Blade of the Immortal, Vol. 14: Last Blood

Wild action as the crippled Anotsu faces a dozen sword school killers. Manji and Rin choose that moment to reunite and blood flows. Samura's complex story line is wonderful and his battles beautiful. For those familiar with the series, this is an excellent chapter.

Last Blood is Volume 14 in Mr. Samura's revenge-quest manga, Blade of the Immortal. While there are some genuinely funny and sweet moments (the laughs and awws provided by Magatsu and Rin, respectively), the overall tone of this volume is dark and tense but NOT depressing. Anotsu has been systematically cut down, but now he will regather his forces (what's left of the Itto-ryu) and strike back at the Bakufu! Likewise, Rin reunites with Manji, and however briefly their time, she makes a long-awaited confession.... Needless to say, I lapped up every single panel: this series is very very well plotted. Yet I do have a minor complaint. Some of the pages seem rushed, and the lines, very dark and heavy. However, the one or two full page pencil sketches are still astonishingly beautiful.

All that is holy, this is THE manga to get. There is nothing better.