Back to 11una's Profile 11una's Profile

Shamo: A Short Review. THIS REVIEW CONTAINS MASSIVE SPOILERS including the ending.

Shamo is quite difficult to review, so I am only able to create a short summary of my own personal opinion of my journey reading this Manga.


The first half of the manga drew me in immediately with Ryo's dark background, his development through the use of martial arts and his delinquent like characteristics. The art was beautifully presented, especially throughout the fight chapters, but as I read further, the writers took an odious and confusing turn. I was quite frustrated with the ending. Despite Ryo being a protagonist with villain like qualities that somehow ... leave us advocating for him, I found his death to be quite mediocre. The arching was messy at times and there were moments where I wanted to discontinue the Manga. However Shamo is THAT Manga I could not give up on and still see it as a favourite. Despite the series of flaws throughout the volumes, you cannot ignore Ryo's level of intelligence and persistence to learn the art of 'ki', excluding his malefactor behaviour. I still recommend that people give it a read at the very least. The first half is fantastic, but loses it's way in specific volumes. Shamo is an eye-opening read for those who have taste in action, drama and a dark, odious filled storyline. The ending is satisfactory, but this manga still holds a close place in my heart.