Of Swords and Parasols

Today and yesterday both, i attempted to read this.  Actually, not attempted, did. The book has very, very pretty art...and is utterly incomprehensible.  All my understanding of plot and character comes from the one page of notes at the end of the volume and the character sketches just before it.  The plot is based on the legend of Benkei, who posted himself of the Gojou Bridge, challenging every warrior to pass him and taking their swords when they lost.  At number 1000, however, he was beaten by Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and then entered his service.  Purgatory Kabuki is set in the underworld, where a swordsman named Imanatsurugi is collecting 1000 swords so he can escape.  Each sword takes on a human appearance once he has claimed it, addressing the issue of carrying around all those swords, and they can combine into one being, addressing the issue of his being trailed by an army.

Now that?  Actually sounds pretty fun.  A pity all I could really make out while I was reading was "this guy with this little girl, and he goes around fighting and getting swords that turn into people."

This article goes a long way to explaining why it's hard to follow. telophasepretty accurately sums it up as "I can't write worth beans, but I sure can draw them pretty pictures!"

I normally would not bother posting, but I fear others would be lured by the pretty pictures.

Speaking of manga one should probably avoid despite the lure of pretty pictures and an interesting concept, telophaseposted on Ral Grad.