Stupid's anime blog: Kingdom

I thought I'd never get down to writing my next post, being so busy with work these few weeks after all. And I probably will be, until December, but I'll try to update once in a while.

So anyway, the last manga I read was Kingdom. Set in the Great Warring States era of ancient China, the manga follows the adventures of this boy named Shin. For many who enjoyed the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, or some other Chinese classics, I really do believe you should give this one a try. It generally follows the historical timeline, and magnificently weaves in strategy, action, and the little touch that make all shounen mangas that are worth reading worth reading.

Initially, I thought this was going to be some lame, typical shounen manga, battle after battle with no development. I kept going on, wanting to see how the first conflict would end, and if the King managed to take back his throne. The manga soon hooked me, as I read up till chapter 48, where the main character begins his first major battle as a soldier.

Brilliantly weaving history and engaging story telling, the battles are full of strategy, but also courage, and the balls to take risks. Shin starts off weak and cocky, with no sense for strategy, but in the midst of battle, really proves his worth. And one of the best protagonist traits in shounen manga seems to be that stupid goofiness, although in some cases it really becomes over-done. Yet in Kingdom, the stupidity is clearly balanced out by instinct, and this becomes a common theme in the conflicts between the generals, between strategic planning, and a sixth sense for opportunities.

Kingdom does not neglect the other supporting characters as well, in fact they are as well-loved, if not even more so than Shin. Kyoukai, the female assassin, Sei, the young King, random foot soldiers in his squad, and especially the great generals Ouki and Duke Hyou.

Ouki especially seems to be a villian, but is simply fiercely loyal to the old king 2 generations ago. (The next king died in a few days after ascending the throne.) In that age of backstabbing and assassinations, Ouki remained steadfast to his beliefs. And as Shin and Sei proves themselves, Ouki becomes a powerful ally and mentor, cunning in the ways of strategy, and sensitive to traps. The manga cleverly builds up Ouki, making him one of the most loved characters of all time.

The fans also deified his gorgeous lips, with at least 30 tonnes of paper just dedicated to his magnificence.

It's always about the Lips.

Each of them have their real brilliant moments, and the manga was such a joy to read, putting you through such intense cliffhangers, that you just end up hoping that some miracle will happen, as long as those great men don't die.

#Spoiler alert,