The Return of the Genius Farmer

tl;dr: This manga narrates the story of an intriguing conflict's origins but does so in a rather brutal manner, leaving it depressingly absurd by the end.  

The manga’s structure was undeniably fascinating. It introduced what appeared to be an engaging duel—between a one-armed samurai and a blind samurai, both harboring intense animosity toward each other—and then dedicated most of its runtime to explaining how they reached this pivotal moment. This approach worked effectively, as it oriented the reader’s focus on the events leading up to the inevitable confrontation. The narrative spent considerable time building the characters of these two duelists, delving into their backgrounds, motivations, and connections to one another. This development unfolded amidst solid action sequences. Finally, after all this setup, the manga delivers their climactic duel.  

While much of the execution is commendable, there was something about the overall tone that made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the experience. Primarily, the manga was excessively savage and brutal—not just in terms of gore (of which there was plenty), but in how mercilessly it treated its characters and the bleakness of its world. The ending, in particular, felt so disheartening that it verged on being ridiculous. Additionally, the frequent use of imagined scenarios during battles disrupted the pacing and diminished the impact of actual events, as readers were left questioning whether certain moments truly occurred.  

The art was technically proficient and high-quality, though I found it didn’t align with my tastes, much like the manga’s harsh tone. Overall, while the premise held promise, the relentless brutality and stylistic choices detracted from the overall experience.

Historical violent manga are plentiful, but Shigurui rises gloriously above the rest, heads stacked high in its excellence. The narrative weaves elegantly through its arcs and progresses with a pace that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Yamaguchi's unique and eerie art style imbues the story with a gory and brutal intensity that remains unmatched in the medium. Though it may not be the most widely recognized manga, it is undoubtedly a classic, and essential reading for those seeking a more realistic and frightening glimpse into the profound tragedy of the samurai era. This work might be one of the most significant manga ever created, and perhaps one of the most remarkable adaptations of a literary piece in human history.  
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I found myself drawn to its absurdity much like one would be to a clown car pile-up rather than an engaging novel. Other reviews highlight some of the manga's merits, but I felt these were often overshadowed by the narrative's flaws.

Shigurui's art is undeniably detailed and fluid, with a strong sense of motion and grotesque depictions of violence. However, the brutality, while initially impactful, soon became overwhelming, shifting from meaningful horror to gratuitous violence for its own sake. While there are instances where the character designs shine, many panels depict characters with features resembling grey aliens more than humans. Their inverted pear-shaped heads and fist-sized eyes create an unsettling uncanny valley effect rather than the amusing exaggeration seen in series like Baki.

The story and pacing faltered, reaching a memorable peak during an intense and well-executed fight sequence midway through, only to drag in the latter half. The most frustrating aspect was the treatment of female characters. It seemed every few pages featured gratuitous nudity, often during combat scenes, as if the reader needed constant sexual stimuli to stay engaged. The narrative frequently delves into sexual assault, sometimes reveling in it rather than critiquing the era's cruelty. Female characters seem destined for scenes involving sex and violence.

To me, Shigurui had potential if it had exercised restraint, using violent moments sparingly to enhance tension or convey meaning. However, I suspect a more restrained approach might not have attracted such a large audience. Current fans appear willing to overlook numerous issues for an extra splash of blood on the page.  

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Shiguri was an incredible read. At first, I anticipated merely witnessing a tale of rivalry between two exceptional samurai, yet it evolved into something far more profound.  

The characters within the manga may lack depth in some aspects, with many simply following orders without hesitation, but this does not render them shallow. In fact, it serves as a positive element of the work. It critiques the culture of honor and loyalty inherent to the samurai, portraying them committing atrocious acts like puppets adhering blindly to commands.  

The protagonists, Irako and Fujiki, are both intricate and captivating characters. One embodies the very culture the manga critiques, making him a figure who endures unhappiness or engages in acts that unsettle him, even displaying moments of "inhuman" behavior. Conversely, the other refuses to accept the social role imposed upon him, consistently striving for success through cunning schemes and relentless struggle. This dichotomy between them aligns seamlessly with the thematic core of the work.  

The narrative is highly engaging. Tracking the journeys of both characters, particularly Seigen, who emerges as the standout character, is exhilarating. Nevertheless, given the work's heavy cynicism regarding themes of position and honor, it culminates in a deeply pessimistic reading experience.  

The artwork is outstanding, meticulously crafted in terms of character expressions and settings. Especially noteworthy are the fight scenes, depicted as though the characters are dancing, offering a truly unique visual experience in a manga.  

My sole critique lies in certain chapters that seem purposeless, contributing to a disjointed narrative, exemplified by the story of the hermaphrodite samurai and the frog enamored with her, which remains unresolved. Coupled with a complex ending, consistent with the plot's tone, it leaves a lingering sense of pessimism. <p>

Deserves more recognition  

I stumbled upon this manga due to its Madhouse adaptation. I didn't finish the anime (thought it was a tad too slow), but a couple of years later, I suddenly felt the urge to read the manga.  

Anyway, here are my thoughts (I won't delve too deeply into characters or character arcs because I feel like that ventures into spoiler territory. My philosophy is that characters—usually—are the most engaging aspects of a story. Discussing character arcs or transformations can spoil the reader's sense of discovery).  

Art:  

Really good at evoking action and tone. In my opinion, this has the best portrayal of movement (swordplay, combat, etc.) I've ever seen in a manga. Takayuki is masterful with his use of precise detail combined with negative space.  

That said, the art isn't flawless. The style works well most of the time but occasionally looks a bit cluttered. Also, sometimes the ground looks a little off (as petty as that sounds). However, these minor issues don't detract from the overall enjoyment.  

Plot:  

The premise is solid, the first few acts are incredible, but the final act is severely underdeveloped. I was somewhat disappointed at the end because most plot points weren't resolved satisfactorily.  

Another critique is its over-reliance on nudity and related content. While there’s a purpose behind most of it, I feel it was too explicit, unnecessarily so. The story obviously wouldn't be the same without it, but I thought it was a bit excessive and forced. At times, it felt like I was reading a stylish hentai.  

Characters:  

They're really good—for the most part. Seigen's arc is absolutely enlightening to witness.  

Mei and Fujiki are mostly defined by their actions (by this, I mean you aren’t given much insight into their inner thoughts or opinions), but it suits their portrayals.  

My main issue lies with the manga's ending; the character threads aren't tied together properly.  

On a numerical scale, I'd give it a 9.  

Enjoyment:  

I enjoyed it quite a bit. There were moments when I felt uncomfortable, but that was intentional on the mangaka's part.  

Reasons to read it:  

- If you're a seinen fan.  
- If you enjoy gore.  
- If you liked historical manga like *Vagabond* (it shares many themes and similarities).  

Reasons to avoid it:  

- If excessive nudity makes you uncomfortable (Keep in mind that Takayuki uses sex and related elements in an intelligent manner).  
- If you dislike extreme violence.  
- If you have the attention span of a goldfish. Sometimes the pace slows down (but it works well for the manga).

SUCH A GREAT MANGA!  

This review contains a little bit of spoilers!  

First of all, I want to say that this manga is not your typical fairy tale. It's all about tragedy, drama, gore, and violence. This manga tells the story of downfalls. In a way, it's an incredibly realistic work too. It effectively portrays the mindset of people during that era. Additionally, none of the characters are 'morally' good. Each one has done something bad due to their ambitions, such as seizing power, an extreme sense of loyalty, honor, and pride. There are characters who have killed their mother, lover, and teacher for these reasons. However, the interesting part is that we can't truly hate these characters. The circumstances pushed them to commit these actions. In a way, they are victims of that hierarchical society and their own ambitions. And while reading this manga, you can see a critique of this system.  

So, if you're looking for sweet, wholesome, fairy-tale moments, this manga is definitely not for you. If you enjoy historical, dramatic, tragic, and seinen genres, then you may like it. This manga isn't for everyone, that's for sure!  

My only negative comment about this manga would be the filler chapters. There are some really unnecessary fillers in the second half.  

Also, let's not forget the art. The art is absolutely stunning. Very detailed and beautiful. There are scenes where characters are depicted as tigers, dragons, bulls, and frogs. I loved those symbolic illustrations.

Mod Edit: This review may contain spoilers.  

_Shigurui_ revolves around power—its acquisition, cultivation, and sabotage. Power manifests in casual assassinations, marauding bands of murderers, offhand executions of random ronin, the social influence of giving poor etiquette advice, the restriction of a demon warrior within a rigid hierarchy, and the seductive allure of beautiful women. It's less about demonstrating the amorality of power and more about showcasing its corrupting nature—the *immorality* of power. Once obtained, power will inevitably be misused for myriad reasons: bloodlust, sexual desire, entertainment, pride, advertising, money, "reasons of state," and beyond.  

There is scarcely a male character who can be deemed good. Despite identifying with the "heroic" protagonist, we must acknowledge him as a blood-soaked murderer who kills for trivial reasons such as anger or obedience to his master—a fact driven home by the story's conclusion. We might sympathize with Seigen due to his egalitarian ideals and the persecution he endures before exacting revenge, but he is introduced through acts of cruelty, undone by his hubris, manipulative and deceitful in his actions, and responsible for killing his first master. (I focus on male characters because the women are largely disempowered pawns, subjected rather than active participants.) The elegance of the martial arts depicted is overshadowed by their horrific purpose, all encapsulated in a sharp critique of the politics that enable and perpetuate such violence. This isn't a romanticized portrayal of bushido or unwavering loyalty; instead, it highlights inherent flaws and the inevitability of serving an unworthy lord who cannot simply be quietly disposed of or tortured to death as justice demands.  

The cumulative effect is profoundly bleak. There are no meaningful ideals. Teaching martial arts merely creates living weapons. Everyone exploits one another. All men perish, and even if they triumph over their enemies, they succumb to old age and decline. Men themselves are fragile amalgamations of muscles and organs, indistinguishable when spilled. Even the strongest warrior can be felled by a stumble or a single strike, rendering their accomplishments meaningless. Reading it over three days left me unusually nihilistic and materialistic by the end.  

The artwork is consistently superb, almost extravagant, with exceptional shading and intricate details. By the finale, I found myself pausing simply to admire depictions of wood grain and castle architecture.  

Some narrative techniques work effectively in manga, like presenting (without commentary or visual distinction) potential scenarios or outcomes before snapping back to the present—characters experience numerous deaths before actually meeting their end ("The Way of the Samurai is found in death. Daily meditation on inevitable death should be practiced").  

The manga concludes abruptly, leaving several arcs unresolved, including those involving the toad-man and futanari storyline, while the pacifist _Rurouni Kenshin_-style swordsman remains unexplored despite recurring in minor roles. It ends within a few pages: Seigen is killed, stumbles back victorious to claim his reward, only to discover Mei dead. A final scene shows them walking together in civilian clothes. The End. I'm still uncertain what this ending signifies—logically, he'd commit suicide since he has nothing left to live for after carrying out vengeance against Seigen, but nothing shown confirms this theory, nor does the first volume's foreshadowing establish it clearly. Oh well.

I'm not going to write an extensive and detailed review because English isn't my first language (and I can't express my opinions clearly), I haven't finished it yet, and I'm not really good at writing reviews.  
The story revolves around Irako Seigen and Fujiki Gennosuke, two swordsmen (samurai) who learned their fighting style at the Kogan dojo (though I'm not sure if it's a dojo or something else). The two had a rivalry, and one day, one of them (Irako) was expelled from the dojo and became blind on the same day. After this, we see how the rivalry between the two is resolved (I won't say more about the story itself to avoid spoilers).  

===Art: 9===  
The art is ASTONISHING when it comes to anatomy. The mangaka excels at drawing muscles (the illustrator's knowledge of anatomy is evident), and the gore, which is very prominent in the manga, is incredibly well-done. The body dynamics are also excellent, though it occasionally falters when it comes to faces. Sometimes, the faces of certain characters look a bit strange or deformed. The manga's semi-realistic drawing style is incredible in my opinion.  

===Story: 8===  
Well, as someone who is not well-versed in Japanese history, I struggled to fully grasp some events. Sometimes it mentioned "X year of Kan'ei" or something similar, but I didn't really understand it. Aside from that, the story is quite cool, with remarkable events involving the characters and no major flaws (in my opinion).  

===Characters: 7===  
I think this is where it has the most flaws. I couldn't really connect with the characters (I mean like feeling empathy for them or sharing emotions with them) because I don't think they were developed well enough so far. Additionally, it's odd for the writer to introduce many characters only to kill them off a few pages later, but this also adds an element of unpredictability, making things happen when we least expect them. The only character I connected with is Kitsuki Gannosuke because we're shown all his suffering and why he became the way he is (even though he's still enigmatic, I feel pity for him).  

====Overall: 8====  
The manga is pretty good. It successfully immerses us in a samurai atmosphere. The art is astonishing, and the artist's skill is evident, especially in the detailed and "anatomically surprising" gore. The fights are enjoyable because the manga is unpredictable, leaving readers curious about how they will end after following the characters involved. Another interesting aspect is that we can fully understand the importance of events. For example, sometimes in other stories, we're introduced to threats whose significance and impact aren't clear, like the final villain in *Wednesday*. When they appear, we might think, "Okay, but what can they do? What do they threaten? How powerful are they?" and they're defeated quickly. That doesn't happen here. Every time a character fights, we fully grasp their threat and danger, such as when (spoiler??) ||Ushimata-dono appears during Fujiki's revenge and starts killing everyone. Since he did that, we knew exactly how problematic he could be||. However, I believe the manga could benefit from fully three-dimensional characters to make readers share feelings with them and become even more immersed in the story. Still, it's an engaging read. That's it.  

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This manga came as a huge surprise to me. After reading dozens of manga, I was searching for something more mature, a story that doesn't shy away from depicting blood and truly shows just how brutal a sword fight can be.

Shigurui takes you on a journey back to a time when honor and tradition were all that mattered. Nothing is held back from the reader as the characters fight, laugh, and engage in explicit content.

It's not overly long but incredibly addictive. Please stick with it beyond the first two chapters; after that, you'll find yourself deeply immersed in the plot.

Starts out fairly absurd with a wild portrayal of a senile teacher, exaggerated characterizations, and "typically shonen" battles and techniques. As it nears the end, though, the extravagant elements begin to fade away, revealing the heart of the story as a tragic tale about obsession and duty. It truly finds its footing as it moves toward the conclusion, and it makes me wish it had toned down a bit earlier to give more significance to the initial events. I suspect I might be one of the few who feels this way, though.

Most of the characters aside from the two leads (including their female love interests) are much less developed. Some of them have a "hero of another story" vibe, likely because they featured more prominently in the novel Shigurui is based on, while others feel more like caricatures. Some viewers may enjoy that, along with the more outlandish tone of the earlier parts of the series, as mentioned before. For me, Kogan was a sticking point. The master of the dojo where both leads are students, Kogan and his quirks play a significant role in the series, but he often doesn't feel much more "real" than someone like Yujiro Hanma from BAKI. If he had been more human, I believe it would have enriched the dynamic between him and his students, and their interactions with each other. Someone like Logan Roy from SUCCESSION is what I have in mind.

The art is very impressive, particularly in the later parts. Yamaguchi employs a lot of nudity, literal and metaphorical, which always invites reflection, I think. It's not just for fanservice and can often be quite unsettling. The aim is to delve into the "core" of the characters, what's happening "inside" them, but after the tenth time, it loses its impact. The landscapes are a standout feature. The intricate castles and cities of the Tokugawa era shine brightly. Personally, I thought the characters were decent, but not outstanding, both in design and rendering. The action is well-executed and makes it clear what's happening at any given moment, which is something many combat series struggle with.

Shigurui is one of the greatest works I've ever read, a manga that successfully explores the characters' minds and develops abstract themes through its stunning art. A drama capable of evoking the deepest human emotions. Moreover, it offers sharp critiques of feudal Japan's hierarchical society. Every page of this masterpiece is a work of art.  

Art (10/10)  
The most striking aspect of this manga is its art, which not only depicts human bodies with extreme realism and detail but also masterfully visualizes abstract, philosophical, and psychological concepts.  

Characters (10/10)  
The main characters are profound; each has their own reasons for being who they are, and the author expertly delves into their psychology. They each possess their own fighting style, which evolves throughout the story in a way that is truly beautiful to witness.  

Plot (7/10)  
The plot is critical, fluid, and mature, functioning well up to a certain point. The issue arises when several characters are introduced towards the end and are left underdeveloped, lacking consistent presence or growth.  

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Not only is this story captivating and immersive, but I fell in love with the characters. I can’t wait to read what this author has for us next!