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Zombie Powder #1
Zombie Powder: The Man With the Black Hand
Somewhere in the desert lies the world's greatest treasure: the 12 Rings of the Dead, the only source of the mysterious substance "Zombie Powder," which can raise the dead and give the living eternal life...
THE MAN WITH THE BLACK HAND
Elwood was a knife-thrower caught in a life of crime until he met Gamma Akutabi, class "S" criminal, a man with a six-foot chainsaw and a metal hand. Soon, Elwood is caught up in Gamma's quest for the most precious objects in the world, the Rings that might give new life to Elwood's sister...or make Gamma even harder to kill than he is already. But to get eternal life, they'll have to put their own lives on the line...and look down the barrel of the gun of the only man who is Gamma's equal...
THE MAN WITH THE BLACK HAND
Elwood was a knife-thrower caught in a life of crime until he met Gamma Akutabi, class "S" criminal, a man with a six-foot chainsaw and a metal hand. Soon, Elwood is caught up in Gamma's quest for the most precious objects in the world, the Rings that might give new life to Elwood's sister...or make Gamma even harder to kill than he is already. But to get eternal life, they'll have to put their own lives on the line...and look down the barrel of the gun of the only man who is Gamma's equal...
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
December 28, 2012
28 December 2012
Unfortunately, the curse of Zombie Powder is that it will always be compared to the insanely popular Bleach. In fact, you're probably reading Zombie Powder because you are a huge fan (as am I) of Bleach. The stories are different, but it is obvious where Bleach got its beginnings.
Picking up Zombie Powder, the one thing that stood out to me was how much the cover looked like the cover of Bleach, Volume 24: Immanent God Blues.
So, naturally, I couldn't stop making the comparisons as I read through. Undeniably, Tite Kubo's artistry has become more refined over the years since his first manga publication. There is a definite maturity to his skill that can be seen in Bleach. To be fair, though, that will be the only comparisons I make as this is a review for Zombie Powder.
Zombie Powder is a Western-style story adventure complete with gunslingers and outlaws. When tragedy strikes, Elwood joins the infamous Gamma Akutabi in search of the 12 Rings of the Dead. The story wasn't all that exciting until Mr. Smith appeared, and then it started to get interesting. I loved that his favorite words are "D Cup"! Perv!
The characterization and story aren't strongly developed, but it's interesting enough to continue. It's a decent debut manga that I'm curious enough about to find out what happens next.
Unfortunately, the curse of Zombie Powder is that it will always be compared to the insanely popular Bleach. In fact, you're probably reading Zombie Powder because you are a huge fan (as am I) of Bleach. The stories are different, but it is obvious where Bleach got its beginnings.
Picking up Zombie Powder, the one thing that stood out to me was how much the cover looked like the cover of Bleach, Volume 24: Immanent God Blues.
So, naturally, I couldn't stop making the comparisons as I read through. Undeniably, Tite Kubo's artistry has become more refined over the years since his first manga publication. There is a definite maturity to his skill that can be seen in Bleach. To be fair, though, that will be the only comparisons I make as this is a review for Zombie Powder.
Zombie Powder is a Western-style story adventure complete with gunslingers and outlaws. When tragedy strikes, Elwood joins the infamous Gamma Akutabi in search of the 12 Rings of the Dead. The story wasn't all that exciting until Mr. Smith appeared, and then it started to get interesting. I loved that his favorite words are "D Cup"! Perv!
The characterization and story aren't strongly developed, but it's interesting enough to continue. It's a decent debut manga that I'm curious enough about to find out what happens next.
August 12, 2016
3.5 stars!
Battles, humour, challenges and character building! This is definitely an easy manga to sink into. I feel like I'll be more invested in the characters/story when I read more. For now, the concept is enough.
Battles, humour, challenges and character building! This is definitely an easy manga to sink into. I feel like I'll be more invested in the characters/story when I read more. For now, the concept is enough.
September 16, 2016
This volume starts off with Chapter 1: The Young Boy and the Black Right Arm.
I'll write more when my editing mode hits.
Happy Readings!
Fly my Pretties! Fly!
I'll write more when my editing mode hits.
Happy Readings!
Fly my Pretties! Fly!
February 10, 2020
You wanna talk about a series I regret having to part with, only to come back to it now with the same unbridled enthusiasm I once had as a teenager? Then it's time to (finally) talk about Zombie Powder. Most people are more familiar with Tite Kubo's BLEACH, and unless I'm very much mistaken, that series is heralded as one of the Big Three [along with Naruto and One Piece] that served in the early 2000s as gateway anime and manga series for many fans alongside its contemporaries like FullMetal Alchemist. I'll be honest, I tried getting into BLEACH, but 5 volumes in, it just wasn't clicking for me at all and I gave up. But when a friend picked up the first volume of Zombie Powder on the virtue it was by the same creator, I warily borrowed her copy and gave it a shot.
I fell in love pretty instantly. Perhaps it was due to previous experience with similar series like Trigun and Cowboy Bebop, or perhaps there was just something in this series that did click for me where BLEACH failed. Whatever it was, I loved it, immediately had to go buy my own copy, and dedicatedly collected the other three volumes as they were released...and had a big dramatic fit upon learning that the series got cancelled long before it was brought to the states and I'd never see where it was meant to go from where volume 4 leaves off. Still, I held onto them pretty fiercely and loved the story, until at one point I was forced to sell off some books to appease my parents, and I very reluctantly and with many tears, said goodbye to my copies at the counter of a Half-Price Books. I never forgot about Zombie Powder though, and made it a goal to eventually hunt down the books again. Growing up and seeing the series go out of print has slowed my plans just a tad, but I'm not giving up until I own all four again.
So let's go through this first volume. We're introduced to a pretty straightforward setting and generalized goal for the characters: in this world there are 12 magic rings called the Rings of the Dead, that when brought together, can produce a substance called "zombie powder" that can allegedly grant eternal life to the living and restore life to the dead. People seeking the rings are called "powder hunters", and we start quickly gathering up a band of protagonists who are powder hunters, for varying reasons. This is somewhat bloody and gory, but it's very fast-paced and has very well-played humor that keeps it entertaining. The volume ends on a somewhat dramatic, climatic moment, but I think that's to its advantage.
Let's go over the [currently three] main characters you meet in this story. So far we have a powder hunter named Gamma (shown on the front cover,) who is our main protagonist, a young pickpocket named Elwood, who is a side protagonist but serves more as a POV character in many ways, and C.T. Smith, a mystery man of sorts and Gamma's partner [in crime?].
Gamma's character design was what Kubo said he later went on to base another character in BLEACH off of, at least loosely, but he basically walks onto the scene and comes across as something of a badass edgelord in terms of appearance, with an outwardly comic and overplayed ridiculous demeanor. We quickly learn that not only is he a wanted man with a high bounty on his head, but the face he puts on is an act to hide a deadly killer and buried secrets (that are to be revealed.) Personally, cool as I thought Gamma was when I was a teen, I'm lukewarm on his character these days. I'd even go so far as to dare say that characters like Gamma are the reason I'm so unimpressed with characters like the MC of the Throne of Glass series.
Then we have Elwood. Elwood is a street urchin with a heart of gold, an archetype further defined by motivation to look after his sister and later, he becomes a powder hunter shadowing Gamma. Elwood is interesting because all things considered, he feels like HE should be the main protagonist of this manga, and he isn't. He is, as previously stated, the POV character we follow throughout this first volume, as a lot of the story is thus far seen as Elwood experiences it. Still though, I like him, because he's a very honest sort of character with a lot of potential (pickpocketing habits aside.)
Smith is actually my favorite character of the three we meet in this volume.
Now that my rambling's complete, all I'm going to say is that yes, this one is a bit rough, as first volumes of manga tend to be, but it's so worth the read. It's a lot of fun and plays with so many tropes in a vibrant way that makes it memorable.
I fell in love pretty instantly. Perhaps it was due to previous experience with similar series like Trigun and Cowboy Bebop, or perhaps there was just something in this series that did click for me where BLEACH failed. Whatever it was, I loved it, immediately had to go buy my own copy, and dedicatedly collected the other three volumes as they were released...and had a big dramatic fit upon learning that the series got cancelled long before it was brought to the states and I'd never see where it was meant to go from where volume 4 leaves off. Still, I held onto them pretty fiercely and loved the story, until at one point I was forced to sell off some books to appease my parents, and I very reluctantly and with many tears, said goodbye to my copies at the counter of a Half-Price Books. I never forgot about Zombie Powder though, and made it a goal to eventually hunt down the books again. Growing up and seeing the series go out of print has slowed my plans just a tad, but I'm not giving up until I own all four again.
So let's go through this first volume. We're introduced to a pretty straightforward setting and generalized goal for the characters: in this world there are 12 magic rings called the Rings of the Dead, that when brought together, can produce a substance called "zombie powder" that can allegedly grant eternal life to the living and restore life to the dead. People seeking the rings are called "powder hunters", and we start quickly gathering up a band of protagonists who are powder hunters, for varying reasons. This is somewhat bloody and gory, but it's very fast-paced and has very well-played humor that keeps it entertaining. The volume ends on a somewhat dramatic, climatic moment, but I think that's to its advantage.
Let's go over the [currently three] main characters you meet in this story. So far we have a powder hunter named Gamma (shown on the front cover,) who is our main protagonist, a young pickpocket named Elwood, who is a side protagonist but serves more as a POV character in many ways, and C.T. Smith, a mystery man of sorts and Gamma's partner [in crime?].
Gamma's character design was what Kubo said he later went on to base another character in BLEACH off of, at least loosely, but he basically walks onto the scene and comes across as something of a badass edgelord in terms of appearance, with an outwardly comic and overplayed ridiculous demeanor. We quickly learn that not only is he a wanted man with a high bounty on his head, but the face he puts on is an act to hide a deadly killer and buried secrets (that are to be revealed.) Personally, cool as I thought Gamma was when I was a teen, I'm lukewarm on his character these days. I'd even go so far as to dare say that characters like Gamma are the reason I'm so unimpressed with characters like the MC of the Throne of Glass series.
Then we have Elwood. Elwood is a street urchin with a heart of gold, an archetype further defined by motivation to look after his sister and later, he becomes a powder hunter shadowing Gamma. Elwood is interesting because all things considered, he feels like HE should be the main protagonist of this manga, and he isn't. He is, as previously stated, the POV character we follow throughout this first volume, as a lot of the story is thus far seen as Elwood experiences it. Still though, I like him, because he's a very honest sort of character with a lot of potential (pickpocketing habits aside.)
Smith is actually my favorite character of the three we meet in this volume.
Now that my rambling's complete, all I'm going to say is that yes, this one is a bit rough, as first volumes of manga tend to be, but it's so worth the read. It's a lot of fun and plays with so many tropes in a vibrant way that makes it memorable.
November 5, 2019
Picked this one up for my A to Z graphic novel & manga challenge. I was surprized there were actually quite a few Z options! But this was a zombie western, so it won. It was an interesting adventure, but I don't think I will continue the series.
October 27, 2011
Kubo's (Bleach!) first graphic novel, Zombie Powder is a wild western-flavored tale staring Gamma, a chainsaw sword wielding ultra criminal (but he's the good guy), super shooter, suit wearer CT Smith and Elwood, a kid who wants to bring his older sister back from the dead. The trio face down against the gangs who run the world in a quest to gather the 12 Rings of the Dead, which are said to create zombie powder, concentrated life force which can return the dead to life or make the living immortal.
What Zombie Powder has going for it are action and great characters. Gamma is a great Robin Hood-esque character, Smith is amusing and intimidating and Elwood gives the story soul, hitting perfect notes when it comes to compelling leads. The action is hard to follow often, and much of the story devolves into action in a Matrix style of storytelling where there's ten pages of plot, then ten more of fight. But Zombie Powder is a fun wild ride through ink. Recommended for public collections that include manga or as a starter for those that don't. (Teen age range)
Contains: Implied rape, torture and other criminal activity, implied gore
What Zombie Powder has going for it are action and great characters. Gamma is a great Robin Hood-esque character, Smith is amusing and intimidating and Elwood gives the story soul, hitting perfect notes when it comes to compelling leads. The action is hard to follow often, and much of the story devolves into action in a Matrix style of storytelling where there's ten pages of plot, then ten more of fight. But Zombie Powder is a fun wild ride through ink. Recommended for public collections that include manga or as a starter for those that don't. (Teen age range)
Contains: Implied rape, torture and other criminal activity, implied gore
August 8, 2013
Not as strong a story as Bleach, but still readable. In some ways, this reminds me of Trigun, but maybe only in that both are characterized by this alternate SF/Western mix of setting and steampunk to make up the worlds.
September 28, 2022
Zombie Powder is both a step into Kubo's past to see where he started, but also to see how his style and storytelling have changed over time for the fans of his more successful series, Bleach. As someone familiar with that franchise, I could tell what parts of his artstyle and this series's introduction would impact Ichigo Kurosaki and the world of Soul Reapers. There are the weapons, over-the-top fights, and the slight comedic touch Bleach's anime brought to life. It only grew from this point forward.
Elwood wasn't too interesting to me as a lead. I think it has to do with him being a younger shonen lead, something I'm not as familiar with what shonen I've read/seen. His naivety's pretty blatant. I did like Gamma, though. Both OP and self-confident in his abilities, he also already wants to look out for Elwood and is determined to see his quest through. Despite the bounty on his head, I feel there's a soft spot to him readers might have drawn to as the series progressed before its abrupt end. This dynamic is drastically different from Kubo's other works where we've had leads near the same age.
The worldbuilding so far has the opposite problem of Burn the Witch's anime with its infodumping. This story is too vague. Does Zombie Powder take place in an alternate historical reality? Where are Elwood's parents? Why was Smith introduced the way he was? How did Gamma get introduced to his fighting style? These may be questions that get answered in the future, but I don't plan on sticking around to find out. There isn't enough to ground the plot and keep me invested.
Despite this flaw, the action was entertaining and made this a fast read. Kubo's dynamic fights only smoothed out over time. Some of the violence depicted here may also return to the new Bleach anime adaptation if rumors are true. While I won't be reading more from Zombie Powder due to its rocky start, I've gained another perspective of Kubo I wouldn't have if I didn't add this back to my TBR.
Elwood wasn't too interesting to me as a lead. I think it has to do with him being a younger shonen lead, something I'm not as familiar with what shonen I've read/seen. His naivety's pretty blatant. I did like Gamma, though. Both OP and self-confident in his abilities, he also already wants to look out for Elwood and is determined to see his quest through. Despite the bounty on his head, I feel there's a soft spot to him readers might have drawn to as the series progressed before its abrupt end. This dynamic is drastically different from Kubo's other works where we've had leads near the same age.
The worldbuilding so far has the opposite problem of Burn the Witch's anime with its infodumping. This story is too vague. Does Zombie Powder take place in an alternate historical reality? Where are Elwood's parents? Why was Smith introduced the way he was? How did Gamma get introduced to his fighting style? These may be questions that get answered in the future, but I don't plan on sticking around to find out. There isn't enough to ground the plot and keep me invested.
Despite this flaw, the action was entertaining and made this a fast read. Kubo's dynamic fights only smoothed out over time. Some of the violence depicted here may also return to the new Bleach anime adaptation if rumors are true. While I won't be reading more from Zombie Powder due to its rocky start, I've gained another perspective of Kubo I wouldn't have if I didn't add this back to my TBR.
March 30, 2024
Definitely a prototype Bleach, huh. I mean, the Gamma Prototype sketch is totally Renji. It's a little more focused than Bleach, too. The quest is stated up front, vs. Ichigo having to be jerked around a bit (and also, "defence" is a vague goal with no solid end compared to "find 12 specific rings").
On the other hand, I don't have a lot to say about it. Clearly it ends sooner than Bleach does, or it would have an anime or at LEAST a live-action drama (based on evidence that 8 to 9 manga/manhwa English-language releases = anime/live-action drama release).* It's interesting enough *so far* that I would read more to see where it goes, anyway.
*Counter-evidence: Tower of God only has two so far but has an anime... but it has a LOT of webtoon episodes... although I can't think of any series that has 8 to 9 English-language volumes that does NOT have an anime.
On the other hand, I don't have a lot to say about it. Clearly it ends sooner than Bleach does, or it would have an anime or at LEAST a live-action drama (based on evidence that 8 to 9 manga/manhwa English-language releases = anime/live-action drama release).* It's interesting enough *so far* that I would read more to see where it goes, anyway.
*Counter-evidence: Tower of God only has two so far but has an anime... but it has a LOT of webtoon episodes... although I can't think of any series that has 8 to 9 English-language volumes that does NOT have an anime.
April 5, 2021
ZOMBIEPOWDER. is a sci-fi western about a man with a robot arm and a chainsaw sword travelling the desert to collect some magic rings that are rumoured to grant immortality. And if that's not a cool enough premise to get you to at least try the book, I don't know what will.
I've read Tite Kubo's Bleach series and the comparisons are clear. This series came before Bleach, thus the art is much rougher and undeveloped. There are characters with powerful swords, though this series is less 'divine spiritual soul magic' and more... taping technology to your sword so it becomes deadlier. Which is still cool, and a lot more down-and-dirty to fit the western theme.
The core cast of characters are fun enough, and there's some good humour and battle scenes, but it's not the most impressive start. Everything from the art style, to the pacing, to the very structure of the story is rough around the edges. It's a debut series, and Tite Kubo is still working out the kinks trying to define his style. But it's fun, and has enough intense action to keep my interest going.
I've read Tite Kubo's Bleach series and the comparisons are clear. This series came before Bleach, thus the art is much rougher and undeveloped. There are characters with powerful swords, though this series is less 'divine spiritual soul magic' and more... taping technology to your sword so it becomes deadlier. Which is still cool, and a lot more down-and-dirty to fit the western theme.
The core cast of characters are fun enough, and there's some good humour and battle scenes, but it's not the most impressive start. Everything from the art style, to the pacing, to the very structure of the story is rough around the edges. It's a debut series, and Tite Kubo is still working out the kinks trying to define his style. But it's fun, and has enough intense action to keep my interest going.
March 5, 2024
I feel that fans of the original Trigun and One Piece would be fans of Zombie Powder. The fact that it’s by Tite Kubo and that it’s one of his early works is what drew me in, but it doesn’t quite remind me of Bleach. This has more of the Wild West feel to the story although somewhat dystopian, much like Trigun or even Mad Max with all its chaos and action.
Tite Kubo said it was ok to not really pay attention to the story and to turn your brain off and enjoy the action. So that’s basically what I did and I really had a great time. I felt like the fight scenes were unique and interesting and they kept me intrigued. I remember feeling this way with Bleach before too.
This was a really good read. I’m actually a bit surprised that I enjoyed it so much, but at the same time, I expected it from Tite Kubo.
Tite Kubo said it was ok to not really pay attention to the story and to turn your brain off and enjoy the action. So that’s basically what I did and I really had a great time. I felt like the fight scenes were unique and interesting and they kept me intrigued. I remember feeling this way with Bleach before too.
This was a really good read. I’m actually a bit surprised that I enjoyed it so much, but at the same time, I expected it from Tite Kubo.
July 8, 2022
Zombiepowder. was serialised in Weekly Shōnen Jump from August 1999 to February 2000 before being cancelled after 27 chapters (four volumes) due to Taito Kubo's poor mental health.
I never read or watched his most well-known series Bleach but I looked at his art style and was immediately intrigued. Taito Kubo is definitely one of the most talented mangakas! Very high niveau for a 21-year-old! Exciting to see how is art skills (and narrative style) are going to evolve over time. Also interesting to know that Gamma's initial concept was that of a samurai, so obviously not set in a western-themed environment. Zombiepowder. originally would have been titled "Samurai Drive" then.
I never read or watched his most well-known series Bleach but I looked at his art style and was immediately intrigued. Taito Kubo is definitely one of the most talented mangakas! Very high niveau for a 21-year-old! Exciting to see how is art skills (and narrative style) are going to evolve over time. Also interesting to know that Gamma's initial concept was that of a samurai, so obviously not set in a western-themed environment. Zombiepowder. originally would have been titled "Samurai Drive" then.
September 20, 2023
3.5/5
I sought after this series only because I adored reading Bleach and Burn the Witch.
If you are not a fan of Tite Kubo or you haven't read/watched Bleach, I don't think you'll enjoy this series too much and I suggest reading Bleach before looking for Zombie Powder. However if you have read/watched Bleach I recommend this series to you.
I loved Bleach's funky cool characters and its story so I chased after anything from Kubo for another taste of that. While I enjoyed this short series it still left me craving something fun like Bleach again.
The characters are cool (as always from Kubo) and the story was alright, it definitely could've been better in many aspects but I didn't hate it. Worth a read if you like the bad-ass and goofy that Bleach has!
I sought after this series only because I adored reading Bleach and Burn the Witch.
If you are not a fan of Tite Kubo or you haven't read/watched Bleach, I don't think you'll enjoy this series too much and I suggest reading Bleach before looking for Zombie Powder. However if you have read/watched Bleach I recommend this series to you.
I loved Bleach's funky cool characters and its story so I chased after anything from Kubo for another taste of that. While I enjoyed this short series it still left me craving something fun like Bleach again.
The characters are cool (as always from Kubo) and the story was alright, it definitely could've been better in many aspects but I didn't hate it. Worth a read if you like the bad-ass and goofy that Bleach has!
October 15, 2019
This would most likely appeal to fans of Trigun or Full Metal Alchemist. The pseudo-old west setting reminds me of Trigun which didn't hold my interest past the first volume. Here, the character work, while not on the level of Full Metal, is IMO better than Trigun.
Gamma is an entertaining enough character, the series long quest for zombie powder, or rings, which can bring the dead back to life, is laid out but,
Kinda not feeling a ton of desire to follow through to the quest's end. The characters didn't engage enough to make me want to pick up the next volume right now.
Gamma is an entertaining enough character, the series long quest for zombie powder, or rings, which can bring the dead back to life, is laid out but,
Kinda not feeling a ton of desire to follow through to the quest's end. The characters didn't engage enough to make me want to pick up the next volume right now.
February 5, 2020
If you liked Bleach, Devil May Cry, and Red Dead Redemption, then you'll love this strange baby of the three! By the guy who brought you Bleach comes a lone, overpowered warrior on the quest of 7 Dragonballs, I mean, 12 Rings of the Dead that will grant their finder a wish, I mean Zombie Powder that can raise the dead or make someone immortal.
All sarcasm aside, this is a good read so far. Nice mix of action, comedy, and Gamma has that personality of an old soul trying to teach his companion, and the readers, something about life, living, and being human. 5/5
All sarcasm aside, this is a good read so far. Nice mix of action, comedy, and Gamma has that personality of an old soul trying to teach his companion, and the readers, something about life, living, and being human. 5/5
August 31, 2017
Like any manga, Zombiepowder does just enough to pull you in with its world, aesthetic, and badass hero, Gamma Akutabi. With a story revolving around mysterious drifters with weird talents, a bounty hunting community that communicates through Record LPs at local music stories, and a quest for rings that could revive the dead, all set in a spaghetti western world, it's a shame Zombiepowder didn't take off like it should've in the early 00's.
November 16, 2022
When you read through Zombie Powder you can see the bones of Bleach. For a four volume run it is worth the read, especially if you like Bleach. The only potentially disappointing thing is the ending. You can tell by volume four that Bleach had started to hit its stride and Kubo was shelving Zombie Powder.
That being said I still hold it incredibly close to my heart and I think it stands up as an example of how good Kubo is at storytelling.
That being said I still hold it incredibly close to my heart and I think it stands up as an example of how good Kubo is at storytelling.
April 5, 2024
I first picked this up because I recognised the author (Bleach), and thought it was neat to find something else he'd done, since I thought he'd only done Bleach. However, this apparently didn't make much of an impression because I remember absolutely nothing from my first read. But rereading this now I think it's an okay start to a series. I guess it shows promise... even though a chain saw sword is way too much in my opinion lmao.
January 10, 2025
First read of 2025! Recommendation from my husband with the caveat that this series doesn't have an ending due to the project being cancelled for Bleach.
That being said, I LOVED it! It gives nostalgic Trigun feels, and the art is SO good. I was never a fan of Bleach, and now I, too, am disappointed knowing this series will never be finished. Despite that, I'll enjoy the four volumes that exist anyway!
That being said, I LOVED it! It gives nostalgic Trigun feels, and the art is SO good. I was never a fan of Bleach, and now I, too, am disappointed knowing this series will never be finished. Despite that, I'll enjoy the four volumes that exist anyway!
September 21, 2023
Book had good action sequences and character interactions. I found the plot interesting and the on point. Like the Elward's pick pocket skills leading to a comedic moment. The stage was well set and I found the weapons wear cool, especially Gamma's sword. I do find it interesting to see how Tite Kubo write before Bleach, after all the story had a lot of potential that I hope is seen.
October 16, 2024
This was awesome!!! I love the art and the plot as well. We meet the MC and we learn about theses rings that have power and the MC wants them all and then he meets a young boy who want the rings to bring back his sister!
I love this story and you can see how there are some aspects that Tite Kubo uses for his other seres. I am very happy to read this manga and continue the series as well.
I love this story and you can see how there are some aspects that Tite Kubo uses for his other seres. I am very happy to read this manga and continue the series as well.
May 14, 2025
Such a great little volume. Rereading this after so many have passed since I first did reminds me why I loved it.
Kubo's art was as highly detailed here as it would be in his future Bleach works, the weird and wonderful powers wielded by Ichigo and co stretching Kubo's genius and lest I forget how developed the characters already feel even after this first volume.
Kubo's art was as highly detailed here as it would be in his future Bleach works, the weird and wonderful powers wielded by Ichigo and co stretching Kubo's genius and lest I forget how developed the characters already feel even after this first volume.
January 11, 2020
I’ve had volume one lying around for years and I finally decided to give it a try, it was a good concept. While I’m trying to get into more shonen titles, this was particularly easy to digest. Interesting plot line and characters. Keen to see where this goes!
March 16, 2021
So far it is meh. Especially if you compare it to something like Bleach. It gives me Trigun vibes, but not as good. Both mangas have a fantastic main character, but Trigun has a better cast of 2ndary/support characters.
February 10, 2025
Art style was a classic. Enjoyed the design of the villains, also. I think I would of liked to get to know Gamma better, he's just a mysterious cool guy as of yet. His prodégé has more personality and more backstory, but I guess it's all in order to add intrigue.
April 9, 2025
Been in a Bleach mood so I thought I would return to Tite Kubo's first manga series. I was super obsessed with these books when I got them as a teenager, they were my comfort food, I would just read the four volumes often. So far it is still giving me that feeling :)
August 12, 2017
Everything I would expect from the author of Bleach. Action, Blood, Great Characters
January 3, 2018
Loved it! Want more!
February 21, 2018
Really interesting worldbuilding, I'm intrigued! Battles look pretty epic, and I want to read more!
January 10, 2020
This was great manga!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews