Sakura Hime: The Legend of Princess Sakura Vol. #07 Manga Review

Sakura discovers Enju’s ultimate goal!

Creative Staff
Story: Arina Tanemura
Art: Arina Tanemura
Translation/Adaptation: Tetsuichiro Miyaki

What They Say
Every time Asagiri uses her powers, she shortens her life span. In spite of this, she continues to use her powers to fight her former lover, Ukyo. Though Ukyo will not attack her, this is a fight Asagiri cannot win.

Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Volume 7 is a mixed bag. In addition to battle scenes, there’s drama and suspense. Most of the romantic anguish stems from the conclusion of the Ukyo/Asagiri fight, and those who prefer their love stories tragic will eat up the ultimate fate of the star-crossed lovers.

There’s also angst of a different sort between Sakura and her brother. After chapters and chapters of inner turmoil, she finally accepts the fact that he is no longer the gentle person she once knew. However, Tanemura-sensei plays this less as a rift between family members and more as a woman struggling to let go of her first love. Though it has been mentioned in this series that sibling marriages were acceptable in the Heian era, hearing Sakura refer to Enju this way does give off a squicky vibe.

Following the Ukyo/Asagiri duel, Aoba (not surprisingly) proceeds to battle Enju for Sakura. But Tanemura-sensei throws us for a loop by pitching Sakura in an unexpected fight against Rurijo and then heightens matters with an astonishing reveal about Enju’s ultimate goal. Unfortunately, the final conclusion to the Shura Yugenden isn’t quite satisfying (all that firepower and manpower and the bad guys still get away?), but it does ensure that Sakura will face Enju again – and this time with full knowledge of what’s at stake.

By the way, Volume 7 includes several extras including bonus funnies and closing remarks from Tanemura-sensei and her assistants.

In Summary
The Shura Yugenden arc reaches its conclusion. Though the ultimate outcome of the battle is predictable, what Sakura discovers in the middle the fight should take you by surprise.

Content Grade: B-
Art Grade: B+
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: B

Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: April 3rd, 2012
MSRP: $9.99

Sakura Eries

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In addition to writing reviews here, I’ve authored a number of short works, including several stories in Cricket magazine. I also have novel-length projects in the works. Find links to my works at my blog: sqeries.wordpress.com.

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