I love Tite Kubo's art, which is why I initially picked it up. It's just my personal preference, but I find it stunning and beautiful in its simplicity.
I read the entire series in one sitting and was deeply disappointed to learn that it was discontinued.
Even though it doesn't have a proper ending, it's still worth reading. The pacing is excellent, it's humorous, and the characters are enjoyable.
True, many elements are recycled or cliché, as you'd see in most shonen works, but that doesn't make it any less fun to read. It's simply another take on familiar themes, and it definitely isn't boring because of it.
This is my first review, so please bear with me if it's somewhat rough around the edges.
Zombie Powder could go either way for readers; it had significant potential and could have gone further with a bit more support. It’s a shame that it didn’t get that chance. The story of the Rings of the Dead and Zombie Powder is unique in manga, making it stand out from the crowd. With good action scenes, excellent fight sequences, and some bizarre moves and plot twists, it’s enough to keep anyone interested.
The artwork is clean and detailed without overwhelming the reader with too much happening in one image. Character designs are well-executed, particularly Gamma’s distinctive hairstyle. However, it might be considered somewhat simplistic.
The characters are well-balanced and developed, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Unlike many series where the main character carries the group, here, each character can handle themselves in battle. This contrasts sharply with Bleach, where Ichigo often overshadowed the rest of the cast, reducing the value of other characters until later in the series.
Gamma and his partner CT Smith provide the primary fighting power for the group. Gamma offers comical humor through his actions, while CT Smith provides sarcastic, subtle, and mocking humor. Gamma, as a swordsman, uses a wide variety of techniques, reminiscent at times of Ichigo’s moves. CT Smith, on the other hand, excels in marksmanship, able to shoot out the pins of moving train wheels without missing a shot. These two deliver the best battle scenes in the story.
Set in a futuristic/sci-fi western universe with guns, outlaws, and bandits, the setting is somewhat original and similar to Trigun’s world.
Overall, if you’re a fan of Bleach, you should enjoy Zombie Powder, given it was created by the same mangaka, Tite Kubo. The story, characters, and action scenes are great and provided plenty of laughs. My only issue is the abrupt ending, leaving an unfinished feeling. For this reason, I’d give it a 7 overall. If it had lasted longer and concluded more satisfactorily, I would have rated it an 8 or 9.
Still worth a read anyway.
"I’ve killed thousands of bounty hunters in my time. And each time, for every person I killed, I’ve made new enemies among the people left alive."
- Gamma, Chapter 2
If choosing to read Zombie Powder, it is important to remember that it was "cancelled" early on in what would have been a longer run. Kubo has mentioned a couple of reasons for this, and stepping away from this project allowed him to move on to bigger and better things. Due to this, Zombie Powder doesn’t really have a clear-cut ending, but it is easy to see how the main plot would have progressed.
Zombie Powder, in its short run, contained a few interesting ideas that, while not too unique in their current state, could have been adapted into more intriguing concepts. The mix of Western and Sci-Fi genres works well enough, creating an engaging landscape with potential for exploration. While fetch quests can be a bit tiresome due to their often predictable plots, Zombie Powder has a few plot beats that could have taken interesting directions had it continued. The combination of action and comedic dialogue also works well, not feeling forced and adding to character development.
Kubo’s art style is generally easy to follow throughout most of Zombie Powder, although the reliance on long sweeping lines to represent air movement can sometimes create slightly chaotic panels. This can make sword-based fights a bit difficult to read. Additionally, some backgrounds rely heavily on horizontal lines to fill space, especially during character interactions, which can make scenes feel very dense.
One of Zombie Powder’s weakest elements is its characters. This is largely due to its short run, but it is evident that a few characters were the focus while others were more of an afterthought. A notable example is Elwood’s sister, who is supposed to act as an emotional center for his character, being the focus of his goal. Despite her presence in several pages, we never learn her name, which seems like an important detail given her significance to him. There is also a similarity to another character’s goal of saving her brother, making the sibling-bond theme somewhat repetitive. The reliance on character pages to add basic information and depth to some background characters can feel like a hindrance, as some important elements (such as names) should ideally be referenced within the plot rather than acting as an add-on.
There are a couple of standout characters who definitely drive the story and have strong design concepts. It is easy to see how they influenced Kubo’s later work. The character designs, overall, are solid, with antagonists having a mix of skill sets that make for interesting fights. Had the series had a longer run, it likely could have developed into something more distinctive.
It is unfortunate that Kubo was unable to wrap up Zombie Powder, leaving a few intriguing plot threads unresolved and unable to conclude satisfactorily. However, based on what is currently shown, I am glad he decided to step away and move on to something he felt happier with.
Story: I really enjoyed the concept of the Rings of Death and how collecting them could grant wishes to the gatherer(s). However, Zombie Powder felt like a mix between Dragon Ball Z and Trigun. It had elements of gathering multiple items for a wish and a main character with a high bounty in a futuristic western setting. I believe Tite Kubo could have infused more originality into the story.
The pacing was an issue for me in Zombie Powder. While it moved quickly, at times it felt rushed, especially when side plots were abruptly cut off to reach the main objective. This detracted from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The incomplete nature of this manga negatively impacts its rating. The abrupt end left many loose ends, such as the mystery behind Gamma's armored arm and the outcome of his surgery. If Kubo wasn't planning to finish the series, he should have structured the story better to fit within four volumes.
Art: The artwork was appealing, with well-proportioned main characters. Ridiculous-looking characters appeared appropriately so, and action scenes were clear but not overly dynamic. There weren't many detailed backgrounds, which is understandable given the flat landscape of the futuristic western setting. Despite this, the scenery looked beautiful.
Characters: The incomplete nature of Zombie Powder also affects the character development ratings. The characters had unique traits, but the short story length prevented deeper exploration. We learned a bit about Gamma and Elwood, but I wished for more inner monologues from Elwood, resolutions to Gamma's mysteries, and explanations about Smith. The unresolved plot points hindered character growth. Still, the characters were original, earning a 9 out of 10.
If you're a fan of Tite Kubo's work, you should give Zombie Powder a read. It's short and sweet, but don't expect too much due to its unfinished state. It's a good side read when you need a break from longer series.
Review 10: Zombie Powder. (Get the Rings)!!!
By the creator of Bleach, Tite Kubo, this manga was written before his most famous work. As a renowned artist and author, his earlier works have gained popularity over time. Admittedly, this was a new read for me, and after only three books, I already want the rest of the series in Zombie Powder. The character designs are similar to those in Bleach, but given their popularity, it's understandable.
I don't think he intended to make Zombie Powder just like Bleach. While there are similarities, the characters' personalities and backstories are quite different from those in Bleach.
The main objective in Zombie Powder is for a man named Akutabi Gamma (or simply Gamma) to find the Rings of the Dead, which are the keys to obtaining zombie powder. These rings are said to hold an unknown power that can bring the dead back to life instantly and grant eternal life to the living. In this world, people aren't afraid of wars or thugs; they fear what they call "The Powder Hunters." These individuals will stop at nothing to find the rings and claim their power.
Characters:
Akutabi Gamma:
The leader of the team and arguably the most feared man alive. He has spent his life killing and training so he can hunt down and find these rings before his enemies do. Stubborn and relentless, he won't let anything or anyone stand in his way. Those who oppose him often end up in a bloody mess, leaving them scarred for life.
Elwood:
A young boy whose life was destroyed by local thugs and robbers who forced him to work for them. He meets and is saved by Akutabi in the first book. They team up and become close friends and fighting partners. Both are stubborn in their own ways and both seek the Powder, though seemingly for different reasons.
These two are the primary characters introduced in the first book and form the core of the team throughout the series. I won't list more characters as their personalities might give away key plot points.
A brilliant read from start to finish.
1:02 PM, October 15, 2012 ~Amy Xxxx
Melodux should conduct more research to confirm whether it was indeed canceled. The statement, "The rating for this manga is going to suffer because it's incomplete. If Kubo wasn't planning on finishing the manga, then he should've planned out the story better to fit 4 volumes," suggests that the cancellation was not by choice. Publishers hold significant power, and if a manga doesn't sell as projected, it results in no money, leading to its cancellation.
I understand why angelsreviews compares it to Trigun. However, Trigun evolved from a space-faring narrative into a desert-like western with a near-pacifistic antagonist. In contrast, this planet doesn't resemble a western desert but rather a lawless land where the protagonist has no qualms about killing every "bad guy" who looks at him funny.
~SPOILERS~
I really enjoyed this series. I started it before work and finished it about 50 minutes ago, spending 10 hours reading over 400 pages plus two subpar extras. While I don't like the multi-billion bounty trope reminiscent of Trigun or One Piece (a common shonen theme), the premise of collecting items like Dragon Ball Z for a wish is intriguing. Here, these items offer only one outcome depending on how many you have: less than 12 results in death, while exactly 12 grants Zombie Powder, which can either bring someone back to life or make a living person immortal. This concept is awesome. The fights were very good, and most bosses were well-executed, except for the first one, which was weak. The circus boss was underwhelming, but his lieutenants were excellent, though their roles were brief.
The characters were introduced perfectly, except for their motivations (other than the pickpocket kid and the girl). The pacing was excellent; it didn't feel rushed even though I was reading quickly. This kept me engaged, making me want to read the next chapter without getting tired. However, my main issue is the unresolved plot threads. There's so much potential left unexplored, and unfortunately, we may never see a conclusion unless the series is re-serialized, which seems unlikely. Read, read, and read again—it's very good, like an improved version of the beginning of Trigun.
Right off the bat, the first few pages reminded me of Trigun with how the protagonist is portrayed. He's somewhat flashy and acts like a fool in a world dominated by Western gunslingers. Gamma is highly comedic and seems to be something of a womanizer, evident from his interactions with Elwood’s sister. So, here we have a womanizing, comedic, almost-badass guy wandering around the desert searching for something. He is kind to everyone he meets and wears an eye-catching coat that makes him stand out. He has armor integrated into his right arm and is a wanted man who avoids unnecessary fights because of a woman. If this doesn't describe both Vash and Gamma, I don’t know what will. Unlike Vash, however, Gamma isn’t hesitant about fighting and even carries a chainsaw-like sword, having mastered a particularly challenging sword style.
Elwood can be seen as a Wolfwood counterpart in many ways. Most of the time when he talks to Gamma, I can imagine Wolfwood doing the same for Vash. Still, there are distinct traits that make him unique. Everyone seems to call him by his middle name; his full name, John Elwood Shepherd, is mentioned in his BO. His sole motivation is bringing his sister back to life, feeling deeply guilty over the events leading to her death. In a way, he serves as our introduction to the story, which concludes with him.
The next character to discuss is CT Smith, Gamma’s partner. Why he wears a professional suit in such hot, dry weather is beyond me, but it surely can’t be comfortable. He’s quite intelligent and looks up to Gamma, though he matches him in strength. He also has a terrible habit of building bombs that never work properly, earning him plenty of scolding from Gamma.
Finally, there’s Wolfgangina Lalla Getto (Wolfina). Who in their right mind would name their child Wolfgangina? Anyway, she’s a paparazzi journalist with a bizarre sense of justice. For instance, after taking a picture of a gang boss attempting to rape a woman, she altered it to make it appear as if he was engaging in BDSM activities.
I struggled with the title for quite some time. It really looks like it should be "Zombie Power" instead of "Powder," doesn’t it? Even in the description, I had trouble not writing ‘power hunter’ instead. Additionally, the author has given every single character a full name, no matter how minor their role, which feels a bit excessive. This could have been a fantastic manga if the creator hadn’t decided to cut it short so soon. By the fourth episode, it felt incomplete, needing more development to showcase its potential fully.
The artwork is stunning, featuring various types of swords and weapons. The steam punk art style adds a fun element at times, visible in the jet-powered swords and Gamma’s chainsaw sword, yet it’s not fully steampunk. No one is decked out in full steampunk gear, maintaining a unique aesthetic.
It's clear that this is an earlier work by Tite Kubo of Bleach fame. The artwork isn't as refined as in his later projects, and some story elements carry over. The characters are intriguing but seem like prototypes for those in his later series.
Pros: The story is interesting, offering a great opportunity to observe the development of a renowned artist's/author's progress. The character designs are unique.
Cons: The ending leaves readers hanging and feels unsatisfying, especially if you've read Kubo's later works. The plot revolves around a basic "searching for 'forbidden' things" premise.
Popular Reviews
I thought Zombie Powder was fantastic.
I love Tite Kubo's art, which is why I initially picked it up. It's just my personal preference, but I find it stunning and beautiful in its simplicity.
I read the entire series in one sitting and was deeply disappointed to learn that it was discontinued.
Even though it doesn't have a proper ending, it's still worth reading. The pacing is excellent, it's humorous, and the characters are enjoyable.
True, many elements are recycled or cliché, as you'd see in most shonen works, but that doesn't make it any less fun to read. It's simply another take on familiar themes, and it definitely isn't boring because of it.
Story: I really enjoyed the concept of the Rings of Death and how collecting them could grant wishes to the gatherer(s). However, Zombie Powder felt like a mix between Dragon Ball Z and Trigun. It had elements of gathering multiple items for a wish and a main character with a high bounty in a futuristic western setting. I believe Tite Kubo could have infused more originality into the story.
The pacing was an issue for me in Zombie Powder. While it moved quickly, at times it felt rushed, especially when side plots were abruptly cut off to reach the main objective. This detracted from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The incomplete nature of this manga negatively impacts its rating. The abrupt end left many loose ends, such as the mystery behind Gamma's armored arm and the outcome of his surgery. If Kubo wasn't planning to finish the series, he should have structured the story better to fit within four volumes.
Art: The artwork was appealing, with well-proportioned main characters. Ridiculous-looking characters appeared appropriately so, and action scenes were clear but not overly dynamic. There weren't many detailed backgrounds, which is understandable given the flat landscape of the futuristic western setting. Despite this, the scenery looked beautiful.
Characters: The incomplete nature of Zombie Powder also affects the character development ratings. The characters had unique traits, but the short story length prevented deeper exploration. We learned a bit about Gamma and Elwood, but I wished for more inner monologues from Elwood, resolutions to Gamma's mysteries, and explanations about Smith. The unresolved plot points hindered character growth. Still, the characters were original, earning a 9 out of 10.
If you're a fan of Tite Kubo's work, you should give Zombie Powder a read. It's short and sweet, but don't expect too much due to its unfinished state. It's a good side read when you need a break from longer series.
Melodux should conduct more research to confirm whether it was indeed canceled. The statement, "The rating for this manga is going to suffer because it's incomplete. If Kubo wasn't planning on finishing the manga, then he should've planned out the story better to fit 4 volumes," suggests that the cancellation was not by choice. Publishers hold significant power, and if a manga doesn't sell as projected, it results in no money, leading to its cancellation.
I understand why angelsreviews compares it to Trigun. However, Trigun evolved from a space-faring narrative into a desert-like western with a near-pacifistic antagonist. In contrast, this planet doesn't resemble a western desert but rather a lawless land where the protagonist has no qualms about killing every "bad guy" who looks at him funny.
~SPOILERS~
I really enjoyed this series. I started it before work and finished it about 50 minutes ago, spending 10 hours reading over 400 pages plus two subpar extras. While I don't like the multi-billion bounty trope reminiscent of Trigun or One Piece (a common shonen theme), the premise of collecting items like Dragon Ball Z for a wish is intriguing. Here, these items offer only one outcome depending on how many you have: less than 12 results in death, while exactly 12 grants Zombie Powder, which can either bring someone back to life or make a living person immortal. This concept is awesome. The fights were very good, and most bosses were well-executed, except for the first one, which was weak. The circus boss was underwhelming, but his lieutenants were excellent, though their roles were brief.
The characters were introduced perfectly, except for their motivations (other than the pickpocket kid and the girl). The pacing was excellent; it didn't feel rushed even though I was reading quickly. This kept me engaged, making me want to read the next chapter without getting tired. However, my main issue is the unresolved plot threads. There's so much potential left unexplored, and unfortunately, we may never see a conclusion unless the series is re-serialized, which seems unlikely. Read, read, and read again—it's very good, like an improved version of the beginning of Trigun.
Right off the bat, the first few pages reminded me of Trigun with how the protagonist is portrayed. He's somewhat flashy and acts like a fool in a world dominated by Western gunslingers. Gamma is highly comedic and seems to be something of a womanizer, evident from his interactions with Elwood’s sister. So, here we have a womanizing, comedic, almost-badass guy wandering around the desert searching for something. He is kind to everyone he meets and wears an eye-catching coat that makes him stand out. He has armor integrated into his right arm and is a wanted man who avoids unnecessary fights because of a woman. If this doesn't describe both Vash and Gamma, I don’t know what will. Unlike Vash, however, Gamma isn’t hesitant about fighting and even carries a chainsaw-like sword, having mastered a particularly challenging sword style.
Elwood can be seen as a Wolfwood counterpart in many ways. Most of the time when he talks to Gamma, I can imagine Wolfwood doing the same for Vash. Still, there are distinct traits that make him unique. Everyone seems to call him by his middle name; his full name, John Elwood Shepherd, is mentioned in his BO. His sole motivation is bringing his sister back to life, feeling deeply guilty over the events leading to her death. In a way, he serves as our introduction to the story, which concludes with him.
The next character to discuss is CT Smith, Gamma’s partner. Why he wears a professional suit in such hot, dry weather is beyond me, but it surely can’t be comfortable. He’s quite intelligent and looks up to Gamma, though he matches him in strength. He also has a terrible habit of building bombs that never work properly, earning him plenty of scolding from Gamma.
Finally, there’s Wolfgangina Lalla Getto (Wolfina). Who in their right mind would name their child Wolfgangina? Anyway, she’s a paparazzi journalist with a bizarre sense of justice. For instance, after taking a picture of a gang boss attempting to rape a woman, she altered it to make it appear as if he was engaging in BDSM activities.
I struggled with the title for quite some time. It really looks like it should be "Zombie Power" instead of "Powder," doesn’t it? Even in the description, I had trouble not writing ‘power hunter’ instead. Additionally, the author has given every single character a full name, no matter how minor their role, which feels a bit excessive. This could have been a fantastic manga if the creator hadn’t decided to cut it short so soon. By the fourth episode, it felt incomplete, needing more development to showcase its potential fully.
The artwork is stunning, featuring various types of swords and weapons. The steam punk art style adds a fun element at times, visible in the jet-powered swords and Gamma’s chainsaw sword, yet it’s not fully steampunk. No one is decked out in full steampunk gear, maintaining a unique aesthetic.
It's clear that this is an earlier work by Tite Kubo of Bleach fame. The artwork isn't as refined as in his later projects, and some story elements carry over. The characters are intriguing but seem like prototypes for those in his later series.
Pros: The story is interesting, offering a great opportunity to observe the development of a renowned artist's/author's progress. The character designs are unique.
Cons: The ending leaves readers hanging and feels unsatisfying, especially if you've read Kubo's later works. The plot revolves around a basic "searching for 'forbidden' things" premise.