Akai Tsurugi
Scarlet Blade

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Akai Tsurugi (Scarlet Blade) is a complex and lengthy manga that would be right at home in the canon of Icelandic epics yet it demands some investment to make the journey worthwhile.

Vikings, Aesir, giants and priests feature prominently in the tale of Ro, a chosen hero raised by Loki and Freya. There is a lot that happens over the 10 volume run, though it is mainly told through interpersonal conflicts and actual conflicts (with swords!). As a genre, this is much more drama than action.

You’ll see all your favorite Gods and a couple historical figures rendered in this story with Azumi’s pleasing style. The art ... mostly ranges from plain to genuinely striking. There are great, full page panels that lend a lot of weight to the moments. Personally, I found Ro a bit awkward at first, but I warmed up to him. His character is definitely the most “make or break” part of the manga.

Ryou Azumi has a great love for Norse mythology and it shines brightly in this work. You can find elements of the Prose Edda, Loki’s Quarrel and the Christian conversion of Iceland in here. She has even vacationed in Iceland! Akai Tsurugi is her story though and she takes many deliberate liberties when crafting this epic. I am just addressing this for people who have problems with the anachronisms of say, Disney’s Hercules (though it's far less egregious lol).

I do hope you check this manga out, though it takes a little time for the story to get rolling. If you’re into odd and/or mythological manga, I think you’ll like it!