Demanding training
The second volume of The Way of the Sword begins with the journey of the two heroes to the Palace of Tastes. In this tabernacle, the master decides to abandon his apprentice for two years so that he learns what hard work means. Then Mikedi will go to the Pleasure Pagoda. Here he will learn carnal pleasures and also meet the mysterious Mrs. No, who is said to know even the secret of Musashi Miyamoto’s speed. This is not the end of the adventures that Mikedi will experience, because he will finally have to grab his katana and stain it with the blood of his opponents. As in the previous volume, two stories will be woven into the plot here. This time we are dealing with a legend about a cook who was able to prepare, among other things, phoenix or sea snake dishes. The second story, on the other hand, focuses on the battle between the samurai and the Mongols.
The dishwasher’s tale
The formula has not changed much, again you can only really talk about two heroes. Other characters suddenly appear in a few frames and then disappear immediately, although some – such as Mrs. No – contribute to the development of Mikedie. As in the previous part, Miyamoto still impresses with his extraordinary fencing skills, and his teaching methods seem very unconventional. But Mikedi has completely changed and that’s the best thing that happened in this series. Previously, he was rather uninteresting and at times annoying character, while in Żarki sciencetakes on an individual character, which is especially visible in the exciting finale. I must admit that after the first part I didn’t feel so interested in the continuation, after the second volume I really want to know what path Mikedi will take, and above all – who will become and what decisions he will make.
The charms of the Pagoda of Pleasure
Federico Ferniani is an extremely talented cartoonist. I really like his line, he skillfully depicts amazing landscapes, and also creates bloody and beautiful fight scenes. In addition, in the comic there are two stories drawn in a different style, which is a brilliant procedure, which, unfortunately, in the second volume was a bit worse than in The Ashes of Childhood.. Nevertheless, I am glad that the author has not abandoned this idea, and I hope that in the third volume we will get to know more fascinating legends (in theory, we should find out how Musashi Miyamoto got his unique katana). There is no fault with the quality of the release. On the other hand, it is worth paying attention to the beautiful cover, and most of all to the living flames, consuming everything that falls apart. It’s just a little work of art. Finally, I just need to mention a few interesting sketches at the end of the comic.
Is it worth becoming a student of Musashi Miyamoto?
The Way of the Swordis a fascinating story set in Japan full of magic and fantastic creatures. I liked the second volume much more than the first, because in the pages of this part the main character matured and became a full-size character. It is true that I could fault two things. Among other things, the theme with the Pagoda of Pleasure did not appeal to me very much, but it is only four pages, so I’d better go to the real disappointment. As in the previous volume, stories are woven in here that are drawn in a completely different style, so you can feel as if it was actually a story told by some storyteller. Unfortunately, they were not as genius as the story about forging a sword or “inventing” the shõa ink, and the line leaves much to be desired in this matter. It does not change the fact thatThe Way of the Sword is a great comic book. I look forward to Mind Fire . I hope that after reading the finale, I will remember this trilogy for a long time, because after the addictive Heat of Science, I expect an extremely satisfying conclusion to this story.
