Title: Samurai Deeper Kyo

Description: Samurai Deeper Kyo is Akimine Kamijyo's first published manga. First released in October 1999 in Shūkan Shōnen Magazine, volume thirty-seven was published in April, 2006 by Kodansha[1]. The manga led to the adaption of an anime series of the same name from Studio Deen. Both the manga and the anime combine action with the supernatural, taking liberties with historical personages to create an alternate history of Tokugawa Japan.

Although they differ widely in many crucial aspects of plot and characterization, both the anime and the manga follow the story of Demon Eyes Kyo (鬼目の狂, Oni Me no Kyō?) as he seeks to regain his body after his soul was sealed inside the body of his rival, Mibu Kyoshiro (or "Kyoshiro Mibu" when written in western order). Kyo is joined in his search by, among others, the bounty-hunter Shiina Yuya, Benitora (who is actually Tokugawa Hidetada, heir to the shogunate), and Sanada Yukimura, a famous rival of the Tokugawa.

The final chapter of the manga, 307, was published in Japan on May 10, 2006. As of June 2007, 22 volumes have been released in the United States and Canada by Tokyopop, 32 in France, 25 in Spain, 34 in Singapore, 10 in Germany, and 38 (final volume) in Indonesia. The twenty-six episodes of the anime aired in Japan in late 2002. The Anime is licensed in the US by Media Blasters (under the "Anime Works" imprint). As of July 31, 2006 the series starting airing in the US on Encore WAM. Since Encore WAM airs the Anime 7 days a week for each episode, it is suggested that the Anime will finish its first run in the US on August 25.