Azumi

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As much as I like strong female characters (who aren't overly sexualized!), I can't say that I like this series. I find Azumi to be rather flat especially when it comes to plot and characther depth. There's a whole lot of bloodshed and character death, but there is no real significance behind the killings because there is absolutely no character development. After a while you get numb to any and all death in this series and learn to not get attached to anyone besides the MC. If you're looking for something more profound, I highly recommend Vagabond. Like Azumi, the plot is set in feudal Japan and tells the bloody tale of a warrior trying to find a place for himself. Unlike Azumi, the plot and characters are exponentially more complex and more human/realistic because of their character depth and development. Don't get me started on the art because let me tell you, Inoue Takehiko-sensei is a master artist. IMO Vagabond is by far one of the most beautifully drawn stories ever, and just the overall quality of the series is so incredibly great. Please do yourself a favor and read Vagabond. read more 

The great constructive path that Azumi has throughout the manga, is a bloody world that through the chilling elements. The rawness of the manga, like Lady Snowblood, provides us with an exciting narrative that unravels with the passing of chapters the various dark events for our protagonist who will be involved in a world that does not "need" the weaker sex. 

Both female protagonists, used as brutal killing machines by their respective sides in war. Both struggle with their own morality, and making sense of the situation around them.  

A legendary and imposing manga that tells us the story of the revenge of the Ronin Itto with his little son Daigoro, known as "Lone wolf and cub". During the development of the story, our protagonists will fight against innumerable enemies until they face the one who caused the misfortune of their lives. A path of honor, blood and tragedy consumes this work considered one of the most influential and best in history. 

These two black swordsmen bear kindred spirits. Claymore, Sengoku Youko, and much of Tezuka's work come close I suppose, but there is really nothing I can fully liken Azumi to other than Berserk. Berserk is darker, bloodier, grander in scope to be sure - but it is fundamentally about the same thing. A lone warrior carrying all the spirits of their passed comrades through a violent world, relying only on their skill - but slowly warming, slowly brightening, slowly making a path for themselves. Grooming, war, duty, companions; betrayal, purpose and the mundanity of death. A very genuine and principled discussion on the lasting damage that normalized evil inflicts on people, from rape survivors to dedicated warriors. Learning how to begin living as a person instead of a tool, finding your place in a constantly changing world with only the good and bad of your past to hold on to. Finding the enduring light that fuels all the smaller, transient points of light in a very dark world. Fighting the fight that would end all fighting. read more 

Azumi feels like an inspiration for Gantz, both the excessive violence and the main character's vulnerability. Apparently Azumi is a famous classic so that wouldnt be very strange. If you like psychological action, Azumi is a great read, even if the art feels a little dated. 

Female assassin action, set in ancient, male-dominated Japan. Azumi is the only female in her group, where as the assassins in Yagyu are all female. In both the assassins have a male teacher to guide them, but the narratives of the two do differ considerably: Azumi's assassins were raised from childhood and brainwashed to be used as clueless puppets by the government. Yagyu's assassins are just normal women that are hastily trained in order to get revenge for their families being slaughtered in front of them. 

Historical fiction epics that are full of dismemberment and gory battles involving samurai, assassins, ninja & everything else you'd expect to see in a Japanese period piece where swords are used. Azumi is as unknown outside of Japan as BotI is known. This is because, until very recently, NONE of the manga had ever been translated into English. Dark Horse have been releasing BotI officially for nearly two decades, as well as there being internet translations by fans. The only translated Azumi content before the recent manga fan translation started was for the two live-action movies. And it's a pity because Azumi is a long-running manga classic on the same page as Berserk and other old/endless series loved outside of Japan. The biggest linking factor BotI and Azumi share is their female characters. In BotI mentally strong female characterisation (the most skilled fighter, Maki, also being a female) defines it as a series. During a time when females held no power in a man's world, it's the heroine Rin that drives the story onwards and grows from a girl into a cunning woman over the course of the series. Azumi's titular heroine walks a similar path to Rin - growing as a person and a woman with each trial she faces - but, unlike Rin, Azumi starts out extremely skilled as a warrior. Azumi is like Maki and Rin from BotI being merged into one character. If there is one negative Azumi has that BotI doesn't, it's the art. The titular heroine, Azumi, is beautiful... but the HUGE old school male eyebrows and some cartoony design choices hurt it. Having said that, BotI's art improved over its lengthy duration, and Azumi's artist improves later as well if the sequel scans are anything to go by. It's hard for an artist not to improve when drawing a series for 1-2 decades!  read more