Shin Angyo Onshi
Blade of the Phantom Master

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Shin Angyo Onshi is a Seinen, Historical, Supernatural, Action, Adventure manhwa that takes a piece of Korean history and turns it into a superb journey for the characters and the readers to experience.

The story follows the adventures of Munsu, an Angyo Onshi, who were special envoys of the king of Jushin. However Jushin is all but destroyed, leaving Munsu on his journey to continue his duty of ridding corruption and bringing about his own form of justice. That’s the setting of this epic Korean manga and sure, in the beginning, there’s a very episodic nature to Munsu’s travelling that frequently pays homage to some of ... the great classic Korean literature. Yet as the story progresses and the number of involving characters increases, it becomes clear that Munsu’s travelling has a purpose.

Munsu is an interesting main character, who’s portrayed as an anti-hero with some very questionable methods to fulfilling his goal. Munsu isn’t overwhelmingly powerful or reliant on special power ups (unless you include his Mahai) but rather he is incredibly cunning and skilled in combat. He’s fairly complicated and can come across as cruel or ruthless, when it comes to deceiving people. However he is still entertaining and fun to read, depending on the situation. Later on he is joined by other characters (Chun Hyang & Bang Ja), allowing either the dialogue or the overall journey to become far more interesting than it already is. Not to forget the vast amount of remarkable characters that appears throughout the story; each with their own tale, purpose or goal.

The artwork can be described in one word “breathtaking”. Personally I think the artwork is the best aspect of this manga, with an immense amount of detail put into each panel. The environments are superbly drawn with no corners cut whatsoever and the character designs range from realistically defined features, to some very imaginative appearances.

Overall Shin Angyo Onshi is an epic manhwa, following the lengthy journey of some great characters. It’s able to portray some of the cruel ugliness of the corrupt world in such a manner that will get any reader to think. However the story is fairly incoherent and certain aspects of the story can be difficult to comprehend. The same goes for the extravagant fight scenes. Being such a mature, gory and gritty story I can only recommend this to fans of similar mature manga.

^_^

Shin Angyo Onshi is a great manwha.
It took me a while to find this manwha. It is not the typical popular manga that will just pop out and attract your attention. I saw it in the top and give it a try. I remember reading the begining of this manwha, a couple of years ago but it was still in translation and in that time there was only a couple of chapters. Now that I can get a hold to all the chapters (with the extra pages in the forum).

Shin Angyo is about a long adventure of a our hero, Munsu. He is similar and ... at the same time very diferent from other main characters in other mangas. His past is full of glory, sadness, illusion and love. His mission is to bring "justice" to the land and to eventually end up fighting with his enemy, Aji Tae who destroyed everything he had fight for.

However, the word justice and the difference between right and wrong is one of the themes that keep me engage reading chapter after chapter till the end. Two different aspect of justice battle against each other. I personally like the ideology of Aji Tae but Munsu's ideology is the one that can set peace and order in a chaotic word.

The characters are something I really end up loving. Good or bad, everyone represent a twisted side of this word. Good people turning into bad, bad turning into good. I know that in many mangas, bad people sometimes turns out to be good ones but in this manga, it really fits the story and ideology behind it. "No matter how bad someone is, the truth never changes."
I really enjoyed reading this manwha. The art was pritty outstanding. I loved the way the story is told: the story of General Munsu.

I will always remember Munsu ideology with the words, "However much it is soiled by the earth, snow is still white."

Shin Angyo Onshi is the greatest Manhwa i have ever read hands down and i have no problem or somthing else even close to its spot i would say that it is the 2nd greatest behind berserk overall and with this review (ill try to keep it short) i hope to convince you to read this spectacular story.

I was told that this was alot like berserk so a guy like me who loves it (and has been waiting like 9 months for the next realease) was drawn to it. And i was not disapointed but let me not pass this off as a berserk ... wanna be or even a different version of berserk no this deserves to be reconized as a original piece of greatness. I will say that the thing that both share and one reason i treasure both is the fact that in my mind right now the only ones (anime or manga) to make me feel these emotions while reading it and that is.......hopelessness......no salvation...vain..and yet strangely the main characters march forward and have a rightouessness about them when it seems they go up against God himself. The story of Shin is a 10 easy i wont go to far into it as i dont want to spoil anything and that is what the top of the page is for. But i will say one of the VERY few storys ive watched or read were i was completly satisfied from begining to end no holes or things left undone. The art was a joy as well each character felt very defined and the horrors and beauties you see are very moving. Characters was a 10 and i will say this the only reason i think berserk is above Shin is due to there female leads but not to say Shin has a bad one just not amazing but overall this is a must read for everyone it is truely a emotional roller coaster and one worth the trip

This is manga is about Munsu, who is the last Angyo Onshi, peacekeepers from the fallen kingdom of Jushun who wander the land defeating corrupt lords and generally being of benefit to the people. However Munsu is an asshole, and stands out greatly from a wide spectrum of other protaganists even in the anti-hero classification. Angyo Onshi do not have any special powers or special skills, in fact Munsu's superhuman abilities are nonexistant compared to not only antagonists but even less relevant side characters. He is however, very smart, and also has an amulet called the Mahai, something that is his badge as an Angyo ... Onshi. The Mahai is a magical device that allows him to summon a legion of Joker faced phantom soldiers, who will slaughter at command. Munsu uses this ability and a few rather ordinary pistols to take care of ordinary enemies. He cannot use the Mahai all the time, and it is generally ineffective against skilled enemies as the Phantom Soldiers dont have any special powers, and are completely ineffective against non-human enemies. Munsu later gains a companion of a young woman named Chan Hyuang, who possess superhuman fighting strength, and makes her the official servant of an Angyo Onshi, called the Sando. They have a rocky relationship. Munsu continues to travel and complete his duties as an Angyo Onshi, all while chasing down a man named Aji Tae who is believed to be the one responsible for the destruction of the kingdom of Jushun, although the past is mysterious.

The story is the best part about this manga. You will notice some parallels with Berserk, although order of events are completely different and of course the story itself is original. Both possess a mysterious past of a destroyed kingdom, betrayal, angelic antagonists that go above morality who are inherently demonic, morally gray decisions, demon fighting, revenge etc. Munsu is the most interesting character and despite the Berserk relations he really isn't similar to Guts as all. Munsu is very cunning and not actually powerful, and tends to use a bizarre mix of assholish philosphy, disguise, and tricks to beat opponents. He is however, very likable and will grow on you quickly. The story is episodic in the beginning, which is completely dropped in the second half. Many of these episodic adventures are based on Korean folklore. It lets you see more into Munsu and Sando's character and is just overall entertaining. It's not really filler but if it was it would be very entertaining filler. The OVERALL story arch, concerning the mysteries of Munsu and the kingdom of Jushun's past, is paced perfectly, executed perfectly, and ENDED perfectly. It is a somewhat short, fantastic journey that will leave you thinking about it for days. It is the epitome of an low fantasy plot, with unique characters and lore and a very mysterious protaganist. It's plot is a mystery itself which can at many times be solved before fully revealed if you pay attention, which is a rewarding experience akin to beating the pace of a Sherlock Holmes novel. You'll find that characters can die at any time especially towards the end, and many unexpected things can occur. It is interesting, but never cheap. I can only think of one part that seemed like an asspull when a particular side character survived a seemingly fatal blow, but this oddity never stopped me enjoying the rest of the manga because it was molehill to mountain. Every twist or backstory has depth to it not originall shown, which makes it a joy to read.

This manga ran from 2001 to 2007. As a result the art in the beginning is not fantastic, and somewhat offset by absolutely horrendous scan quality if you are downloading it or reading it online for that matter. However both improve drastically long before the second part begins. The art is able to portray a great style which suits the several different tones of the enviroment and mood, with notable art influences from Trigun for some western scenes. The action is very cool, showing a vareity of different stuff going on. Choreography is great, gun fights, explosives, bladed weapons, and tae kwon do prove to be a crazy mix. While I was usually not blown away by the aethstetics, I did see quite a few very cool scenes, particularly towards the end but also in the flashback part and the Hwangdo arc. Bottomline is that the art is by no means the best of the best and one might often come to mind with a manga like Berserk, but it does in no way hinder the story. On a side note they seem to have put every single kind of character design archetype in this manga, everything from angelic sexy man to Vash the stampede sunglasses guy, to Victorian Demon Gentleman, to muscley ninja woman, and of course rugged wanderer dude.

I wish I could forget this manga and read it again as with most of my favorite manga. If you are still questioning why exactly I thought it was so good because I didn't explain it properly, let me just reiterate by saying it is extremely good. I can't promise you will like it as much as I do, but I gurantee it will be one of your favorites if you read it all. It's a tall order but I think you'll find yourself often surprised by how concisely executed this manga is.

This is a series that started off pretty strongly, with an intriguing anti-hero protagonist. However, somewhere in the middle it became too draggy with all those tedious flashbacks and an abrupt switch in focus to the relatively boring backstory of the main character and his quest to defeat his archenemy. It didn't help that said archenemy had a less than compelling presence and personality. IMO, It would have been better if the author finished this series in 10 volumes, then put the revenge arc into a new series or spin-off.

The art is above average, but not really to my taste. The main characters are ... drawn well, but many of the background and supporting characters do not appeal to me.

Story/Setting: B+
Drawing/Design: B+
Characterisation: B+
Bonus/Bias: +10% (for having a somewhat different feel from the average Japanese shonen manga.)

My first review about a manga, and in fact, rather about a manhwa. In my opinion, a very well drawn and written one.

This was pretty much my first real look into some korean history. I'm not very much into history or literature though so I may be the wrong person to say how wonderful it was, but I still enjoyed it.

The story revolves around a wandering Angyo Onshi, called Munsu, roaming the lands to execute his own justice, after his homeland, Jushin, was destroyed.
At the start, the story picks up several korean tales, bringing korean culture nearer to the reader and later starts to ... get deeper into the real story, building it up steadily to a nice climax and calming end.

The art changes throughout the work from rough to soft. In other words, at the beginning the art was not as good as later on, but still good. Speaking from where the art was nearly perfect, it could be considered one of the main reasons I actually read it. It is detailed, beautiful and still can be called realistic, with some exceptions.

Munsu, a main character which is not your average hero from your average fairy tales, but could rather be considered an "anti-hero", who acts not always like you probably wish he would, but you can't help but like him. At least that would be my experience. I think Munsu is a character you have only two, and I repeat myself here, only two options. Either you like him or you hate him.
Every main character though, is destined to encounter several companions throughout the series, mostly two. Which are in this case, a strong girl called Chun Hyang or nicknamed Sando and the loyal Bang Ja. Both, having their individual past stories, join Munsu on his journey and make the group complete. They will encounter several other interesting characters who all have their own role to fulfill. If those characters are good or bad may actually lay in each persons judgement. Personally, I often thought a character was the worst and later came to understand their reasons better and end up not hating him/her.
Munsu actually was one of those, but no matter what he did, I couldn't start disliking him. Staying strong to his believes is a main trait of Munsu and is very remarkable.

When I read a manga, if don't feel like simply reading it, I enjoyed it the most. Shin Angyo Onshi was one of those. I laughed, cried, was angry at times or felt sorry. It was exciting and entertaining, almost breathtaking. May it be about the brutality or the beauty. While I tend to not understand history or literature related elements very well, I still enjoyed the work in it's enterity.

It was a great read. A work that teaches you many things. To stay strong to my believes isn't what I learned in this piece, but it encouraged me to stay true to this, no matter what difficulty I may face.

The series is about a wandering Shin Angyo Onshi, a government issued special warrior from the now destroyed city of Juushin that is meant to take down corrupt official and bring peace to the world. Its a mouthful. However our main character is doing more than just bringing peace (in a very tsundere like fashion). He also deserves vengeance on the man who has wronged him. Together with his Sando, a scantily clad woman and a midget he must find peace not just for the world but for himself.

First lets talk about what i don't like about the series. Because this series is ... good and i want to get the bad stuff out of the way. First the obvious the main heroine. She wears exclusively lvl 69 armor. It is a problem. Now i don't think its a big enough issue to pull down the series but the entire point is fan service and its done so poorly. Like her bath scenes are more satisfying but no one wants to see ass during an epic fight scene. Its pointless make the fight overall less serious. She also has a confusing personality trait. She dresses like a whore yet acts like a princess. This contrast does not and this contradiction just leads inconsistency's rather than the intended effect. Another problem is the midget. This is one of those that did not need Jokes man. Too many jokes. Entire chapters dedicated to comedy stunts. Its this ridiculousness that pulls this series down. You cannot be serious and then throw in these really lame ass jokes and expect both to land. It ruins the atmosphere. Fairy Tail does it and it fucking sucks.

Another big problem was the first 8 volumes. Yes that is a massive issue. The first 8 volumes in general weren't bad and combined with the fantastic art it was definitely a delight to look at. There just wasn't anything really hooking me here. Yes the art was good. The characters were likable and the action was snappy. But what was missing? The motivation. The WHY! Black swordsman arc from Berserk has got to be the worst arc I have ever read in a good manga. Why did that arc suck? because the motivation was never revealed. Why is Guts is angry, What is his connection to god hand, who is Griffith. What is going on. How can he do much stupid shit and then cry like a pussy. None of this was revealed until the golden age arc mind you. If the author simply had put the black swordsman arc after the golden age arc it would've been acceptable.

We have the same problem here. Now the first 8 volumes aren't that bad. By any means, The characters are more likable and entertaining and these contained episodic arcs are better when compared to the black swordsman. The main villain when shown has an absolute dominating presence. But the overall story is lacking. So when the back story arc is shown which is like 6 volumes too. It is phenomenal. Like its not just normal great it is great great. Just a small thing like showing the context in between the characters of how they reached where they were does so much. Of course i don't think Its just cuz of the explanation of the characters backgrounds but how its done is also incredible. The romantic aspect is good. The story becomes more and more fluid as more of the answers are revealed. Overall it becomes what the manga was aiming for in the beginning. There are some rough patches here and there but overall they don't fuck up the over feel of the series. Also it has probably one of the most satisfying punches i have seen.

Everything past this point changes. The final arc becomes better because the context behind it is explained. Though the final is a bit lackluster it does end on such a great note. The series does remind that it is in fact Korean Berserk. I downright adored some of the characters. Especially the bandaged swordsman. He is by far the most threatning consistent character in the series. He is violent and aggressive. The main hero again when his backstory is revealed becomes this animal some even more so in the ending.

The series is great. It does kinda suck that the beginning isn't as good but goddamn if its not satisfying at the ending. The characters overall are great all around the action is good, But everything becomes so much better after the backstory arc. Now i don't tend to enjoy Prequel arcs. Even when there good i hate them. They entire idea of it is to halt to the story and to dump information. Even the great ones like this and Berserk i have this gnawing feeling of when its gonna end so the story can move forward. If the series was in chronological this could've been almost be considered a masterpiece.

Its a bit sad to watch a series lose its quality due to its chronological mess. Also characters die. Like a lot. I'm glad though that the good part of the series is in the second rather than the first half. Because that is what are you left with. I also recommend checking out the Shin angyo onshi gaiden, as it give some fun and good backstories. I do wish the ending for some of the characters was fleshed like what is a sando? How did the main villain get so strong. But in regards to what the series got right its a minor issue. The ending itself in regards to main is very satisfying.

TLDR: If you are willing to sit through 7 volumes of middling stuff you will be rewarded to something truly special. 7/10

I was not expecting this Manhwa to be as good as it was. The first half is slow and episodic but it quickly gets better.

The story is complex and is set in an interesting world filled with demons, ghosts etc. This is one of the first times I've felt so completely mind****** from reading a story. The story starts out vague but soon starts to make sense once you start to piece the story together as you read more of it. The world is filled with demons, ghosts and other creatures derived from Korean folklore. This makes each chapter exciting as the main character wanders ... through the country and constantly runs into these creatures. This Manhwa does something that so few manga or anime can do. Once you get into the story you're completely enveloped in the world and you just want to continue.

Characters are complex. It's completely impossible to understand the main antagonists motives and even more so what he's thinking without going deep into the second half of the story. This includes the main character as well. The main character isn't some cliché hero either. In fact he's more like an anti-hero. Throughout the story you begin to doubt whether he's even a good person. At one point he uses a dead civilian as his shield to block attacks. He's not some overpowered character with any special physical abilities. He uses his brains to get by and win battles with the help of an army which he summons through something called a Mahai.

One of the most enjoyable aspects in this Manhwa is its unpredictability. When reading a story or watching an anime you usually expect a certain outcome. I was always completely surprised and shocked by every outcome in this Manhwa. The plot twists in this Manhwa are great. After a while I completely stopped trying to guess what was going to happen because every single time I tried I was never even close to guessing right.

Due to the amazing art the action scenes are amazing. The art is breathtaking and probably the best art I've ever seen in a Manga/Manhwa. The art isn't anywhere near as good in the beginning however the art starts to pick up really fast.

If you like dark, gory and complex stories with a lot of mystery and action than you'll like this. However the story starts off a bit weak but it quickly starts to get better.