So here we are in the 'Winterfell' of the Fullmetal universe, Fort Briggs run in a 'survival of the fittest' mode by the superb Major General Olivier So here we are in the 'Winterfell' of the Fullmetal universe, Fort Briggs run in a 'survival of the fittest' mode by the superb Major General Olivier Mira Armstrong and her Northern team. All the cards are on the table with more homunculi emerging, Scar on the loose and the brothers caught between a rock and a hard place. Jeopardy, jeopardy, just give me some jeopardy, with the entire world seemingly against are now shrunken white hat forces, the series has finally got a heart for me, peaked when Winry faced off against Scar! I didn't think I'd get to write this about this series, but here it is, these collected volumes (18 to 21), I rated 8 out of 12, Four Star reads! [image] 2024 read...more
This omnibus collects the best and worse volumes so far! Volume 14 tears it all up as a major conspiracy is revealed and the main characters have to nThis omnibus collects the best and worse volumes so far! Volume 14 tears it all up as a major conspiracy is revealed and the main characters have to navigate in a reality that has turned upside down; only to be followed by volume 15 that summarise the Civil War, but the recollection is prose heavy and one-dimensional with few twists or surprises. A 7 out of 12 Three Star read overall, but with a sense that the main story will really pick up from now. Another 7 out of 12, Three Star jam :) [image] 2024 read...more
The three volumes collected in this omnibus sees alongside new players from the East the opposing sides clash quite often; volume 10 focus on Mustang The three volumes collected in this omnibus sees alongside new players from the East the opposing sides clash quite often; volume 10 focus on Mustang and co with his determination to uncover all by reaching the pinnacle himself; in volume 11 is all about the past in the flesh and in memory; will the brother continue to pursue their joint goals? Volume 12 sees the coalition really take it to the antagonists with forward planning and team working. If I read this in isolation I'm not sure I'd even recommend it, but with so many interesting Goodreads' reviewers loving this series, I think everyone should give it a go, despite me seeing this series lacking any real heart, nuance or real sense of jeopardy! 7 out of 12, Three Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
I didn't realise there were omnibus listings of these, but now I have I can reduce the number of reviews I make on this series by using the omnibuses.I didn't realise there were omnibus listings of these, but now I have I can reduce the number of reviews I make on this series by using the omnibuses.: Vol 7 - Al is lured into a trap and captured, can Izumi and Ed extract him from his situation? Vol 8 - Features the shocking emergence of Wrath! Vol 9 - The overall conspiracy becomes more overt, as an ally of the brothers is arrested for murder! I struggle to ever go over Three Stars for this series the good is OK, the longform storytelling, the characters, especially the antagonists, the art is just so-so, am struggling to interpret the action scenes; still I am committed to reading it all. [image] 2024 read...more
In which the brothers continue their origin story that lead them to how they are today. An early origin story kind of sits well, so the entire series In which the brothers continue their origin story that lead them to how they are today. An early origin story kind of sits well, so the entire series won't be centred around drip-feeding it. Such a key story easily makes it the best volume for me so far - a 7 out of 12, Three Star read. [image] 2024...more
Winry and the brothers touch down in automail heaven where they come across a very annoying pickpocket and her automail team; where we first meet IzumWinry and the brothers touch down in automail heaven where they come across a very annoying pickpocket and her automail team; where we first meet Izumi Curtis and; the first half of the brothers' backstory is shared in detail. Although this felt like a lot of backfill storytelling, I now have found myself truly immersed in this reality now that I've got used to the artwork and humour. Another 6.5 out of 12 Three Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
Nothing like some angst, conspiracy and murder to turn a series up! The brothers are at odds with each other to a degree and Winry their childhood friNothing like some angst, conspiracy and murder to turn a series up! The brothers are at odds with each other to a degree and Winry their childhood friend is also in the mix as they look to get more intel. Meanwhile supporting cast member Hughes has worked out HUGE intel that can shake this reality, but can he get to share it? Jeopardy, jeopardy, jeopardy, the chance of real jeopardy is what makes a series for me, and this volume is full of it; especially as I get more acclimatised to the art. A top series ranking 7 out of 12, high Three Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
The Elric brothers travel back to their home town for recuperation before returning to their quest where they face a life or death battle against guarThe Elric brothers travel back to their home town for recuperation before returning to their quest where they face a life or death battle against guardians! This volume sees the introduction of their female 'team' mechanic Winry, we learn more about Mustang and the dark past of the Alchemists. As I get used to the art, the series gets easier to enjoy, Admittedly my favourite characters at this point are the antagonists Lust, Gluttony and Envy! ....But it is the Alchemists' backstory that has me so much more fascinated that the quest for the Stone at the moment. A 6.5 out of 12, Three Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
The brothers' search for a remedy to their 'fullmetal' situations sees them visit a bio-alchemy authority, but things don't turn out anything like theThe brothers' search for a remedy to their 'fullmetal' situations sees them visit a bio-alchemy authority, but things don't turn out anything like they expected; meanwhile someone is viciously killing state alchemists! I found the first volume of this series underwhelming, but this volume has the series heading in the right direction for me now; with more definitive character and reality building, more restrained humour and the full introduction of the supporting cast, as well as a delightfully dangerous antagonist. 7 out of 12 Three Stars this time. :) [image] 2024...more
Edward Elric and younger brother Alphonse lost so much for daring to challenge life itself, and now seek the Philosopher's Stone to repair the damagesEdward Elric and younger brother Alphonse lost so much for daring to challenge life itself, and now seek the Philosopher's Stone to repair the damages caused to themselves. In these first four chapters we get their origin, their role as State Alchemists and adventures on their quest from cultist through to hostage takers. All-in-all, I struggled with art whenever it was use to display emotion or action, the comedy is really juvenile and plotting trite. The reality itself is thin at the moment although I do like the ideas around the Alchemists. This needs to get a lot better for me to enjoy it! A mere 4 out of 12 Two Stars from me. [image] 2024 read...more
So this it, the end of a phenomenal ride. The last four volumes (34 to 37) of the superb speculative fiction horror reality that is Gantz. What do youSo this it, the end of a phenomenal ride. The last four volumes (34 to 37) of the superb speculative fiction horror reality that is Gantz. What do you want at the end of a series really? Let's be honest ideally we want is full closure and on this Gantz completely delivers with all questions answered, world shattering conflict, glorious sacrifices, great wins, love, reunions and above all a most beautifully crafted final battle scene. [image] Let's start on the negatives about this series: the bizarre sexual image exploitation of mostly young and buxom female characters; the at times hard to determine what's going on artwork; and the multiple plot-gaps, wher4 for once a bit of exposition would have helped. [image] The good is very good; a wonderfully created speculative fiction horror constructed reality that is so well paced as the horror escalates throughout the series. Somehow the creators also managed a fair amount of character development for many of their protagonists. The peak thing about this series tis the creativity around the look and feel of the non-human antagonists, sublime! Very much written for a global audience this very much a highly recommended jumping on point for manga. A 8.5 out of 12, Four Star sumptuous manga delight :) [image] 2024...more
More hyper hyped Gantz adventure as they players struggle to survive in their warped reality. Can the couple ever be reunited? There are also huge chaMore hyper hyped Gantz adventure as they players struggle to survive in their warped reality. Can the couple ever be reunited? There are also huge changes for Gantz itself. And just 'cos the creators are so great at creating them we get some new wonderfully dark alien threats on top of the dominant Giant race. I can't believe that over 330 chapters (33 volumes!) in I am completely enthralled by this monstrous speculative fiction work. 8 out of 12 Four Star jam. [image] 2024 read...more
The three volumes (28-30) collected in this omnibus are all about the 'Katastrophe' a global extinction event. Volume 28 details the attack on Japan, The three volumes (28-30) collected in this omnibus are all about the 'Katastrophe' a global extinction event. Volume 28 details the attack on Japan, volume 29 details an attempted fightback by our players and volume 30 sees a crazy chase as our main protagonist looks to find and save the one they love! The aliens in this arc a sight to behold, such well conceived and drawn: [image] This 'Katastrophe' phase of Gantz really puts the series even firmer on the map for me; instead of the presumable whole Gantz reveal the entire series takes a left turn, and what a delight; the art continues to fascinate and scare; easily the best manga I've ever read. 8 out 12, Four Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
Three more volumes of this intense series are collected in this omnibus. Volume 25 sees the highest ever ranking alien, Nurarihyon still rampaging andThree more volumes of this intense series are collected in this omnibus. Volume 25 sees the highest ever ranking alien, Nurarihyon still rampaging and only the Tokyo players are left to combat it; volume 26 sees the sense shattering apocalyptic warning overrides everyone's downtime; and volume 27 truly turns it up with not only the start of another alien mission, but the confirmation of other players and off-key of all, a bizarre duplication! The series has huge rumblings of a dramatic change of focus, with the journo investigating Gantz, the 'game' rolling more into the mainstream reality and a realisation that Gantz itself might be a lot bigger than the players realised! By the end of volume 27, the series has taken a new path that the creators have drawn and plotted so well that it all feels organic. So much going on, all making sense, all hugely entertaining and the deep diving ongoing mystery. What's not to like? 8 out 12, Four Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
With natural born enemies seemingly forced to fight alongside them the players face what only until I did some prep reading for this review, turned ouWith natural born enemies seemingly forced to fight alongside them the players face what only until I did some prep reading for this review, turned out to be Yokai aliens; and thus is the reason why this very good series has plateaued at Four Stars for me, there are quite few points and storytelling where just not enough is provided to me as a reader, to know what is going on, this is the sole, but key failing of this fantastically created series. The plus is that this fault may make the rereads enhanced experiences! [image] The Yokai aliens are not the biggest surprise in the volumes covered by this omnibus as the Gantz universe is further expanded (view spoiler)[when the protagonists' mission is set in Osaka and alongside another team (hide spoiler)]. I found these volumes less intense than previous volumes as I sometimes struggled to recognise who was in the panels and what was going on! The overall reality building and plotting remained top-notch overall. Another 8 out of 12, Four Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
So, in five decades of reading this is only the second manga that I enjoyed, and this one far better than I enjoyed Akira, this omnibus covers three vSo, in five decades of reading this is only the second manga that I enjoyed, and this one far better than I enjoyed Akira, this omnibus covers three volumes that show everything I love (and hate) about Gants. Let's start with hate the almost inhuman treatment of the depiction and general character reactions to rape, female nudity and overt sexism, it's like the creator s has the mind of a 14 year odal boy, but it maybe that juvenile mindset that helped influenced is long-form plotting, although on the face of it the book is about crazy mission to crazy interval, and then back two crazy mission and so on, for me it's really about the very slow, but compelling drip fed truth of the Gantz reality and of Gantz itself. This omnibus sees the series transition from Phase I to Phase II, a things are still mind-blown good! 8 out of 12, Four Star read. [image] Yes, that is a panda. This book right! 2024 read...more
Really getting my Gantz on! Another three volumes that I review in the omnibus format to better manage (reduce) the number of reviews I'm putting out.Really getting my Gantz on! Another three volumes that I review in the omnibus format to better manage (reduce) the number of reviews I'm putting out. Volume 16 wraps up the internal strife amongst the Gantz players; volume 17 sees the now more united players facing the Oni Aliens, feeding into volume 18 where one of the Bosses goes all-out homicidal against everyone! [image] In these volumes I can see how gradual the character development has been, but it works so well here, where it takes time for the players' minds to get to grips with their new reality. One of the marvellous things about this series is how Horaya ratchets up the distress caused, gore and intent of the antagonists. So many things I want to know more about; such a compelling read; there are 36 volumes in all, 12 omnibuses and I already dread reading them all, as I feel they won't be enough! 8 out of 12 Four Stars. [image] 2024...more
I am all-in on Gantz. The three volumes in this omnibus see a marked character journey for our primary protagonist as love reels its head and gives thI am all-in on Gantz. The three volumes in this omnibus see a marked character journey for our primary protagonist as love reels its head and gives them a reason to truly live and indeed conquer Gantz? Meanwhile prehistoric monsters, fantasy monster and deadliest of all human monsters await our players over these missions. The delightful black and white art with added-in sound effects works perfectly for this series. I can see why I've read about so many readers just steam rolling through this series, it is so compelling as much as it is a mystery that know no end. So much creativity is involved to keep each round of Gantz so fresh! Another 8 out of 12 read, Four Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
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