Samurai 8: The tale of Hachimaru Vol 1 by Masashi Kishimoto

Illustrated by Akira Okubo
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This is a universe where samurai are legends of science fiction.  Samurai are cyborgs with spine-like keys that give them their powers.  There are also key holders that can be controlled with bone handles of the samurai's sword.  Then there are lock balls.  Then there are video games, bad guys bent on stealing lock balls so they can become samurai and princesses.  There's a talking cat from the order of the dog.  There's a cybernetic dog who can only meow.  And there's a person so isolated, they can't decide what gender they are.

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If all this seems too much, it is! Rather than give the reader some of these details in a steady stream over several volumes, we have a jam-packed confusing narration to start off with that only makes sense after the entire volume is over.  Mix in some transphobic comments, a hero who verbally abuses his father despite all that man has done for him, and confusing action sequences.  It all makes this  a title you should possibly skip, even though it is by the famed creator of Naruto.

Sara's Rating: 4/10
Suitability level: grades 9-12

This review was made possible with an advanced reader copy from the publisher through Edelweiss.

Tags: Rating: 4/10, Suitability: High School, Manga, Action Adventure, Science Fiction