Blade of the Immortal vol. 24: Massacre

There are series where I wait months for a new volume, and then there are series where I wait years for a new volume.  However long the wait is for a new volume of “Blade of the Immortal” it never, ever disappoints.  That’s just one of the many reasons why it has been my favorite serialized comic for years, and this volume only enhances that reputation.

The volume’s centerpiece is a masterfully crafted siege that defines this volume’s title.  As Anotsu, Magatsu, Baro and Ozuhan storm Edo castle, we’re treated to more intense, creative, and most of all violent action than a year’s worth of ANY Shonen Jump title.  Or their more artistic offshoots.  Specifically, “Vagabond.”  Yes, that volume where Musashi took on the seventy-plus members of the Yoshioka school was impressive, but the carnage here is more focused and inventive.  Its outcome also keeps the story’s momentum going instead of slowly killing it as Musashi struggles with his injury.

Though the text on the back spoils the return of Shira, the particulars of his return are… highly disturbing.  I’m wondering how he got the blade on his other arm, but if I’m reading that one bit of text in the glossary right the answer is more simple, and devilishly creative than I would’ve thought.  There is another surprise return here and this one was truly shocking.  I didn’t think that we’d see this guy again EVER, but his appearance ties into the story nicely and even leads to an interesting conversation with Manji about the nature of his quest.

It’s another fantastic volume with not a wasted page and it leaves me eager to see what’s coming next.  You can tell the mangaka Hiroaki Samura has a plan and he’s following it step by step as the series builds to a climax.  He hasn’t said when “Blade” will conclude, but Dark Horse has been publishing it in a way that (by coincidence or design) every seventh volume wraps up a lot of plot threads and sets the stage for something new.  So the end may happen in vol. 28 or it may come later.  Whenever it happens, I’ll just be happy knowing that Samura ended this the way he wanted to.

(Yeah, I know I’m gushing here.  But really, this series is that good.)