Tougen Anki: Legend of the Cursed Blood Vol. 1 kicks off a gritty, high-stakes fantasy series filled with ancient rivalries, personal vengeance, and inner turmoil. The story follows Shiki Ichinose, a hot-headed teenage delinquent raised by his adoptive father, Tsuyoshi. Shiki has always felt a disconnect between himself and the rest of the world, but nothing could have prepared him for the revelation that he’s not fully human. His life is turned upside down when an assassin from the Momotarou Agency—tasked with exterminating the Oni—shows up at his door, forcing Tsuyoshi to reveal Shiki’s true heritage in a moment of crisis.
The emotional tone is set early on with Tsuyoshi’s sacrifice. A former Momotarou agent himself, Tsuyoshi chooses to die protecting the son he raised rather than obey orders. It’s a devastating moment, but also one that ignites the Oni blood within Shiki and sets the entire series in motion. Fueled by rage and grief, Shiki vows to embrace his newfound powers and avenge his father, launching himself into a violent world where he’s now a marked target and a reluctant heir to a legacy he never asked for.
A key strength of this volume is its focus on identity. Shiki’s journey isn’t just physical—it’s psychological. He has to come to terms with being part of a race feared and hunted by society, all while struggling to control his own violent impulses. His internal battles are as important as the external ones, giving the story a grounded emotional core. It’s a classic shonen foundation, but with sharper edges and more nuance than expected.
Visually, the manga delivers. Yura Urushibara’s artwork is intense and sharp, especially during action scenes where movement, power, and emotion blend seamlessly. The character designs have strong visual identities, with the Oni and Momotarou factions clearly distinguished in style and presence. Shiki’s transformation is visceral and dramatic, as is the emotional weight he carries on his face throughout the story. The linework, panel transitions, and combat choreography all add to the sense of urgency and high stakes.
What really sets this series apart is its moral complexity. The centuries-old feud between the Oni and Momotarou isn’t a simple good-versus-evil setup. Instead, the narrative challenges the reader to question both sides. The Oni are feared and persecuted, but they’re not all monsters. The Momotarou claim to protect humanity, but their actions are often cruel and uncompromising. This blurred line between hero and villain adds depth to the story and opens up the possibility for future conflict not just of fists, but of ideals.
The supporting cast, while still being introduced, shows a lot of potential. Characters who encounter Shiki react with a mix of fear, awe, and suspicion. Some want to guide him, others want to control or destroy him. These relationships are setting the stage for deeper themes of loyalty, manipulation, and personal growth. Shiki’s journey looks to be one where he not only has to survive but figure out who he can trust—and who he wants to become.
The pacing is strong throughout the volume. It blends character backstory, world-building, and action without dragging or rushing. The lore is doled out in digestible pieces, never overwhelming the reader but always hinting at something larger. By the final chapter, we’re fully immersed in Shiki’s world—and on the edge of our seats, waiting to see what comes next.
I absolutely loved this volume and can’t wait to see how the series continues. Tougen Anki Vol. 1 hits hard with emotion, action, and some fantastic character setup. It’s a dark, stylish, and emotionally charged entry into the world of shonen manga, and I’m fully invested in watching Shiki carve his path through blood, legacy, and destiny.
