No Need for Bushido
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| No Need For Bushido | |
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 No Need for Bushido banner |
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| Author(s) | Alex Kolesar and Joseph Kovell |
| Website | www.noneedforbushido.com RSS |
| Update schedule | Updates Mondays & Thursdays |
| Launch date | April 11, 2002 |
| Genre | Parody |
No Need for Bushido is a webcomic started on April 11, 2002 on Keenspace (now Comic Genesis). The comic is drawn by Alex Kolesar and written by Joseph Kovell. Its content and title are based on various influences from such anime and manga as Tenchi Muyo! (which has a series of volumes titled "No Need for Tenchi") and Rurouni Kenshin, on which the series is most obviously parodied, though there are many other references that may be more easily missed. Alex's artistic style too is influenced by, but not restricted to, the manga and anime styles, while Joe's writing style is famously humorous, unique and random. The series is a mixture of anachronism, exaggerated action, veiled drama, and comedy based in a parodied feudal Japan.
Contents |
[edit] Story
No Need for Bushido begins with Ina Senshin, a daughter of a feudal lord, who runs away from an arranged marriage to a son of the Wataro clan. She soon finds herself traveling with an odd band of characters with a wide range of personalities and motives (trying not to destroy the world, seeking revenge for slaughtered family, etc...) The plot develops amidst the complex politics between the Senshin and Wataro clans.
[edit] Plot
Ina Runs Away
Ina discovers that her father, Masuhiro Senshin, has formed a peace treaty with the war-like Wataro clan. To avoid the arranged marriage, Ina runs away in middle of the night.
Bandit Attack
Ina soon runs into a small group of bandits who threaten to kidnap her. These bandits are stopped when Yorikiro, a wandering samurai, appears to save Ina. Yorikiro manages, through luck, to kill two of the four bandits, but his katana is broken in the process. With no means to defend himself, Yori picks up Ina and attempts to escape. The two are forced to jump off a cliff and into a river below. After gaining consciousness from the fall, Ina grudgingly accepts Yorikiro's offer to follow her as a body guard. During introductions, both characters, for different reasons, avoid mentioning their clan names.
Ninja attack
The two find a small village inn and stay for the night. Ina and Yorikiro switch rooms when Ina finds a rat in her own. Later that night, two ninjas, upon locating Yori's original room on the Inn's register, break into Ina's room by mistake. Yori, alerted by Ina's scream, breaks into her room. Without a working sword, Yorikiro is forced to use his sheath to knock out the first ninja. The second, however, is able to counter his attack and kicks him through a wall. Yorikiro lands upon Cho Teko, a blind Taoist priest, who offers his assistance. Cho quickly dispatches the last ninja. Yori and Ina leave the inn to avoid further trouble. Cho, lacking any particular goal, decides to join them. Here it is revealed that he is part of a prophecy that states a Christian, Hindu, and blind Taoist priest walk into a Japanese bar, and the world ends. Unfortunately, Cho had managed to accidentally go to Japan. As a devout follower of fate, however, Cho resigns himself to his role in the end of the world.
New Town
Yori, Ina, and Cho enter a new town where they plan to stop for the night. Upon entering the town they stop by a tea stand with a long line. Here they meet Ken, a disgruntled Ronin with a large Zanbatō sword. After entering the town, Yori runs off to buy a new blade for his broken sword at a "one yen" store. While the shop keeper attaches the blade, Yorikiro discovers a wakizashi with a retractable blade. He absent-mindedly pockets this item and leaves the store with his new sword. By the time Yorikiro meets up with Ina and Cho, it has been decided that there is only enough money for one room. Yori is left outside to find shelter for himself.
Ken's Fight and Flashback
Two bandits (unreleated to those found earlier in the comic) find Ken laying apparently unconscous and drunk in middle of a small wood outside town. They attempt to steal from him, but find that he is quite awake and eager to fight. The noise alerts Yori who comes to the aid of the clearly outmatched bandits. Yorikiro accidentally reveals his clan name, Wataro. Ken explains that his own clan had been wiped out by Yorikiro's and he intends to get revenge. The bandits are able to run away in the confusion, leaving Yori to face Ken alone. The resulting fight parodies a point in Rurouni Kenshin in which Himura Kenshin, fighting Sagara Sanosuke, who also wields a Zanbatō, is able to avoid an attack and land on top of the sword. Unlike the scene that it parodies, Yorikiro's doesn't counter attack, and instead falls off the sword. as the fight continues, Yorikiro's sword is broken a second time. He is then slammed against a tree and loses consciousness. When Yori recovers, he mentions that his former trainer Genchu would not wish to see him lose here. Ken is shocked to hear that Yori had known Genchu, a man who had saved him from the destruction that met the rest of his clan. In the process, Genchu had fought General Nataku, the man leading the invasion, and had cut of his pinky finger. Yori explains that he hopes to redeem his clan. Ken decides to join Yorikiro in hopes of obtaining his revenge specifically on General Nataku.
[edit] Characters
[edit] Main Characters
- Yorikiro Wataro, the hapless hero. Yori is a master of a style so secret and mystical that no one has ever seen it and survived. His style often includes running away and broken swords, but every now and then he reveals a surprisingly high level of combat skill. He is a kind, somewhat naive person. He likes Ina, but is conflicted about the facts of his heritage. His choice of swords relies on their cost rather than use, so most of them break very easily.
- Ina Senshin, the daughter of Masuhiro and Kagome Senshin. She flees home when her engagement to a member of the Wataro clan is announced. This leads her to meet Yori, who saves her from four bandits. She is a strong person who resents the sheltered life she is expected to lead, and often intervenes in fights when Yori seems to be getting the worst of it.
- Cho Teko, a blind Taoist priest who enjoys spewing absurd proverbs, termed "Choisms" by fans. Cho wields multiple bo staves in combat and first displays his skill while fighting a ninja at the inn that Yori and Ina were staying at. He attaches himself to Ina and Yori shortly thereafter and has traveled with them ever since. Cho is part of a prophecy involving a blind Taoist Priest, a Hindu, and a Christian Priest walking into a Japanese bar, heralding the end of the world, and as such cannot go into any of the said establishments. He is the guiding light of their little band, always optimistic and true to his word. Cho is equal parts sage, warrior, and random comic relief.
- Kenta "Ken" Daisuke, a ronin who wields a massive zanbatou sword. His style is none other than the Red Dragon Zanbatou, a reference to Rurouni Kenshin. He tends towards violence, beating up the choicest bystanders for money, forcing his way into Kabuki plays, etc. He and Yori meet in a showdown, ending with Ken joining them. Ken is the last living member of the Daisuke clan, and wants more than anything to kill General Nataku. Genchu saved his life. He loves alcohol. Just loves it. Can't get enough.
[edit] Wataro Clan
- Hirotomo Wataro, Daimyo of the Wataro clan. He is Yori and Eijiro's father. He has systematically crushed all who oppose him. Now he seeks his own son's, Yori's, death. A monster without compare, whose despicable actions are surpassed only by his complete and utter incompetence - and his favorite color is yellow. (Note: Added at request of subject.) He was not always a power-hungry tyrant, however...
- Eijiro Wataro, Yori's arrogant brother. He is devoted to the clan, in contrast to Yori. He is engaged to Ina. Ryo was once his personal bodyguard. It was Eijiro who hired the Izuma to kidnap Masuhiro, as he hates the "inferior" clans and wishes to see them conquered. He figured that the kidnapping would lead to war.
- General Yoshinori Nataku, AKA "Nine Finger Nataku". Nataku seeks only peace, preferablly brought about by a long, bloody conflict. He lives to fight, and personally oversaw the slaughter of Ken's clan, losing his finger to Genchu in the process. Ken's major motivation in life is to find Nataku and kill him. A lot.
- General Atsumori, Hirotomo's OTHER general/henchman. He holds the distinction of being one of the calmest characters in the comic, and only the second one with a beard.
[edit] Demons of Sorrow
- Tadashii, leader of the four Demons of Sorrow, and the clan's finest swordsman after the loss of Genchu. He trained Yori after Genchu left. The two men were once good friends, but Tadashii's absolute loyalty to his lord proved stronger. He is perhaps the least evil of the Demons.
- Ryoku, one of the four Demons of Sorrow, and tuitor of Eijiro, Yori's brother. Somewhat like an evil version of Cho, although the two have never met. He joined the Demons of Sorrow knowing that he would one day be called on to kill Yori, as he wished to insure Eijiro's succession to the throne. Ryoku is blind, but, like Cho, possesses a sort of second sight. Currently trying to kill Yori.
- Uso, one of the four Demons of Sorrow. A ninja possessed of abilities similar to Kakashi Hatake in Naruto. Holds a somewhat petty personality.
- Honou-ko, one of the four Demons of Sorrow. Wears a thick mask and armor, and has an unhealthy obssesion with hellfire, slaughter, and general carnage. He is the most fearsome demon, but the least stable. In the alternate scripts, Honou-ko speaks only in synonyms for blood, death, fire, kill, etc.
Ex. "Slaughter bloody flame?" "Rage burning hellfire!" "Flesh burning massacre."
[edit] Senshin Clan
- Masuhiro Senshin, Ina's father and a skilled samurai. As a daimyo, he is liked and respected by both his peers and his people. He forged an agreement with Hirotmo Wataro to wed Ina to Hirotomo's son in order to restore peace between the clans, but Ina's flight left Masuhiro in a difficult situation. He was captured by the Izuma ninja clan en route to a conference with Hirotomo to explain the situation, and is currently their captive.
- Kagome Senshin noh Masamune, Ina's mother. Just like her oldest daughter, only more of a conformist. The other daughters have yet to appear in a speaking role. Believes in her husband, but not her brother, Yukizane.
- Yukizane Masamune, Kagome's brother. Has a keen mind and loves to play Go and other games. A skillful tactical commander, but he fears violent death, and prefers diplomatic negotiation to battle. He once won a legendary battle by challenging the enemy general to a battle of Chinese Checkers and winning. His tactics are brilliant, and often lead to a death toll of zero.
- Mizuki Masamune, Ina's caretaker. Took care of Ina, as, thanks to her bouncy yet aloof attitude and chronic deafness, was the only one who could stand her complaints. Idly broke the news of her engagement to Ina, and continues to believe that everything is fine. Ina's mother hired Mizuki while drunk.
[edit] Izuma Ninja Clan
- Suzuka, kunoichi of the Izuma ninja clan. Uses her "female trickery" to foil Masuhiro's numerous escape attempts. She believes that she was hired by Hirotomo, but the truth may be more sinister... Suzuka has two lieutenants, also female, named Ayane and Yumiko. Like all Izuma, she is skilled in the use of knock-out-drug-coated-weapons. Suzuka's weapon of choice is a kusarigama, and she is the only blonde in the comic.
- Ayane, one of Suzuka's two lieutenants in the Izuma ninja clan. To avenge Bunzo, Ayane was sent with a squad of ninja to kill Yori, but, unfortunately for them, the Demons of Sorrow were also sent to kill him at the same time. The entire squad was slaughtered by Uso and Honou-ko, and Ryo fought her to a draw. Tadashii left her alive to send back to Suzuka with a warning. Ayane wields a set of spiked fans, each one coated in poison or knock-out drugs. She dresses in a very revealing kimono, and paints her face before combat.
- Yumiko, one of Suzuka's two lieutenants in the Izuma ninja clan. She is an expert shot, and wields a bow and arrows coated in poison or knock-out drugs, along with a sai in her belt. Yumiko has an eye patch and shoulder armor.
- Bunzo, Izuma ninja who uses Rock-jutsu. He attacked the group and, when his first attempts failed, he ran off towards Mount Fuji, announcing his intention to throw it at them. He hasn't been seen since. The ninja clan generally agrees that he is no great loss, but decides to avenge him for reasons of good policy.
[edit] Others
- The Wu Tang Brothers, from Cho's monastery in China. When old Master Zhao died, his dying wish was for Cho to take his position. Unfortunately, the Wu Tang brothers, out of a combination of personal greed, desire not to dishonor the monastery, belief that the master was obviously mad in the face of death, and just a general dislike of Cho (Brother Tang once hit him on the head with a spiked club and called it an accident) lied about his dying orders, and took over instead. They told Cho to go as far west as possible, but the Tao instead lead him to Japan, where he met Yori and company. Hearing of this, the brothers sought him out to kill him, to prevent both the end of the world and their own loss of power. They carry a case filled with weapons, and Brother Wu can use the legendary Thousand Fists of Fury technique.
- Matrix, a mysterious femme fatale. Little is known of her except that she follows the foursome, and so long as Yori lives she avoids attracting their attention. She is an extremely good warrior, and is often described as "too cool to care." Subtle hints say that she may be a spy for Hirotomo.
- Fujio and Fumio, survivors of the quartet of bandits who attacked Ina earlier in the comic. After the death of two of their comrades, they were captured by Suzuka's ninja clan and made a deal with Masuhiro to find Yori and warn him that his father wants him dead.
- Genchu Wataro Daisuke, a master samurai, said to have been rivaled only by Hirotomo Wataro, who bears two family names. He appears only in flashbacks, and may or may not be dead. Genchu taught Yori before leaving the Wataro clan, and saved Ken's life when Ken was a child. Genchu was also a more skilled warrior than any of the Demons of Sorrow. He left the service of Wataro after Wataro decided to destroy the Daisuke clan. It is believed that Wataro himself, the only man more skilled with the blade than Genchu, may have killed him. It is said that Genchu's strong will manifests itself in his fighting ability, which allows him the strength to cleave the weapons of his enemies in two, as seen in his fight against Tadashii.
[edit] History
On October 5, 2003, the comic left Keenspace and started a new site.[1]
No Need For Bushido has a history of sporadic updates. At the height of some summers, NNFB could have as many as four updates in a week, all in its full color style. Less often updates have a history of coming once a month. At of the end of March 2006, NNFB has a twice weekly update of a single page on Mondays an "unofficial" single page on Wednesdays, and often releasing an alternate script on Fridays.
On September 16th, No Need for Bushido contributed a page to the Webcomic hurricane telethon, hosted by Blank Label Comics.
NNFB reentered the buzzComix Top 100 in September, 2005, and is typically high ranking on TWC. [2]
In 2006, early pages were re-written, correcting misspelled words and altering dialogue.
[edit] Subcomics and Flash Animations
No Need for Bushido also has a section of subcomics. One section of these subcomics is the NNFB Remix! (formerly called the Alternate Strips), made with existing pages with new dialogue substituted in. These are written by usually Joe, but Alex has also written one of these. Also included in this section are two flash animations using 'Paper-cuts outs' of the NNFB characters. There have been 2 of these made so far. More may be created.
In addition, an April 1, 2006 No Need for Bushido created a parody 'gamer' strip, No Need for a Player's Guide. At first it was an April Fools joke, but now runs as an extra addition to the site. There are currently seven of these in total.
