The Deep-Seated Grudge

There is also a DVD set Lady Snowblood (Collector's Boxed Set) which is two movies inspired by this Manga, but the DVD pales in comparison to the more adult scenes and story complexity in the Manga. The art as is typical of Manga, is in black and white, so if you are used to the colored panels of DC and Marvel type comics, you may be disappointed. The stories are complex and you pick up some glimpses of history as well as culture and then wonder (at least I did) if the author might have exaggerated or twisted facts to fit his story. But like all good stories, there is internal consistency, and the twists at the end of each story makes it a satisfying read. If you're going to try out Manga for the first time, try Vol 1 Lady Snowblood Volume 1 (Lady Snowblood) of this title. That provides a good idea of the set of 4 volumes. Then if you like it, get the next 3 volumes including this one. This one ends on a cliffhanger, and you really want to get started on the next volume, believe me. The compassion and ruthlessness of Lady Snowblood in this series of manga comes across much better than in the DVD. This is definitely not for kids so if you see your kid with this, confiscate it for his own good, and for your own reading pleasure. Return it when he's 18.

Readers be warned: The exploits of Yuki in this second volume borders on the pornographic and sadistic. What unsettles me most is the fact how good it is in spite of it...or because of it? This is pulp fiction in its purest sense...the mix of sex, violence and action is not for the weak-stomached ones. And the ending of Volume 2...well...the shadow of a big penis looms over Yuki, and i do not mean it in a figuratively sense. How will she get out of this situation? Will she get out? What strikes me most is how erotic this volume is. How...harsh and yet full of meaning and emotion. Make no mistake this is no teenager's shojo or shonen...this is Gekiga. Be warned!