Vagabond, vols. 7-8 (Takehiko Inoue)

After months of training, both on his own and with eccentric Master In'ei, Musashi is about to have his re-match with Inshun, the Second Generation Master of Hozoin Temple, who is a genius with the spear. But first, we have to have lots of flashbacks ... and they are wonderful. These two volumes weren't just exciting and interesting and artistically beautiful - they also made me smile.

( Read more ... with spoilers! )

And yes, I have been working on my shoujo manga reading project - really, truly! The next thing I write up will be Ouran High School Host Club.