Kagurabachi is a manga written and illustrated by Takeru Hokazono. Chihiro is a young man training under his famous blacksmith father, Kunishige Rokuhira. The two are polar opposites with Chihiro being the serious one and his father being goofy. Unfortunately, Kunishige is tragically killed, sending Chihiro to seek vengeance.
Kunishige Rokuhira is a world renowned swordsmith, that craft unique katana’s using a special method. His son, Chihiro trains by his side and hopes to succeed his father. Kunishige is quirky. He buys these goldfish which he has conversations with. He apparently bought them for luck. We are introduced to Kunishige’s friend Shiba, a former solider who credits Kunishige with ending the war with his “epic swords.” He considers Kunishige a “hero.” Chihiro seems bored by the conversation as he’s “heard it all before.”
Kunishige for his part believes that he’s “complicit,” in all the death that his katana’s cause. He understands that if his swords were to “fall into the hands of evil,” then good people will be killed. Kunishige only wants his katana to “wielded by those dedicated to vanquishing evil and protecting the weak.” Kagurabachi flashforwards almost three years. The Yakuza are executing a group of people associated with a movement that’s attempt to retake their city. This Yakuza gang is backed by a sorcerer. The last remaining member of the group dismisses the power of sorcerers. Suddenly, a sorcerer attacks him with treelike ability. He teleports without killing the loudmouth.
Chihiro seeks vengeance in style
Elsewhere, Shiba and Chihiro meet on a train. Chihiro is noticeable older and has a scar on his head. Shiba warns him that it makes Chihiro “standout.” Chihiro says that the scar reminds him of “that day,” and inspires “fresh hatred.” Shiba is worried that Chihiro is going to exhaust himself. They head to the Yakuza’s hideout and begin slaughtering them. The art style is mesmerizing. The differences in detail, angle, the use of white space, and the size and location of the boxes all work together to create a stunning art style.
A first chapter has a lot going against it. The audience has to be captivated early and you need to balance how much of the world to reveal while keeping somethings hidden. For example, what specifically happened to Kunishige that put Chihiro on this path? It’s clear he’s dead but how? Will it be seen? Which chapter will we get to see it? Who are the Hishaku? And what makes them “monsters?” I intrigued. I want to know more about the power system. I’m always looking for another manga series to read. So far, Kagurabachi is a series that checks many of my boxes, humor, action, interesting characters, intriguing story, and great art. It’s early but I have hope.
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