Spoiling Sparrow Net?

I picked up Volume 18 of Blade of the Immortal: Sparrow Net last week. Most of you know that I harbor unstinting devotion to this high-quality, gripping, thoroughly dramatic and suspenseful series. Hiroaki Samura's acclaimed Blade of the Immortal has won awards across the globe, including the Eisner Award in America and the prestigious Media Arts Award of Japan. However, since Volume 15: Trickster, the pace has slowed dubiously. As you read more of my blogs (doubtful) you will learn that I think this is a cardinal sin of storytelling. Life is too short to...

****SPOILER ALERT****

 

....lock Manji up in Edo castle for three volumes, while we witness the torture of faceless innocents and Rin wrings her hands all the while. Now, in Volume 18: Hyakurin shares sake with Anotsu? Only she doesn't know it. And Manji hints he could have walked at any time? A predictable flashback on Doa and Isaku's dark past? Rin and Doa team up Thelma & Louise style? Samura-sensei, you are a glowing beacon for manga-ka everywhere; but the glory of Blade of the Immortal is in the balance of the strong characters meeting the flying Blade of the Immortal, sir!!! Bring back the action. Your fans are suffering.

-AJ