Special Thanks Goes to Kodansha Comics/Vertical Comics For the ARC
I recently had the opportunity to review another Manga that involved Historical Fiction, and what I didn’t realize was how wild and crazy this tale was going to be! Before we begin this review, if you would like to read my previous reviews, click here to head over to the Reviews Category.
It is a follow-up of Tetsuo Hara’s iconic manga, Fist of the North Star and considered to be one of the wildest stories in manga today, inspired by a real life legend, Set towards the end of the Sengoku Period. The Magnificent Bastard: The Legend of Keiji, a tale about a tall, handsome, and deadly samurai named Keiji, who revels in own taste of beauty. Whether its slaying men on the battlefield, carousing with courtesans in the pleasure district. But in an era when might and ruthless politics reign, staying true to oneself—while staying alive—is no easy feat. As feudal lords vie for supremacy, Keiji’s House prepares for a clash with the powerful Hojo Clan. When a team of scouts is dispatched to procure wild horses for the House’s army, they are attacked by a creature unlike any they have ever seen. Tasked with slaying this beast, Keiji sets out to tame it instead. Once the Hojo and their ninja master catch wind of this expedition, however, Keiji will have more than a wild beast to break.
The Magnificent Bastard was one of those books that will grab your attention immediately. Not only due to its title, but how it honors a legendary figure in history (even if its just a fictionalized account to it.) What I enjoyed most of this story was how well-mixed was historical facts with elements of fantasy and action, not to mention how well paced the story was. Despite it having alot of gore and violence, it manages to balance it with witty-humor, but I wouldn’t recommend it to younger readers, mainly for older readers.
The artwork was a nostalgic treat to enjoy, fans of Fist of the North Star will feel right at home with this book, since the book shares the same artist. It consists of wonderful line work, beautiful crosshatching, and great use of screen tone. My only concern if people weren’t familiar with this series was the sexual themes, vulgar humor, but does provide censorship in certain areas. The characters were designed well, offering certain nods to the artist’s previous works at times and eye catching detail to the backgrounds/castles.
The Magnificent Bastard: The Legend of Keiji Vol. One is available now where books are sold, once again, if you enjoyed Tetsuo Hara’s previous work then you’re in for some great reading.
Final Grade:
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