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Shurayuki-hime / Lady Snowblood: 4 volumes edition #4
Lady Snowblood, Vol 4: Retribution, Part 2
As samurai were losing their bearings in a time of change, Yuki brought back the demonic spirit of vengeance. And the good part about this last volume of Lady Snowblood is that she saved her most hated targets for last. Yet, in the midst of a maelstrom of sex and violence, the reader will still catch a few glimpses of warmth and human compassion. That's because Kazuo Koike, the creator of the popular Lone Wolf and Cub manga, knows how to build around good characters, and Lady Snowblood is certainly no exception. See how it all ends in Volume 4, the second part of "Retribution."
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2006
5 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Kazuo Koike
562 books295 followersKazuo Koike (小池一夫, Koike Kazuo) was a prolific Japanese manga writer, novelist and entrepreneur.
Early in Koike's career, he studied under Golgo 13 creator Takao Saito and served as a writer on the series.
Koike, along with artist Goseki Kojima, made the manga Kozure Okami (Lone Wolf and Cub), and Koike also contributed to the scripts for the 1970s film adaptations of the series, which starred famous Japanese actor Tomisaburo Wakayama. Koike and Kojima became known as the "Golden Duo" because of the success of Lone Wolf and Cub.
Another series written by Koike, Crying Freeman, which was illustrated by Ryoichi Ikegami, was adapted into a 1995 live-action film by French director Christophe Gans.
Kazuo Koike started the Gekika Sonjuku, a college course meant to teach people how to be mangaka.
In addition to his more violent, action-oriented manga, Koike, an avid golfer, has also written golf manga.
Early in Koike's career, he studied under Golgo 13 creator Takao Saito and served as a writer on the series.
Koike, along with artist Goseki Kojima, made the manga Kozure Okami (Lone Wolf and Cub), and Koike also contributed to the scripts for the 1970s film adaptations of the series, which starred famous Japanese actor Tomisaburo Wakayama. Koike and Kojima became known as the "Golden Duo" because of the success of Lone Wolf and Cub.
Another series written by Koike, Crying Freeman, which was illustrated by Ryoichi Ikegami, was adapted into a 1995 live-action film by French director Christophe Gans.
Kazuo Koike started the Gekika Sonjuku, a college course meant to teach people how to be mangaka.
In addition to his more violent, action-oriented manga, Koike, an avid golfer, has also written golf manga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 2, 2019
Definitely the weakest of the series here. I would never talk trash about Koike and Co. yet, it almost feels like the duo must have been burnt out after all the numerous projects that they had been working simultaneously on came to fruition. Due to the exhaustion: creativity, cohesion and the satisfying conclusion I would have expected have suffered accordingly.
The charm of the past two stellar volumes has been watered down again and again in each subsequent issue henceforth. The ribald and tawdry previously dealt with a delicate touch that was artistic as it was funny is not present here. Borderline pornographic material that is mirthless as it is pretty insignificant to plot development as a whole is the result. Ultimately, what made Lady SnowBlood uniquely fun and memorable has been diluted at ever single level.
I’m not sure what the ultimate reason was but, it’s a disappointment overall.
The charm of the past two stellar volumes has been watered down again and again in each subsequent issue henceforth. The ribald and tawdry previously dealt with a delicate touch that was artistic as it was funny is not present here. Borderline pornographic material that is mirthless as it is pretty insignificant to plot development as a whole is the result. Ultimately, what made Lady SnowBlood uniquely fun and memorable has been diluted at ever single level.
I’m not sure what the ultimate reason was but, it’s a disappointment overall.
September 26, 2016
So did Yuki finally avenged her mother's murder? That is for you to find out. Retribution, Part 2 ends the Lady Snowblood series. And I say, despite it's explicit nudity, objectification of women, rape and obvious sexual fetishes, Lady Snowblood is a literature about revenge that should be read.
The story is very much straightforward with a typical "point A to point B" type of narrative. There might be unrelated chapters of contract killings but that is totally okay. Lady Snowblood is a violent piece of literature that gnaws on the protagonist's dark past and sells itself as a cultural manga.
To call Lady Snowblood Shura Yuki the female version of the Lone Wolf and Cub's Itto Ogami is a bit of an overstatement because this four volume manga is nowhere near the Lone Wolf in terms of story quality and artwork. Both Itto and Yuki just want to avenge their family. And aside from both of them good with swords revenge is the word that ties these both two characters.
Lady Snowblood as a whole delivers an action-packed revenge story. Kazuo Koike and artist Kazuo Kamimura, thank you.
The story is very much straightforward with a typical "point A to point B" type of narrative. There might be unrelated chapters of contract killings but that is totally okay. Lady Snowblood is a violent piece of literature that gnaws on the protagonist's dark past and sells itself as a cultural manga.
To call Lady Snowblood Shura Yuki the female version of the Lone Wolf and Cub's Itto Ogami is a bit of an overstatement because this four volume manga is nowhere near the Lone Wolf in terms of story quality and artwork. Both Itto and Yuki just want to avenge their family. And aside from both of them good with swords revenge is the word that ties these both two characters.
Lady Snowblood as a whole delivers an action-packed revenge story. Kazuo Koike and artist Kazuo Kamimura, thank you.
June 20, 2018
Overall, this series was enjoyable. Surprised they never made an anime series on it. However, made me realise that some characters need to beware of the grudge. Vengeance only makes rational sense if it is your life's sole purpose.
February 27, 2025
Meno coinvolgente degli altri volumi, manca la sensualità,l' intensità , è un continuo massacro accompagnato da filippiche politiche che alla lunga diventano noiose, la vendetta la passione i sentimenti estremi degli altri volumi in questo non ci sono peccato
May 20, 2018
An underwhelming conclusion to an underwhelming series. The art was exceptional, as it was throughout every issue, but the story-writing and wonky pace left much to be desired. The story feels rushed, under-cooked, and, at times, unnecessarily lewd. So much potential wasted here.
September 5, 2015
First there was this manga:
Then this movie (yes, Flower of Carnage fans, yes!):
And in the end this:
So I thought it could be interesting to learn the sources.
Disappointed I was not.
Lady Snowblood, Child of Hell, alias Syura Yuki or Shurayuki-hime, was raised as an assassin to take revenge for her violated and deceased mother, and murdered family, it's her only goal in life and the reason of her existence. Her killer skills are immaculate, she's deadly and knows no compassion. As a person she's talented to the point of genius and she's merciless to herself.
Yuki is perfect, hypnotic and cool just as her blade hidden in umbrella. We don't get much more than that to learn about her. But in the frame of this story it's completely fine, I guess. After all, it's a tale of sword and revenge and we all expect blood and guts to be exposed, not the psychological portrait of a killer with childhood trauma. Although her childhood and her training is exposed, as well as the story of her birth and the tragedy that became a root of her fate.
The story is packed with action, violence and sex that is rather rough, yet depicted quite metaphorically (and... tastefully??), which is characteristic for the classic manga of '70-ies. The art is moderate yet beautiful and flawless.
This is a must read for you if you're a sucker for revenge stories and the Count Monte Cristo was your favourite bedtime story, also if you're into cool female characters and if you don't mind lack of humour in your manga (though I can't deny there was some, especially the arc with writer was quite funny).
Also, you'll have to get over some typical Japanese sexism of Meiji era (just Meiji? riiight...), and over the brainwashing of innocent little girls into becoming a revenge weapon.
If you can deal with all that - you'll see, this manga is really something!
P.S. Although I've got a female crush on Meiko Kaji, the "Lady Snowblood" movie is recommended only to hardcore fans of japanese costume drama with litres of artificial blood and asian overacting. Plus, it's a living proof that not only Hollywood ruins great stories.
P.S.2. As for the "Kill Bill", well, I fell asleep in the middle of part II couple of years ago and haven't finished watching it so far...
Then this movie (yes, Flower of Carnage fans, yes!):
And in the end this:
So I thought it could be interesting to learn the sources.
Disappointed I was not.
Lady Snowblood, Child of Hell, alias Syura Yuki or Shurayuki-hime, was raised as an assassin to take revenge for her violated and deceased mother, and murdered family, it's her only goal in life and the reason of her existence. Her killer skills are immaculate, she's deadly and knows no compassion. As a person she's talented to the point of genius and she's merciless to herself.
Yuki is perfect, hypnotic and cool just as her blade hidden in umbrella. We don't get much more than that to learn about her. But in the frame of this story it's completely fine, I guess. After all, it's a tale of sword and revenge and we all expect blood and guts to be exposed, not the psychological portrait of a killer with childhood trauma. Although her childhood and her training is exposed, as well as the story of her birth and the tragedy that became a root of her fate.
The story is packed with action, violence and sex that is rather rough, yet depicted quite metaphorically (and... tastefully??), which is characteristic for the classic manga of '70-ies. The art is moderate yet beautiful and flawless.
This is a must read for you if you're a sucker for revenge stories and the Count Monte Cristo was your favourite bedtime story, also if you're into cool female characters and if you don't mind lack of humour in your manga (though I can't deny there was some, especially the arc with writer was quite funny).
Also, you'll have to get over some typical Japanese sexism of Meiji era (just Meiji? riiight...), and over the brainwashing of innocent little girls into becoming a revenge weapon.
If you can deal with all that - you'll see, this manga is really something!
P.S. Although I've got a female crush on Meiko Kaji, the "Lady Snowblood" movie is recommended only to hardcore fans of japanese costume drama with litres of artificial blood and asian overacting. Plus, it's a living proof that not only Hollywood ruins great stories.
P.S.2. As for the "Kill Bill", well, I fell asleep in the middle of part II couple of years ago and haven't finished watching it so far...
February 23, 2017
After the disappointing previous volume, Koike and Kamimura hit their stride again.
January 8, 2019
Final chapter in the revenge saga of Lady Snowblood.
As with previous issues story is broken between Lady Snowblood's revenge (hunting down the remaining two criminals that have killed her family - last chapter is pretty emotional for our protagonist as she decides to help the daughter of the last criminal to gain freedom and move away from the criminal underworld - thus showing Lady Snowblood's ability to discern between her revenge and sparing innocent lives; she is scalpel not a hatchet when it comes to hunting down her family's assailants) and missions she takes from other people along the way (first chapter and killing of the blackmailing photographer).
There are few scenes here that are pretty explicit but again nothing that is that much different from previous volumes.
Art as always is great although first chapter is rather difficult to grasp (due to the rain acting as a stage for the events). There was one funny moment in the same chapter too when Lady Snowblood is .... let's say engaged with the head nurse and gunshot is heard so she jumps up, alarmed. It seems like there is additional leg in the panel :)
In the end after avenging her family's destruction it is obvious that Lady Snowblood now can only act as a hired sword - for one who dedicates whole life to a single goal can only proceed along that same direction.
Highly recommended to all fans of action thrillers.
As with previous issues story is broken between Lady Snowblood's revenge (hunting down the remaining two criminals that have killed her family - last chapter is pretty emotional for our protagonist as she decides to help the daughter of the last criminal to gain freedom and move away from the criminal underworld - thus showing Lady Snowblood's ability to discern between her revenge and sparing innocent lives; she is scalpel not a hatchet when it comes to hunting down her family's assailants) and missions she takes from other people along the way (first chapter and killing of the blackmailing photographer).
There are few scenes here that are pretty explicit but again nothing that is that much different from previous volumes.
Art as always is great although first chapter is rather difficult to grasp (due to the rain acting as a stage for the events). There was one funny moment in the same chapter too when Lady Snowblood is .... let's say engaged with the head nurse and gunshot is heard so she jumps up, alarmed. It seems like there is additional leg in the panel :)
In the end after avenging her family's destruction it is obvious that Lady Snowblood now can only act as a hired sword - for one who dedicates whole life to a single goal can only proceed along that same direction.
Highly recommended to all fans of action thrillers.
March 5, 2024
The bloody culmination of Lady Snowblood's quest for vengeance wraps with "Retribution, Part 2". The journey was winding and nonlinear, but Oyuki has been of singular mind in terms of bringing the band of four criminals responsible for the incarceration and eventual death of her mother. Born and bred with revenge as her only goal, Oyuki is on the last legs of her journey to ensure that Hanzo Takameru, the last name on her list, meets his end. The story is a bit dry for an exploitation thriller, but the payoff is there in the end. There is one specific chapter here ("Indecent Photographer's Confession") that seems jarring and out of place but the lead into the final chapter, "Bamboo's Grace", was really well done. Oyuki finds Hanzo, an older man now, and brutally executes him. But with her Lady Snowblood persona shed aside, Oyuki finds peace in helping Hanzo's daughter find a stable life elsewhere. The job is done, so where does Oyuki go from here? The question remains unanswered, but that is for the best.
A fun manga for sure especially if you're into revenge, exploitation and violence in your stories. It doesn't really do anything too different from your standard thriller fare but it executes on most of the tropes to a high degree.
A fun manga for sure especially if you're into revenge, exploitation and violence in your stories. It doesn't really do anything too different from your standard thriller fare but it executes on most of the tropes to a high degree.
September 20, 2024
We didn't get any girl-on-girl action yet, did we? Well, we're getting some now. All tasteful, of course, just like the demonstration on the proper use of a dildo. Rape, sadly, can't be tasteful no matter what you do to it.
December 27, 2021
Regressar a Lady Snowblood, esse ponto alto da estética da violência estilizada. As histórias seguem as aventuras da assassina a soldo, motivada por uma vingança para a qual foi preparada ainda antes de nascer. Mas o que dá a este manga a sua beleza é a forma como o ilustrador colide o estilo clássico do desenho japonês com a ação pura das artes marciais. Lady Snowblood é isto, é tanto contemplarmos uma prancha que parece saída da arte japonesa clássica, como ficarmos sem fôlego com enquadramentos de ação num ritmo cinematográfico. Visualmente deslumbrante, imparável, com um toque de sensualidade, sempre num ritmo narrativo fluído e cinemático.
May 9, 2021
Honorable Retribution
There are many story episodes that were left out from two of Lady Snowblood films. First film was focused on the girl born from the mother in prison that grew up to learn the skills and hunt down those responsible for the death of her family. Second film was her being hired to assassinate certain nobility but only complicated by several variables. This last volume of this manga came down to an ambiguity. One kinda wondered what happened in the end. The stories are good. They are a bit different from the movies. IMO, both versions are good. Recommended.
There are many story episodes that were left out from two of Lady Snowblood films. First film was focused on the girl born from the mother in prison that grew up to learn the skills and hunt down those responsible for the death of her family. Second film was her being hired to assassinate certain nobility but only complicated by several variables. This last volume of this manga came down to an ambiguity. One kinda wondered what happened in the end. The stories are good. They are a bit different from the movies. IMO, both versions are good. Recommended.
August 10, 2020
Why Lady Snowblood manga wasn't adapted into an Anime? Written by a very popular manga writer, yet no anime. Plus the story is like 'Kill Bill' on steroids. Loads and loads of Violence. Would've made a great Anime show/movie. Would check out the live-action movies though.
Finished all 5 Volumes. Incredible amount of Fun. 5/5
Highly Recommended!
Ignore the 5th volume or Extra. Written by different writer and irrelevant to the main storyline.
Finished all 5 Volumes. Incredible amount of Fun. 5/5
Highly Recommended!
Ignore the 5th volume or Extra. Written by different writer and irrelevant to the main storyline.
December 29, 2021
Less than stellar ending to a legendary series, but as a revenge story it does exactly what it sets out to do. It rains or snows for most of the volume, which make for a lot of beautiful scenery amongst the violence.
May 5, 2024
Los ultimos dos sujetos de la venganza .
LA primera esta bien
Pero la segunda se siente apresurada
3 stars
De la serie en general, interesante y diferente, aunque si con dibujos mas nsfw.
3.5 stars
LA primera esta bien
Pero la segunda se siente apresurada
3 stars
De la serie en general, interesante y diferente, aunque si con dibujos mas nsfw.
3.5 stars
December 11, 2017
Loved this final volume! Nonstop action and as always, gorgeous art.
February 12, 2018
That was a very interesting and atmospheric read. If you are looking for a good revenge story, that's it!
April 30, 2019
Excellent Manga!
Ebook version. Great story, great art. Movie mostly faithful to Manga. Inspired Kill Bill. Highly recommended. Also have the 2005-6TP's.
Ebook version. Great story, great art. Movie mostly faithful to Manga. Inspired Kill Bill. Highly recommended. Also have the 2005-6TP's.
June 11, 2019
4.5 really
June 27, 2019
"What were his tears for?"
August 10, 2019
A true masterpiece, book four concludes the saga in a poignant and visceral way unlike anything I’ve read in manga, comics, or novels. I love this book.
May 25, 2020
The final volume wraps up the storyline with a bit more dignity than is usual for this series.
March 15, 2021
Rushed conclusion to the series. Wish series was a few volumes longer. Overall definitely recommend the series especially if you like Kill Bill or Lone Wolf and Cub.
April 12, 2021
Και το τέλος επιστρέφει στη χρυσή μετριότητα. Δεν έχασα και τον καιρό μου, αλλά υπάρχουν και πιο συγκλονιστικά πράγματα να διαβάσει κανείς.
August 23, 2024
3,2 estrelas
April 1, 2025
Mid ending to a series that I had high hopes for.
December 19, 2011
The fourth and final volume in the Lady Snowblood series was probably my favorite of the series, mostly because it is so focused on the actual revenge, and as a result we got to see a large chunk of Oyuki's character. It was also immensely useful for my paper, so all in all, it was probably one of the better volumes in this series.
This final volumes had a few episodic stories, but the majority of the volume is solely dedicated to Oyuki's final acts of revenge in killing the last two men who destroyed her family. I really enjoyed the emotions Oyuki's struggles with during this volume both in relation to her actual revenge, and in relation to the people helping and continuing to love her. It was interesting to see how far Koike had come in creating a very human (and relatable) Oyuki in contrast to her cold, distant, Lady Snowblood identity.
I really enjoyed the ending as well to this series, even though it was one of those 'let's leave it up to the readers' interpretation'-ish, which I usually hate, but at the same time worked really well with the way the story was presented throughout this series. It didn't help with my paper much :P, but as a reader I enjoyed it.
All in all, I liked Lady Snowblood. This fourth volume was one of my favorites in the series, but as a whole the manga was a different, yet typical take on both the revenge and assassin genre, with great art and pretty good story outside of the abundance of gore and sex. 4-4.5/5
This final volumes had a few episodic stories, but the majority of the volume is solely dedicated to Oyuki's final acts of revenge in killing the last two men who destroyed her family. I really enjoyed the emotions Oyuki's struggles with during this volume both in relation to her actual revenge, and in relation to the people helping and continuing to love her. It was interesting to see how far Koike had come in creating a very human (and relatable) Oyuki in contrast to her cold, distant, Lady Snowblood identity.
I really enjoyed the ending as well to this series, even though it was one of those 'let's leave it up to the readers' interpretation'-ish, which I usually hate, but at the same time worked really well with the way the story was presented throughout this series. It didn't help with my paper much :P, but as a reader I enjoyed it.
All in all, I liked Lady Snowblood. This fourth volume was one of my favorites in the series, but as a whole the manga was a different, yet typical take on both the revenge and assassin genre, with great art and pretty good story outside of the abundance of gore and sex. 4-4.5/5
August 7, 2025
I never read any books concerning assassins but I have to say that I really like this one. This book is thicker than most manga but it was an interesting story to follow.
The story is about a woman named Oyuki who is on a path of vengeance towards the ones who killed her family and raped her mother. The action is pretty cool. Here a beautiful woman is able to find the people she's looking for, using an infinite amount of resources, and kills them pretty ruthlessly.
Oyuki, sadly, is not much of a character but is just the plot itself. I admit, she does more than most heroine's that I've read. She has resources, is smart, beautiful, and kills the people she's hired to kill and that's about it. There's nothing that interesting about her. But characterization aside, when I picked up this book I just wanted to see her kill people. I'm sorry but that's the honest truth.
Not only is the action very entertaining, but the things that Oyuki does in order to kill her targets are just freaking incredible. I have to say, even thought she doesn't have much of a personality Oyuki can kick some ass!!!
There's not much else to say. There's not much to the story but I will say I did enjoy it.
The story is about a woman named Oyuki who is on a path of vengeance towards the ones who killed her family and raped her mother. The action is pretty cool. Here a beautiful woman is able to find the people she's looking for, using an infinite amount of resources, and kills them pretty ruthlessly.
Oyuki, sadly, is not much of a character but is just the plot itself. I admit, she does more than most heroine's that I've read. She has resources, is smart, beautiful, and kills the people she's hired to kill and that's about it. There's nothing that interesting about her. But characterization aside, when I picked up this book I just wanted to see her kill people. I'm sorry but that's the honest truth.
Not only is the action very entertaining, but the things that Oyuki does in order to kill her targets are just freaking incredible. I have to say, even thought she doesn't have much of a personality Oyuki can kick some ass!!!
There's not much else to say. There's not much to the story but I will say I did enjoy it.
June 11, 2016
En poco tiempo le pude dar fin a esta entrega que, a pesar de tener un final muy anti climático, me pareció muy acorde; me explico, me gustó el hecho que uno de los integrantes de la lista admitiera su falla y la vergüenza que eso le causaba, esa ofensa que cometió; pero estaba demasiado viejo y de paso admitió ser manipulado por otro de la lista para tal fin. Un asunto bastante agrio si me permiten la observación.
Pero a pesar de todo, Oyuki no es tan mala persona y es capaz de actos extraños de compasión incluso con algunos que la llevaron a esa vida; pero lo mejor del asunto fue el regreso del singular escritor, personaje que realmente merece la pena su propia serie ramificación.
Pero a pesar de todo, Oyuki no es tan mala persona y es capaz de actos extraños de compasión incluso con algunos que la llevaron a esa vida; pero lo mejor del asunto fue el regreso del singular escritor, personaje que realmente merece la pena su propia serie ramificación.
June 11, 2007
I was good with merely reading the first two books in this series; this last volume had beautiful artwork but the storyline was pretty disjointed and jumped around. Also, sex with enemies for the sake of sex: I'm neutral on that for a revenge story. If you read this manga with a vengeful soundtrack in the background, you may appreciate it more than I did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews