Apr 20, 2021
I'm a bit surprised that no one has reviewed this yet as it's a new Weekly Shonen Jump series and is written by a well known author. I'll go ahead and review it to fill the gap.
Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi or The Elusive Samurai is a nice new addition to the Weekly Shonen Jump lineup. It brings great art and tells an interesting historical story. Its only pitfalls are the amount of historical knowledge required to fully enjoy it and some strange writing.
The art of The Elusive Samurai is incredible and is easily its greatest asset. Matsui Yuusei has done a wonderful job
...
creating gorgeous historical settings and clothes. Every panel feels incredibly detailed. The character designs are nice as well. Each chapter, I look forward to seeing the art more than the story.
However, that is not to say the story is bad, as it is fairly interesting. The early chapters are stiff and lacking in character development, but the story and characters begin developing for the better after the first few chapters. This series seems poised (or intended) to have a long run, so it is understandable that the early chapters will not be as exciting as what may come later. It is interesting that the series is set in 1333 in the Kenmu Restoration. So many historical series are set in the Edo and Meiji periods, so it is refreshing to read a series that is set earlier in history.
Nevertheless, the largest issue with the series is the amount of historical knowledge required to fully enjoy the series. The series largely does not attempt to explain the life, politics, and culture of 1333. Without prior knowledge of the Kamakura shogunate, Ashikaga shogunate, Emperor Go-Daigo, and shugo, this series is a tough read. I feel like this series would not have been licensed in English unless it became incredibly popular in Japan before the age of Weekly Shonen Jump simulpub.
The other issue with the series is the writing. The first few chapters move incredibly quickly and are confusing. After the first few chapters, the pacing slows down to a normal or acceptable rate. Additionally, I'm not sure whether it is the translation or the writing in general, but the dialogue is sometimes stiff and awkward. There is some infrequent cringey narration and fourth wall breaking as well.
Overall though, the series is improving on all fronts as it continues and it still has amazing art. I am excited to see how this series continues to develop. It has the potential to be an exciting and unique historical epic.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
