Another samurai-and-ninja manga from the creator of Basilisk, Yagyu Ninpocho takes a somewhat unconventional approach compared to its peers, yet it still offers something intriguing. Samurai revenge tales are a staple of the genre, and this series puts a fresh twist on the familiar trope.
Yagyu Ninpocho tells the story of a disgraced samurai clan, destroyed by a tyrannical daimyo during the early Edo Period. Unlike more famous samurai revenge stories, such as the 47 Ronin, this story centers on the wife and daughters of the fallen clan. After being killed unjustly, they take up the role of avengers against the tyrannical Daimyo of Aizu and his seven ruthless samurai retainers.
Of course, the women alone can only go so far, and it’s through a twist of fate that Yagyu Jubei of the famed Yagyu Clan becomes their mentor, helping them execute retributive justice with their own hands.
While samurai revenge is common in Japanese pop culture, Yagyu Ninpocho stands out by making assassins-in-training the central cast. This angle gives the story a unique flavor, though novelty is largely its main selling point. The series works well as a quick sword-and-sandal fix, but for those seeking a more compelling narrative, the creator’s Basilisk remains the superior choice.
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