Title

Samurai Executioner

Also known as: Kubikiri Asa, 首斬り朝, Poranek ściętych głów, Asa, El Ejecutor, Samurai Executor

by Kazuo Koike, Goseki Kojima

Score from AniList: 74/100finished10 volumes54 chapters

ActionDrama

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In a prison world, there are few good stories, and this is the world of Kubikiri Asa, the beheader and master samurai under the Shogun. It's a world full of vengeance, greed, and violence. A world of depravity and sin. One man can set things straight if he can keep his wits. This is a story of extreme proportions, of sword study thick in tradition and with grim purpose, of blood rivers, agonizing screams, bondage, torture, and the evil prevalent in human failure. Drafted by the confirmed masters of the international medium of manga, Samurai Executioner is a shocking combination of darkness and fire, fine lines, and a fine man in the face of human decline. (Source: Dark Horse)

Hoard Verdict

The StoryHoard editorial verdict

★ 3.5/5

A classic, grim tale of an executioner in a harsh feudal world, where every life is a matter of cold duty.

Pros

Iconic, stylish classic
Stark, unflinching tone

Cons

Violence is frequent
Dated art and pacing

Read this if you liked:Lone Wolf and Cub Blade of the Immortal

Read the full take

In a prison world there are few good stories, and this is the world of Kubikiri Asa, the beheader and master samurai under the shogun. The premise is a grim period drama about a figure who lives by a stern code in a brutal society.The strength is the style. The art is bold and the mood is stark. The executioner's cold professionalism makes him memorable.The weaknesses are about violence and age. The violence is frequent, and the art and pacing belong to the early seventies. Readers wanting a lighter tone will find it hard going.Recommended for fans of classic, stylish samurai stories. Expect a grim, dated read with a strong central figure. Readers who take it at its own pace will find the characters grow on them steadily across the run.