Samurai Deeper Kyo, Volume 11

Samurai Deeper Kyo #11

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, Comics Manga, Historical, Comics

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Akimine Kamijyo (上条明峰 Kamijō Akimine?, born September 13, 1975, Kanagawa Prefecture) is a Japanese manga artist best known for creating Samurai Deeper Kyo. The name 'Akimine Kamijyo' is merely her pen-name. Her doujinshi work was done under the name 'Meika Hatagashira' (伯明華?).

Her second series was Shirogane no Karasu also known as Silver Crow. It started on May 30, 2007 in Weekly Shōnen Magazine and ended after 3 volumes.

She is currently working on Code: Breaker.

Reviews

[Cecillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how Kyo gets some small kind of funny panels with Bontenmaru. It makes him more of a well rounded character that he can be a bit ridiculous/funny instead of mean and grumpy all the time. Also being able to read thoughts like Muramasa sounds like an absolute nightmare. I can understand why the guy lives all by himself.

[Arsenic · Rating 4 out of 5]

La petite bande s'agrandit (ce que j'aime bcp) et on rencontre Muramasa qui a carrément la classe ^^
J'ai beaucoup aimé aussi l'apparté sur la jeunesse de Yukimura.
Les dessins sont de plus en plus chouettes

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imagine being so good at reading people's intentions that you can read their thoughts.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot how fucking pretty Muramasa is

[MissAnnThrope · Rating 5 out of 5]

07 April 2013

With Botenmaru's bawdiness and hands constantly fiddling with his junk, Samurai Deeper Kyo, Volume 11 had me laughing out loud nearly the entire time. This Botenmaru is a complete wackadoodle and I am finding this lovable buffoon absolutely irresistible.

Bontenmaru scratching his junk.


Making faces.


Not only is this nut-job great for some belly laughs, but he is insanely skilled at wielding the sword, matching Kyo strike for strike. Also known as Date Masamune, The One-Eyed Dragon, Botenmaru is also one of the Four Emperors. I love that this legendary killer isn't the least bit intimidating, but ridiculously gross and goofy instead. I find it highly amusing that Yukimura can silence him with a threat to "tell everyone he's a [beep]"! I'm dying to know what [beep] means!!!

After Botenmaru and Kyo come to a mutual understanding, Botenmaru informs Kyo that his master, Muramasa, is on his death bed and requesting his presence before he dies. When the group arrives at Muramasa's home, they are attacked by Mibu warriors. Kyo and Botenmaru easily annihilate their enemies with eerie glee. They soon realize that Muramasa is the target and rush to his aid. As they reach the doorway, a Mibu warrior exits the home and suddenly bursts into sliced pieces. Awesome! As everyone stands there puzzling over who could have used this deathly Mizuichi technique of the Mumyojin School, a calm, genteel figure emerges from the house - Muramasa.

Muramasa intrigues me and I'm hoping that the next volume gives more history on his character. His sweetness combined with his deadly skills fascinates me. Muramasa's mind-reading Satori powers and the fact that he is also a former Mibu clan member means this guy is serious business in spite of his innocent facade.

While Muramasa tries to convice Kyo to let him teach him the skills necessary to defeat Kyo's enemies, they are attacked again. This time the attack is by one of the Five Stars, Shinrei, a Mibu elite warrior. Many things are revealed in the following scenes, including the mystery of the Crimson King. At this point, who isn't part of the Mibu clan?!


The last half of the volume tells a heartbreaking tale of Yukimura's past. I've always loved his silliness, but now having read his tragic past, it breaks my heart that his lightheartedness has been tarnished by such terrible events. This flashback is my favorite part of the volume. An added bonus is seeing Shindara as a Sanada Ten.

And just to be sure things don't get too serious, Benitora and Bontenmaru lighten the mood:
Benitora and Bontenmaru


Yukimura's sad backstory made me love him all the more.



Samurai Deeper Kyo, Volume 11 is my favorite volume in the series so far. Its focus on my all-time favorite, Yukimura, and new-favorite, Botenmaru, made this installment deliciously good. Plus, the witty humor and gut-wrenching moments thrown into the mix just made this a winning combination. I cannot wait to see Kyo, Yukimura, and Botenmaru kicking ass together in future volumes.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today’s post is on Samurai Deeper Kyo volume 11 by Akimine Kamijyo and is published by Tokyopop. As it is the 11th in the series you need to have read the previous volumes to understand the story. Kyo is on the cover with Tenro looking very cool. The intended reader is someone likes manga, action story, and developing relationships. There is language, no sex, and lots of violence in this volume. The story is told from third person god with character’s thoughts added in for character and plot development. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Long, long ago…
Bontenmaru commanded the Oou, but now he has joined the Shiseiten! He joined the dark side because they were much stronger than any troops he had ever led. Now he is extending Kyo an offer to join his side. Regardless of Kyo’s decision, he will need to return to his master- the one that forged his sword; the legendary Toushuo Muramasa!

Review- We meet a second member of Kyo’s four emperor’s Bontenmaru. He is a big guy who uses a wooden sword to fight. Of course they have a little dust up but then Bontenmaru gives Kyo the message that he was sent to do to. Kyo’s master Muramasa has sent for him. When they get to Muramasa’s he is dying and wants to teach Kyo his final techniques. Before they can get started the Mibu clan sends assassins for Muramasa and introduces a good sub villain Shinrei. Very fun fights. The last half of the manga is a story about Yukimura and his past. Muramasa is a great side character. He is not in the manga for very long but he changes so much for Kyo and company. Kyo does not much growth in the volume but because of the events in this volume he will.

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

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok- I'm in love with Bontenmaru. We learn more about him and get to see his badassery in action. Frankly, he is gross, strong, loud, obnoxious, and cracks me up. He informs Kyo that the sword master that made Kyo's sword is on his deathbed and is looking for Kyo.

We arrive at Muramasa's house and we are ambushed. When we finally meet Muramasa, he reminds me of Galadriel from Lord of the Rings- he can read their minds, he's got a quiet strength and he is beautiful. As Kyo and Muramasa begin talking, they are ambushed yet again, this time by Shinrei who is one of the five who lead the Mibu clans military wing. The Mibu clan keeps coming up and we begin to see connections made with the characters. He begins to battle Kyo, but the rest of the fight will be in the next volume.

The volume ends with a look into the history of Yukimura. He is a character that is fun to read about and he also makes me giggle. I love all of his interactions with Benitora. We learn that Yukimura was a reluctant samurai who swore to protect a village girl named Mizuki. Their love story was heartbreaking and we get to see a real vulnerable side to his character. Of course, Mizuki is killed and her death shapes Yukimura's future. I want to see more badassery from Yukimura I'm the future!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back story abounds in this volume, as Kyo returns to Toushou Muramasa, the man who forged his sword and taught him the Mumyojin fighting technique. But, the best part comes at the end of the volume as we learn about Yukimura's past, adding more depth to one of my favorite characters in manga. Favorite illustration: The young Yukimura going to town on some very, very bad men.

[Putri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ini yang paling aku suka!

Komik ini menceritakan masa lalu Yukimura Sanada, my fav. character!


Lagi-lagi komik lagi. Aku cinta komikku

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked it, but was annoyed with the Yukimura back story just suddenly being there. It would have been better as part of the general flow, rather than just popped in like that.

[keereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read

[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!!