Postby yog^sothoth » Sat Jan 10, 2004 8:39 am
I wouldn't call it very VERY graphic......it is graphic but it is to the point of realistic. There are a few adult situations in which a prostitute uses her feminine wiles to taint one of the main characters, matahachi (it happens very early on in the story). The nudity is there to show us just how this character works. The gore, on the other hand, is part of the legend surounding the character that Yoshikawa portrays. In his early life Takezo is a man of blood, guts, and glory. he's going to kill and keep killing until he is dead. Then the monk Takuan comes in and we see a change (also very early in the book and on the back cover). The gore and violence is symbolic and graphic strictly for the reason that swordfighting is not pillowfighting.
I am not defending the violence or the sexual or adult content. For the most part, I think that this stuff should stay away from most things (or, we should be sheltered from the realistic fact that our species is violent and disgusting). However, this story is done in taste and while it is violent or graphic at times, it is to be expected. I would say that this graphic novel does not compare in content to other works like Lupin III or Wolf and Cub or Blade of the Immortal. Those three manga are, at times, a tad tasteless. While they are good, I love anything lupin, there is hardly any need for the amount of nudity that is seen in these manga.
I reccomend this story (the book Musashi by Eji Yoshikawa) because it is one of the most celebrated literary pieces Japan has ever produced. The man Musashi is known the world over for his accomplishments and his Way of the Sword Book of Five Rings. This story gives a very nice and base overview of the history of the japanese and would help or benefit anyone who read it. The Manga, while different in content, captures the main elements of the story and provides an easy read to those not willing to comit to a nearly 1000 page book.
I am not disagreeing with you in your suggestion that this manga is violent and graphic. However, I still believe that this manga should be suggested to everyone.....over the age of 16
Why does the business of growing up - one's recollections of growth itself - have to be so tragic? I still haven't found the answer. I doubt if anyone has. When I finally reach that stage at which the placid wisdom of old age, with the dry clarity that comes toward autumn's end, occasionally descends on a person, then I too may suddenly discover that I too understand. But I doubt whether, by that time, understanding will have much point.Yukio Mishima
....Then you should check out the manga Vagabond. Based on the book Musashi by Eji Yoshikawa Vagabond starts at the battle of Sekigahara *he battle Tokugawa Ieyasu pretty much solidified his power in) with the main character Takezo (later Miyamoto (the town he was from) Musashi (a different way of reading his written name - Takezo) waking up in the midst of a field of death. I don't know that I should say more other than it's the romantisized tale of the author of the Book of Five Rings. The book is something I reccomend as well.
Looks kinda interesting but I don't know anything about it.
