Xiang Yu & Liu Bang

Xiang Yu & Liu Bang is a historical manga series written and illustrated by Mitsuteru Yokoyama, a foundational figure in the medium known for his epic retellings of classic Asian literature. Published in the late 20th century, the work dramatizes the Chu-Han Contention, a brutal struggle for power between two rival warlords that occurred after the fall of the Qin Dynasty. Yokoyama approached the material with his signature clear-line style, focusing on the tactical maneuvers and shifting alliances that defined this chaotic era of Chinese history.

The series reflects Yokoyama's lifelong interest in historical biographies and the transition of power in ancient civilizations. By stripping away embellishments to focus on the strategic decisions of Xiang Yu and Liu Bang, the manga functions as both an accessible historical narrative and a character study of competing leadership philosophies. It was received as a respectful adaptation that solidified Yokoyama's reputation as a master of the historical epic, following the success of his expansive works on the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin.