is a manga series written by Hideyuki Kikuchi and illustrated by . It was serialized in the Japanese seinen manga magazine Comic Birz from 1998 until 2002. Originally, the series was released by , however, the company went bankrupt in 1999. The Sword of Shibito was also licensed in English by Central Park Media and in French by 12 Bis.
The manga takes place in the Edo period of Japan.
Characters
Resurrected from eternal slumber during the Sengoku period, Shibitei is the central figure of the saga. Initially emotionless and amnesiac, he gradually regains his memories and seeks to reshape history as a ruler.
A wandering medicine merchant who accompanies Shibitei in the early volumes. He serves as a guide and caretaker, helping Shibitei navigate the world while lacking human thought.
ShibiteiâÂÂs fated partner. Her presence is key to his emotional awakening. She vanishes with him into the flames at the end of the original saga, only to reappear in the sequel.
A manipulative puppeteer who revives historical figures using mechanical sorcery. He orchestrates schemes to eliminate Shibitei, including the resurrection of Oda Nobunaga.
Revived as a demonic entity by RankenâÂÂs sorcery. He becomes a major antagonist and engages in a climactic battle with Shibitei.
A powerful warlord who hosts Shibitei in Kai Province. In the sequel, he returns as a demonic adversary, confronting Shibitei once more.
A legendary ninja who joins Shibitei in the sequel series to help quell the chaos of the Sengoku era.
Another ninja companion introduced in the sequel. He fights alongside Shibitei against supernatural threats.
A wandering ronin who receives a promised land from Shibitei. He travels with a group of children and parts ways with Shibitei in Volume 5.
Mysterious figures who obstruct ShibiteiâÂÂs journey. Their true identities are revealed during a pivotal confrontation.
Media
Original Series
Originally, the series was published by Schola, however, the company went bankrupt in 1999, publishing only one volume, Gentosha began to publish the series from then on in Comic Birz.
The New Sword of Shibito
A sequel series titled was released by Gentosha and serialised in Comic Birz.
Reception
Mania.com's Jarred Pine criticises the manga for its art, which is "a horrible mess". Animefringes authors agreed and noted that "the cover art looks great and you get two pages in the manga that look excellent so itâÂÂs upsetting to see this".
References
External links