Gantz

This has to be one of the worst stories I've ever read, period. An interesting premise with death and a game to "come back to life." Sounds cool, right? Think again. This story goes all over the place (much like this review will). First off, we get the main character. He's an angsty, horny douchebag. People think his character is "so realistic," but if I knew anyone like that, I'd tell them to fuck off. A hot girl gives him sex for no reason at all. He literally just met her and asked to have sex, and next thing you know, she loves him. Lol. This story has no idea what it's doing. Fight aliens to get points to come back to life? Cool. Wait, what is this crow monster? Meh, whatever. Wait, is this Jurassic Park? Eh, whatever, keep reading. A T-Rex that can breathe fireballs? This is fucking ridiculous. Oh, now vampires out of the blue? That can see the dead guys? .......... Now we move on to the gadgets. There seems to be no limit to what the gadgets Gantz gives the contestants. Or they're too dumb to figure it out. One guy uses invisibility. No one else does. One guy makes a long sword. No one else does. They didn't even know there was a lock-on button until later. The characters are almost all shit. The majority just come in to die, I guess to show "danger," but the MC is always safe. Even without his supersuit. More characters = more deaths = mature, right?!? The girls are all sex dolls apparently. Just there to get horny teenage boys to buy it. Every cover page is a provocative girl. Oh yeah, and a guy paints his face to look exactly like a black guy to do a mass killing where apparently he doesn't need to reload until after 1000 bullets have been shot. Oh, and no one screams or anything when five gunshots go off, killing five people. They just walk right past the guy like nothing happened. Did I mention he made himself fucking black? This is terrible. No offense if you like it, but I think we read a different story.

This manga isn't for everyone. It showcases the darker aspects of human nature in an exaggerated way, and you'll find many characters instantly dislikeable, including the protagonist. However, one reason I adore this manga is the incredible character development of our main character. He transforms from a naive, cocky jerk into a hero worthy of respect. Witnessing this evolution from start to finish fills you with pride.

The combat scenes are fantastic, though some enemies are bizarre monsters of unclear origin. Despite the science fiction label, some adversaries seem out of place. Still, the author deserves praise for their rich imagination, akin to Berserk, in creating such grotesque creatures.

The artwork differs from typical manga but suits the story well. It's consistently detailed and beautifully executed.

Many readers might abandon the manga after just the initial chapters, but those who persevere will discover the hidden gem within. Overall, I loved it. It's far from perfect, but considering how much enjoyment I derived from reading it, I rate it a 10/10.

Why do I even bother writing this review?

Others have already said it all. Even the author himself admitted that he created this as a guilty pleasure, probably because he just loved drawing guts, boobs, and monsters (not sure in which order).

The combination works remarkably well. The 383 chapters flew by much more quickly than I ever anticipated. And I say this as someone who typically prefers less violent content. I cannot help but admire the art, with all its detailed depictions of brain cuts and such.

I greatly appreciated how consistent the story was. It concluded properly, and it was clear from the beginning that the author intended to finish it, unlike many others who let the opportunity for a proper ending slip through their fingers.

What I loved most was the main hero. Kei might start off as the boring, stereotypical, useless boy who seems out of place and unable to act, but never before have I enjoyed a character's development so much. That is the primary reason I recommend reading Gantz. You will look back on those 383 chapters and feel like something truly significant has been accomplished. Howgh.

Great story, it's the first manga I've ever been addicted to. The best part about it is that nothing is predictable. Characters will die, new ones will emerge... I always found myself wondering what would happen next on the following page. If you're looking for a gore-filled, bloody, and nasty manga, this is the one for you.

Fights, monsters, sci-fi, sex, blood... and countless deaths, so many, many deaths!!

I started reading after watching the anime. If you have seen it, the anime only covers a small portion of the story; the plot goes much further. The anime's storyline stops around episode 5 or 6, if I remember correctly.

What is a great way to hook readers into the story? Gantz, much like Yu Yu Hakusho, opens with its protagonist meeting a tragic end. Kei Kurono and his childhood friend Masaro Katou are struck by a train and instantly transported to a war zone where people are brutally killed by bizarre aliens.

The author of this story, Hiroya Oku, is truly a genius in crafting an immersive narrative that leaves readers on the edge of their seats. Whenever I dive into Gantz or any of his other works such as Hen, I find it impossible to put down. The story is unpredictable and riveting; characters you grow attached to can meet their demise at any moment. This manga continues to unfold, and I eagerly await its conclusion.

The artwork is one of my favorite aspects of Gantz. The weapons, armor, and vehicles are entirely original, adding layers of depth to the story. The aliens, too, boast intricate and innovative designs. Despite the graphic violence and sexual content, none of it feels gratuitous or repulsive; rather, it enhances the overall narrative.

This manga introduces a host of fascinating characters. Kei Kurono, the main character, begins as a pessimistic and lustful high school student who only sees the worst in society. As he battles through more conflicts, he evolves into a hero who values human life but isn't blinded by justice, unlike his friend Katou, who struggles even to fight the aliens. Other characters like Nishi and Izumi tend to be darker (antiheroes), yet I found myself rooting for them nonetheless.

In summary, Gantz is a masterpiece. Anyone seeking a compelling and original story should give it a read. While the gore and sex scenes might deter some readers, they ultimately contribute to the story's impact. This is one of my all-time favorite mangas, so I highly recommend giving it a try!

Fun and fast ride.
For me, amidst this chaotic mix of violent, nonsensical, and ironic parody pages, there is a lot to enjoy.
I became attached to many of its characters and experienced plenty of emotional rollercoasters while reading it.
However, fundamentally, it was not a profound experience.
At least in my view, it doesn't have to be.
It is a masterpiece of balancing what a story can be.
Every element that can be played with, probably will be.
Concepts, overall themes, major designs, emotional dilemmas, and so on.
They were all handled in an intriguing way within these chapters.
A must-read for those diving into the world of manga and wanting a quirky look into the possibilities of storytelling.

I'm reading it for the second time and am now convinced that this is my favorite manga of all time. People say it's messed up, but this manga has far deeper meanings than people seem to grasp. I haven't seen a manga that felt so realistic. Any reaction from the characters feels like it could happen in our own lives, and the consequences of events build one after another, becoming stronger and making perfect sense when they hit.

Even though I feel it's a very psychological manga, it doesn't diminish its qualities as a romance/drama with immense emotional depth. What I love most about Gantz is its realism; how real it feels. I've never felt so involved in a manga before this one, and it's the second time I'm reading it. Everything makes so much sense in it, and absolutely nothing is predictable before you turn the page.

This is mature writing at its highest level, folks. People who want things to go their way won't like it because there's nothing expected happening in this manga. Gantz gave me mind-blowing experiences that I will forever remember and has a deep place in my heart. I can't even think that any manga could ever surpass it. It's just the masterpiece of masterpieces to me. 10 outta freaking 10.

(Edit: It also has the most epic battles/fights/missions I have ever seen in my entire life, be it in anime, movies, or manga.)

Amazing story, and amazing art. Oku depicts humanity in a strikingly realistic manner, albeit through a nihilistic perspective. At first, readers might be put off by how much of an asshole Kurono is, but trust me, his character development ranks among the best in fiction. I can't delve deeply into the characters or events without spoiling it, but if you can make it through the first 100 chapters, you'll find the story surprisingly good.

My main critique centers on the ending and perhaps the vampire subplot, which felt somewhat rushed and incomplete. However, considering that Oku may have included vampires due to editorial pressure—vampire fiction being trendy at the time—I can forgive the lack of a thorough conclusion for that subplot. The ending might feel weak to some, but the author isn't asserting the philosophy at the end as fact; rather, it's a viewpoint from an alien species far beyond human comprehension, where concepts like emotion or intrinsic value are foreign.

Gantz is the strangest thing I've ever read. It's packed with so many twists and nonsensical developments that it feels like three or four separate manga stitched together into a Frankenstein's monster of craziness. Getting through the numerous plot holes was tough, but marveling at how they managed to complete this wild plot was worth the effort.

Story:
Honestly, what in the world? Gantz begins as a cool, macabre version of Men in Black, then veers off into Hellsing territory, before finally landing somewhere near Independence Day. The story isn't confusing so much as it is baffling, which weakens otherwise solid action sequences. In one sentence, it felt like I had missed three context-giving arcs and was thrown straight into the deep end of the pool.

Art:
Gantz isn't new; the first chapter is over 10 years old, and the style reflects that era. It'll take some time to get used to it if you're coming from newer works. Once you do, it's not half bad, though I found some of the action sequences hard to follow.

Character:
Kurono Kei develops tremendously from his rather pathetic beginnings. Gantz counters his Deus Ex Machina determination with a brutality rarely seen outside Berserk, and it's that constant fear of death that drives reader engagement. The rest of the cast remains pretty flat, never really developing beyond their initial presentations. They mostly fall into these categories: arrogant asshole, sociopath, normal person, or woman.

Enjoyment:
I enjoyed Gantz for its off-the-wall action. Without that, it's hard to recommend. There are better manga for character development, plot, dialogue, and even violence. However, the juxtaposition from the beginning to the end is unparalleled. There is absolutely no way to predict what Gantz becomes from its first chapter.

Gantz is kind of the worst, but I love it. The premise, that all of modern society is evil and Tokyo is basically hell on earth, seems incredibly simple at first glance, but the author executes it masterfully. Yes, the Gantz missions are the main selling point, with increasingly extravagant gore as you delve deeper into the series, but the true meaning lies in the surrounding world. The horror of Japan's nightmarish state is conveyed through the cast’s apathy towards it, along with their indifference to anyone outside their immediate friends or family. Oku’s worldbuilding assumes that while readers might want to know how the scientific (or magical?) mechanics work, everyone takes it for granted and only mentions it in passing. This laid-back approach to storytelling adds to the mystique of this treacherous world, where danger lurks around every street corner and hides under every manhole, fitting perfectly with the characters' ignorant existences.

It's a story about people being thrust into horrible circumstances, forced to execute random, helpless beings to satisfy the whims of a capitalistic machine gone mad, and having to work together to survive. This might be one of my favorite stories about found family. In their search to fulfill their vague, nonsensical whims, people team up and learn to love again. However, there are exceptions. As far as problematic fiction goes, Gantz may take the cake. Many of the characters are awful monsters who seek nothing but to bring others misery. They represent the status quo of society, individuals who view their pride as more important than others' lives.

The narrative itself is somewhat bare bones. Another mission, another target, another city decimated—just another day in Tokyo, Japan. The final few arcs’ focus on the sci-fi elements, while nice, gets old. Gantz just wants to be a shlocky action series with a lot of heart. Whether you enjoy this will decide if you want to read it or not. The artwork is great! From start to finish, though some might argue about some of the aliens at the end, every panel is important and illustrated brilliantly.

On a side note, the fanservice throughout is pretty obnoxious, and I don't know why it was included. I can ignore it.

TL;DR: Gantz, like every great work of art, is what the reader interprets it as. Sakata is the best character, a fashion-loving misanthrope who improves every scene just by being there. Proletarier aller Länder, vereinigt Euch!

Content warnings: Animal abuse, child abuse, neglect, misogyny, toxic relationships, homophobia, racism, shootings, genocide

Gantz is peculiar. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be "obake" - because it's indecisive and constantly shifting, sometimes for better or worse.

Story [4]:
This is Gantz's downfall. Initially, it's acceptable but gets increasingly bizarre as it progresses. There are moments of improvement, yet entire arcs leave you wondering, "Why is this happening?" Plot elements are introduced haphazardly and then forgotten or unexplored. Psychics and vampires play significant roles in this regard. The pacing varies from good to drawn out, especially towards the end which feels rushed. It offers unique aspects but also frustrating tropes. The author frequently relies on softcore porn, ecchi themes, and shock value.

Art [8]:
Hiroya Oku still lacks a clear vision, though his style becomes more linear and improves over time. Occasionally, character designs can confuse you into thinking they're new. The monster design deserves praise; it was stunning, disturbing, and fitting when needed. Many references to bugs and insects felt unwelcome, but backgrounds and landscapes were mostly beautiful and daunting in a positive way.

Character [8]:
The protagonist starts as a mess. Characters, including side ones, seem like exaggerated portrayals of modern society. Most male characters are thugs, rapists, gangsters, bikers, angry virgins, killers, or punks. Character growth is evident, particularly with Kurono Kei, but other main characters get little development. Women are often props or plot devices, influencing Kurono’s transformation from degenerate to improved. Monster traits start quirky but become dull over time. Protagonist treatment is solid, but other characters could use more attention. There's irony in Kurono following Katou's ideals while Katou admires Kurono.

Enjoyment [10]:
I loved Gantz, and its rollercoaster ride became a favorite. Despite high expectations leading to some disappointment, I was often weirded out. The manga's self-awareness adds humor, and its cultural and media references were satisfying.

Afterword [7.5]:
Gantz caters to specific audiences. You need the right mindset—seeking entertainment without looking for deeper meaning. If you lack a strong stomach, dislike over-the-top action, or excessive sexual content, skip it. But if excited, enjoy 13 years of publishing condensed into 383 chapters.

A commendable manga, quite distinct from the usual fare. It places significant focus on the psychology of various characters, featuring plenty of gore and highly unpredictable plot twists, with heroes meeting their end unexpectedly.

If you're a fan of manga that combines violence with originality, this is definitely for you.