Reviews for Lady Snowblood, Volume 1

The average rating for Lady Snowblood, Volume 1 based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2014-05-11 00:00:00 Cameron Forbes This review goes for the whole series. First there was this manga: Then this movie (yes, Flower of Carnage fans, yes!): And in the end this: So I thought it could be interesting to learn the sources. Disappointed I was not. Lady Snowblood, Child of Hell, alias Syura Yuki or Shurayuki-hime, was raised as an assassin to take revenge for her violated and deceased mother, and murdered family, it's her only goal in life and the reason of her existence. Her killer skills are immaculate, she's deadly and knows no compassion. As a person she's talented to the point of genius and she's merciless to herself. Yuki is perfect, hypnotic and cool just like her blade hidden in umbrella. We don't get much more than that to learn about her. But in the frame of this story it's completely fine, I guess. After all, it's a tale of sword and revenge and we all expect blood and guts to be exposed, not the psychological portrait of a killer with childhood trauma. Although her childhood and her training is exposed, as well as the story of her birth and the tragedy that became a root of her fate. The story is packed with action, violence and sex that is rather rough, yet depicted quite metaphorically (most of times at least), which is characteristic for the classic manga of '70-ies. Oh, and - yuri alert! The art is moderate yet beautiful and flawless. I couldn't wish for more in a graphic novel. This is a must read for you if you're a sucker for revenge stories and the Count Monte Cristo was your favourite bedtime story, also if you're into cool female characters and if you don't mind lack of humour in your manga (though I can't deny there was some, especially the arc with writer was quite funny). Also, you'll have to get over some typical Japanese sexism of Meiji era (just Meiji? riiight...), and over the brainwashing of innocent little girls into becoming a revenge weapon. If you can deal with all that - you'll see, this manga is really something! P.S. Although I've got a female crush on Meiko Kaji, the "Lady Snowblood" movie is recommended only to hardcore fans of japanese costume drama with litres of artificial blood and asian overacting. Plus, it's a living proof that not only Hollywood ruins great stories. P.S.2. As for the "Kill Bill", well, I fell asleep in the middle of part II couple of years ago and haven't finished watching it so far...

Review # 2 was written on 2018-09-22 00:00:00 James Webb I recently watched the Lady Snowblood movie (1973) as part of the Letterboxd season challenge and when I realized it was based on this manga from 1972 I thought I would give it a try. This isn't bad, but I definitely prefer the adaptation which was an inspiration for Kill Bill. I doubt I will continue on with the manga, but I may rewatch the movie.