Samurai Deeper Kyo, Volume 21

Samurai Deeper Kyo #21

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, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Shonen, Graphic Novels, Action, Comics Manga

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

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

[minnemoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Warning: Lots of emoji hearts incoming*

Reread: 8/21/21

No matter how many times I reread SDK, the beginning Mibu arc always brings tears to my eyes. There's endless action/fights, but they are never boring because of the nicely-woven backstory. I like how SDK not only focuses on the MCs, but also gives the spotlight to others in the large cast, making for great subplots and amazing character development. True, other manga series do the same thing, but SDK's characters are especially close to my heart ❤️

Here the spotlight is on Shinrei and Hotaru, the ult bishie brothers ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Their sibling rivalry/"vitriolic best buds" friendship is one of the highlights of SDK (imo). I love the complexity of their relationship; Shinrei may be the older brother, but it's Hotaru who often tries to protect/save him ❤️ Hotaru is so funny and he has the most heart-melting expressions. (My sister is the biggest Hotaru fangirl and I can see why -- he's really something ❤️)

Shinrei needs a good conk on the head though; he's so freaking stubborn but I still love him, haha.

[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!!

[Cecillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shinrei is such an excellent example of indoctrination. He will not listen to reason, plain facts get put aside because of blind faith, the Us vs. Them mentality, and there's prestige to him in the restrictions that's been put on him. Also finally some consequences for Kyo using all the sick tricks so much.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cast is growing faster than a weed on a time-lapse video.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luciole the man that you are

[MissAnnThrope · Rating 5 out of 5]

02 June 2013

The only two things you need to know about Samurai Deeper Kyo, Volume 21 is: Shinrei and Hotaru.

Hot dayuuuum! When'd they get so nummy??


Kyo and the gang reach the final gate, where they meet some Mibu low-lifes. In an exhilarating moment, Shinrei steps in and faces off with Kyo. Unfortunately for the injured Kyo, he is no match for the powerful Shinrei. Kyo is far more injured than he let on, so that when he finally releases Suzaku it barely affects Shinrei.

Meanwhile, the waterwyrms are working through Yuya's chest not leaving her much time left to live. With Shinrei's refusal to remove the waterwyrms and Kyo's powerlessness against him, all their efforts seem for naught. Until...it's a bird...it's a plane...

It's Hotaru!!




The two rival brothers steal the spotlight in this volume, making their battle one of the most exciting and intense fights so far in this series. The clash between Hotaru's eerie calm and Shinrei's impassioned rage makes it all the more interesting.

I love that Hotaru tries to bitch-slap some sense into Shinrei.


Who knew Hotaru was such a hottie?!


Hotaru's dry humor cracks me up.


Only he could get away with doing this to Kyo.


Hotaru has become one of my favorite characters, possibly right up there with Bontenmaru. After this volume, he may very well top the list. Sorry Yukimura! He's badass, shoots from the hip, and is wicked sarcastic. Plus, there is a softer side to him hiding behind that loner façade. I just hope that he survives in the next volume!

This book had me on edge the entire time. The epic battles kept me anxious throughout the whole volume, but thanks to Bon and his crazy humor, he kept me from chewing through my lip. Definitely have Volume 22 handy because this cliffhanger ending will make you kick yourself otherwise. Off to read the next volume!

Lots of eye candy in this volume!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today’s post is on Samurai Deeper Kyo volume 21 by Akimine Kamijyo. It is published by Tokyopop. As it is the 21st in the series you need to have read the previous volumes to understand the story. The cover has Hotaru and Shinrei looking cool with water and tattoo’s and stuff. The intended reader is someone who loves samurai manga, interesting romance, and fight scenes. The story is told from third person god perspective with character’s thoughts thrown in for plot and character development. There is violence, some language, and no sex in this volume. There Be Spoilers Ahead.


From the back of the book- Kyo and his party face off at the Fifth Gate- in the battle to kill off Shinrei, Kyo uses Mizuchi and Suzaku, his most powerful attacks, but they aren’t enough. With waterwyrms squeezing the life out of Yuya and Shinrei refusing to take them out of her body, the only way to save Yuya now is to kill Shinrei!


Review- Finally Kyo and Shinrei are fighting it out. I liked Shinrei okay before this volume but he is such a stubborn ass that I just lose all liking for him. Hotaru feels the same way. Kyo is still pretty hurt from his earlier fights so Hotaru has caught up with them and he decides that it is time to settle things with Shinrei. As they are brothers there is a lot to settle. Arika is still fun because him and Hotaru have a frenemy relationship. The dialog between Hotaru and Shinrei is just hilarious. They are telling each other off and that the other needs to stop fighting and grow up. I really enjoyed their interactions. More beautiful art in this one. Wide scenes with Kyo and company, full two page pictures with so much action in the images. Once again the story and art are just top of the line. I really love this series and I highly recommend it.


I give this manga Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.