Manga Monday: Sengoku Youko, Vol. 1

Series: Sengoku Youko, Vol. 1
Writer/Artist: Satoshi Mizukami
Publisher: TOKYOPOP
Released: April 11, 2023
Received: NetGalley

Summary:

In a world where monsters exist, it seems like everyone has taken a side. Either you’re a human or a monster (katawara). Unless you’re Tama. She’s a katawara who loves humans and, as such, has sworn to protect them. No matter what.

Then there’s her stepbrother, Jinka. He’s mostly human, yet he feels none of the kindness towards humans that Tama has. Together they’re about to head out on a series of adventures, accompanied by a strange swordsman.

My Review:

So, I wanted to enjoy Sengoku Youko, Vol. 1. I liked the bright cover and the overall premise (gotta love a monster world!). However, I feel like the execution could have used some work. Mainly, I struggled to feel any connection to our three leading characters.

That isn’t to say there’s no potential here – there is. But the story is disjointed, so you must read between the lines to see some of that. Ironically, I would have liked the story better had there been fewer characters. A story following just Tama sounds way more exciting in my mind.

One of the biggest highlights of Sengoku Youko, Vol. 1, would have to be the artwork. I liked the way fights were portrayed, especially the sense of movement and depth.

Highlights:

• First in a series
• Fantasy Setting

Trigger Warnings:

• Graphic Elements
• Weird Sibling relationship

Thanks to TOKYOPOP and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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