Basilisk: Kouga Ninpouchou

Manga Review: Basilisk (also known as ‘Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scroll’)
Genre: Romance, Tragedy, Action, Supernatural, Historical, Adult
Writer: Masaki Segawa
Director: Fumitomo Kizaki
Publisher: Kodansha
No. of Chapters/Issues/Volumes: 34/34/05
Original Run: February 2003 – July 2004
Anime Television Series -
No. of Episodes: 24
Runtime: approx 24 minutes per episode
Original Run: April 12, 2005 –September 20, 2005

Synopsis:
The term "Basilisk" refers to a legendary lizard species whose gaze supposedly turns anyone who looks into its eyes into stone. This concept shares similarities with the Greek myth of Medusa.
In this manga, the story revolves around two main characters, Gennosuke Kouga and Oboro from the Iga Ninja Clan. These clans, Iga and Kouga, have been sworn enemies since time immemorial despite sharing a common lineage. A peace treaty brokered by historical figure Hattori Hanzou in the 16th century was broken when clan leaders killed each other in the first chapter. Each clan receives a scroll listing their top ten warriors, chosen for unique abilities. After the leaders' deaths, their names are struck off the scrolls with blood, initiating a brutal conflict between the clans. Meanwhile, Oboro, the prospective leader of Iga, is in love with Gennosuke Kouga, complicating matters further. To avoid spoilers, read the manga to discover more. It’s an intriguing tale filled with irony and romance.
I rate the storyline 8/10.

Character Illustration & Artworks:
The manga features a limited number of characters including Iga no Ogen, Yashamaru, Oboro, Azuki Rousai, Mino-Nanki, Hotaru Bi, Amayo Jingoro, Akeginu, Yakushiji Tenzen, Chikuma Koshiro, Kouga Danjo, Kazamachi Shougen, Kouga Gennosuke, Udono Josuke, Jimushi Juube, Muroga Hyoma, Kasumi Gyobu, Asaragi Saemon, Kagero, and Okoi. These characters are introduced sequentially throughout the manga. The character design deserves a perfect 10/10 for accurately reflecting their unique ninja skills.
The artwork also excels, earning another 10/10.

Dialogues:
The dialogues are well-crafted but occasionally slow down the narrative pace. Patience is key. I give the dialogue/script a 6/10 rating.

Overall Rating: 8.7/10

WARNING: Basilisk is an exceptional manga but contains mature content. Viewers/readers proceed at their own risk. Strictly for those 18 and older. Rated 'A'. Not recommended for the faint-hearted due to intense violence and gore. The anime faithfully follows the manga without altering the story or scenes.

Masaki Segawa's Basilisk is a straightforward ninja manga. It depicts the conflict between two clans bound by mutual hatred over generations, yet also united by love. The story embodies the essence of ninjas: remaining unnoticed and fighting from the shadows.

The best aspect of Basilisk is its characters. Each one holds significance and has an equal chance of living or dying. Though there are a couple of protagonists, the manga doesn't favor any of them; anyone can kill anyone else effortlessly, whether it be swift and painless or slow and sorrowful.

This unpredictability is what makes the story so compelling. Here, ninjas are merely pawns to be moved without importance, or resources ready to be sacrificed. The entire narrative unfolds with a sense of being "hidden," a silent war fought for others' benefit.

In 34 chapters, Basilisk crafted a beautiful tale filled with death and twisted love. In the end, both elements are similar. What was destined to happen in the past will recur and be destined to happen again in the future—a peace stained with blood and forgotten sacrifices.

Basilisk is a Seinen manga that combines action, romance, sword fighting, ninja skills, and psychological battles, making it appealing to Samurai fans. This story brings to mind Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, where two individuals from rival clans fall in love. They plan to marry to end the feud between their groups and bring about peace, but greed for power, a thirst for blood, and a drive for vengeance thwart any truce, leading to war between these factions.

The manga’s design, including its characters, backgrounds, and battle scenes, is appreciated by Seinen readers for its dark, bloody atmosphere and occasional nudity. Each character is defined more by their ninjutsu abilities, yet the storyline mirrors that of Romeo and Juliet, with some similarities in the characters:

Romeo - Gennosuke
Juliet - Oboro

Kouga Group - Montague
Iga Group - Capulet

This manga offers plenty of ninja action, well-defined battle scenes, and tactics. Although the romance follows a somewhat clichéd path, it can still capture the interest of fans of tragic tales.

Overall, Basilisk is a worthwhile read, earning a 7.5 rating from me.

Basilisk is a manga that delves into the honor, loyalty, intelligence, and skills of ancient ninjas, each endowed with unique and awe-inspiring powers. Its captivating narrative illustrates how love can triumph over all obstacles, albeit through a treacherous and violent journey for the couple involved.

What I appreciate most about Basilisk is its storyline. It transports you to old Japan, where samurais and ninjas still thrive. Despite their duty to serve their lords, these characters harbor personal feelings and hidden agendas that drive them to fight. The protagonists' love remains unwavering and pure, even as others attempt to tarnish it, often forcing them into tough decisions between love and loyalty. Though the plot may not break new ground, each character's distinct development adds layers of complexity and intrigue.

Regarding the artwork, Basilisk boasts excellent seinen-style illustrations. Even though I'm not particularly fond of seinen, this manga captivated me with its intense battle scenes and graphic gore. These elements truly leave an impact, while the backgrounds are meticulously crafted, highlighting the swift and dynamic actions of the ninjas.

In conclusion, Basilisk offers a potent mix of action, gore, supernatural abilities, strategic plotting, and raw storytelling. If you're a fan of ninja tales packed with gritty action, this manga stands out as one of the best options available.

When two rival clans share an intense hatred for each other, you can expect a manga filled with bloodshed. Basilisk is exactly that kind of story. The Iga and Kouga clans bring their longstanding feud to the battlefield in this thrilling manga.

To start, my introduction has already given away the main plot. Beyond the core conflict where these clans fight to determine who will become Japan's new shogun, there isn't much else to the storyline. This premise remains consistent until the very end of the manga.

The artwork is exceptional. It allows you to vividly imagine every fight scene, making them look spectacular. The art style is highly realistic, giving readers the sensation of watching an anime rather than reading a manga.

Now, onto my favorite aspect of this manga: the characters. Each character is unique and stands out from the rest. There are twenty primary characters—ten from Kouga and ten from Iga. By the end of the manga, you're likely to find at least one character you like. Every character exhibits distinct emotions towards different situations, and each possesses a special power that keeps you eagerly turning the pages. My personal favorite character was Kisaragi Saemon.

This manga was thoroughly enjoyable. I managed to finish it within about two hours. Given its manageable length, anyone seeking a quick read and who enjoys ninjas and Japanese history should definitely give this manga a try.

With stunning artwork and an enchanting narrative, Basilisk stands out as a unique Graphic Novel.

The intense rivalry between two clans, enemies for over 400 years, adds depth to the story. Each character is distinctive, whether through their ninja techniques or striking appearances.

Beyond the ancient feud, this tale also delves into the beauty and pain of love.

This Graphic Novel is not only visually captivating but also endlessly engaging. It's a book you can pick up anytime without ever feeling bored.

(10 - MASTERPIECE) (*my opinion*)