Since it doesn't seem to be mentioned anywhere in the comments or description, I thought it was worth mentioning that this is an adaptation of The Kouga Ninja Scrolls, a 1958 novel by the late Futaro Yamada, which is often described as the first modern Japanese fantasy novel.

The story, which is the first in his "Ninja Scroll Series", has been adapted into three different manga, as well as an anime and a live action film. It's also inspired countless other anime and manga. An English translation of the novel has been published by Del Ray Books.

The manga has, in my opinion, a distinctly "80s ninja anime" vibe, perhaps because it's adapting the origin of modern Japanese ninja stories, or perhaps because the last decade has been dominated by the thoroughly modern Naruto. If you've ever watched Ninja Scroll or Yotoden: Wrath of the Ninja, this will likely feel very familiar to you.

This is truly a Romeo and Juliet story-- you have been warned.
The art is what I found most unique about this; it's very clean, especially the scenery, and I could actually TELL what was happening during fighting scenes, which was nice. It wasn't just a mess of body parts and undistinguishable shapes.
Basically this is reccomended to those who like fighting rivalries, ninjas, and a tiny bit of romance tossed in. And for those who can stand a sad ending.

When I finished reading I felt kind of conserned. It was really sad to see how people killed each other for the sake of power. And in the middle is two who loves each other. I couldn't help feeling sadness over everyones destiny. I also makes reminds me of off all the wrong things that happens in this world.
This is a really good fighting manga. The action is well drawn and I think the art is beautiful.
I like the dark content about humans nature which is mostly described in how hate affects us.
The mixing of beauty and vilonce is great. It's just like reading Shakespear, but with ninjas.

Basilisk was a fun read, but all my problems with it come from one essential aspect of story telling - DEVELOPMENT.

The manga's characters had little to no development. It's almost like the author is assuming that we know each of their backstories enough to give a damn about their overall character. Sad thing is, I didn't give a single damn about any of them. Well, maybe I was obligated to sympathize with Oboro, and genuinely feel for Akeginu,Koshiro and the old people at the beginning, but that's about it. People die off way too quickly, motivations weren't explored satisfyingly, and even the romance (that was supposed to be a huge factor in the outcome) didn't even feel real.

On the bright side, the action was great, and art is quite excellent by my standards. Most conversations are intelligent, and the overall concept was really good.

So yeah, it could've been done a whole lot better.

Good Artwork and deep plot.
It is very short... thats -1 point
very good manga, just like romeo & julia

one of the most realistic ninja mangas ever it should be rated 10 out of 10.i say that because most ninja mangas aren't that realistic such as naruto though it is still good but i rate it 9/10 base on the story

characters have strange abilities, fast pace story, good artwork (even though I don't like the artwork that looks digitaly animated)

Basilisk is a manga about two warring ninja clans, with the wrench thrown in being that the leaders of each of the clans are in love. The action gets underway from the opening scenes, and keeps up throughout the length of the tale. The art and action both have a gritty feel to them, and compliments the tone of the story well. This one is short and to the point, so if you want vast character development or light hearted, silly filler chapters, you won't find them here; however, the character personalities are well done for how short the series is and for how the plot unfolds. If you are into manga like Flame of Recca or Azumi, Basilisk is a must read!

This manga is pretty good, the story is kinda predictable but what makes me love it are those ninja's skills. Pretty good fight, though the background of the characters are too short. I wish the author make it longer, so we will know much more about those ninjas. We get deeper into the character background only for the two main characters.

The ending is suck.


Good reading though, but I must say a bit disappointing at the same time.

Update: I watched the anime and I can feel some bonding with the characters more rather than in the manga. I feel pity for them.

... Last updated on March 3rd, 2020, 4:15am

The graphic of this manga is really unusual but not bad. I saw firt the anime adaptation and then read this manga. I love it. I'm not into romantic but I love tragedy and gore things. I'm hopping Y+M will be same good.