Now I don't usually write reviews because... who is gonna sit here and listen to my opinion?
The fact that someone like me feels the need to scream from the rooftops about how good this manga actually was should mean a lot.
Most people have probably stumbled here because they've watched the anime and would like to finish out the rest of the series. I'm here to tell you to start from the beginning.
You need to experience the whole 200+ chapters to understand the hidden gem of this underrated manga.
The tale of a nerdy middle school boy who also turns out to be the heir of a powerful yokai clan with a night parade of one hundred demons is told through AMAZING art and a well written storyline.
I can't stress enough how phenomenal the art is, all the intricate details and imagination took me by surprise.
The pacing of the story makes sense and the battles are better than most. I love a manga that could easily portray what's actually going on in battle - this does its job while still giving you that "oh shit its going down" feeling.
I know you're probably reading this like "but this is just a shounen about a 12 year old boy powering up and looking badass"
WRONG.
This is a shounen about a 12 year old boy looking badass with group of side characters that make up for what he lacks. The side characters all have their own stories that are interesting. It's refreshing to read something that didn't have me eye rolling because the mangaka wanted to give a backstory on an annoying character. Big plus- Some of the yokai are actually based on real myths.
The "family/friends are my strength" trope is strong in this one. As Rikuo's grandfather and father were the past supreme commanders of the Nura clan and leader of the night parade of one hundred demons, he uses this as his motivation to become just like them.
Rikuo's character development is pretty much reminiscent to any regular shounen character. What stood out the most was he didn't become super powered up over night. It took him some time (and getting his ass kicked) before he refined the techniques he uses in the last arc.
The last arc of the story does feel rushed in some parts. It could get a little tricky remembering names of some of the villains due to the length of the names but its nothing to get me annoyed.
Overall this manga exceeded my expectations. I expected the little kid vibes from the anime but instead I received a more action packed and dark tale with a hint of comedic relief.
In conclusion If you're thinking about giving this a shot - do it.