It was an amazing story with a lot of potential, but it ended way too soon. After achieving what they did, only to end the story when it was getting good, feels like a letdown and a huge failure on the part of the mangaka. I understand that sometimes mangaka face issues such as financial constraints or lack of readership, but a story like this had so much untapped potential. I believe it could have attracted more readers if it had stayed in circulation.
All in all, it's a great read and you should check it out. It's worth your time, anytime.
Zombie Powder is something of a mixed bag. It's almost impossible not to compare it to Bleach, given that Zombie Powder was the mangaka’s earlier work, albeit one that wasn't commercially successful. While it may not be entirely fair to draw comparisons, it’s inevitable for someone who has already experienced both Bleach (anime and manga).
Artistically, Zombie Powder shares a similar style with Bleach—good but not outstanding. The mangaka’s artistic approach hasn’t evolved much between the two series.
Readers familiar with Bleach will notice striking parallels between Ichigo and Gamma, both wielding oversized swords and harboring powerful, darker entities within them. Both protagonists grapple with these inner forces, trying to suppress them. Other characters also bear resemblances, such as Inoue and "Wolfgangina" (yes, that's her actual name), though these similarities are less pronounced.
The character development in Zombie Powder is fairly robust, arguably better than in Bleach up to volume 4 (the final volume of Zombie Powder). Characters like CT Smith, a charismatic gunslinger offering some of the best humor, stand out. The cast is more balanced compared to Bleach, where Ichigo dominates. Here, characters can handle themselves without always relying on Gamma, which is refreshing.
The settings of Bleach and Zombie Powder are nearly polar opposites. Bleach features a supernatural Japanese world filled with spirits and swords, while Zombie Powder is set in a sci-fi Western universe with guns and outlaws. Personally, I prefer the supernatural Japanese setting, although it's somewhat cliché. Zombie Powder’s setting is more original, though it shares some elements with Trigun.
Being an action manga, it's essential to discuss Zombie Powder's fight scenes, which are quite good. They share many traits with Bleach: clean art, numerous plot twists, and a mix of humor during and between battles. There are also bizarre special attacks and villains, ranging from a deranged circus magician to a colossal fat woman. While it might seem wacky, if you've read recent Bleach chapters, nothing here will surprise you.
In conclusion, Zombie Powder isn't a bad manga, but something feels lacking. Perhaps it’s because the series ended abruptly, or maybe it’s the similarities to Bleach. It could also be due to the clichéd premise of searching for "Rings of the Dead" to create Zombie Powder for immortality. Despite this, reading Zombie Powder was worthwhile for historical context. If you enjoy Western settings in manga, loved Bleach, or just have some free time, give Zombie Powder a look and see if it resonates with you.
You know, life happens. "Development Hell" is real, people have limited lifespans, and businesses open and close daily. That's what happened to Zombie Powder, as far as I understand. It didn't finish its run because the publication folded, leaving only four collected volumes and an unresolved story. Without much information, how did it fare?
Surprisingly well, actually. It's a shonen from the 2000s era, but with a more eccentric world-building approach. Picture a darker version of Goku's quest for the Dragon Balls, set in a Trigun-like universe, and you'll get the idea. It's just over-the-top enough to be enjoyable, with flawless art. I can't help but wonder how an anime adaptation would have turned out.
It's a shame that a manga about a wanderer wielding a chainsaw sword didn't get picked up again, as the creator, Tite Kubo, hasn't revisited the concept. Instead, he focused on his other title that became a massive hit on both sides of the Pacific: a little manga called "Bleach."
Short-lived but worth the read. Add Zombie Powder to your collection.
Popular Reviews
It was an amazing story with a lot of potential, but it ended way too soon. After achieving what they did, only to end the story when it was getting good, feels like a letdown and a huge failure on the part of the mangaka. I understand that sometimes mangaka face issues such as financial constraints or lack of readership, but a story like this had so much untapped potential. I believe it could have attracted more readers if it had stayed in circulation.
All in all, it's a great read and you should check it out. It's worth your time, anytime.
Zombie Powder is something of a mixed bag. It's almost impossible not to compare it to Bleach, given that Zombie Powder was the mangaka’s earlier work, albeit one that wasn't commercially successful. While it may not be entirely fair to draw comparisons, it’s inevitable for someone who has already experienced both Bleach (anime and manga).
Artistically, Zombie Powder shares a similar style with Bleach—good but not outstanding. The mangaka’s artistic approach hasn’t evolved much between the two series.
Readers familiar with Bleach will notice striking parallels between Ichigo and Gamma, both wielding oversized swords and harboring powerful, darker entities within them. Both protagonists grapple with these inner forces, trying to suppress them. Other characters also bear resemblances, such as Inoue and "Wolfgangina" (yes, that's her actual name), though these similarities are less pronounced.
The character development in Zombie Powder is fairly robust, arguably better than in Bleach up to volume 4 (the final volume of Zombie Powder). Characters like CT Smith, a charismatic gunslinger offering some of the best humor, stand out. The cast is more balanced compared to Bleach, where Ichigo dominates. Here, characters can handle themselves without always relying on Gamma, which is refreshing.
The settings of Bleach and Zombie Powder are nearly polar opposites. Bleach features a supernatural Japanese world filled with spirits and swords, while Zombie Powder is set in a sci-fi Western universe with guns and outlaws. Personally, I prefer the supernatural Japanese setting, although it's somewhat cliché. Zombie Powder’s setting is more original, though it shares some elements with Trigun.
Being an action manga, it's essential to discuss Zombie Powder's fight scenes, which are quite good. They share many traits with Bleach: clean art, numerous plot twists, and a mix of humor during and between battles. There are also bizarre special attacks and villains, ranging from a deranged circus magician to a colossal fat woman. While it might seem wacky, if you've read recent Bleach chapters, nothing here will surprise you.
In conclusion, Zombie Powder isn't a bad manga, but something feels lacking. Perhaps it’s because the series ended abruptly, or maybe it’s the similarities to Bleach. It could also be due to the clichéd premise of searching for "Rings of the Dead" to create Zombie Powder for immortality. Despite this, reading Zombie Powder was worthwhile for historical context. If you enjoy Western settings in manga, loved Bleach, or just have some free time, give Zombie Powder a look and see if it resonates with you.
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