Vlood Reign: Curse of the Yoma is a gripping and dark fantasy manga series created by Kei Kusunoki. Set in a world where humans coexist with supernatural creatures called Yoma, the story revolves around a young Yoma named Vlood, who becomes an outcast from his kind due to his unique qualities. Vlood is a half-blood Yoma, born from the forbidden union between a human and a Yoma. This rare heritage grants him incredible powers but also makes him despised and feared by both humans and Yoma alike. He is forced to live his life in the shadows, always on the run and hiding his true identity. The curse of the Yoma is a central theme in the series.
A terrible war has ravaged the land, and now, fueled by the blood of numerous fallen warriors the Yoma, demons from hell, emerge once more. A skilled ninja seeks to end the bloodshed these demons inflict upon humanity, but to do this he must fight against his undead former best friend and fellow ninja who was killed in battle and has been resurrected to serve the Yoma.
It seems like a simple enough mission, but Hikage worries more for Marou than he lets on, and sinister forces from Hell are about to make themselves known to the blood-soaked land that is Japan. A skilled ninja seeks to end the bloodshed these demons inflict upon humanity, but to do this he must fight against his undead former best friend and fellow ninja who was killed in battle and has been resurrected to serve the Yoma.
The curse of the Yoma is a central theme in the series. Yoma are known for their insatiable hunger for human flesh, and their existence is seen as a blight on humanity. They are constantly hunted down by special organizations of human warriors known as the Yoma Slayers.
Manga / Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma
A lesser-known manga by Kei Kusunoki, the author of Bitter Virgin and Ogre Slayer. It takes place in Feudal Japan and revolves around two fellow ninjas from the Takeda clan, who have also been best friends since childhood. One of the two, Marou, begins acting strangely and just ups and disappears one night. That same night, the clan's leader is brutally murdered by a demon from Hell; a yōma. Fearing the worst, Marou's friend, Hikage, is ordered to track down the former and kill him before he can spread the word about the death of their leader to the clan's enemies.
It seems like a simple enough mission, but Hikage worries more for Marou than he lets on, and sinister forces from Hell are about to make themselves known to the blood-soaked land that is Japan.
The manga was later adapted into a two-episode OVA, which was aired on Encore's short-lived anime block in the states. It was also the first anime to be dubbed at ADV Films' Austin-based recording studio Monster Island.
These warriors possess unique abilities and weapons specifically designed to vanquish Yoma. However, Vlood's curse is different. While he thirsts for human blood like other Yoma, he also possesses a strong sense of justice and compassion. He despises his own cravings and refuses to succumb to the darkness within him. This inner struggle between his Yoma nature and his human conscience forms one of the core conflicts of the story. As Vlood embarks on a journey to discover his purpose and identity, he encounters various characters with their own motivations and agendas. Some seek to kill him, viewing him as a threat to humanity, while others see him as a potential savior who could bridge the gap between Yoma and humans. The artwork of Vlood Reign: Curse of the Yoma is dark and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the gritty and dangerous world in which the story takes place. The fight scenes are intense and brutal, showcasing the power and ferocity of the Yoma and Yoma Slayers. Throughout the series, Vlood must confront not only external threats but also his own internal demons. As he battles to control his Yoma nature, he begins to question the prejudice and hatred that exists between humans and Yoma. Through his struggles, Vlood explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the nature of good and evil. Vlood Reign: Curse of the Yoma is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged manga series that delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of prejudice. It serves as a reminder that even the darkest of creatures can possess a glimmer of light within them..
Reviews for "Vlood Reign's Yoma Curse: A Dark Force to be Reckoned With"
1. Mark - 2 stars - I found "Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma" to be an underwhelming anime. The story lacked depth and the characters felt one-dimensional. The animation quality was subpar, with choppy movements and lack of attention to detail. The fight scenes were lackluster and predictable. Overall, I was disappointed with this anime and would not recommend it to others.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma" was a complete waste of time. The plot was confusing and poorly developed. The pacing was off, with long stretches of nothing happening and sudden bursts of action that felt disjointed. The characters were uninteresting and felt like stereotypes. The animation was outdated and unimpressive. I regret watching this anime and would advise others to stay away from it.
3. Alex - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The storyline had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was inconsistent, and the plot felt rushed at times. The characters lacked depth and failed to evoke any emotional connection. The animation was mediocre at best, with dull colors and lack of attention to detail. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied with this anime.
4. Emily - 1 star - "Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma" was a major disappointment for me. The story was repetitive and predictable, lacking any originality. The characters were forgettable and lacked development. The animation was outdated and didn't do justice to the action sequences. The dialogue was cliché and the voice acting felt forced. I would not recommend wasting your time on this anime.
5. Kevin - 2 stars - I found "Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma" to be a forgettable and uninspiring anime. The plot was convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to stay engaged. The characters were generic and lacked any real depth or complexity. The animation quality was mediocre, with uninspired visuals that did not enhance the overall viewing experience. Overall, I was left feeling unimpressed with this anime and would not recommend it to others.