As they say: show, don’t tell. I don’t know why so many shonen manga creators pour so much dialogue into their stories. Whenever characters use their mouths to talk rather than their fists, I can’t help but tune out of the conversation at hand. What I’m trying to say is, Volume Six of Kagurabachi made me nod off more times than I can remember, and it’s all because these characters just don’t know when to shut up!

It starts off with a setting that should give anyone hope: Kokugoku Hot Springs. When we hear onsen and shonen manga, we think “fan-service rewards”. And maybe that’s what we’ll be due for the next time around. However, our heroes Chihiro and Hakuri don’t make it yet to the hot springs. And we can thank one person for that: Hishaku member Hiruhiko.

When Hiruhiko arrives in Kagurabachi, a breath of hope appears, as his entrance is a delightfully violent one. Calling himself Chihiro’s equal, the two face off in what should be a good old-fashioned bloodbath. But first, they talk. And talk. And then they talk so much more, to the point where all of the wind from its sails has all but died out.

Thankfully, author Takeru Hokazono gifts us with Mr. Samura, a blind swordsman. And if you know your Japanese fiction like Zatoichi or Hell’s Paradise, then you know that there’s no cooler character than a blind swordsman. Mr. Samura is no exception, as he has plenty of attitude and humor to spare. However, the real treat is when he finally draws his blade, as his skills show why he’s able to make the perfect cuts and slices to all things living and artificial!

When Kagurabachi returns to Chihiro and Hiruhiko, it’s more of the same. Swords may be drawn, but neither has made a move. Again, it’s talking, talking, and — oh look! — more talking! Only when Hiruhiko suggests that Chihiro could be good friends does our hero finally go for the attack. And when he does, I don’t know whether to breathe a sigh of relief or feel frustrated that it took this damn long for some real action from our main guy.

Mind you, their fight is pretty impressive, especially when Hiruhiko uses origami cranes in their battle. On top of that, having the fight take place in a theater where a two-bit action story is being told is a nice case of irony. The audience came expecting a good time, and they left with some severed heads as a nice souvenir! The papers from Hiruhiko keep on flying, as Chihiro slices through them to get to his target.

It leads to a solid climax in the battle, one that I wish could’ve taken more time to showcase rather than have the characters blab on. The sight of Chihiro standing over Hiruhiko, who looks like The Black Knight post-second round against King Arthur, is both gross and delightful. After the bloodbath, Chihiro gets his reward: information. And for once, it’s talking that has some substance to it, especially since it sets the stage for what’s to come for Chihiro.

There is a lot of good action in the sixth volume of Kagurabachi. However, it gets bogged down by the constant ramblings and dialogue from its characters. Considering Shonen Jump’s core audience, I can’t for the life of me understand how any kid could find it exciting when the heroes and villains talk instead of fight. Note to Takeru Hokazono: shut your characters up, and let their actions speak! Do that, and Kagurabachi will be all the better!

Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media. Click here to read past reviews of Kagurabachi!