MANGA REVIEW | "The Elusive Samurai" - Volume Fifteen
The Elusive Samurai has always been a feast for the eyes. Whether it’s the comedic facial expressions or the over-the-top violence, Yusei Matsui’s alternate history manga knows how to pull off pure eye candy. But in its fifteenth volume, The Elusive Samurai saves its most detailed of visuals for one part of the story that seems to get overshadowed by everything else: the weaponry. And boy, do these utensils of death sparkle like a mofo!
It’s a good thing readers get some slick weaponry to watch in action, because Tokiyuki will need it. Once again, he’s trying to win back Kamakura, after swearing allegiance to Go-Daigo’s southern court. But when Hojo Yasuie is held captive by the enemy, Tokiyuki has two choices: surrender or watch his uncle die. Naturally, he takes the third option: fight commanding general Shiba Magojiro.
But first, Tokiyuki’s new servant Shiba steals The Elusive Samurai's spotlight from everyone. Her new weaponry, consisting of metal claws and a leg blade, is both deadly and sexy! When she hits the battlefield with it, it’s like watching a ballet of brutality. How Uncle Yasuie is saved is also a spectacle, but more of a hilarious one that takes more cues from Johnny Knoxville and Looney Tunes than a Japanese war epic.
The arrival of Nitta is just the thing Tokiyuki needs to push him to go all out in his fight with Magojiro. Although he has the knack of predicting the future, Magojiro finds himself unsure of how his battle with Tokiyuki will go. After pulling out his blade (again, another showcase of gorgeous weaponry), the two fight on, with both combatants using their greatest strengths against their respective foes. What surprises the most about this battle is not how it ends, but rather what goes on afterwards.
For the first time, The Elusive Samurai delivers a new kind of what-if scenario. A shot of a reincarnated Magojiro in the 21st century, chilling with high school friends and making music. It’s a wild and funny flash into the future, one that doesn’t quite fit with the narrative. However, it’s so entertaining that one has to give Matsui props for pulling it off.
What’s even funnier is Takauji’s discovery of Tokiyuki still being alive. It’s the perfect mixture of deranged and hilarious that has made this manga a joy to read. Watching as his smiling face transforms into a feast of body-breaking rage terrifies the eyes as much as it tickles the funny bone. If there’s one thing I love, it’s villains that know how to make me laugh and shriek with horror with the snap of one’s fingers.
Yet again, before it comes time for another battle, new weaponry must be made. Whether it’s some modifications for leg blades or a club that’s as good for killing as it is for fishing, these showcases are a prime example of why Matsui is one of the best artists in manga today. However, while his drawing skills are top-notch, it’s his knack for comedy that’s bar none hard to top. A discussion between the ladies of the Elusive Warriors leads to thoughts on marriage, concubines, and…adult fun time. I won’t say more in fear of spoiling the best gags.
Battles, weaponry, and back-breaking anger are what dazzle the most in the latest volume of The Elusive Samurai. Tokiyuki’s journey to take back Kamakura continues to be marvelous to watch unfold, even if one can’t tell whether or not the young lad will succeed. But that’s the beauty of The Elusive Samurai, as it knows how to entertain even as it covers the reader in a fog of uncertainty. However, with so much backing Tokiyuki, it’s clear enough to see that the next battle’s going to be worth writing home for.
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
