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Blade of the Immortal Omnibus #5
Blade of the Immortal Deluxe Volume 5
Over 700 pages of samurai swordplay and grudge matches in one killer, value-priced collection, featuring Hiroaki Samura's fast-paced "Mirror of the Soul," "Last Blood," and "Trickster" story arcs!
Kidnapped and bound by three Itto-ryu warriors, Rin is unable to warn her bodyguard, Manji--the seemingly immortal swordsman, that he's heading into a trap. The Itto-ryu thugs also possess a large dose of the only known poison to damage Manji's blood and severely cripple his regenerative abilities. And is the Mugai-ryu assassin Giichi following Manji in order to help rescue Rin . . . or will he just stick around long enough to finish off any survivors?
Collects Blade of the Immortal volumes 13 to 15 in the original 7x10 serialized format, in a faux-leather hardcover treatment, and with a bookmark ribbon.
Kidnapped and bound by three Itto-ryu warriors, Rin is unable to warn her bodyguard, Manji--the seemingly immortal swordsman, that he's heading into a trap. The Itto-ryu thugs also possess a large dose of the only known poison to damage Manji's blood and severely cripple his regenerative abilities. And is the Mugai-ryu assassin Giichi following Manji in order to help rescue Rin . . . or will he just stick around long enough to finish off any survivors?
Collects Blade of the Immortal volumes 13 to 15 in the original 7x10 serialized format, in a faux-leather hardcover treatment, and with a bookmark ribbon.
736 pages, Hardcover
First published January 23, 2004
5 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Hiroaki Samura
485 books248 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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 5, 2022
(Zero spoiler review) 4.75/5
I am not officially halfway through one of the greatest reads of my life. A series so monumental and meaningful that it stands head and shoulders above the wholly disappointing initial indications manga has given me. Yes, this knocks the massively overrated Berserk into a cocked hat everyday and twice on Sunday. A series that has given faith that there may be manga out there that comprehensively bitch slaps pretty much everything the west has offered up in three quarters of a century, whilst setting the bar so inexplicably high, that almost nothing else will likely ever come close. That is what this series has meant to me thus far, and this may just be the best volume yet. If it isn't, its only the microscopically weaker third volume that snatches it away from the near flawless opening two.
It had been a few months since I last had some Blade of the Immortal to read. I've bought some excellent books I look forward to reading in that time, but none have me stopping everything else when they arrive so I can consume them, then begin the wait for the next one. Although lucky me, I have number six sitting there waiting to go. But after that... volume 7 is a couple of months away... Why me, lord.
I'd suggest reading my previous reviews if you want a more accurate representation of the stories themselves. This is just me rambling and gushing in equal measure. But trust me, manga really has been several firm flicks to the nards when it comes to everything I've checked out besides BoTI. When I say this series annihilates its contemporaries in essentially everyway, you can take that shit to the bank.
There are only two types of people in this world. Peoples who've read and love Blade of the Immortal, and douchebags. Don't be a douchebag. Do the other thing. And get these deluxe editions, which are all still available at the time of writing. Literally the only way you could make this story better is to wrap it in one of the most gorgeous collections out there. 4.75/5
OmniBen.
I am not officially halfway through one of the greatest reads of my life. A series so monumental and meaningful that it stands head and shoulders above the wholly disappointing initial indications manga has given me. Yes, this knocks the massively overrated Berserk into a cocked hat everyday and twice on Sunday. A series that has given faith that there may be manga out there that comprehensively bitch slaps pretty much everything the west has offered up in three quarters of a century, whilst setting the bar so inexplicably high, that almost nothing else will likely ever come close. That is what this series has meant to me thus far, and this may just be the best volume yet. If it isn't, its only the microscopically weaker third volume that snatches it away from the near flawless opening two.
It had been a few months since I last had some Blade of the Immortal to read. I've bought some excellent books I look forward to reading in that time, but none have me stopping everything else when they arrive so I can consume them, then begin the wait for the next one. Although lucky me, I have number six sitting there waiting to go. But after that... volume 7 is a couple of months away... Why me, lord.
I'd suggest reading my previous reviews if you want a more accurate representation of the stories themselves. This is just me rambling and gushing in equal measure. But trust me, manga really has been several firm flicks to the nards when it comes to everything I've checked out besides BoTI. When I say this series annihilates its contemporaries in essentially everyway, you can take that shit to the bank.
There are only two types of people in this world. Peoples who've read and love Blade of the Immortal, and douchebags. Don't be a douchebag. Do the other thing. And get these deluxe editions, which are all still available at the time of writing. Literally the only way you could make this story better is to wrap it in one of the most gorgeous collections out there. 4.75/5
OmniBen.
September 12, 2022
This might be my favorite volume so far. It's a big step up from the previous vol, as our three main characters (yes I'm including Anotsu in there, even if he's the main antagonist he's present enough to have a arc) all reconverge in a bloody way, and I loved the weird one sided alliance Rin had to have. Makie finally reappears and drops bodies, poor Manji keeps getting chopped up, and this was some of the best damn action I've read in the series since Omni 3, maybe even in all samurai manga. Lots of schemes, unwanted returns, and ominous cliffhangers for next time.
March 17, 2025
Best volume so far, things are heating up 🔥📈
May 27, 2019
Freaking ah-may-zing! Just like every previous one. I even tried my hardest to read this one slowly, and savor that shit! Because I knew I’d be waiting months for the release of the next omnibus. Still went by way too quickly. Ahhh...so sad.
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...
November 17, 2024
Everyone finally crosses swords! No not like that!
Rin gets to reunite with Manji but only for a minute. Eventually Manji goes head to head with other major fighters, Taito goes for the main hunt, Giichi shows off his horryfing skills with his sickle, and Rin...well Rin doesn't do that much which is a bit of a letdown. Most of this volume is one huge fight least in the second half, and it's bloody and sick and a ton of fun.
Rin gets to reunite with Manji but only for a minute. Eventually Manji goes head to head with other major fighters, Taito goes for the main hunt, Giichi shows off his horryfing skills with his sickle, and Rin...well Rin doesn't do that much which is a bit of a letdown. Most of this volume is one huge fight least in the second half, and it's bloody and sick and a ton of fun.
January 24, 2019
Things take a strange turn in this volume as enemies become allies. Some strange twists here, but it all makes for interesting reading. This story constantly becomes more complex and there's a lot to keep up with. The original quest has been sidetracked by many of the strange happenings, but at least it always keeps you guessing. Really a great series even if I do get a little lost at times.
December 18, 2020
This continues to be one of the best and most thrilling manga I’ve ever read. The characters, action, dialogue, and unconventional alliances, new and old characters, and shocking twists all add up to a truly incredible story that ends with a harrowing final fight.
I have to say that Rin and Antsou had some of my favourite moments. They have a strange chemistry and sense of honor that make them both alike and wildly different.
I wish I had spent more time with some of the side characters like Magatsu and Hyakurin, though seeing more of Giichi and introductions to more of the unconventional and new characters made for some thrilling reading. Especially when the intense action scenes came along. Characters like Mackie and Giichi stole the show with their incredible skill, and I hope to see more of them soon.
Rin is still growing into herself and watching Manji’s bloodthirsty side reveal itself is pure reading pleasure for action fans. The dialogue for every character is expertly crafted and fits the dark, haunting tone throughout. I keep saying it but it’s true––these books get better the more I read them and the more invested I become. I can’t get enough, and if you enjoy sweeping samurai epics with dark plots and no-holds-barred action, this is the series for you!
I have to say that Rin and Antsou had some of my favourite moments. They have a strange chemistry and sense of honor that make them both alike and wildly different.
I wish I had spent more time with some of the side characters like Magatsu and Hyakurin, though seeing more of Giichi and introductions to more of the unconventional and new characters made for some thrilling reading. Especially when the intense action scenes came along. Characters like Mackie and Giichi stole the show with their incredible skill, and I hope to see more of them soon.
Rin is still growing into herself and watching Manji’s bloodthirsty side reveal itself is pure reading pleasure for action fans. The dialogue for every character is expertly crafted and fits the dark, haunting tone throughout. I keep saying it but it’s true––these books get better the more I read them and the more invested I become. I can’t get enough, and if you enjoy sweeping samurai epics with dark plots and no-holds-barred action, this is the series for you!
July 3, 2018
*****SPOILERS*****
Mixed Feelings
On the one hand, Volume Five sees the return of some pretty awesome characters (namely Makie and Magatsu). Anotsu is developed even further. Rin grows up a bit. Kinda. Sorta. Interesting things happen with Giichi and Manji ("I've killed 59 Itto-Ryu." "...I lose."). Both the Itto-Ryu and the Mugai-Ryu change in fundamental ways. Lots to be excited about here.
On the other hand, the characters that re-appear feel rather forced. It's sort of understandable that Makie springs up on Anotsu when she does. If it had been just her, that probably would have been okay. But Magatsu showing up, too? And have Manji arrive at the same time? Sure, there's a reason for all of those characters to occupy space at the same time, but to do so when Rin and Anotsu are in a bad spot feels ultra-contrived.
And Shira... Shira is a categorically despicable creature. Without a doubt, one of the most loathsome antagonists in the medium of comics/graphic novels/manga, period. Also, one of incredible fortitude (that forearm weapon!). His defeat at the hands of Magatsu earlier in the series is a defining moment for Magatsu: a testament to how badassed the former Itto-Ryu swordsmen must be to defeat such a monster; how driven he was to stay the course in light of Shira's on ability and resolve; even hinting at what kind of romantic Mugatsu must have been to follow through on avenging the woman Shira butchered. To see Shira alive after all that really diminishes both characters: Magatsu because he didn't seal the deal and Shira because he couldn't stop Magatsu from maiming him. It's also difficult to convey threat when your trick was 'I was a bastard who did whatever the f@*k I wanted because I was a skilled swordsman' but now find yourself sans-hands.
The overall story still inspires a feeling of 'what the hell happens next?!' However, that urgency has been tempered with the notion that the upcoming twists and turns may not only be unexpected but also unwarranted.
Mixed Feelings
On the one hand, Volume Five sees the return of some pretty awesome characters (namely Makie and Magatsu). Anotsu is developed even further. Rin grows up a bit. Kinda. Sorta. Interesting things happen with Giichi and Manji ("I've killed 59 Itto-Ryu." "...I lose."). Both the Itto-Ryu and the Mugai-Ryu change in fundamental ways. Lots to be excited about here.
On the other hand, the characters that re-appear feel rather forced. It's sort of understandable that Makie springs up on Anotsu when she does. If it had been just her, that probably would have been okay. But Magatsu showing up, too? And have Manji arrive at the same time? Sure, there's a reason for all of those characters to occupy space at the same time, but to do so when Rin and Anotsu are in a bad spot feels ultra-contrived.
And Shira... Shira is a categorically despicable creature. Without a doubt, one of the most loathsome antagonists in the medium of comics/graphic novels/manga, period. Also, one of incredible fortitude (that forearm weapon!). His defeat at the hands of Magatsu earlier in the series is a defining moment for Magatsu: a testament to how badassed the former Itto-Ryu swordsmen must be to defeat such a monster; how driven he was to stay the course in light of Shira's on ability and resolve; even hinting at what kind of romantic Mugatsu must have been to follow through on avenging the woman Shira butchered. To see Shira alive after all that really diminishes both characters: Magatsu because he didn't seal the deal and Shira because he couldn't stop Magatsu from maiming him. It's also difficult to convey threat when your trick was 'I was a bastard who did whatever the f@*k I wanted because I was a skilled swordsman' but now find yourself sans-hands.
The overall story still inspires a feeling of 'what the hell happens next?!' However, that urgency has been tempered with the notion that the upcoming twists and turns may not only be unexpected but also unwarranted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2020
Some mixed feelings here...Volumes 13 and 14 were FANTASTIC (5 stars!) but Volume 15 was a real lull (3 stars).
Volume 13: watching Rin and Anotsu interact was so exciting! Absolutely fascinating to watch their dynamic. And of course, always happy to see the real GOAT, Makie.
Volume 14: the action in this volume had me GASPING. While the enemies were pretty nameless, I found it so exciting to have all our favorites in one place.
Volume 15: maybe it’s just me, but I found this volume generally confusing. I think these chapters might make more sense on a second read through when I have the names and organizations down better. Love to hate seeing Shira, most terrifying villain of the series thus far.
Volume 13: watching Rin and Anotsu interact was so exciting! Absolutely fascinating to watch their dynamic. And of course, always happy to see the real GOAT, Makie.
Volume 14: the action in this volume had me GASPING. While the enemies were pretty nameless, I found it so exciting to have all our favorites in one place.
Volume 15: maybe it’s just me, but I found this volume generally confusing. I think these chapters might make more sense on a second read through when I have the names and organizations down better. Love to hate seeing Shira, most terrifying villain of the series thus far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2025
Over 700 pages of amazing art, twists, turns and emotion! I almost gave this a 4-star rating, but when you add everything that is within the pages of this volume...it is hard not to truly just appreciate the craft at its highest levels. I was more than once sitting in shock on how the story develops within these pages. I think if you have read to this point, it will be hard not to stand up and appreciate the book within your hands. As big and as long as it took me to get through it, I am itching to pick up the next volume and continue onward. I found myself saying WOW...more times than I can count!
June 16, 2025
This review will have some minor spoilers in it!
I really am still enjoying this series. I think this volume did have some slow parts, or at least some parts that felt like more of the same, but nonetheless it was a good time. I'm really enjoying Rin's character development, alongside the extended time with Anotsu this tome allowed.
My only real critiques are that I'm not super happy with how Hisoka's character was handled, and certain fight scenes result in art that is hard to follow.
I really am still enjoying this series. I think this volume did have some slow parts, or at least some parts that felt like more of the same, but nonetheless it was a good time. I'm really enjoying Rin's character development, alongside the extended time with Anotsu this tome allowed.
My only real critiques are that I'm not super happy with how Hisoka's character was handled, and certain fight scenes result in art that is hard to follow.
September 12, 2023
I’m SoRrY they’re WHAT?
I’m a little shocked to see there’s only like 20 reviews on this because WOW. This volume was SO good we get the meshing of ALL THE CHARACTERS IN ONE SPOT. It was amazing. The plot >>>
Rin and Manji>>>> idc what you say. I love them SO fucking much. This is a must read manga series. ESPECIALLY if you like Berserk and Vinland Saga.
I’m a little shocked to see there’s only like 20 reviews on this because WOW. This volume was SO good we get the meshing of ALL THE CHARACTERS IN ONE SPOT. It was amazing. The plot >>>
Rin and Manji>>>> idc what you say. I love them SO fucking much. This is a must read manga series. ESPECIALLY if you like Berserk and Vinland Saga.
May 26, 2018
The fifth omnibus volume reveals more about the characters, the action is intense and now, more than ever, picks up faster than the previous volumes. This is also the thickest volume compare to the previous ones. I am more looking forward to read further on this.
April 9, 2018
We are getting to the point where the story is starting to be artificially strung out.
November 14, 2019
Halfway through. still pretty awesome.
March 15, 2020
I want the next bindup, but it'll be hard to get.
This story is so intriguing.
This story is so intriguing.
April 27, 2020
Great amount of action and fight scenes in this one.
September 15, 2020
Honestly, half the time, I can't remember who these people are or why they're fighting. The broad emotional strokes and gorgeous art makes it worth it.
July 29, 2021
4 stars *may change
cannot believe that all the best characters in the series were all in the same place at the same time talking to each other
cannot believe that all the best characters in the series were all in the same place at the same time talking to each other
March 25, 2023
So many twists and turns. Alliances and betrayals. Great fights and artwork.
September 6, 2023
Manji is the man
March 26, 2024
More horse shit and splash pages, all action no depth. Absolute filth. But will finally finish this slog as I’m now invested (financially) in all 10 volumes.
August 7, 2024
samura is truly different, amazing art and recovered well after the story lagged a bit in 3 and 4
June 19, 2022
The story really picked up in this volume. It was good before, but it really hit an extra stride here. Rin is generally moving away from the damsel in destress archetype. Lots of twists and turns with the story and what happens with the “heroes” and antagonists. Looking forward to see where the story finishes.
May 2, 2022
I found this volume to be a big step up. I thought the fights and action scenes were more clear and slightly more realistic. I'm also amazed to find that Samura has sneakily flipped my sympathies around so that I am now rooting for Anotsu even though Rin and Manji remain my favourite characters.
One thing that comes across strongly is the futility of the "toxic masculinity" and bushido code because it perpetuates an purposeless and unending cycle of violence.
One thing that comes across strongly is the futility of the "toxic masculinity" and bushido code because it perpetuates an purposeless and unending cycle of violence.
March 19, 2022
4.5 stars
This story just keeps getting darker and more gory. So many twists and turns; it will be hard to wait for the next one to come out. The plot is so vivid in my mind that I didn't even have to pick up the previous volumes to remember where I left off.
This story just keeps getting darker and more gory. So many twists and turns; it will be hard to wait for the next one to come out. The plot is so vivid in my mind that I didn't even have to pick up the previous volumes to remember where I left off.
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 - 28 of 28 reviews