Basara

Description

From Viz:
Basara is a post-apocalyptic fantasy adventure series and one of the most popular shôjo manga of the 90s in Japan. It is the story of how a young girl becomes "the child of destiny" and finds the strength to free her people and seek revenge for the death of her brother.

Note: Won the Shogakukan Manga Award for Shoujo in 1992.

Type

Manga

Related Series

N/A

Associated Names

Legend of Basara

Басара

บาซาร่า ศัตรูที่รัก

バサラ

바사라

Groups Scanlating

Lavendar Tinted

MangaONE

MangaProject

Latest Release(s)

v.21 c.78 by MangaONE 17 years ago

v.20 c.Extra by MangaOne 19 years ago

v.20 c.76-77 by MangaONE 19 years ago

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Status in Country of Origin

27 Volumes (Tankoubon - Complete)
16 Volumes (Bunkoban - Complete)

Completely Scanlated?

Yes

Anime Start/End Chapter

Starts at Vol 1, Chap 1

Ends at Vol 5, Chap 19

User Reviews

Basara by PrincessVera

Forum

9 topics, 62 posts

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User Rating

Average: 8.8 / 10.0 (1437 votes)

Bayesian Average: 8.75 / 10.0

49%

20%

15%

Last Updated

October 9th, 2025 1:34pm PDT - 5 days ago

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Genre

Action Adventure Comedy Drama Fantasy Gender Bender Mature Romance Shoujo
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Categories

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Category Recommendations

Usagi Yojimbo

Chang Ge Xing

Monstress

Gu Fang Bu Zi Shang (Novel)

Saver

Recommendations

Sora wa Akai Kawa no Hotori

Author(s)

Artist(s)

Year

Original Publisher

Shogakukan

Serialized In (magazine)

Betsucomi (Shogakukan)

Licensed (in English)

Yes

English Publisher

Viz (27 Vols - Complete)

Activity Stats (vs. other series)

Weekly Pos #539

(-139)

Monthly Pos #1038

(-164)

3 Month Pos #1410

(+54)

6 Month Pos #1289

(+102)

Year Pos #1372

(-7)

List Stats

On 1333 reading lists

On 2070 wish lists

On 2722 completed lists

On 197 unfinished lists

On 843 custom lists

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Forum Posts Click to view the forum

Basara's ending

11 years ago

what is the meaning of BASARA btw??

14 years ago

is it worth reading?

14 years ago

ending and spoilers

15 years ago

Sasara's Mother

16 years ago

User Comments [ Order by usefulness ]

one of the rare gems

by hangluu
11 years ago

Rating: 10.0 / 10.0

This manga is amazing.. it has its flaw likes the chick with black hair who was in love in w/ Shuri (she got annoying..) and the fact that Sarasa becomes physically weak (a lot of time but not all the times) wh3n she is with shuri. But those are minors things that I could overlooked. This manga is amazing.. itslike tokyo crazy paradise or red river.. this is not ur typical shoujo and if u judge a book based on its art (the reason for y I didnt read it for 3 yrs) then u will nvr find these kindnof gems...

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A rich and inspiring odyssey

by Mizura
12 years ago

Rating: N/A

Several times, I couldn't get far when I tried to read this series. The first few volumes absolutely drowns you in death, tragedy, doomed love and the occasional bad decision. The prospect of reading 27 volumes in the same vein felt off-putting, to put it mildly. As a huge fan of 7 Seeds from the same author though, I finally mustered the courage to read through it, and fortunately, it turned out that it wasn't 27 volumes of the tragic lovers adding to one another's list of grievances.

To those of you who initially felt the same as me: don't be put off. There is still plenty of drama, of course, and at times you'd really feel like slapping a character or two. Sarasa and Shuri vow to destroy each other, but must also confront many other challenges along the way. Losses are inevitable. Yet these extremely tall walls become the very stepping stones towards an incredible odyssey of personal development and uprising all across the country, taking the protagonists across numerous regions in Japan, and allowing the readers to enjoy a rich story that explores themes like politics and corruption of course, but also governance methods, trade, irrigation, journalism, art, slavery, plenty of family drama, and different sorts of introspection.

As Sarasa gathers allies and learns more about the world, she is also forced to rethink and look beyond her revenge to what she truly wishes to accomplish for the country. Shuri, meanwhile, is forced to look beyond his ambitions to topple his father and siblings, and truly confront the losses caused by his actions, both to himself and to others. Their romance, which may have felt overbearing at first, actually develops greatly, into something quite touching. Their growth is possible Because they must confront pain and loss, both those they felt themselves and those they have caused others.

And they don't do this alone. The series is supported by an amazing cast, each with unique personalities and backgrounds. There are the brave, the strong, the intelligent and the wise, but also the weak. There are those who fight at the frontlines, those who work in the shadows, those who expose the truth, those who reform or conspire from within, those who lead by example, even farmers, builders and healers striving towards a better tomorrow. These aren't characters that were just sitting around, twiddling their fingers and waiting for a savior. The whole country was ready for change well before Sarasa showed up. Nor do they coddle the supposed 'saviors.' Far from it: they can tell weakness, and they can tell hot air. And they are the ones who force the main characters to think about what it is they truly aim to achieve, as well as what sacrifices they are willing to make.

In the end, the survivors will have to live with scars and burdens, as well as difficulties that are only starting. And yet, they never stop struggling towards a better tomorrow. And somehow, I found that to be the most satisfying conclusion.

I'd like to point out that this is a mostly realistic fantasy, but fantasy nonetheless. There is no magic nor mystical creatures, but there is a strong notion of fate throughout the series, complete with too-well-timed natural events and encounters. Accepting this instead of nitpicking over the coincidences will allow you to enjoy the story more fully. Some people don't like the art, and I didn't enjoy the same artstyle with 7 Seeds at first, but with time I realized how rich and expressive it is.

Speaking of 7 Seeds, I've seen a few people compare 7 Seeds and Basara, but what really surprised me was how Different the two series are. Basara focuses more on romance and personal character development (for several key characters) in a setting of wars, politics, governance and related themes (trade, slavery, etc.). 7 Seeds focuses more on group dynamics (individual character development is more spread out compared to Basara) and psychology (some of the best I've seen anywhere) in a setting of survival (different strategies humanity considered against the impeding doom, differing strategies of survival used by the different teams). The things you love in one may not be present in the other, but both are magnificent works in their own rights.

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LOVED IT

by moonmystery
12 years ago

Rating: 9.7 / 10.0

The main character is downright badass--sacrificing her own gender identity for her town's vengeance...Not that this is recommended, but it shows how good of a person she is.

While the story is a tad melodramatic, I enjoyed the whole entire thing. The ending was just so sweet!!! 😀 😀 😀

EDIT: I just recently found out that the author of this series also wrote my other favorite series, 7 Seeds!!! No wonder it felt familiar somehow.

While I prefer 7 Seed's storyline and emphasis on multiple main characters, I love the epic journey of the two seemingly star-crossed lovers here too! Kudos to the author for being such an awesome person!

... Last updated 11 years ago

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Certainly a diamond in the rough

by khanaami
12 years ago

Rating: 10.0 / 10.0

I usually never give reviews, but this manga is the one of the greatest of its genre, so I'll make a special case. It starts out well fleshed but later develops into a very meaningful and thought provoking series filled with all the necessary elements of adventure, action, and romance to keep someone interested. This is exactly why Basara will never fail to keep you hooked to its story.

Even though it follows some shoujo formulas in its story line, Basara is strictly unique in its delivery. It stands out from other series within the same genre, drawing heavily on rich story telling, a large cast of amazing and lovable characters, and relevant themes that keep you at feet. This series is a must read for anyone who reads shoujo, especially since Sarasa is one of the most interesting and head strong female characters out there in the shoujo world. Seeing through Sarasa's eyes really makes you appreciate this series all the more, since her characterization is one of the best seen for any female character in a manga. I could go on and on about this manga, but I won't. You need to read this NOW. I mean can't you see all the other good ratings and reviews this series has gotten? There is a reason for that, and that is something you need to discover on your own.

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A;SDFLAKSFGAKJSDG;LAJSDL;GJKASLDKJG

by fishiiie
12 years ago

Rating: 10.0 / 10.0

This manga... was fricken.. AMAZING.
IT'S SO GOOD THAT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY.

Tatara, or Sarasa, is one of the best characters out there, ever. All the hardships she goes through - all the trials and tests and pain and suffering - and yet she still manages to conquer everything and shine. The whole time I was reading, I was just so taken by her. You know, I bet none of us could take on everything she experienced without being somewhat scarred or emotionally/mentally damaged. For example, every time she goes anywhere, I'm just thinking, She's so gonna die. That, or I'm just feeling that the world's against her. (it's so sad..) Which just goes to emphasize the fact that she has such a courageous and brave spirit, and she's so amazing.. and that this story is completely fictional. (HA!)

HOWEVER.
Fictional or not, it is a phenomenal work of art. Basara is not just a manga, but an actual work of art. The mangaka, Tamara Yumi, is such a good storyteller and has such great imagination, ... the story was just incredible (see, I was left speechless again). I'd say it's on par, maybe even exceeds, the plot of JK Rowling's Harry Potter. And I LOVE Harry Potter.
I MEAN, COULD YOU IMAGINE HALF OF THE STUFF THAT HAPPENS?
NO, YOU CAN'T. BECAUSE YOU JUST CAN'T.
Really, the spoilers that people are giving out doesn't even give the story justice, because it's not the result that matters, it's how it got there that matters. For example, no matter if a certain character dies, they ALL died with honour, with purpose, and the mangaka so skillfully does this that you actually can't scorn her for it. Ofc it was SO FLICKEN SADDENING AND MADDENING when they died, but... This is a war manga. Come on guys, be realistic. it'd be impossible for people NOT to die.

The story... the plot... was so beautifully conveyed, and so well-thoughtout, and detailed... I just really want to shake Tamara Yumi's hand right now and tell her I love her. The amazingness cannot be commended enough. I mean, from beginning to end, Basara never sucked. And omg, I never thought I could get over this, but FINALLY, a shoujo where the female protagonist likes to cry - yes, Sarasa is a hugeass crybaby (is this a spoiler? hope not LOL) - is completely OKAY. Because as readers we can actually understand all the pain she has to bear, and eff it if you don't cry along with her. (Well I didn't cry, but deep down inside I did.)

Man, Full Metal Alchemist was my #1, but as of right now… it's BASARA. (Haven't read Naruto/Bleach/Fairy Tail/One Piece yet, so…)

And to people afraid of the terrible art, well, GET OVER IT. Half of us suck at drawing even stickmen, nonetheless real human beings, so stop complaining. But, yes, it does improve a hell of a lot by the end. That, or you just get used to it (or both).

JUST READ IT, DAMN YOU!!!!

And I don't make comments often, but when I do, it's a longass one like this and about how good Basara is. (Kidding, I have made other comments but never as long as this one. I'm secretly wondering if there is a word limit to making comments, because if not, that means I can go on and on about how good this manga is.. yeah, you get the point.)

PS - oooh I forgot to add, this manga actually has some deep and intense moments to it. Like the chapter "Madara" on the last volume, holy.. :l so scary...
And as a forewarning, this manga does contain homosexuality and rape. Not sure if this is another spoiler again, and idk if it should be on the tags or not (I think it should), but yes, it does contain "mature content". It's inevitable, especially given the time and circumstances they were in. =\ Wasn't really a huge part of the story, but it does affect certain characters a lot.

... Last updated 12 years ago

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No matter what

by shiira.yuuki.187
12 years ago

Rating: N/A

Well i just happen to come across this when I got tired of all cry-baby heroine who always waited to be rescue -- so I started searching for Strong female lead -- just by that tiny and simple summary i got a feeling that it'll be a good manga to read
so i read it and at first i find the art weird feels like scribbles but i didn't bother by it
after all for me storyline is what matters but then I suddenly started seeing how great the art is even though its old style
so then after reading it i cried my eyes out
I have read it for 4 times already and it's still great!!

The story between the two main characters - their tragic love it just beautiful - then there are the people they treasure and trust

Letting you guys know my fav character is Ageha! "Free spirit"
Tamura-san, thank you soo much for this wonderful manga

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

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One of the best ones out there

by micxj
12 years ago

Rating: N/A

I highly recommend this series. I have read lots of romance mangas but I can only count with my fingers the titles I really like, and this is one of them. The manga has 27 volumes but I just couldn't get enough of them. Despite its length, I wouldn't mind rereading all of them in one day (if life permits, lol)

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PICK THIS BOOK

by Yo!!
13 years ago

Rating: 10.0 / 10.0

Ignore other comments, the story line, intensity and the characters are so inspiring, you wouldn't want to keep it down for even a second. The art is older but still great, sort of like Tokyo Crazy Paradise, I guess, in the mid 1990's, it was common then, it really brings out the true intentions of a scene. If you do not read this one, you have missed out on a terrific, all consuming manga!

TAMURA Yumi, hats off to you,
RECOMMENDED!

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The storyline doesn't matter...

by Mickeyymouse
13 years ago

Rating: N/A

The storyline doesn't matter..

because the art is so terrible you can't focus on it. Basara is the only manga, and trust me when I say I've read thousands of mangas, I've ever put down because the art was so bad it was PHYSICALLY painful. I could have cried it was so bad. Dear God. Do NOT recommend, if you care in the slightest about what you're subjecting your eyes too.

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Beautiful story!

by follybaby
13 years ago

Rating: 9.0 / 10.0

I read this manga in a little under a week... 27 volumes! I was hooked solid for the first three days, and then my interest was still piqued enough to continue but I wasn't AS hooked on it. I'm a big romance genre person, and the fact that my expectations weren't met romance-wise after three days kind of put me off. But, it's still a very good read! DEFINITELY worth the award that it was given.

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