Well, we get some nice intense fights, great Piccolo and Cell scenes, some nostalgia building up and great art and as always, can't wait for the contiWell, we get some nice intense fights, great Piccolo and Cell scenes, some nostalgia building up and great art and as always, can't wait for the continuation, although it will never be the same.
A satisfying conclusion to a major arc. Manji’s time as a prisoner and lab rat felt endless � not in a bad way, but it really emphasized how long his A satisfying conclusion to a major arc. Manji’s time as a prisoner and lab rat felt endless � not in a bad way, but it really emphasized how long his struggle was.
Rin, an underage untrained (mostly) girl, saving the life of an expert killer and immortal like Manji inside a castle with guards and lots and lots of unexpected terrors and traps was a nice surprise and worked well. Once again, the artwork stands out, proving that not all manga � or mangaka � are the same. Samura delivers incredible visuals, especially during the action scenes.
A memorable fight between the main cast and a particularly creepy masked opponent (plus a few other surprises) makes this volume especially eye-catching. A nice end to the arc, with some appearances from people I completely forgot but nice to see again nonetheless. ...more
A turning point for sure. A volume that doesn’t just continue the story but elevates it. The tension and stakes rise dramatically, delivering a grippiA turning point for sure. A volume that doesn’t just continue the story but elevates it. The tension and stakes rise dramatically, delivering a gripping, often disturbing narrative that makes it nearly impossible to put down.
Rin’s desperate quest to rescue Manji takes her deeper into enemy territory, and what she uncovers is chilling. The mysterious experiments being conducted are grotesque and inhumane, revealing the full horror of what’s being done to Manji and others like him. The shift in tone is sharp—moving from suspenseful to outright horrifying—as the story dives into body horror and human experimentation with brutal honesty.
The volume is expertly paced, filled with revelations, emotional weight, and shocking developments. The artwork is nothing short of phenomenal—Samura’s linework captures every unsettling detail with precision, while still delivering cinematic action and deeply expressive character moments.
Volume 20 isn’t just another installment—it’s a major escalation that redefines the conflict and pushes the narrative into darker, more intense territory. A masterfully crafted volume that proves why Blade of the Immortal is one of the most compelling seinen manga of its kind....more
Another solid entry in the series, with strong story development and exceptional artwork as always.
Rin and a girl—whose name escapes me—are on a missiAnother solid entry in the series, with strong story development and exceptional artwork as always.
Rin and a girl—whose name escapes me—are on a mission to free Manji from Edo Castle, which is heavily guarded. Their plan takes them underground, where they navigate the depths alongside a young enslaved boy. Without giving too much away, the journey is gripping and keeps the tension high, fighting guards, falling in traps, and a surprising ending to the arc.
The volume delivers an engaging and satisfying read, leaving you eager for what comes next. On to the next one!
Gotta say, this one started out slow and was almost at the same pace as the last volume, all the while still dealing with Manji being a prisoner and aGotta say, this one started out slow and was almost at the same pace as the last volume, all the while still dealing with Manji being a prisoner and a labrat, which I'm done with and need some outcome soon because it's getting real old.
But then, halfway through it picks up with some revelations and we finally getting Rin taking some action and we also discover what the doctor was up to, really creepy and disturbing. Other than that, hopefully next volume will be done with Manji being useless and we're gonna get some development.
I doubt that anyone who's interested in this series is going to judge Blade by this volume, sinWell, that was heavy.. and not in a good way.
It was ok.
I doubt that anyone who's interested in this series is going to judge Blade by this volume, since it's the 17th, but for all who stumbled through, this is not your usual Blade of the Immortal volume. It's just one of those chore-to-read ones, with a plot that we could have been done with in 20 pages, but instead it was dragging out to be like 300pgs.
It felt like I was reading about Manji being cut off by doctors for the entire volume, if not, at least the 80% of it, easy. In fact, I can't remember a time where this guy that his name escapes me because of how boring he is, didn't want to become immortal like Manji trying to figure out a way.
In short, I didn't like this. Amazing artwork as always, but hopefully it's going to pick up from now on and be done with Manji being a prisoner and a lab-rat of sorts. Tedious and boring....more
A solid addition to the series, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some earlier volumes. The artwork remains as stunning as ever, showcasingA solid addition to the series, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some earlier volumes. The artwork remains as stunning as ever, showcasing the level of detail and intensity you'd expect.
This volume focuses heavily on Manji’s harrowing ordeal of being captured and experimented on as his captors seek to uncover the secret of his immortality. While the premise is compelling, the pacing felt slower than anticipated, and the resolution lacked a satisfying payoff. I found myself wishing for a bit more action or story development to balance the introspective tone.
That said, it’s still an engaging read even if it doesn’t deliver a standout moment. The artistic brilliance alone makes it worth picking up for sure.
This volume is nonstop action with Samura's amazing artwork stealing the show. We’ve got Manji fighting Gii"One who panics at death cannot escape it."
This volume is nonstop action with Samura's amazing artwork stealing the show. We’ve got Manji fighting Giichi, then teaming up with him to take on the Itto Ryu, plus Magatsu keeping his promise to Manji. There’s even a Giichi vs. Magatsu showdown! Everyone’s all over the place, and Rin’s search for Manji adds some heartfelt moments to all the chaos.
Manji is as carefree as ever, leaning into his immortality, shrugging off danger, and hating pain but still going for it. The ending sets up some exciting stuff ahead. Overall, a solid volume with absolutely incredible art.
"Death falls first on the one who sees it."...more
A nice continuation of our story, that's solid in all aspects, and especially of course in the artwork department. While I need more development and wA nice continuation of our story, that's solid in all aspects, and especially of course in the artwork department. While I need more development and want more to be waiting for in story-wise, I'm patient about it because I really like the series.
"Wash your neck.. and wait for my blade." - Rin
Right now, with the twists and resolves from the last one, it really needs a purpose. Our characters need a purpose, because I feel we're pretty much right where we were at the beginning of our journey. And that's not promising. I do have faith that it's going to be better, and all the while, we get some real nice action scenes here and there, get better introduced to that Giichi guy, which, I was expecting much more from, we get disappointed by Rin, yet again and Manji is getting better and better at not caring at all about anything.
Good volumes. Beautiful artwork. In need of more things to happen....more
Another solid entry in the series. While it didn’t leave me in awe, it delivered a surprising twist toward the end that catches you completely off guaAnother solid entry in the series. While it didn’t leave me in awe, it delivered a surprising twist toward the end that catches you completely off guard. Considering we’re only halfway through the entire story, this development adds an unexpected layer of intrigue and leaves you eager to see what comes next.
"Thank you for a fleeting moment of happiness."
The main focus of this volume is Rin and Anotsu traveling together to Edo, only to return due to the events at the dojo. Meanwhile, Anotsu faces relentless pursuit from the dojo’s kenshis. The dynamic between Rin and Anotsu, along with the tension of the chase, keeps the narrative engaging.
"Don't overdo it. Go too far in anything and it will echo down the generations."
As always, the artwork is stunning, capturing both the gritty action and quieter moments beautifully. No spoilers here—you’ll have to experience the twists for yourself....more
This volume is easily my favorite so far! It’s essentially one extended hunt and fight sequence, with Shira orchestrating chaos by hiring some unfortuThis volume is easily my favorite so far! It’s essentially one extended hunt and fight sequence, with Shira orchestrating chaos by hiring some unfortunate souls to keep Manji occupied until he can arrive to finish him off.
Meanwhile, Manji and Magatsu form an unlikely bond as Magatsu hunts for Shira to settle his own score, and Manji just wants to be done with it all so he can find Rin.
The action in the forest is intense, with some incredible fight choreography brought to life by the stunning artwork. The showdown between Magatsu and Shira is both satisfying and brutal, while the volume’s ending ties it all together with a solid, literal and metaphorical cliffhanger. The unresolved tensions promise even more gripping developments in future volumes.
Fantastic storytelling, breathtaking artwork, and a relentless pace make this volume a standout for sure.
Another solid addition to the series. The artwork continues to be top-notch, but I do feel a shift in style. The lines have gotten bolder with more inAnother solid addition to the series. The artwork continues to be top-notch, but I do feel a shift in style. The lines have gotten bolder with more ink, which works well overall, though I miss the softer, pencil-driven style from the earlier volumes. That said, the action choreography is still incredible and a highlight of the volume.
The story keeps its momentum with a new focal point: Hyakurin, the blonde woman who teams up with Manji to take on the Itto-ryu dojo. She's captured and subjected to disturbing acts as the men who have her seek revenge for their fallen comrades and some answers that she will not give up that easily. While there’s not much development for Manji or Rin in this volume, the plot remains engaging and progressive as well.
It's a solid volume overall—on to the next one! ...more
This one shifts the focus to Anotsu Kagehisa, revealing the twisted yet intriguing motivations that drive him. While Manji is bedridden and healing, fThis one shifts the focus to Anotsu Kagehisa, revealing the twisted yet intriguing motivations that drive him. While Manji is bedridden and healing, forming a tentative bond with the sensei and his daughter, Rin continues her rough journey, struggling to get by as she hunts for Anotsu.
The real highlight here is Anotsu’s philosophy and ambition. He justifies his brutal actions as necessary to build a legacy, believing he can eventually reshape history in his favor. By gathering killers and rapists and all the shitty-person-but-great-at-killing outcasts he could find, he’s building power now, planning to balance out the darkness with good deeds later. This volume gives him a depth that makes things chilling while you cannot wait for him and Rin (or Manji) to meet.
Though there’s less direct progress for Rin and Manji, the insight into their enemy’s mind is valuable, adding to the overall stakes of the story. Another solid volume and as always, amazing artwork by Mr. Samura.
"Throughout history, it is those call themselves righteous who destroy their countries.
This volume really digs into Manji's crazy, almost self-sacrificing fighting style. He doesn’t hold back at all, and you’ll see him lose limbs mid-figThis volume really digs into Manji's crazy, almost self-sacrificing fighting style. He doesn’t hold back at all, and you’ll see him lose limbs mid-fight as part of his strategy—he’s basically like, “Sure, hack off my arm; I’ll keep going.� It’s brutal and intense, and you can’t help but appreciate how far he’ll go to survive each encounter. If you’re here for raw, visceral action, this volume delivers that for sure.
But it’s not all action. Rin’s side of things slows down a bit and brings in some mental tension with the interrogation scene where she has to think quickly on her feet, and it all ties out in the end, with a great payoff for her answers and pretty much everything.
Her part doesn’t have the same level of bloodshed, but it’s tense in a totally different way and gives a nice balance to Manji’s all-out battles. Samura’s artwork once again is still just as impressive—he makes the chaotic fight scenes and the quieter, suspenseful moments both feel powerful in their own ways. ...more
The story picks up as Rin decides to head out solo to hunt down the Itto-ryu dojo, the group responsible for her parents� deaths. Manji, though left bThe story picks up as Rin decides to head out solo to hunt down the Itto-ryu dojo, the group responsible for her parents� deaths. Manji, though left behind, doesn’t let her go that easily. He tries to catch up with her but instead bumps into three men from the very dojo Rin’s after. The battle that follows is intense, with the trio getting a brutal firsthand look at Manji's so-called immortality.
This is a solid step forward for the story, even if it holds off on some of the major action. The artwork is as stunning as ever—Samura really knows how to build up tension and detail in every fight and character. It’s definitely a slower-paced volume, but it adds some nice development and sets up the next part of the series perfectly which pretty much continues the fight that ended pretty great.
Samura pushes the series into a deeper and darker direction, with some of its most intense, brutal fights so far. This volume stands oOuch!
That hurt.
Samura pushes the series into a deeper and darker direction, with some of its most intense, brutal fights so far. This volume stands out by introducing Shira, a truly sadistic character whose actions add a disturbing edge, making readers question the line between heroes and villains. Shira’s brutal approach shifts the tone, adding layers to the moral landscape that make you rethink what “good� and “evil� really mean in this world.
The story thickens with complex alliances, and the action is relentless and gripping. Samura’s art is especially stunning here, capturing both dynamic swordplay and dark atmosphere, elevating each intense moment and making this volume a must-read for fans of deep, action-driven storytelling�.
"If you seek to be stronger than others.. you may have to lose what you value above all else."
Beyond the extreme violence, such as severed limbs and decapitations, this volume delves into even darker territory with truly disturbing scenes. If you were expecting conventional samurai sword fighting, this is where the intensity skyrockets, especially with Shira’s relentless commitment to evil. The graphic depictions of violence and the unsettling themes, including scenes of murder and rape, contribute to a deeply unsettling atmosphere that amplifies the stakes in this brutal narrative.
I was caught off guard by how quickly the plot became this intense this fast.
The story continues without any major shifts, keeping a steady pace rather than ramping up excitement. We see some progress in the plot as Rin's questThe story continues without any major shifts, keeping a steady pace rather than ramping up excitement. We see some progress in the plot as Rin's quest for vengeance against the Itto-ryu moves forward, though it’s not a volume with huge revelations or twists.
The interactions between Rin, Manji, and the people they encounter remain the main focus as always, and I thin we established that Rin is weak and scared and all that, 6 volumes in and we're still talking about it. I think that's enough.
The artwork is, as always, exceptional. Samura's unique style really stands out, capturing the gritty and violent world in a beautifully detailed way. While this volume wasn't amazing, it holds its ground in the overall narrative and there's plenty to appreciate....more
"I said it before and I'll say it again.. Anyone who takes up a sword can't complain when they get cut down." - Manji
It continues to deliveI liked it.
"I said it before and I'll say it again.. Anyone who takes up a sword can't complain when they get cut down." - Manji
It continues to deliver. Solid work by Mr. Hiroaki once again, though this installment focuses less on story and more character development and moreover on an intense, psychological confrontation. Rin once again faces one of the men responsible for the murder of her parents and the rape of her mother. What makes this encounter especially gripping is the man's complete lack of remorse. He's unrepentant for his past atrocities, dismissively accepting them as part of his life, though he claims to have changed since becoming a father.
"Little girl... do you wish to die?
This shift in perspective—caring for his son while having abandoned his life of violence—doesn’t soften his brutal honesty. When Rin asks him to simply apologize for raping her mother, he laughs. He’s brutally direct: he's not sorry. Even if he were, he questions whether a mere apology would be enough for her to forgive him.
"The nail that sticks up gets hammered down."
Rin’s inner struggle is equally compelling. She wrestles with the desire for vengeance and the fear of perpetuating the cycle of violence. Killing him would orphan his son, leaving the boy to suffer the same trauma that has defined her own life. Her mission has always been to seek justice by avenging her parents, but in this moment, she’s willing to set that aside to protect an innocent child from growing up in the shadow of violence, as she did. It’s a powerful moment of character growth.
"Kill him on sight."
Of course, Manji is there, always by her side, ready to do what she can’t. What follows is an intense and well-drawn fight between Manji and the man (his name escapes me right now), unfolding in a small room while the man's son is out fetching tea—an ironic touch that adds to the tension. The fight scenes are as visceral and dynamic as ever, and Samura’s artwork continues to shine, capturing both the brutality and the emotional weight of the story. It’s another page-turner in an already good series....more
Great artwork once again with our duo going forward on their mission to kill everyone in this dojo that had Rin's parents killed. The nicest moment heGreat artwork once again with our duo going forward on their mission to kill everyone in this dojo that had Rin's parents killed. The nicest moment here is Rin's confrontation with the killer which will not be the last time we see him for sure and he drops some philosophical knowledge on Rin (and us) which makes you think, we have to see things from a third perspective when there is wrong and right between two sides.
We also get some nice action scenes and we can clearly see that Manji's not the best there is and he can be beaten and killed, and that was actually very nice and well made. Great story and beautifully made action scenes once again....more
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