Article date: February 22, 2002

Akkera Kanjinchou Created by: Yuki Kobayashi Episode #1: Shounen Weekly Jump #11 ( Feb. 25, 2002) Pages: 49

T he first episode of the all-new "Akkera Kanjinchou" series has just hit the pages of Shounen Weekly Jump! This quasi-comical, revenge-thriller is penned by Yuki Kobayashi and promises to give the phrase "it's hammer time!" a whole new meaning. The story focuses on the unlikely combination of the vengeance-bent adolescent, Aoba Yamamoto and his pint-sized infant assistant, Sakisuke, who defies the laws of physics by both his insatiable appetite for mochi (rice cakes) and by the fact that he wields a 56.2kg demon-sucking hammer like candy-cane. (Hmm...you do the math!)

The first episode introduces the minuscule Sakisuke, doing what he does best - stuffing his face with sweet mochi on a Kanda street corner. Unfortunately, on this day, not all in Kanda is so sweet... Some of the local toughs are harassing a wandering ronin, who refuses to respond to their threats, let alone reveal his straw-hat-covered face. One of the toughs goes too far when he pulls out the stranger's sword and finds it's nothing more than a bamboo decoration. At this point, the hunters become the hunted as a giant blade (this one's not a decoration) shoots out of the ronin's hand and he assails the unsuspecting hooligans.

Our protagonists, Aoba and Sakisuke, who have just met, confront the ronin, who later reveals his true identity - The Sword Devil Kurohirumaru, an embodiment of a mystical sword that needs human blood to survive (which explains why he was "hunting" in Kanda). It is also revealed that he was the one responsible for the death of Aoba's adopted father/master - hence the theme of vengeance. This puts Aoba into a fiery rage and he immediately attacks Kurohirumaru. Sakisuke senses that his new buddy is in way over his head and gives him a "love-tap" with the 56.2kg hammer, knocking him out and saving him from a painful death.

That night, Aoba awakens to find him and his "new buddy", Sakisuke, holed out in a little shack. The growing mystery behind Sakisuke, who continues to chow down on more and more mochi, literally eating himself to sleep (which incidentally he does with his eyes wide open), continues to baffle Aoba. But Aoba has more important things to do than worry about some weird juvenile - he must find and kill the Sword Devil! Aoba sneaks out on the slumbering Sakisuke to meet his destiny with the Kurohirumaru.

Will vengeance be won? Will Aoba meet the same death as his master at the blade of the Sword Devil? Will Sakisuke's mochi-filled tummy hinder his fighting skills...oh no baby...it's hammer time!

"Akkera Kanjinchou" promises all the fun and makes many parallels to the epoch-making "One Piece" series. The youthful determination of Aoba makes for a very focused, intense storyline, which does not take itself too seriously thanks to the well-timed comic relief provided by the not-to-be-underestimated Sakisuki. The first part of this 49 pager is in color, and reveals a yet-to-be-introduced female character sporting a slinky black outfit...hmmm...is there a ninja love-interest on the horizon? If you are looking for intriguing storyline, hack & slash action, and top-drawer comic relief, "Akkera Kanjichou" has your name on it!

47) Imadoki!

45) Hitsuji no Uta