Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Action
Publisher: Media Factory (JP), Digital Manga (US)
Translator: Duane Johnson
Artist: Kairi Shimotsuki
Original Release Date: November 7th, 2013
Free Preview: >>HERE<<
Brave 10 is a manga series I’ve already heard about once or twice before in the past, but I’ve never really taken the time to read or learn more about it. At the time the series didn’t spark any interest in me, so I had overlooked it and didn’t think twice of reading it until now.
Brave 10 seems to take place during the Sengoku period, where Japan was separated into territories that warred against each other in order to gain as much land and power as possible. For those who are unfamiliar with this era in Japanese history, perhaps you’ve already heard of Nobunaga and Tokugawa, two Lords who worked in reunifying Japan? These historical figures have been used in many manga and video games and it’s rather rare to not see their names if you watch recently released anime these days.
The story begins with our heroine priestess named Izanami (*wink* Japanese mythology reference *wink*) being chased by a group of shady men who want her for unknown reasons. Before they get to her, Izanami literally falls into the arms of a taciturn-looking ninja that goes by the name of Saizo. To save Izanami from further trouble, Saizo makes it his mission to bring Izanami to Yukimura Sanada, the only man who can keep her from danger.
…And that’s pretty much the resume of the first volume. Since I haven’t read the other volumes — but do know what will happen next without going into details — I can’t say much about what awaits the two main characters except for the fact that Saizo will join the Brave 10, a group of powerful warriors formed by Yukimura and that they will face a many perils alongside other known warriors of the Sengoku period.
For a first volume, I believe Brave 10 did a decent job introducing the most important characters so far – Saizo and Izanami — and giving out little tidbits of information on them. However, I can’t help but find it frustrating and bizarre that the volume didn’t end with Yukimura proposing Saizo to join the Brave 10. Usually, the first volume of a manga series presents or indirectly explains the main plot, but the knowledge we were given for the moment isn’t enough for us to make a clear idea on what to expect in this story apart from protecting Izanami.
Speaking of dear Izanami, I admit I haven’t warmed up to her in this volume and I see her as more annoying and demanding than intriguing. Of course, I am curious to know what’s her background and the reason behind why she was chased by shady men, but I can’t say I appreciate her.
As for Saizo, my thoughts regarding him went from how much he reminded me of Naruto’s Sasuke (with the hair, the attitude, the…euh…fighting spirit) to how…bland he is. I’ve seen his cool techniques in battle, his humor, and his soft side whenever he shares a touching moment with Izanami, but his character in general unimpressed me just like the heroine’s. And I don’t know if it’s me being difficult or the main characters’ fault.
I wish I could have also talked about the other characters (Anatasia, Sarutobi, or Yukimura), but I believe there isn’t much to comment on them, unless you know your world history lessons and wanted to make the comparison between the real people and their manga counterparts.
Ah, Brave 10’s artwork was truly a delight for my eyes. Most of the time. There were admittedly times when I had to take a closer look at the characters to recognize them due to how different they were drawn sometimes. Easy examples of the problem I had is the difference between Izanami on the cover and in the manga, or the image of Saizo unpleased by Yukimura’s comment below.
Brave 10 seems to promise many great twists and turns, especially since it takes place during the bloody Sengoku period and the characters will, for our pleasure, take part in it. However, once we push aside this fact, the manga doesn’t seem as interesting to read anymore (or this is just me thinking this because of the main characters). For someone who wishes to start a new shounen series and at the same time wants to take a break from the usual action stories, I wouldn’t advise reading Brave 10.