The story details the brutality of the glorified Edo period and the crimes committed against the peasants and slaves highlighting the typical "the strong prey on the weak" mindset. This is further amped up with the fact that the black man, King- a Yasuke-like character, roams Edo Japan with his closest friend George- a resourceful Japanese man that has intricate knowledge on the customs and traditions of the Japanese.
The dynamic between the two characters is truly incredible and one of the best parts about the entire story. Even in the span of a few chapters, they feel like genuine comrades that have been through hell and back together. Its quite reminiscent of the relationship between Thorfinn and Einar from Vinland Saga (another 10/10 which you should read), with King and George desperate to find a paradise where they can once again live like free men, and if that doesn't exist, they will build it together. Their personalities are very nicely juxtaposed against one another with King being a naive, idealist that tries to save the innocent no matter what the cost be, while George is a cunning pragmatist that will do whatever it takes to survive, even if he has to grovel at the feet of the wicked. However the one thing that remains constant in the both of their personalities is the willingness to do whatever it takes to protect each other even if it costs their lives. The two of them are strong and can handle themselves against the dangers of the era with the police and even yakuza after them, with King taking a monstrous brute role and George being an extremely capable swordsman. However they are merely human, not immortal killing machines.
The story is quite grounded, aside from a few instances where they're cutting down more men than they should be able to. That is one of the gripes I have with this manga. For a narrative this grounded, it would've helped to make it so they couldn't fight their way out of everything. However in one of the chapters this is kind of resolved? So I suppose it's only partly an issue.
Moving on to the art, while seemingly unrefined, feels extremely gritty and very seinen-y. All the double spread panels look absolutely gorgeous and in general the manga is really pretty. Certain panels may be a little hard to follow action wise, however it really shouldn't be an issue if you've read a few other manga and are used to the black and white. The character designs are wonderful and feel like real people.
Now to a concept that was explored that felt extremely unique- the concept of King as a character. A black man roaming a country that has never seen a man of color makes for a very interesting narrative. King is unable to understand the customs and traditions or even the language of Edo Japan and in many occasions is ostracized, beaten and even feared as a demon clad in all black. As such George, teaches him the ways and guides him as a native of the land. The story also delves into the discrimination that King goes through not just in Japan but also back home in the deep south and America, and the injustices that his people have faced for years. King is a gentle soul that yearns for freedom and equality. In his eyes, even the peasants and prostitutes are no better than slaves and wishes to free them.
The story pulls no punches with King and George rushing to protect the ones in need and save the innocent, many times without success. They aren't robin hoods or saviors, they are mere men attempting to right the wrongs they've done- to create even a semblance of a world with balance, a world with no slaves or peasants- a true paradise. They are desperate to survive and must navigate through the treacherous lands with practically everyone against them. The concept of paradise is very lightly explored and that feels right in this narrative with the focus being on survival first.
Every chapter feels connected and creates a cohesive story rife with rich storytelling and realistic characters. Other than that, the biggest crime that this story has committed is being a mere 8 chapters long with chapter 8.5 being a one shot disconnected from the story. I beg you, dear reader, it's barely 8 chapters long and will take barely under an hour to finish. It is a masterpiece from start to finish and I believe everyone should get the opportunity to consume a godlike narrative such as this.
