Every anime season has that one show that has to out due all others in terms of blood, violence, and insane mind rapeage. Claymore took that spot last season, but for this season we have something even more brutal, Shigurui. Yes, there are no monsters in this series, no spells, and no shinigami. What we do have is a period piece centered around the samurai; which we all know to be more violent than the objects listed above. I wasn’t expecting anything that has already been seen before, but to my surprise this is not your average samurai story. See why after the jump.

This story takes place during the Kanei era (1629), and is initially centered around a tournament that allows its users to battle with real swords, not wooden ones they previously fought with. Two men are about to fight in this tournament, to the death of course. However, both are handicapped. Right before they exchange blows, we have a…. … flashback! On to the true beginning of this story when these two swordsman meet for the first time. Let’s just say their bodies are not as messed up as their future incarnations. Are the wounds from the future caused by the countless battles between them, or something else entirely? The music so far is fantastic, only using authentic Japanese instruments. It really sets the mood for Shigurui. Not just because it sounds like Japan, but because it establishes a sinister atmosphere. It is not only the music that gives Shigurui a sinister atmosphere, but the cinematography as well. A lot of recent series have been using super dark colors to drive home the fact that this scene is supposed to be a scary one (I’m looking at you Claymore). But on the other hand Shigurui uses the combination of ultra white scenes with dark scenes to spice things up a little bit. On the negative side I would have to say the plot in the first episode is a little bit disjointed; hopping from one place to the other without fully explaining anything. However I believe it will work it self back to a normal pace as the plot stays firmly in the past. I was truly surprised after viewing the first episode of this show. Not only is this seriously creepy, but also has potential to have some pretty good moments of pure action ecstasy. So don’t watch it if you have a weak stomach. However, if your stomach is strong like bull then you have no excuse.