Samurai Deeper Kyo is one of the coolest anime I've ever watched, and considering I've been watching it since long before most people outside of Japan even knew what anime was (since about '87, at the age of 8), that's saying a lot. It's probably one of my all-time favorite series, along with Juubei Ninpocho (the movie, NOT the series xP) and Bleach, as well as Naruto and others.
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BTW, the following contains what COULD be construed as a spoiler, although it doesn't include any specific facts or giveaways, only general plot things. Just a forewarning. And they have been marked
It doesn't seem to be as popular as it should be, from what I can tell, though. After all, this is the only conversation topic on MAL about it (unless I'm mistaken, which I could be). But I don't hear a lot of talk about it, and that's a shame, because I honestly feel it's underrated. Don't get me wrong. There are a few downsides to the series that could be stated as being *major* ones.
For one thing, it's too short (imo). I have always preferred loooong series, probably due to my OCD. If I enjoy something, I *really* enjoy it, and want more, more, MORE! =P And although 26 episodes isn't among the shortest of series, there is so much room for expanding the story and fleshing out the plot and subplots, which are masterfully conceived.
The only other *major* problem is that a few pieces of the plot (big pieces) are not well explained, and it's left to the viewer to "figure them out" or decide for him/herself. The problem is, these pieces could easily be explained better if the series were only a few episodes longer. From the start, it's hard to tell exactly who the main protagonist or "hero" is. Oni me no Kyo seems like the evil villain and Kyoshiro the hero, but as we get to know the characters, Kyo appears to be a very good, honest and honorable man whose rep was trashed, and Kyoshiro seems to not be quite as perfectly heroic as he appears, but the series never explains enough of the backstory for us to understand it.
Then there's the last several episodes, which leave you feeling underwhelmed or anticlimactic, as if the story's not "done", even though the series is over. And the final bad thing about the series is that there hasn't been any second season, follow up manga or even an OVA. It's ONLY the 26 episodes!
Having said all this, though, for the short length of it, the characters ARE well-thought out and are not shallow in any sense of the word. In only 26 episodes, you really begin to like (or hate) them, and there IS plenty of back-story, obviously; it's just not explained enough.
All in all, it's an outstanding anime, and one that hasn't been beat by any newer series in my opinion and experience. This type of anime, with magic and taking place in (or rather, right after the end of) the Sengoku period, is rare these days. Most newer series are about isekai or characters who play a video game and become part of it, or slice of life, or harem/reverse harem, etc. But then, jidai-geki-type anime (or at least historical Japan-setting ones) are far too rare in general, unless I just have watched them all and thus feel like there should be more? xP
Anyway, hope this convinces somebody to watch Samurai Deeper Kyo for the first time (and that if it does, you aren't *too* disappointed). It's far from perfect, but if you love Bushi (Samurai), Shinobi, magic and monsters (and even nanban! =O), all set right after the greatest battle in medieval Japan (Sekigahara, very early Edo, when the original Tokugawa Shogun ruled), you'll probably love this, even if it leaves you a little puzzled at the end. Have fun with whatever you watch, anyway! =)
I'm considering rewatching it. I remember when I watched it more than a decade ago that it was great. I am yet to read the manga and perhaps manga fans have expressed disappointment that the anime did not do the manga justice. Fair enough, but it wasn't bad as though it was unwatchable. Once can derive enjoyment from it.
Perhaps a new adaptation is ideal having longer episodes. As this is not in the horizon, watching the anime, I reckon, is still worth it.
'I am the world's most selfish man.' (俺のわがまま世界１だ)
— Ten'ouji Haru
