Kishimoto strikes back! And this time he want to outclass even his previous success, Naruto. Can Kishi-sensei succeed? Right now he has all the cards to do it!
Story --- (10)
At the beginning the lore is simple: saving the whole Galaxy from a mysterious threat that will destroy everything. The key to save the Galaxy is finding out the Pandora's Box, who needs 7 Special Keys in order to open it.
As you can notice by reading it the story it takes many elements from the Japanese and Buddhist folklore and mythology (something that Kishimoto loves to do since), mixing them perfectly in a fantasy sci-fi story.
I won't post spoilers...lemme just say that the series did well in terms of not explaining too much at the start and then spreading it out when the time was right. The result is an amazing chapter, the most important one (chapter 14).
With the hype of an intriguing and amazing story...and with some very sad and astonishing moments...the story takes a 10!
Art --- (9)
I won't lie. At the beginning the art was a bit hard to understand...not much hard tbh. However Okubo (right hand of Kishimoto for more than 6 years, since the Naruto era) improved A LOT from chapter 6 and above. In fact you will recognise the same Naruto's art in many panels, especially in the attacks/destruction panels...that are VERY outstanding! Vote - 9
Characters --- (10)
Hachimaru, the main character, is not the classic shonen hero...he's realistic. At the beginning he acts like a normal kid once he find out to have "superpowers". However he will get one of the most amazing character-improving I've ever seen in a shonen. Also thanks to one of the most sad moments ever appeared in a shonen.
Hachimaru's dad is a real hero, with a extremely important role.
Several other characters, Master Daruma included, are interesting, cool and OP! With many secrets that we're going to discover in the future.
...Let alone that Samurai 8 has one of the most badass villain (Ata) I've seen in years. The best part is ...this villain is the first of the series and he'll play a huge and important part in the future.
Let alone that several chars are based on the Japanese and Buddhist folklore! Vote - 10
Enjoyment --- (10)
I won't say much here 'cause of spoilers...but trust me when I say that Kishimoto and Okubo have created a future masterpiece! Many secrets, cool chars, OP situatios, incredible powers, Wisdom Kings, space journey etc. etc. Vote --- (10)
OVERALL --- (10) Samurai 8 has all the right cards to become a future masterpiece!
