MANGA REVIEW | "Yaiba: Samurai Legend" - Volume Three
I always appreciate it when a shonen manga goes the more fun action route than the dramatic one. When a series has a distinctive cartoonish look, it should then follow up with a cartoonish spirit. It’s why Yaiba: Samurai Legend has grown on me, as Gosho Aoyama’s pre-Detective Conan/Case Closed hit leans heavily into comedic territory. And as it shows in its third deluxe volume, action and comedy know how to tango better than any other shonen combo!
This third volume is split between two massive storylines. First, Yaiba and the gang find themselves going head-on against Onimaru and the Four Devil Kings. While the thought of going up against something called a Devil King would make anyone’s boots quiver, that’s not the case for Yaiba and friends. Instead, we are gifted with four wild battles that deliver different levels of entertainment.
An anglerfish with a nasty appetite. A chameleon with a literal Napoleon complex. One strong gorilla dressed up like a certain DC Comics superhero. And a familiar spider piloting a robotic turtle. All of these battles certainly belong in the “wacky” category, as there’s never a moment of seriousness between Yaiba, his comrades, and his foes.
Perhaps it’s the fact that none of these fights are super serious that makes me love Yaiba: Samurai Legend even more. Whether it’s the chameleon trying to trick others into thinking he’s the titular hero, the spider finding every chance to mess up during his battle, or even the anglerfish eating so much that he almost explodes, no contest of strength or wits is without its funny bone intact. Every moment these fights occur, I can’t wipe a goofy smile off of my face. (In fact, said smile is very much similar to Yaiba’s when he’s at his cockiest.)
Even when it’s time for Yaiba to go head-to-head with Onimaru, their battle has the perfect balance of action and comedy. On side of the coin is some killer sword action, especially when Yaiba’s Raijinken goes up against Onimaru’s Fujiken. However, we never forget that Yaiba is still a kid, so his attitude when facing off against the current villain is both cocky and goofy. This cool/comedic contrast shouldn’t work in the way it does, and yet, Aoyama finds a way to make it all super entertaining!
Meanwhile, the second half of Volume Three focuses on Yaiba’s next quest: to find the Dragon Orb. As Onimaru has yet to be fully defeated, the Dragon Orb becomes a necessity to take him down for good. This journey takes Yaiba and his friends all over Japan, as there are a few spots where the powerful orb could be. Thankfully, he gets a little help from some feathery and furry friends along the way.
And when I say “help”, I mean the complete opposite. Yes, Yaiba does find something useful here and there on his journey, but it’s never THE thing he’s looking for. Almost every person and creature that comes along Yaiba’s path does more to hinder the journey than assist it, even if there are times when a happy accident occurs here and there. Nevertheless, it keeps the adventure both interesting and funny, although it does leave our heroes beyond frustrated!
Yaiba: Samurai Legend has the right amount of silly and badassery running through its veins. As its third volume demonstrates, when it’s not making your sides ache, it’s making you pump your fist with glee. Aoyama’s first big hit knows how to have fun with its characters, and it also knows how to keep its readers entertained. While Detective Conan may be the series that made Aoyama an icon, Yaiba: Samurai Legend shows his impeccable creative muscles in astounding ways. And that is a truth that prevails with gusto!
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
