historical graphic novel

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Lenni Reviews: “Vagabond” Definitive Edition Vol. 5, by Takehiko Inoue

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and is suggested for mature readers. 

Takezo faces Kohei, Master of Chain and Sickle.

While we learn Kohei’s backstory, we also learn about Kojiro, a deaf child raised by Jisai. Kojiro’s growth into a skilled swordsman takes up the bulk of this volume. It seems he’s destined from birth to wield a sword, but like a lot of stories in this genre, that’s a tragic fate. This had to be my favorite of the series so far. It’s everything I love about this genre, despite including some SA. 5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Firefly Wedding” Vol. 5, by Oreco Tachibana

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Satoko tries to convince the most popular prostitute on the island, Asagiri, to allow her contract to be bought out since she has turned down every offer so far. While running her errands for Asagiri, Satoko spends more time with Shinpei.

Their relationship is odd but sweet. Shinpei is still his cute/psychotic self, and we get more glimpses into Satoko’s past, where her sister still sucks. It also sucks that we’re still stuck on this island, but it was sweet to have Shinpei and Satoko get closer, hanging out and doing random things. Shinpei is still low-key terrifying, though. 4 out of 5

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Lenni Reviews: “The Elusive Samurai” Vol. 17, by Yusei Matsui

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Tokiyuki and his army head to Kyo where they face the powerful Toki Yorito, and a former friend appears to kill Tokiyuki.

While there is a lot of action in this volume, it doesn’t feel smooth. It’s very “This happened. And then this happened.” but didn’t feel like I was enjoying a story. They felt unconnected, like Sunday comic strips: all our familiar characters are there, but from scene to scene it doesn’t flow. It’s not bad. The tactics and battles are cool to look at, some of the character reveals will raise an eyebrow, but overall, this is just ok. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Vagabond” Definitive Edition, Vol. 4, by Takehiko Inoue

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Musashi challenges the Yagyu school, not realizing that the wealthy patron who took in Otsu is the master of that school he wants to defeat.

It’s nice to see Otsu doing more than sitting and pining for Musasgu. She’s traveling with Jotaro after Musashi once again sets off on his own. Since she was staying with the Yagyu, she’s picked up a few things, so she’s not a complete damsel. She’s nowhere near the swordsmen like Musashi, which figures since she’s not on a mission to become the best like he is. 3.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Firefly Wedding” Vol. 4, by Oreco Tachibana

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Kotaro, Satoko’s bodyguard, comes to rescue her, but Shinpei isn’t about to let her go that easily.

We also learn who hired the thugs who kidnapped Satoko in the first place, which was not surprising in the slightest. Again, Shinpei really swings from psychotic to sweetheart in a terrifying way and the art is fantastic at showing both. Even though Satoko has these two scary guard dogs, she still gets a chance to show her strength in her own way within the confines of her position and her health. For now, we’re still stuck on the island and not likely to leave anytime soon. I’m itching to find out what happens when Satoko gets home. 4 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Elusive Samurai” Vol. 16, by Yusei Matsui

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Tokiyuki heads west with Kitabake’s army but some who are still loyal to Takauji are ready to stop him.

It was interesting to see Tokiyuki have to confront the fact that not every soldier fighting with him is going to be some honorable warrior with high morals. Some are just brutes who enjoy violence and pillaging but he is not in a place where he can be picky about his allies when he’s got a war to win. It’s a worthwhile lesson to learn to work with people where they’re at. This is one of the bloodier volumes as well, since the armies clash and our main cast faces some wild enemies. The battles are well done and are the most entertaining parts of this volume. 2 out of 5

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Lenni Reviews: “Elusive Samurai” Vol. 15, by Yusei Matsui

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Tokiyuki has joined forces with Kitabatake Akiie and Go-Daigo’s southern court to seize Kamakura again but faces a powerful enemy when they try to get through the pass.

Shina is still the MVP. She’s so interesting and cool that the story had to nerf her just to make room for the others. I’d read a side series about just her. The other good thing about this volume is Takauji getting a brain blast to compare being 17 in two vastly different time periods. I think the message rings hollow to prefer being in blood, life threatening battles as a child instead of living in relative peace and worrying about the future of your job with the advent of AI. I’d rather worry about AI than worry about getting shot at, honestly. This was overall okay. 3.5 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “The Elusive Samurai” Vol. 14, by Yusei Matsui

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

After Tokiyuki’s loss to the Ashikaga forces, he has retreated from Kamakura. Two years later, Emperor G0-Daigo and Takauji are fighting for control of the land.

After a section dedicated to the use of human excrement as fertilizer and bomb-making material, we have Tokiyuki looking for allies so he can take on Takauji and they’re a bunch of weirdos. His new allies even include the son of his enemy, Nitta. It’s a twist for Tokiyuki to have to trust these new people in battle and navigate dealing with so many different types of warriors while increasing his own skills. He’s also not directly in charge, so things have changed for him and it’s nice to see most of this have tactical thinking. 3 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Firefly Wedding” Vol. 1, by Oreco Tachibana

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Satoko is a Meiji Era noblewoman with a heart condition who has a duty to her family to get married; as she feels it will prove her worth. She knows her time is limited so when she is kidnapped, she offers the man hired to kill her – Shinpei – her hand in marriage in exchange for her life.

This manga manages the seriousness of the situation and the doofyness of our main pair very well. One second they’re fleeing Satoko’s captors in a bloody massacre and the next Shinpei is gushing about what married life will be like with the biggest puppy dog eyes. So, be aware there’s a ton of violence. I actually hope they work this out and get together as he’s really interesting and Satoko is stronger than most characters give her credit for. She’s like a less annoying Akemi. I am so excited to see what happens next. 4.9 out of 5.

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Lenni Reviews: “Witchcraft: A Graphic History” by Lindsay Squire

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*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Told through a young girl named Lindsay visiting Biddy, a the early 19th century Irish witch, this book tells the history of witchcraft through the ages.

First off, the art style if perfect for this. It captures the beauty of nature and magic; even gives biddy a knowing glint in her expressions. It’s exposition heavy in places but the book is trying to teach the reader. It’s a perfect entry point for someone curious about what witches do; past and present. It’s cute to me as a practitioner with 30 years under my belt but for someone new, this is an enjoyable introduction. 3.7 out of 5.

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