Blade of the Immortal #125

Blade of the Immortal, created by Hiroaki Samura, began its serialization in the Japanese manga magazine Afternoon in 1993. The series centers on Manji, a skilled swordsman cursed with immortality, who must kill one thousand evil men to regain his mortality. Issue 125 falls within the later stages of the decade-long narrative, reflecting Samura's signature grittiness and his distinctive, ink-heavy aesthetic that blends traditional ukiyo-e influences with modern cinematic pacing.

Samura designed the series to subvert the tropes of the jidaigeki genre by incorporating experimental panel layouts and complex, non-linear character arcs. The series was highly regarded by critics for its meticulous anatomical detail and kinetic action sequences. Throughout its run, the work maintained a cult following for its uncompromising exploration of violence and redemption, eventually earning a prestigious Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material.