Kurohime (manga)
Kurohime is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by. The series debuted in Shueisha's Monthly Shōnen Jump Extra in 2000, before running in the main Monthly Shōnen Jump magazine from 2003 to 2007. It was subsequently moved to the online Jump Square in 2007, where it concluded in 2011. Its chapters were collected in 18 volumes. In North America, Viz Media licensed the series for English release in 2007, but ceased publication after 14 volumes.
Plot
Ten years prior to the events of the story, Kurohime ends a major conflict centered on the possession and reconstruction of the Tower of the Gods, a structure that grants divinity to its creator upon completion. After finishing the tower, she destroys it and ascends to the realm of the gods, intent on slaughtering them for instigating the war. Through deceit and overwhelming force, the gods manage to subdue her and divide her essence into two separate entities—one embodying her rage and the other her compassion.The manifestation of her rage takes the form of a young girl known as Himeko, who seeks to reclaim her original body and power in order to challenge the gods once more. However, the curse binding her can only be broken through love. As Kurohime rediscovers her ability to love through her bond with Zero, she undergoes a series of transformations, each reflecting her evolving nature.
Characters
Protagonists
;Zero;Yukionna Yukiotoko
; / Kandata
Kurohime Punishment Squad
After Kurohime and Zero kill Darkray, the sole surviving Death Angel Sword assembles a team of powerful witch-gunslingers bearing grudges against Kurohime, forming the Kurohime Punishment Squad. This specialized unit dedicates itself to hunting down and executing Kurohime as retribution for the fallen God of Death.Spirit Kings
The four Spirit Kings represent unique spiritual entities possessing individual souls and free will, unlike ordinary demons. As fundamental life forces of the world coveted by the gods, their energy can empower the Yamato Tachi sword into a god-slaying weapon. Three Kings were captured by deities seeking to drain their power, while Seiryu escaped. Despite resenting humanity for environmental destruction, they ultimately assist Kurohime in forging the Ultimate Sword, recognizing the greater threat posed by the power-hungry gods.Publication
Written and illustrated by, Kurohime first appeared in Monthly Shōnen Jump Extra in 2000 and ran in the main magazine from 2003 until 2007, when the magazine ceased its publication. The series was transferred to Jump Squares website in 2007 and finished in 2011. Shueisha collected its chapters into eighteen volumes, published from February 4, 2002, to April 21, 2011.In North America, Viz Media announced the acquisition of the series in July 2007. The first volume was released on September 4, 2007. Publication of the series stopped after the release of volume 14 on November 3, 2009.