Sidooh

This manga was an absolute joy to read, and I genuinely recommend it to anyone who enjoys seinen samurai manga! Sidooh tells the classic 'rags to riches' story of two Yukimura brothers navigating the tumultuous world of 1800s Japan following America's intrusion into the country. The narrative is filled with intense, fluid action sequences and quieter, more intimate moments. The series' art reaches incredible heights, and while the writing isn't groundbreaking, it's captivating and emotionally resonant, especially towards the end. With a beautifully unique art style reminiscent of Vagabond, Sidooh delivers a thrilling reading experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed this manga, becoming completely engrossed from chapter one! While the writing may not be described as 'brilliant,' it kept me invested in both the story and characters. It’s definitely worth a read!

Pros:
- The art style is stunningly beautiful. Takahashi's blend of stylization and realism creates a visually appealing experience. Although some aspects, particularly facial expressions, can be hit or miss, the overall aesthetic remains attractive.
- The depiction of Japanese culture and history is superb. From the artwork to dialogue and settings, Sidooh masterfully represents a fractured Japan during a revolutionary period.
- As mentioned before, Sidooh's action scenes and storyline consistently keep readers engaged and stimulated. Personally, I never felt bored while reading this manga.

Cons (note: these are mostly personal nitpicks):
- Some parts of the plot, especially character deaths, feel rushed. They could have been extended to allow for deeper reader connections and emotional impact.
- The writing, while not bad, lacks innovation. Several plot points seem forgotten or underdeveloped (like Shoutaro and Gentarou's mother's words appearing sporadically despite their initial importance, and their father's sword proving insignificant after being set up as significant).

First, I must express my surprise at finding no reviews for a manga with 65 chapters translated so far. You'd think that among the 1000+ members (with 18 favorites at this moment) who've read Sidooh, at least one would have shared their thoughts by now. But let's move on.

The story is straightforward, despite its twists. The plot consistently moves in one direction: the survival of two teenage brothers in an unspecified era of Japan. It doesn't matter which era exactly; what matters is that the Americans have begun to interfere—think around the time frame depicted in "The Last Samurai." This also introduces politics into the series, but not so much as to bore action-hungry shounen fans. Just enough to add intrigue.

It's worth noting that Sidooh isn't for the faint-hearted. There's bloodshed, flying limbs, and other body parts, but it's not overly gory. The tone starts dark and stays that way (six out of nine characters introduced in the first two chapters die).

In terms of characters, Sidooh does a commendable job. Each character has a distinct personality, and there are just enough to keep the plot moving without overwhelming the reader. This ensures all characters are well-developed, allowing us to understand their personalities. Character design is also excellent, fitting the samurai theme perfectly.

The art might be polarizing. Some will love it, others may hate it. If you're familiar with Tsutomu Takahashi's other works, you'll recognize his unique style here. For me, it's refreshing to see semi-realistic humans with distinctive features rather than cookie-cutter models.

Overall, Sidooh is a great ride. I found myself engrossed many times (the kind of engagement where even if someone offered you a bag of money, you'd say, "One minute" while staring at your laptop). That said, it's not perfect, with flaws both in art and story. However, it's not your typical shounen or samurai manga, and that's a good thing.

Sidooh may occasionally appear to be a narrative focused on Japan's history and the decline of the samurai era. However, at its core, it's fundamentally a tale about two brothers coming of age and discovering their life paths. While some might find the extensive historical exposition tedious, the story excels in all other aspects.

I'm not particularly fond of lengthy, detailed reviews, so consider reading this if:

a) You're passionate about samurai manga

b) You admire Takahashi Tsutomu (and enjoy his manga as well)

c) You appreciate a beautifully crafted story with stunning art, compelling characters you can root for, and a satisfying conclusion

Sidooh is a manga I've eagerly awaited to complete, being a masterpiece by Tsutomu Takahashi, one of my most cherished authors. The plot captivated me immensely, as I have an affinity for samurai narratives and the entirety of the author's bibliography. His raw style, storytelling techniques, and the concepts he employs in his manga are remarkable. He truly deepened my understanding of manga. Thus, my expectations for Sidooh were high, and they were more than fulfilled. Before diving into the review: you must give this manga a try.

The setting is intriguing and will resonate with fans of samurai manga. Set at the dawn of Japan's Industrial Revolution, foreigners begin arriving gradually. We're quickly immersed in the harsh daily lives of two orphans whose parents succumbed to disease. By fate, they become samurai, impacting their entire region. Avoiding spoilers, let's get straight to the point.

Firstly, I appreciated the story's atmosphere. As usual, there's a constant tension with a brisk pace where events unfold relentlessly. In Sidooh, the author starkly reveals the violence of the world the orphans inhabit. The narrative brims with conflict and twists. I was thoroughly engrossed, finding the pacing perfect. This underscores the masterful storytelling.

Secondly, character development impressed me. Typically, the author doesn't always fully flesh out characters, but in Sidooh, he excelled. No character feels neglected; each has a backstory that adds depth. These developments align seamlessly with the excellent narration, maintaining realism. Antagonist development is especially noteworthy, particularly in the finale.

I appreciate the author's decision not to make concessions, embracing pure brutality. Characters are sacrificed to advance the plot or pause the narrative when necessary.

Technically, it's brilliant, as expected. His drawing style remains magical, with an unmistakable line that enchants. It fits perfectly within a samurai context! Magnificent double-page spreads and dazzling cuts and dialogues hook the reader more than usual. Every detail, from secondary character dialogues to key moment idealization, is meticulous.

Discussing further risks revealing crucial plot elements. Regardless, reconnecting with the author was delightful. Sidooh is an uncompromising work, touching me deeply due to its complexity and underlying sadness. Amid family drama, we follow two orphans navigating a ruthless world. It's the kind of story I relish, proving that manga exploration can always go further.

Consider discovering this manga and Tsutomu Takahashi.