Samurai Deeper

Samurai Deeper



Kamijyo Akimine



ISBN-13: 978-1591822257



TokyoPop; 8th printing edition (June 10, 2003)



Plot Summary: Volume one begins in the 17th century during the “Edo Era” in a time when there were civil wars and the world was in a state of havoc and flux. From this chaos “a man emerged from the greatest battle,” he was nicknamed, “the unconquerable” but his name is, Mibu Kyoshiro. Although he has the ability to kill like an assassin, the protagonist, Kyoshiro, is also a kind and gentle holistic medicine provider. In fact at times Kyoshiro is wimpy and even complains acting the exact opposite of a warrior. There are times however when he emerges as “the unconquerable,” and is frightening. Kyoshiro meets a bounty hunter and tries to flirt with her, but she reveals who she is and turns the tables very quickly. They decide to travel together and set out on a quest to find a murderer. In this quest he also seeks the truth about his identity, even though the answers he seeks might be devastating.



Critical Analysis: The background story on Kyoshiro is exciting but in reality he seems average and even wimpy. The meeting between Kyoshiro and the bounty hunter is cute and for teens the reading is easy, but fun. This story would be good to get someone interested in fantasy but also reluctant readers and readers not reading at their developmental age level. The samurai theme is exciting and the artwork is attractive to the reader. Kyoshiro's journey with the bounty hunter is a good basis for an adventure especially since the underlying truth about Kyoshiro's identity is intriguing to the reader and their chemistry is playful.

Readers Annotation: Kyoshiro is a dangerous warrior but is also a meek medicine peddler. He complains, and whines, and is flirty and awkward with his bounty hunter sidekick. He follows her on a quest and the secrets regarding his identity lay waiting on the journey.





Author Info: born September 13, 1975, Kanagawa Prefecture) He is best known for creating Samurai Deeper Kyo. The name 'Akimine Kamijyo' is the pen-name he uses. His doujinshi work was done under the name 'Meika Hatagashira' (伯明華?).
His next series is Shirogane no Karasu also known as Silver Crow. The series started on May 30, 2007 in Weekly Shonen Magazine and end after 3 volumes.
He started work on Code: Breaker in 2008.

Age Level Interest: 15 and up, 9th grade and up (mature themes)

Genre: Manga/ fantasy

Curriculum ties: There are no curriculum ties, but it there is some reference to Japanese history.

Challenge Ideas: None

Reason for selection: This series is a popular manga, its story is fun and entertaining, and even with the sexual innuendos it is still tame. It is a series that can appeal to a reluctant reader as well as either boys or girls. The female bounty hunter outwitting Kyoshiro is very exciting for female readers.