Article date: July 3, 2002

Samurai Deeper Kyo Story: Akimine Kamijyo Manga book: Volume 1 - 15 (still running) Anime series: July 2002 -

The Battle of Sekigahara, 1600. This was the Battle that changed entire Japan - the battle that divided Japan into two major powers, and with the sereis of bloodshed and brutal killings - the country was "finally unified" under the power of Tokugawa Shogunate.

4 years since the battle - the Edo Bakufu (more like the "Government", so called "Tokugawa Bakufu" because it was controlled by the Tokugawa Shogunate) had brought "peace and prosperity" to the country of Japan - or so it seems. Still, like in any countries of any generation, there are robbers, thieves, criminals - that live off on the innocent. And to capture and to punish them, the Tokugawa Bakufu had set up a reward system for those who bring the "heads" of the wanted criminals. And the Criminal that tops off the list is called "Oni-me no Kyo" (Kyo the Ogre-Eyed), who slain 1000 men with his giant sward measured 5-Shaku (approx. 152cm), having a crest of Taijiquan on the back of his kimono, his eyes deep red like blood - and prized 1 million Ryo...

Kyoshiro Mibu, a traveling medicine seller. He's sissy, bawdy guy, loves peace and hates violence. With him he carries a long sward and wears Taijiquan mark on his back. But unlike "Ono-me no Kyo", he is prized 100-mon (pretty cheap) for bilking away from all the eat-in places. Still, he gets captured by Yuya Shiina, a woman bounty hunter for being mistaken as "Oni-me", but since he's still worth something she drags him to the nearest village. But In the village they went, they were greeted by villagers who were threatened by the Bantouji Brothers, 2 villains with minds and force like devils. Realizing that the Brothers are worth 50 Ryo plus she'd get an extra tip from the villagers, she decides to help them out.

And when the Bantouji Brothers came Yuya sees the absolute power and evilness that she has to face - they were too cruel, too strong, and too foul. And when she and the children were in danger, Kyoshiro came to protect them - just to be wounded.

Then he says the word: "Run... away... before HE comes..."

Kyosihro's eyes turn bloody red, and his being turns into something totally anew - cold, evil, and merciless. HE is "Oni-me no Kyo", the killer of 1000 men and more. Just one swing and he lashes down the enemy, but doesn't care who is slain... But Yuya, who was about to be slain too was able to live, and she turns to be the "Second woman whom I've not killed"... And Kyo leaves, making Kyoshiro, the weakling to come back to the scene....

What is the real relationship between Kyo and Kyoshiro? Will Yuya find her enemy, the "guy with scare on his back"? And will Kyoshiro will find his ? Who is the mysterious informer, Okuni Izumono who knows Kyo's past and all about his enemy and his Lady? Several reasons and ambitions intertwine, and each characters lead their destined path...

"Samurai Deeper Kyo" is a not an ordinary "Samurai" story. It was the time when Japan was kind of unified under one government after centuries of upheaval. There are no Bushi-do nor Samurai Spirits, but killing for their own. Still, not only brutal killing is included in this series for there are great side stories and comedy, laughter and tears built within. And that's probably why it has been supported by fans since its first serialization back in 1999, and finally being made into an anime. With this manga, you'd get to see glimpse of one of the famous warring year, which is quite different to "Rurouni Kenshin". There are many other Samurai manga that are pretty interesting to read, but this one that makes a mixture of human being and a "ogre" as a hero is also quite entertaining. How its anime version will turn out we are not sure, but since it'll be aired on the midnight slot - will probably be exciting sereis to follow.

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