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Blade of the Immortal Omnibus #4
Blade of the Immortal Deluxe Volume 4
Over 600 blood-soaked pages, collecting Hiroaki Samura's captivating Secrets, Fall Frost, and Beasts story arcs!
Rin's purportedly immortal protector, Manji, was enlisted to help her hunt down the ruthless Itto-ry� sword school that murdered her parents. With Rin searching for the eccentric Itto-ryū leader Anotsu Kagehisa on her own now, Manji joins forces with Magatsu--a charming, fan-favorite killer--to take on the evil Shira! Hyakurin and her fellow Mugai-ryū warriors tangle with the devious Itto-ryū clan, too, and suffer serious losses!
Collects Blade of the Immortal volumes 10 to 12 in the original 7x10 serialized format, in a faux-leather hardcover treatment, and with a bookmark ribbon.
Rin's purportedly immortal protector, Manji, was enlisted to help her hunt down the ruthless Itto-ry� sword school that murdered her parents. With Rin searching for the eccentric Itto-ryū leader Anotsu Kagehisa on her own now, Manji joins forces with Magatsu--a charming, fan-favorite killer--to take on the evil Shira! Hyakurin and her fellow Mugai-ryū warriors tangle with the devious Itto-ryū clan, too, and suffer serious losses!
Collects Blade of the Immortal volumes 10 to 12 in the original 7x10 serialized format, in a faux-leather hardcover treatment, and with a bookmark ribbon.
656 pages, Hardcover
First published February 19, 2002
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211 people want to read
About the author
Hiroaki Samura
475 books246 followersHiroaki Samura ( 沙村広明) is a Japanese cartoonist and illustrator. He is best known for writing and illustrating the manga Blade of the Immortal (1993-2012). Among his other manga series Die Wergelder (2011-2018) and Wave, Listen to Me!, the latter serialised since 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 28, 2021
4 stars *may change
magatsu and manji my meow meows
magatsu and manji my meow meows
October 10, 2023
A lot stronger volume than the last.
We really focus on Hyakurin for a nice portion and it is NOT easy to read. Prepare for torture, rape, and PDST. While that's happening we have Maji dealing with healing and then dealing with Shira crazy fucking ass returning. We also have the return of Taito who is going after Shira. So there's a ton of survival of the fittest. Brutal fights all around.
The marriage story with Kagehisa seems weird but maybe interesting later?
Rin takes a back seat here.
But a stronger showcase this time around with some great fights and deaths.
We really focus on Hyakurin for a nice portion and it is NOT easy to read. Prepare for torture, rape, and PDST. While that's happening we have Maji dealing with healing and then dealing with Shira crazy fucking ass returning. We also have the return of Taito who is going after Shira. So there's a ton of survival of the fittest. Brutal fights all around.
The marriage story with Kagehisa seems weird but maybe interesting later?
Rin takes a back seat here.
But a stronger showcase this time around with some great fights and deaths.
January 23, 2019
This series just get better as it goes along. The quest continues with many twists and turns along the way. Great samurai action!
December 18, 2021
(Zero spoiler review) 4.5/5
Again I'm bestowed with the honour of writing the first review for this amazing series, and I would suggest reading my earlier review for greater context. Whilst this one would likely be my least favourite of the four so far. Evidently I still greatly enjoyed it, owing to the near perfect score, a few of my major gripes crept into this one, although said infringements were far less frequent or frustrating than the admittedly small number of other manga I've read. Overly long fight scenes with little dialogue or ability to discern what is happening would be the major culprit, although we focus less on the two main protagonists here, and instead, verge off to flesh out some of the secondary characters only casually featured or referenced in the earlier books. Now, given how long this series runs for (were not even halfway yet) this is clearly a cunning and calculated move, it's just that the execution here was a little hit and miss. And to have my favourite character barely feature throughout the majority of these three volumes was a tad disappointing. That said, quite a bit of the secondary character groundwork laid here will hopefully pay off with some very intriguing plots on the horizon. Plot armour for some characters became just a little toot hick in this one also, with several characters now able to sustain mortal wounds, often multiple mortal wounds, and yet survive. This will be an unfortunate blight on this series should this continue, as this severely impacts upon the investment during critical moments. If we've seen the character live through just about anything, why be worried when they are in danger.
I've strangely focused on a few of the downsides, but overall this was still a mostly excellent addition to the BotI storyline. It both started out and ended very strongly. It just went a little missing in the middle, there. I'm still psyched as hell for volume five. Just gotta put on my patient pants and breathe... 4.5/5
OmniBen.
Again I'm bestowed with the honour of writing the first review for this amazing series, and I would suggest reading my earlier review for greater context. Whilst this one would likely be my least favourite of the four so far. Evidently I still greatly enjoyed it, owing to the near perfect score, a few of my major gripes crept into this one, although said infringements were far less frequent or frustrating than the admittedly small number of other manga I've read. Overly long fight scenes with little dialogue or ability to discern what is happening would be the major culprit, although we focus less on the two main protagonists here, and instead, verge off to flesh out some of the secondary characters only casually featured or referenced in the earlier books. Now, given how long this series runs for (were not even halfway yet) this is clearly a cunning and calculated move, it's just that the execution here was a little hit and miss. And to have my favourite character barely feature throughout the majority of these three volumes was a tad disappointing. That said, quite a bit of the secondary character groundwork laid here will hopefully pay off with some very intriguing plots on the horizon. Plot armour for some characters became just a little toot hick in this one also, with several characters now able to sustain mortal wounds, often multiple mortal wounds, and yet survive. This will be an unfortunate blight on this series should this continue, as this severely impacts upon the investment during critical moments. If we've seen the character live through just about anything, why be worried when they are in danger.
I've strangely focused on a few of the downsides, but overall this was still a mostly excellent addition to the BotI storyline. It both started out and ended very strongly. It just went a little missing in the middle, there. I'm still psyched as hell for volume five. Just gotta put on my patient pants and breathe... 4.5/5
OmniBen.
December 13, 2017
Intrigue. Excitement. Revenge.
Omnibus 4 contains the volumes “Secrets,” “Beasts” and “Autumn Frost.”
Nearly two thousand pages on, “Blade of the Immortal” is as captivating as ever. Presented by a master, the story of 18th century Japan continues to offer modern relevance through the lens of historical fiction. Engaging and dynamic, each page of bold, stylized black and white art leaves the reader thirsty for more. Eagerly awaiting Omnibus 5.
Omnibus 4 contains the volumes “Secrets,” “Beasts” and “Autumn Frost.”
Nearly two thousand pages on, “Blade of the Immortal” is as captivating as ever. Presented by a master, the story of 18th century Japan continues to offer modern relevance through the lens of historical fiction. Engaging and dynamic, each page of bold, stylized black and white art leaves the reader thirsty for more. Eagerly awaiting Omnibus 5.
February 22, 2018
One of the things I love about villainous characters is getting looks into their lives and finding out what makes them tick. Kagehisa is such a devil but I can’t help love how his character is written.
Also, Magatsu, you are my darling boy.
Also, Magatsu, you are my darling boy.
January 9, 2022
4.5
If you cannot stomach blood, guts and torture maybe this isn't the story for you. I am disappointed that I have to wait until the middle of February for the next volume.
If you cannot stomach blood, guts and torture maybe this isn't the story for you. I am disappointed that I have to wait until the middle of February for the next volume.
October 23, 2020
This is a review of the entire series.
Manji is a ruthless ronin stricken with the curse of immortality. To undo his curse, he must take the lives of a thousand sinners. He's a wandering sword for hire that kills without mercy and hunts down evil warriors all over feudal Japan. He wanders and kills without purpose for quite some time, but his long journey to end his own life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a compassionate young girl named Rin who is seeking revenge for her parents after they were murdered by members of a brutal new sword school called the Itto-ryu. Manji accepts the role of Rin's guardian and their drastically different ideals and personalities begin to change each other in ways neither of them could've foreseen as they clash with one merciless sinner after another.
The story cycles between several groups of samurai warriors each with their own moral codes and objectives. Other than Manji and Rin, there is Anotsu Kagehisa; the leader of the Itto-ryu and his band of rogues that openly defy old traditions as they seek to revolutionize the way of the samurai through force. Hyakurin and her partner Giichi who work as government cutthroats under a faction called the Mugai-ryu along with a serial killer named Shira, and so on. There are also hundreds of assassins, criminal gangs and shady individuals that wish to learn the secrets of Manji's immortality for their own nefarious purposes. With so many vicious people on the loose, it's no surprise that this ends up being one of the most brutal and bloody samurai tales ever told.
Blade of the Immortal makes ultra-violence look like a poetic art form. Blood and limbs fly like scarlet paint. Blades cut through flesh and bone like knives through butter. The use of clever battle poses and finishing techniques against the backdrop of hyper-stylized Edo period art makes for some museum-worthy battle and death scenes.
Despite how glamorized violence and bloodshed is throughout the series, it does not shy away from exploring the aftermath of said violence and how it impacts the psychological state of the characters. A sweet girl like Rin seeks revenge against Anotsu of the Itto-ryu for leading an assault that resulted in the murder of her family and slowly grows accustomed to the constant brutality that the path of revenge leads to. Anotsu himself isn't the one-dimensional evil monster that Rin believes him to be as he is driven by a sense of revenge himself; his revolution against outdated traditions begins only because people he loved were hurt, killed and outcasted by the harsh rules and teachings of the old sword schools. Even those who live through vicarious swindling and assassination such as Hyakurin and her partner Giichi have very traumatic upbringings and take no joy in their work.
We see how violence warps these characters into killing machines and then we see how the violence they inflict on others leads to more tragedy and bloodshed. Whether it be physical, mental or sexual, the violence throughout the series never goes unexplored or unpunished. It somehow manages to be brutally elegant and mature at the same time, the bloody battles are fantastic and the effects it has on the characters is even more so.
What seems to be a cliche samurai revenge story subtly transforms into an exploration of the psychological effects that violence has on many different types of individuals. Some are defined by it, some are bound to it, some love it while others allow themselves to grow from it or be destroyed by it. Violence and revenge are never fully justified nor condemned. It's presented from a very neutral and realistic point of view, allowing you to see it from every angle possible and judge for yourself whether it can be justified or not.
The story is simple, but the webs of conflict between many groups of complex and dangerous characters is where it truly shines. Strong development, elegant violence, moral ambiguity and an unusually modern punk tone in the dialogue and mannerisms of the characters offers a unique way of exploring a feudal-era drama that defies the expectations of a traditional revenge story.
***
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Manji is a ruthless ronin stricken with the curse of immortality. To undo his curse, he must take the lives of a thousand sinners. He's a wandering sword for hire that kills without mercy and hunts down evil warriors all over feudal Japan. He wanders and kills without purpose for quite some time, but his long journey to end his own life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a compassionate young girl named Rin who is seeking revenge for her parents after they were murdered by members of a brutal new sword school called the Itto-ryu. Manji accepts the role of Rin's guardian and their drastically different ideals and personalities begin to change each other in ways neither of them could've foreseen as they clash with one merciless sinner after another.
The story cycles between several groups of samurai warriors each with their own moral codes and objectives. Other than Manji and Rin, there is Anotsu Kagehisa; the leader of the Itto-ryu and his band of rogues that openly defy old traditions as they seek to revolutionize the way of the samurai through force. Hyakurin and her partner Giichi who work as government cutthroats under a faction called the Mugai-ryu along with a serial killer named Shira, and so on. There are also hundreds of assassins, criminal gangs and shady individuals that wish to learn the secrets of Manji's immortality for their own nefarious purposes. With so many vicious people on the loose, it's no surprise that this ends up being one of the most brutal and bloody samurai tales ever told.
Blade of the Immortal makes ultra-violence look like a poetic art form. Blood and limbs fly like scarlet paint. Blades cut through flesh and bone like knives through butter. The use of clever battle poses and finishing techniques against the backdrop of hyper-stylized Edo period art makes for some museum-worthy battle and death scenes.
Despite how glamorized violence and bloodshed is throughout the series, it does not shy away from exploring the aftermath of said violence and how it impacts the psychological state of the characters. A sweet girl like Rin seeks revenge against Anotsu of the Itto-ryu for leading an assault that resulted in the murder of her family and slowly grows accustomed to the constant brutality that the path of revenge leads to. Anotsu himself isn't the one-dimensional evil monster that Rin believes him to be as he is driven by a sense of revenge himself; his revolution against outdated traditions begins only because people he loved were hurt, killed and outcasted by the harsh rules and teachings of the old sword schools. Even those who live through vicarious swindling and assassination such as Hyakurin and her partner Giichi have very traumatic upbringings and take no joy in their work.
We see how violence warps these characters into killing machines and then we see how the violence they inflict on others leads to more tragedy and bloodshed. Whether it be physical, mental or sexual, the violence throughout the series never goes unexplored or unpunished. It somehow manages to be brutally elegant and mature at the same time, the bloody battles are fantastic and the effects it has on the characters is even more so.
What seems to be a cliche samurai revenge story subtly transforms into an exploration of the psychological effects that violence has on many different types of individuals. Some are defined by it, some are bound to it, some love it while others allow themselves to grow from it or be destroyed by it. Violence and revenge are never fully justified nor condemned. It's presented from a very neutral and realistic point of view, allowing you to see it from every angle possible and judge for yourself whether it can be justified or not.
The story is simple, but the webs of conflict between many groups of complex and dangerous characters is where it truly shines. Strong development, elegant violence, moral ambiguity and an unusually modern punk tone in the dialogue and mannerisms of the characters offers a unique way of exploring a feudal-era drama that defies the expectations of a traditional revenge story.
***
My Social Media
My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
My Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/michael_sor...
My Wattpad Account: https://www.wattpad.com/user/Michael-...
My Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/SorbelloHorror
My Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/michael.sorb...
December 17, 2020
Actual rating 4.5! I thought this series couldn't possibly get bloodier or more ruthless, and clearly I was mistaken. This story does not hold back in its violence, especially with one of my favourite characters. That's actually why I knocked it down just a peg, since I don't yet see a reason for the character to endure what she did. Be aware that this book delves into sexual assault.
With that said, there were great moments and storylines within this book. Rin's determination and endurance in the wilds left me rooting for her. Hyakurin's tragic backstory came to light and added to an even sadder, and darker storyline. I can only hope that she will return stronger and fiercer than ever. Magatsu's return was one of the highlights. His time with Manji and their banter actually brought some much needed levity to the dark storylines.
I honestly loved almost every story. Learning more about new and old characters always thrilled me, and the action scenes were even more brutal than I imagined. This is definitely not a story for anyone unprepared for seriously graphic content. But the stories and dialogue are rewarding and beautiful. I can't wait to see what happens next, and see how makes it out alive!
With that said, there were great moments and storylines within this book. Rin's determination and endurance in the wilds left me rooting for her. Hyakurin's tragic backstory came to light and added to an even sadder, and darker storyline. I can only hope that she will return stronger and fiercer than ever. Magatsu's return was one of the highlights. His time with Manji and their banter actually brought some much needed levity to the dark storylines.
I honestly loved almost every story. Learning more about new and old characters always thrilled me, and the action scenes were even more brutal than I imagined. This is definitely not a story for anyone unprepared for seriously graphic content. But the stories and dialogue are rewarding and beautiful. I can't wait to see what happens next, and see how makes it out alive!
June 9, 2025
This was another great volume with terrific art. This is set up to be a long story, but it really has me hooked, and it is pretty easy to just pick up the next omnibus in the chain once one is finished.
While I enjoyed this collection, the 12th volume, Beasts, was a hard read due to the subject matter and storytelling materials. It was incredibly graphic and violent, perhaps only withstandable because the series thus far has set that up as the norm. My feelings on it aren't certain, but I enjoyed the rest of the volume, and the continued development of characters both old and new.
While I enjoyed this collection, the 12th volume, Beasts, was a hard read due to the subject matter and storytelling materials. It was incredibly graphic and violent, perhaps only withstandable because the series thus far has set that up as the norm. My feelings on it aren't certain, but I enjoyed the rest of the volume, and the continued development of characters both old and new.
February 12, 2022
MAN what an entertaining set of volumes (10-12).
We got deeper insight into what makes the antagonists tick, and a bone chilling showdown with another... this series just keeps getting better!
One gripe I do have with the series is Samura and his treatment of some of the female cast. I get that it's meant to incite disgust with the reader, but still.
Excellent volume, so glad I have the rest to read!
We got deeper insight into what makes the antagonists tick, and a bone chilling showdown with another... this series just keeps getting better!
One gripe I do have with the series is Samura and his treatment of some of the female cast. I get that it's meant to incite disgust with the reader, but still.
Excellent volume, so glad I have the rest to read!
November 5, 2025
Make no mistake...this book could easily be a 4 or even 5-star volume. Some of the situations just make me feel so uncomfortable that it was tough to read. I know, I know...people die a lot in this book but some of the situations just hurt me to read. That said, it was done excellently...and when you are able to digest this number of pages (600) by a true master of storytelling you cannot help but be left in awe. Hiroaki Samura needs to be a name known worldwide for his talents.
February 19, 2020
A bit harder to swallow, as this was more graphic out of all the books thus far. Overall, still enjoying the story and it's development.
I do miss our two main together though. Let's hope for their reunion soon!
5/5
I do miss our two main together though. Let's hope for their reunion soon!
5/5
April 19, 2021
I continue to adore every page of Blade of the Immortal. It’s so captivating, intense, and beautifully drawn. This story has so many layers and paths, that I find myself wondering about it long after I have left the last page.
December 31, 2017
As each omnibus volume is released, I am loving each of them more and more. Review to come in the future.
February 1, 2019
Loved it. These books are so good. They're so beautifully illustrated.
December 17, 2020
TW: Rape, torture
Yeah, I'm gonna stop here. Made it halfway through, got to the scenes where a female character was being tortured/raped, then skimmed the rest. Just not for me.
Yeah, I'm gonna stop here. Made it halfway through, got to the scenes where a female character was being tortured/raped, then skimmed the rest. Just not for me.
August 29, 2022
4 1/2 stars, the plot lines are starting to get more interesting finally.
March 19, 2023
Some great fight scenes. One of the most brutal improvised weapons. Great artwork.
March 3, 2024
Hot sauce garbage. Will read on because I now own all of these.
January 25, 2020
This story is getting quite good. Mostly action, but we get a bit of slice of life as well and some background, but not that much. This set up works well of a mix of revenge stories. We get the reason people want revenge and their story of getting it. At first, it was only Rin's story, but along the way, we meet other characters. It's quite satisfying to see an insane man (who likes to kill a whore while doing her shudder) come to an end.
This is quite a lot more graphic than I expected and it's a samurai and revenge story so expected it to be graphic already. It's not only violence though .
Due to the political inspirations we now also see some of the other reasons and plays/schemes why things happen. Very intriguing and somewhat disgusting when you come across the man who paints with blood and remarks on the properties of said blood multiple times along those plots.
I'm enjoying my progress in this series, but due to the content and level of graphic stuff I think I chose well to do it slowly.
This is quite a lot more graphic than I expected and it's a samurai and revenge story so expected it to be graphic already. It's not only violence though .
Due to the political inspirations we now also see some of the other reasons and plays/schemes why things happen. Very intriguing and somewhat disgusting when you come across the man who paints with blood and remarks on the properties of said blood multiple times along those plots.
I'm enjoying my progress in this series, but due to the content and level of graphic stuff I think I chose well to do it slowly.
March 28, 2022
This volume is much less about Ren and Manji than usual. Their story is almost at a standstill while we explore the background of some other characters leading to conflict in the present.
I'm a little disappointed that Manji continues to be a rather mediocre swordsman. I would have thought with the amount of practice he had that he'd be better than that by now.
Lots of excitement, character building, and political scheming here. The pattern of antagonist characters revealing sympathetic sides continues.
I'm a little disappointed that Manji continues to be a rather mediocre swordsman. I would have thought with the amount of practice he had that he'd be better than that by now.
Lots of excitement, character building, and political scheming here. The pattern of antagonist characters revealing sympathetic sides continues.
March 15, 2022
This was another good chapter in the story. Though there are some very violent acts that happen in this story that may not be for everyone (trigger warning stuff for lack of a better term). Rin continues to develop as a character that forges out on her own even though it has unforeseen consequences. It was good to see her away from Manji and grow.
That said, the story is compelling and the fights are top notch. I look forward to reading the next volume when I get my hands on it.
That said, the story is compelling and the fights are top notch. I look forward to reading the next volume when I get my hands on it.
July 7, 2022
This was possibly the most devastating volume so far?? The Hyakurin arc in the middle was brutal, but she is absolutely my favorite character- major trigger warnings for SA in that section of the story. I love the begrudging alliances that Samura is forming between all these characters, especially Manji and Magatsu here, but also how strong loyalty is indriving motivations. 5/5✨
May 22, 2022
Talk about ups and downs. We have political moves by our antagonist, brutal torture that turned my stomach, and large dose of justified revenge. Our cast is certainly more scarred from the experience, there are very few winners here, bodies keep piling up
May 17, 2019
[REVIEW FOR THE SERIES...]
Blade of the Immortal (Vol. 1-31)
Blade of the Immortal (Japanese: 無限の住人 Hepburn: Mugen no Jūnin, lit. "The Inhabitant of Infinity") is a Japanese seinen manga series by Hiroaki Samura. The series is set in Japan during the mid-Tokugawa Shogunate period and follows the samurai Manji, cursed with eternal life, who now has to kill 1000 evil men in order to regain his mortality. The series ran from 1993 to 2012, and has garnered itself quite a fan following and now has several animated and movie adaptions.
The Blade of the Immortal series is perhaps one of my top favorite manga series of all time and I’ve read a lot of manga in my life. I’m still not completely sure what it is about this series that worked for me; all I know is it did. The truth is it is a very dark, violent, historical manga with elements of fantasy and mysticism. Much of it involves very gritty and gory sword fighting scenes and super fascinating cast of characters, heroes, villains and all shades in between. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, if you manage push past the first few chapters, which can be very confusing honestly. Once you get into the meat of it though, it becomes enthralling, disturbing and even emotional. And the art...well it’s exquisite and only improves as you continue through the volumes... Check it.
WOW. Epic no? So this is Manji, our cursed yet extremely skilled samurai hero (anti-hero?) who is on a quest to kill 1000 evil men in oder to relieve himself of this curse and die peacefully. So it all starts when he is the cause of the death of 100 good samurai, due to his criminal actions, and is cursed to immortality, (by means of "sacred bloodworms" (血仙蟲 kessen-chū) that allow him to survive nearly every injury and even reattach dismembered limbs, by a 800-year-old nun. After a tragic turn of events he then vows to make amends for his sins that will allow his curse to be ended. This dark endeavor for redemption causes him much sorrow and suffering, but Manji always manages to persevere. His life only gets more complicated, however, when he meets Rin.
Manji later crosses paths with a young girl, named Asano Rin, and promises to help her avenge her parents, who were killed by a group of master swordsmen led by the mysterious and evil Anotsu Kagehisa. Anotsu killed Rin's father and his entire dōjō, making them a family of outcasts. Anotsu's quest is to gather other outcasts and form an extremely powerful new dojo, the Ittō-ryū (a school teaching any technique that wins, no matter how exotic or underhanded), and has started taking over and destroying other dojos, and threatens to defy the honorable system of the samurai realm.
Manji and Rin team up together to hunt down the savage Anotsu, which leads them on a perilous adventure, down a simultaneous path of revenge and redemption. I love the platonic dynamic between Manji and Rin. This series is a wonderfully thought out read, amazing illustrated and filled to the brim with action, excitement, mystery, and suspense and of course, a load of violent sword fighting scenes. There are a series of other interesting characters that I will not go into in this review, but suffice it to say, Blade of the Immortal is a read to remember. I highly recommend this to seinen manga fans, but not to the squeamish or faint of heart. This is a very graphic series.
[OFFICIAL RATING: 4.8 STARS]
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews