- Mangaka : Osamu Tezuka, Satoshi Shiki
- Publisher : Seven Seas Entertainment
- Genre : Action, Fantasy, Horror, Historical, Supernatural
- Published : July 7, 2020
Introduction
There’s a rightful reason why we love the classics. They’re the original content that got us hooked to loving manga and anime in the first place. But since the world has moved on, and techniques, as well as manga making, has evolved, the art and storytelling of today is way different to what we have before. Still, that doesn’t necessarily depreciate the classic’s value. Contrary to that, that’s what increases and distinguishes the classics among the rest. One of these classics is Osamu Tezuka’s samurai manga, Dororo, that is now reimagined by Satoshi Shiki.
Contains Spoilers
Discussion Time
The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru follow the path of Tezuka’s Dororo. Although the plot is the same, the way it’s told, as well as the art is completely different. Shiki’s take on the classic Dororo gives it a modernized feel, all the while preserving the authenticity of the original manga’s plot. Also, the sense of grim and darkness the Sengoku period rightfully gives. All that said, it’s time to jump into the crazy world of Hyakkimaru, the killer with swords as arms, and Dororo, the young thief.
1. The Reality of the Situation
The classic Dororo is definitely a piece of art, at least considering the time and age it was created. Still, Tezuka’s Dororo has a hint of comedy in the midst of all the sword swinging action. Shiki’s The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru, however, puts the comedic acts into a minimum. Instead, he focuses on telling Dororo and Hyakkimaru’s adventure in a serious tone, which, in our opinion, made the entire series a whole lot better. In addition to that, Shiki did an excellent job portraying the horrors of the period from the deaths, hunger, and strife.
2. A Definitely Improved Art
The original’s art, just like most of the manga of its time, is something similar to the comics featured in the newspapers. Of course, that isn’t bad or anything. However, Shiki completely modernizes the art. Adding a lot of details, eliminating the single brushstrokes for a hair. In this day and age when the industry’s art is the highest it’s been, Shiki adds another masterpiece into the already large pile of masterpieces.
3. The Uncensored Hack and Slash Action
Talking about a tragic samurai story set in the Sengoku Period, we are definitely expecting some hack and slash action, and The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru surely doesn’t disappoint. Keeping true to the original story, Hyakkimaru surely doesn’t lack any demon to slash. Shiki also is kind enough to explicitly show how he does so. And by explicit, we mean Afro Samurai level of explicit. If you haven’t read Afro Samurai yet, then that means literally showing a head getting decapitated.
Final Thoughts
Satoshi Shiki has completely given a beloved classic a complete makeover. One that gives us the chills at that. He successfully preserved the authenticity of the original Dororo, while giving his own touch to it. How did he manage to do that? We have no idea. But we do know one thing. The Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru satisfied our thirst for a purebred samurai story we didn’t even know we had.
Author: Christian Markle