Jun 27, 2023
I've been waiting a long time to discover this manga. I discovered Shotaro Ishinomori a while ago and I have to say that he didn't leave me indifferent. He's an author I consider just as prestigious as Osamu Tezuka. These mangas really impressed me in their technical approach, thanks in particular to their absolutely exceptional layout. So I had to delve deeper into his bibliography by reading one of his reference works: Sabu to Ichi. And I have to say I'm not disappointed: the manga is excellent!
The manga features two main characters: Sabu, a young investigator with a big heart, and Ichi, a blind sword
...
expert. Together, they solve mysteries and crimes in feudal Japan. The manga is episodic, with each chapter featuring a different investigation, highlighting the complementary skills of the two protagonists. One of the strengths of Sabu to Ichi lies in the complementary characterization of these characters. Sabu, with his energetic, empathetic personality, is an engaging protagonist who embodies values of justice and determination. As for Ichi, he brings a unique dimension and depth to the story. His visual handicap is not an obstacle, but rather a source of strength, and his skills as a swordsman are impressive. I found the duo dynamic to be well-developed, offering interesting interactions, moments of complicity that strengthen the bond between them, and some truly remarkable moments of introspection into the nature of their work.
I found also great the special atmosphere. The story takes place in feudal Japan, providing a singular setting and atmosphere. The settings are carefully portrayed to reflect the era, allowing readers to immerse themselves in an ancient Japan with its samurai, bustling streets and mysterious plots. It's against this backdrop that the author develops each investigation with captivating plots and unexpected twists. I was always kept on the edge of my seat, as the action scenes are particularly well rendered, thanks to Ishinomori's dynamic, detailed art style. On the other hand, by exploring feudal Japan, the manga also offers a fascinating insight into life at the time. I found Ishinomori's approach interesting in its grasp of the customs, traditions and social problems of the time.
Then, as always with Shotaro Ishinomori, I was most impressed by his technical approach. Ishinomori was renowned for his dynamic, detailed artistic style. In Sabu to Ichi, he showcases himself with precise strokes and expressive compositions, creating an attractive and unique visual aesthetic. The action scenes are particularly well rendered, with fluid movements and dynamic poses, and of course breathtaking cutting. This is something I really admire about this author. I highly recommend you check out his short works to get a taste of his talent on the subject.
I need say no more: I found the manga captivating. The charismatic characters, well-constructed plots and immersive atmosphere make it a must-read for me. As well as being beautiful, the manga tackles deeper issues such as corruption, social injustice and inequality. It reminded me of one of my favorite mangas: Lone Wolf & Cub. Anyway... I highly recommend this title.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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