star-crossed lovers were rendered asunder.
This is like the old Romeo and Juliet story but with more bloodshed and ninja arts.
February 18, 2009
The series continues as one clan places a shapeshifter in the enemy camp in an attempt to get an edge in the battle. Two feuding ninja clans, and a love story as the leaders of those two clans are in love. The thing I like about this series is that it reads very fast. Once you get started, you pretty much go to the end. For me, I also find neat to read about the different ninja techniques each ninja masters. From the power of vision that can cause enemies to turn on themselves to various combat forms. And given there was a cliffhanger at the end of the second volume, I will be looking for the next one. The fight continues, and the numbers of fighters on each side are decreasing.
June 11, 2011
I think this tries to hard to grab the ninja-loving community (which is quite large and fanatic, really) and thus sacrifices plot for action (and nudity).
September 18, 2011
Boobs and muscle, very little in the story department. Really, I am disappointed. I couldn't decide how I liked the first volume, but, in comparison, this one is crap for sure.
May 2, 2020
Second volume finally starts to even the odds between Iga and Kouga a bit - especially after the rather uneven casualties from the first book.
And, as expected major hit was to the relationship between Oboro and Gennosuke. Both unaware of the developments - Oboro because she was kept in dark by her clansmen and Gennosuke because he literally had no idea - they will very soon come to a major turning point. And when that happens it si clear that their love will be put to the serious test.
Art as in volume #1 is great. Great level of details and even when so many weird supernatural things occur on a panel reader is not lost. One character though (Okoi from Kouga) was somehow out of place here. She just seems a little bit off with ducky lips and voluptuous beyond belief. But that is the only comment I have so far.
Highly recommended to fans of Japanese ninja mythology and manga.
And, as expected major hit was to the relationship between Oboro and Gennosuke. Both unaware of the developments - Oboro because she was kept in dark by her clansmen and Gennosuke because he literally had no idea - they will very soon come to a major turning point. And when that happens it si clear that their love will be put to the serious test.
Art as in volume #1 is great. Great level of details and even when so many weird supernatural things occur on a panel reader is not lost. One character though (Okoi from Kouga) was somehow out of place here. She just seems a little bit off with ducky lips and voluptuous beyond belief. But that is the only comment I have so far.
Highly recommended to fans of Japanese ninja mythology and manga.
January 15, 2022
Thank God for the synopsis at the beginning. Now I can understand better what's going on. Because the two lists containing the 10 ninja from each clan were intercepted, only the Iga clan knows of the contest/war that is going on. Also they have the advantage with 9 living ninja on the list versus the Kouga's 6. They are on the offensive, but it's to be expected of the Kouga to soon respond in kind.
February 9, 2018
I've read this series maybe 3 times already and I watched the anime twice. And I am always unhappy that Yashamaru dies!
The Kougas finally found out the treaty has been broken. Gennosuke leaves Oboro with heart break, to which she seals her powers for 7 days.
You realize that certain characters wish for peace even if they want to exterminate the other side. The example used Yashamaru, he loves Hotarubi, wishes for peace so that they may be happy. But at the same time, want to slice a few of them open for pure pleasure....
Iga - 7 Remain
Kouga - 5 Remain
The Kougas finally found out the treaty has been broken. Gennosuke leaves Oboro with heart break, to which she seals her powers for 7 days.
You realize that certain characters wish for peace even if they want to exterminate the other side. The example used Yashamaru, he loves Hotarubi, wishes for peace so that they may be happy. But at the same time, want to slice a few of them open for pure pleasure....
Iga - 7 Remain
Kouga - 5 Remain
August 11, 2023
Realised with this volume that the ninja are basically like mutants in the Marvel universe, and the book is just two sets of X-Men fighting to the death. The Rogue character is depicted as more of a succubus, and the book gets quite sleazy with it, but she retains a certain dignity at the end. The fights are wildly inventive and keep you guessing about who has the upper hand. Very bloody, schlocky, fun comics.
October 2, 2024
This was more interesting than the first volume, and I want to read the rest of the series, but I also think that Oboro is an idiot. She could have just asked both Gennosuke and Koshiroo to stop, but no, she had to hurt her own clan member. Then she went and closed her eyes so her clan couldn't benefit from her abilities and have to survive without them. Because who cares if Kooga goes and kills members of Iga and wins the battle, amirite?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2018
Well, there's lots of action, but the story is the same. This manga is about art and decisions and customs. If you are gonna read because of the argument you are not gonna be happy, but the art of the story is amazing. Im loving the manga all the way. Lokking forward to the 3rd. Gennosuke is the master.
August 3, 2022
Content Warning: Threats of Rape, Boobs, Violence, Lots of Violence.
A gritty ninja laden kill-fest, where my only complaint may be that the story doesn't breathe between volumes. The action just ramps up and ramps ups. Every battle seems deadly, where it seems one person is destined to die, but the author and the nature of these supernatural ninja keeps you guessing every time.
A gritty ninja laden kill-fest, where my only complaint may be that the story doesn't breathe between volumes. The action just ramps up and ramps ups. Every battle seems deadly, where it seems one person is destined to die, but the author and the nature of these supernatural ninja keeps you guessing every time.
October 19, 2022
The action and combat is a lot of fun. Some of the kills were pretty wicked. The story is still pretty bland and several opportunities are missed to really flesh out the world and characters. It is providing a fun read but nothing special.
March 1, 2026
6.5
I liked this one a bit more than the first volume but still nothing extraordinary. just romeo and juliet if it was in feudal japan and everyone competed in a battle royale. also some panels that get fan servicey and any piece of work that does that turns me away.
I liked this one a bit more than the first volume but still nothing extraordinary. just romeo and juliet if it was in feudal japan and everyone competed in a battle royale. also some panels that get fan servicey and any piece of work that does that turns me away.
September 9, 2017
Action is very well illustrated, very cruel too. Gennosuke's skill is amazing.
October 19, 2017
There's a lot of action - somewhat on the expence of the plot - but the story proceeds nicely and I liked to drawing style. All in all, a pleasant read.
April 15, 2021
Decent ninja manga based In the Feudal Japan era! The action was pretty awesome but the plot/story was pretty dull 👌😁❤️
January 7, 2023
Mutanttininjat jatkavat toistensta nistimistä mitä mielikuvituksellisimmin keinoin. Ja tietenkin välillä pitää näyttää tissejä, koska Japani?
November 18, 2025
Highly recommended!
This has some really great artwork! Loved the series so it was great to finally read the Manga! Anyone who’s seen the series, highly recommended!
This has some really great artwork! Loved the series so it was great to finally read the Manga! Anyone who’s seen the series, highly recommended!
March 27, 2015
This is the 2nd book in the 5 book long Kouga Ninja Scrolls series. This book was very much like the first book in the series; lots of ninjas and lots of fighting. I enjoyed reading it for the most part.
This book continues the story of the battle between 10 Iga and 10 Kouga ninja who are vying for the position of Shogun. In the last book we were introduced to a number of ninjas as well as Oboru an Iga ninja who has a passive fighting technique (her eyes basically stop all ninja powers). In this book we get to see her lover’s powers; Gennosuke has a power that he can use with his Enchanted Eyes and it is much more vicious than Oboru’s power.
There is a lot of nudity and violence in this series, so I would recommend for older teen or adult only.
I enjoyed meeting new ninjas and seeing their powers. The idea of a list of ninjas that has to be eliminated before either the Iga or Kouga can take power is strangely compelling. That combined with the rather strange and disturbing powers of the different ninjas makes this a very engaging read.
I will say that so far the female ninjas have been pretty lame. Also there is a lot of emphasis on the...uh...bustiness of the female ninjas… The majority of the female ninjas use their naked body in some way to fight. Either that or they are airheads like Oboru. One of the female ninjas also fights with butterflies...I mean that is kind of seriously lame.
Aside from the above complaint, I have been enjoying this series and will continue to read it. I would recommend to those who like action packed fantasy manga and ninjas...lots of ninjas.
This book continues the story of the battle between 10 Iga and 10 Kouga ninja who are vying for the position of Shogun. In the last book we were introduced to a number of ninjas as well as Oboru an Iga ninja who has a passive fighting technique (her eyes basically stop all ninja powers). In this book we get to see her lover’s powers; Gennosuke has a power that he can use with his Enchanted Eyes and it is much more vicious than Oboru’s power.
There is a lot of nudity and violence in this series, so I would recommend for older teen or adult only.
I enjoyed meeting new ninjas and seeing their powers. The idea of a list of ninjas that has to be eliminated before either the Iga or Kouga can take power is strangely compelling. That combined with the rather strange and disturbing powers of the different ninjas makes this a very engaging read.
I will say that so far the female ninjas have been pretty lame. Also there is a lot of emphasis on the...uh...bustiness of the female ninjas… The majority of the female ninjas use their naked body in some way to fight. Either that or they are airheads like Oboru. One of the female ninjas also fights with butterflies...I mean that is kind of seriously lame.
Aside from the above complaint, I have been enjoying this series and will continue to read it. I would recommend to those who like action packed fantasy manga and ninjas...lots of ninjas.
November 19, 2015
I have read a lot of Manga book that Del Rey Manga publishes, and the artwork in Basilisk exceeds all other series by far. In fact, there really isn't a comparison. The entire book is a work of art.
Once again, Masaki Segawa proves that he is one of the best, if not the best, manga artist in Japan. I absolutely love his layout and the depth of his vision. He has taken a wonderful story written by Futaro Yamada and created a series that I will always treasure.
As for the storyline, sure, the names are hard to remember, but you really don't need to memorize them to enjoy this story. The battles are action-packed and I hated to see Okoi die . . . (sigh). The thing I find impressive about this book is that I didn't put it down throughout the entire time I was reading it.
I found that had to soak in every page, take it all in in one sitting, revel in the wonder of the artistry, all in one shot. And you know what I did when I reluctantly finished this awesome graphic novel? I picked up Basilisk: Volume 3 and read that all in one sitting.
Overall, Basilisk: Volume 2 is another spectacular book that rivals Basilisk: Volume 1. Totally awesome! And since I have already read Basilisk: Volume 3, I can tell you that is just as good as this book. Wow . . . what a series!
I rated this book a 10 out of 10.
Once again, Masaki Segawa proves that he is one of the best, if not the best, manga artist in Japan. I absolutely love his layout and the depth of his vision. He has taken a wonderful story written by Futaro Yamada and created a series that I will always treasure.
As for the storyline, sure, the names are hard to remember, but you really don't need to memorize them to enjoy this story. The battles are action-packed and I hated to see Okoi die . . . (sigh). The thing I find impressive about this book is that I didn't put it down throughout the entire time I was reading it.
I found that had to soak in every page, take it all in in one sitting, revel in the wonder of the artistry, all in one shot. And you know what I did when I reluctantly finished this awesome graphic novel? I picked up Basilisk: Volume 3 and read that all in one sitting.
Overall, Basilisk: Volume 2 is another spectacular book that rivals Basilisk: Volume 1. Totally awesome! And since I have already read Basilisk: Volume 3, I can tell you that is just as good as this book. Wow . . . what a series!
I rated this book a 10 out of 10.
May 12, 2013
Ahhhhhhh, I needed a nice good manga. It's been years since I read this series and I'm glad I've decided to pick them up again.
The war is just beginning to get heated and everyone is enjoying themselves, except for the lovebirds Oboro and Gennosuke. I feel bad. They just announced their intentions to marry and everyone was just getting use to the idea, but the stupid emperor wants both clans dead, so he created this challenge for them. Sighs. As more blood spills on both sides, you can feel the heartbreak slowly shattering. So tragic, so good though.
The drawings are fantasic! I love how they depict each character. Warning, though, it is a graphic novel, so young kids should not be reading this. Sometimes its overly graphic, but what can you do? There were a couple scenes that were over the top for my liking, but hey...it does warn you on the cover.
Anyways, I can't release much for I fear of spilling any major spoilers. In the end, I grant this 4 stars.
Favorite Character(s): Gennosuke, Nenki (he's cool), Yashamaru, Koshirou (^.^) and Okoi.
Not-so Favorite Character(s): None I can really say
The war is just beginning to get heated and everyone is enjoying themselves, except for the lovebirds Oboro and Gennosuke. I feel bad. They just announced their intentions to marry and everyone was just getting use to the idea, but the stupid emperor wants both clans dead, so he created this challenge for them. Sighs. As more blood spills on both sides, you can feel the heartbreak slowly shattering. So tragic, so good though.
The drawings are fantasic! I love how they depict each character. Warning, though, it is a graphic novel, so young kids should not be reading this. Sometimes its overly graphic, but what can you do? There were a couple scenes that were over the top for my liking, but hey...it does warn you on the cover.
Anyways, I can't release much for I fear of spilling any major spoilers. In the end, I grant this 4 stars.
Favorite Character(s): Gennosuke, Nenki (he's cool), Yashamaru, Koshirou (^.^) and Okoi.
Not-so Favorite Character(s): None I can really say
July 20, 2016
Well, you knew the other side had to start getting some licks in. You know, when I started this series, I was surprised it was so short, but now I'm wondering how it could go so long? They are killing off the 20 ninjas pretty quickly. (I guess that assumes they'll all die by the end, but this is reading like Romeo and Juliet aka a tragedy not a romance.)
Then again, everyone knows what's up now. No more surprise attacks, so the kills will be harder to earn now. Also, now that we know Oboro's technique...yeah, the only person who can probably take him down is the one who's in love with him.
Should be interesting...
Then again, everyone knows what's up now. No more surprise attacks, so the kills will be harder to earn now. Also, now that we know Oboro's technique...yeah, the only person who can probably take him down is the one who's in love with him.
Should be interesting...
April 19, 2016
Lots of action (and ecchi/fan service... *Groan*) more than first volume.
It took a lot to see it, but Gennosuke's ninja-skill is awesome/badass/overpowered!
July 25, 2018
Kaksi klaanillista yliluonnollisia kykyjä omaavia ninjoja toisiaan mättämässä. Ihan viihdyttävä näyttämö Romeolle ja Julialle, mutta jokin sellainen taso puuttuu, joka tosissaan saisi kiinnostumaan siitä miten näissä verikekkereissä lopulta mahtaa käydä.
March 2, 2010
The continuing battle of ten ninja against ten ninja, a ceremonial contest to determine the next ruler of Japan, but there is nothing ceremonial about the rules, last one breathing wins!
July 12, 2016
I enjoyed this classic Manga, reminiscent of Shakespeare's tragedies and Japanese traditional tales, and I am glad I found the series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews