Welcome to This Week in Shonen Jump, our weekly check in on Viz’s various Shonen Jump series. Viz has recently changed their release format, but our format will mostly remain the same. We will still review the newest chapters of two titles a week, now with even more options at our disposal. The big change for our readers is that, even without a Shonen Jump subscription, you can read these most recent chapters for free at Viz.com or using their app.
This week, Robbie checks in with “Samurai 8.” If you have thoughts on these or any other current Shonen Jump titles, please let us know in the comments!
Samurai 8: The Tale of Harchimaru chapter 18
Written by Masashi Kishimoto
Illustrated by Akira Okubo
Reviewed by Robbie Pleasant
The story of “Samurai 8” continues to progress at breakneck speeds, with the introduction of new characters and the inevitable tournament arc. 18 chapters in and there are still new plot points and escalating power levels every which way you look.
One thing that I’ve noticed about “Samurai 8” is how the power levels seem to have no limit. We’ve already met characters that can slice a moon into pieces, where does it go from there? Fortunately, this chapter takes a step down to focus more on one-on-one fights, as we get to see Daruma in a fight against the newly-introduced ronin, Ryu.
The weapons in “Samurai 8” are interesting tools; a mix of katana and lightsabers that are powered by bone handles and souls. However, this fight shows them being used in more ways than just forming blades, as Ryu turns his into a double-sided sword (think Darth Maul’s lightsaber), scythe, drill, and so forth. The flexibility of the weapon keeps the fight scene interesting and dynamic, introducing us to Ryu’s strength and abilities.
Aside from the combat, the character work is important to the series. Kotsuga and Ryu have an amusing dynamic, as Ryu has a sense of literalness that exceeds even that of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie version of Drax. His deadpan responses and dedication to following out instructions down to the letter is nicely contrasted with the more expressive Kotsuga. Meanwhile, Daruma’s money woes (driven in large part by Hachimaru) adds a bit to the character.
Hachimaru and Ann, on the other hand, don’t have too much to do during this chapter, aside from the occasional commentary. Hachimaru’s accidental overspending works for the character given his upbringing, but doesn’t really add much to it.
While the manga can be read online or on the Shonen Jump app, Akira Okubo’s artwork is best appreciated on a full screen. The designs blend science fiction with traditional samurai styles, while the high action combat and alien designs to the ships and weapons can get overwhelming when seen on a small screen. Up close, though, there’s clearly a lot of work put into each design.
Okubo’s artwork resembles that of Masashi Kishimoto as well, in both character and background work. The strong line work adds a sense of solidity to the designs, while the shape and style of the character designs feels like it would fit in with a chapter of “Naruto” while still bringing its own science fiction style.
The synergy between writer and artist helps bring out the best in the “Samurai 8” manga, with solid character work and action. While several chapters of “Samurai 8” have suffered from an overload of information, exposition, and exceedingly high power levels it just hasn’t built up to yet, this one gives us a good mix of action, character work, and plot progression.
Final Verdict: 6.8 – A decent chapter, introducing new characters and plot points that could be building to better things. Definitely best if read on a full screen.
