I have to give this manga a 10!
Everything about it is absolutely incredible.
From the storyline to the artwork, it's a must-read.
The emotions and events in the manga keep you on the edge of your seat, craving more.
Alright, enough chatter—go read it now! You won't regret it! ^_~
tl;dr: A manga with intriguing themes, characters, and plot threads that ultimately discards them all at the conclusion.
*Zetman* is, to an extent, a manga about superhero origins, but it delves deeper into exploring the ethical dilemmas surrounding superheroes, making it darker than most superhero-related works. This dark setting functions effectively, and the exploration of justice-related issues comes across well for the most part. The character relationships are also handled skillfully, with Jin and Kagou serving as compelling foils to each other, and the romantic elements being executed fairly well overall. The plot was engaging too, as there appeared to be numerous events unfolding with various players driven by different motivations and plans. However, all of this is undermined by an ending that fails entirely to deliver what an ending should. While the ethics and complexities of heroism and justice were examined throughout the series, it never felt like any definitive point was made by the end. The character relationships conclude on a note where they are all irreparably fractured, which is just disheartening—neither bittersweet nor meaningful, but rather bitter. The plot never truly coalesces. There are many schemes, conspiracies, and twists revealing that the plans, goals, and motivations of various characters differ greatly from initial appearances, yet in the end, it remains unclear what their actual objectives were or what was genuinely happening. The lengthy finale simply feels chaotic. There isn't a proper conclusion; instead, the ending serves more as a setup for a time skip, focusing more on introducing new plot threads than resolving existing ones. Even in this regard, it feels peculiar, as it doesn't halt at the time skip but includes one chapter set after the time skip that resolves nothing but instead feels awkward, hinting vaguely at a possible continuation. Given the timeframe, though, it seems unlikely that a continuation will ever materialize at this point. I really appreciated the art style, art, and character designs, although I favored the general aesthetic more toward the beginning, as it seemed to become more restrained toward the end.
Zetman can be seen as a Devilman derivative (or, in the case of the original one-shot, an obvious homage) that caters to those seeking a darker, sexier superhero comic while maintaining some of the campiness inherent to the genre. It also features character duality reminiscent of a reversed Batman/Superman dynamic. Fans who enjoy a slow-burn narrative will appreciate the gradual unfolding of the plot, although others might find themselves frustrated at moments when the pacing feels *too* deliberate.
The standout feature of Zetman is undoubtedly its artwork, which may well keep readers engaged despite any shortcomings in the storytelling. The visuals are stunning and refined, with meticulous attention paid to detail and anatomy in both character designs and settings. This is especially evident during extended fight sequences featuring intricately detailed characters. Fans of hyper-detailed works like Berserk will likely find much to admire in Zetman's artistic execution.
From a story perspective, Zetman offers a familiar sci-fi take on a classic theme, becoming somewhat meta as it incorporates genre-specific anime origins into its plot. While the narrative unfolds at a leisurely pace, it includes numerous time skips and flashbacks that occasionally render it incoherent or burdened by excessive dialogue where "show, not tell" should take precedence. Despite extensive attention to detail, the storytelling would benefit from more streamlined editing. Although the story aims to focus on the internal conflicts of its main characters, with a "nature vs. nurture" subtext, it remains relatively weak due to being largely driven by plot points rather than character development. The protagonist, for instance, remains fairly static throughout. Among the cast, Kouga's character arc stands out as the most dynamic so far.
This lack of dynamism extends significantly to the female characters, many of whom lack depth and function primarily as plot devices to generate conflict for their male counterparts. It's worth noting that this manga could aptly be labeled "Fridged Women: Zetman Edition." Those with little patience for this trope may grow frustrated with the recurring sexualized peril and exploitation of female characters, which at times verges on the fetishistic and borders on guro. While initially tolerable, the repetition of such scenarios can quickly become redundant and exhausting. Additionally, those who value well-developed romances may find themselves disconcerted when the first major romance appears unexpectedly rushed and uncharacteristic. The motivation behind this poorly constructed relationship is glaringly obvious, leaving a sour taste for some readers.
Despite these flaws, Zetman does have its poignant moments and holds appeal for those seeking a niche seinen title with retro superhero vibes. It may also satisfy anyone simply looking for a read with striking visuals. The series is dedicated to sustaining suspense and tension, making it an exhilarating experience when all elements align smoothly. With the action just beginning to truly escalate, there is still potential for the story to refine its imperfections. <p>
There are so many words to describe it, yet so little time, as I don't want to overwhelm you. This manga is packed with so much action that you might not guess it's created by Katsura, Masakazu. It ranks among my all-time favorites and truly delivers. Seriously, how often do you come across homeless kids delivering such epic beatings? That's really all I need to mention.
<p>
I really enjoyed Zetman. I binged it from chapter 1 to the current one after watching the anime. The anime closely follows the manga, except for the last arc where it makes some changes to improve the ending for an anime season. In terms of the manga, translations seem to be just wrapping up that same arc.
As far as the story goes, I think it's quite unique in its approach. I haven't read many manga with a similar vibe. The narrative focuses heavily on the development and perceptions of the main characters as they navigate various situations. The story can be a bit confusing at first until you delve into the later chapters and uncover more details. If you enjoy observing how different individuals handle diverse circumstances and evolve over time based on their experiences, you'll truly appreciate this manga. It still offers plenty of battles and intricate story setups, making it interesting and enjoyable to read. However, I believe the heart of the story lies in character perception and how it shifts throughout.
I would recommend reading the manga first before watching the anime. The manga provides more depth in certain areas and presents its story in a more logical manner. If possible, though, watch the anime after reading the current translations. I feel the anime has a smoother flow but struggles slightly with some scenes and plot points in the latter half. While the differences aren't drastic, I remember feeling a bit disoriented and lost while watching the series. However, after reading the manga, everything made much more sense due to its presentation.
A flawless fusion of Manga and Western-style comics, Zetman revolves around a peculiar homeless child marked by a halo on his hand, mysterious monsters lurking in the urban sprawl, and the enigmatic Amagi Corporation.
Zetman is not complex in its themes; think Devilman meets Batman Beyond, all wrapped up in the intrigue of a mystery novel, brimming with dark undertones concerning superheroes, their origins, and conflicting ideals.
The action and visuals are realistic, dark, brutal, and unsettling, staying true to the superhero essence of the manga. The battles reflect this with dynamic impacts and striking transformations.
The artwork is meticulously detailed and stunning, as one would anticipate from Katsura Masakazu, the creator of Tiger & Bunny and Zetman. His character designs consistently exude slickness, vivid expressions, and an aura of coolness while maintaining an edge of badassery.
Zetman is a Seinen, Sci-fi, Action, Drama that follows the lives of two rival heroes, each imposing their own form of judgment akin to a DC Comics style. However, this poses a challenge since readers remain largely unaware of what Zetman entails until much later in the narrative.
Describing the story of Zetman is no easy task, as it is not only difficult to make sense of the first few chapters but also lacks clear explanations until significantly further into the series. The beginning primarily sets the stage for the manga, involving monsters known as 'players' and introducing a child somehow entangled in these events. We then shift focus to another child who grows up idolizing a cartoon superhero, influencing his future ambitions. None of the numerous plots make much sense at this stage, and it takes a long time for the true story to emerge. Until then, readers can only follow the lives of two boys, Jin Kanzaki and Kouga Amagi, who share a sense of justice yet lead vastly different lives. It's peculiar how the manga splits into two distinct narratives, but it's equally captivating in its depiction of the characters' struggles leading them to a shared objective.
Though there are two main characters with a strong sense of justice, they are strikingly different. Jin Kanzaki is a grounded individual, both blessed and burdened by being a superhuman known as "Zet," while Kouga Amagi is a privileged youth who has always aspired to be a hero of justice. Other characters add variety to this otherwise grim tale, whether family, friends, or love interests, though some personalities may be unappealing.
What isn't unappealing, however, is the artwork, which masterfully portrays the gritty reality of this fantastical world. Despite the sketchy appearance of both the backdrop and characters, there's considerable detail in everything, from towering skyscrapers to technical gadgets. In summary, the art is nearly flawless, with an engaging Western comic book style. My only minor issue lies in the gruesome action scenes, not due to the level of gore, but because it can be challenging to discern the exact nature of the blows dealt.
Overall, Zetman is an excellent piece for fans of heroic/action stories, posing the recurring question: "What is your idea of justice?" Unfortunately, it doesn't provide a clear understanding of the story early on, but part of the appeal is discovering it yourself. As you progress, you'll notice the mangaka's effort in crafting a coherent storyline. While the cover image and themes of justice might evoke classic Western comics, this Japanese manga stands out precisely for that reason. <p>
Yet, what stands out about Zetman is its unique approach of placing two contrasting characters side by side, allowing us to explore how their notions of justice intersect and diverge. They share the same objectives, but what they hold most dear and what they're willing to sacrifice to achieve those goals differ significantly.
Jin is a superhuman known as Zet. From an early age, he has faced the harsh realities of life, losing many people who meant everything to him. These experiences have made him emotionally distant, pretending not to care about anything while internally striving not to lose anyone else. To protect those he cares about, he distances himself from them. He believes that the people closest to him are the most important and that saving someone's life is always the right thing to do, even if the person doesn't wish to be saved. Initially reluctant to become a hero, Jin realizes through Zet that he must embrace this role or risk endangering those he loves.
Kouga, in contrast, is a wealthy and somewhat spoiled young man with aspirations of becoming a superhero. With the help of his friends, he acquires a suit granting him near-superhuman abilities. However, it isn't until he meets Jin and experiences the darker aspects of life that he begins to question what justice truly means to him. Still grappling with this concept, Kouga looks up to Jin for his clarity regarding justice.
Despite their differences, the interactions between these two characters repeatedly raise the question, "What is Justice?" As they strive to define their own versions of justice, readers find themselves pondering alongside them.
The entertainment value of Zetman extends beyond its themes and characters. The action sequences are intense and gripping. The romance subplot adds depth and enjoyment, highlighting the tension between their personal lives and their roles as superheroes. While they attempt to understand what being a superhero entails, they must also safeguard and support those they love. Though not entirely original, the story remains engaging.
Additionally, the art in Zetman is breathtaking. Every detail, from the characters to the backgrounds and action scenes, is meticulously crafted, creating an immersive experience.
Unfortunately, the pacing of the manga can be challenging to follow, as the beginning offers little explanation of the setting. For a period, the plot's direction becomes nearly incomprehensible, particularly during "the Kouga arc." I must admit, I've abandoned this manga a few times. Nevertheless, perseverance pays off, and when all the pieces finally fall into place, the resulting satisfaction is immense.
This is one of the best manga I've read in a long time. Even if at times you might think, "This manga progresses too slowly and doesn't feature as many battles as some others," the story is truly excellent. The main characters are very realistic, the art is superb, as expected from an artist who has created great mangas before. Lastly, it's incredibly enjoyable because you're always eager to find out what happens next.
I highly recommend it, especially for those who enjoy a lot of violence.
Popular Reviews
Everything about it is absolutely incredible.
From the storyline to the artwork, it's a must-read.
The emotions and events in the manga keep you on the edge of your seat, craving more.
Alright, enough chatter—go read it now! You won't regret it! ^_~
*Zetman* is, to an extent, a manga about superhero origins, but it delves deeper into exploring the ethical dilemmas surrounding superheroes, making it darker than most superhero-related works. This dark setting functions effectively, and the exploration of justice-related issues comes across well for the most part. The character relationships are also handled skillfully, with Jin and Kagou serving as compelling foils to each other, and the romantic elements being executed fairly well overall. The plot was engaging too, as there appeared to be numerous events unfolding with various players driven by different motivations and plans. However, all of this is undermined by an ending that fails entirely to deliver what an ending should. While the ethics and complexities of heroism and justice were examined throughout the series, it never felt like any definitive point was made by the end. The character relationships conclude on a note where they are all irreparably fractured, which is just disheartening—neither bittersweet nor meaningful, but rather bitter. The plot never truly coalesces. There are many schemes, conspiracies, and twists revealing that the plans, goals, and motivations of various characters differ greatly from initial appearances, yet in the end, it remains unclear what their actual objectives were or what was genuinely happening. The lengthy finale simply feels chaotic. There isn't a proper conclusion; instead, the ending serves more as a setup for a time skip, focusing more on introducing new plot threads than resolving existing ones. Even in this regard, it feels peculiar, as it doesn't halt at the time skip but includes one chapter set after the time skip that resolves nothing but instead feels awkward, hinting vaguely at a possible continuation. Given the timeframe, though, it seems unlikely that a continuation will ever materialize at this point. I really appreciated the art style, art, and character designs, although I favored the general aesthetic more toward the beginning, as it seemed to become more restrained toward the end.
<p>
The standout feature of Zetman is undoubtedly its artwork, which may well keep readers engaged despite any shortcomings in the storytelling. The visuals are stunning and refined, with meticulous attention paid to detail and anatomy in both character designs and settings. This is especially evident during extended fight sequences featuring intricately detailed characters. Fans of hyper-detailed works like Berserk will likely find much to admire in Zetman's artistic execution.
From a story perspective, Zetman offers a familiar sci-fi take on a classic theme, becoming somewhat meta as it incorporates genre-specific anime origins into its plot. While the narrative unfolds at a leisurely pace, it includes numerous time skips and flashbacks that occasionally render it incoherent or burdened by excessive dialogue where "show, not tell" should take precedence. Despite extensive attention to detail, the storytelling would benefit from more streamlined editing. Although the story aims to focus on the internal conflicts of its main characters, with a "nature vs. nurture" subtext, it remains relatively weak due to being largely driven by plot points rather than character development. The protagonist, for instance, remains fairly static throughout. Among the cast, Kouga's character arc stands out as the most dynamic so far.
This lack of dynamism extends significantly to the female characters, many of whom lack depth and function primarily as plot devices to generate conflict for their male counterparts. It's worth noting that this manga could aptly be labeled "Fridged Women: Zetman Edition." Those with little patience for this trope may grow frustrated with the recurring sexualized peril and exploitation of female characters, which at times verges on the fetishistic and borders on guro. While initially tolerable, the repetition of such scenarios can quickly become redundant and exhausting. Additionally, those who value well-developed romances may find themselves disconcerted when the first major romance appears unexpectedly rushed and uncharacteristic. The motivation behind this poorly constructed relationship is glaringly obvious, leaving a sour taste for some readers.
Despite these flaws, Zetman does have its poignant moments and holds appeal for those seeking a niche seinen title with retro superhero vibes. It may also satisfy anyone simply looking for a read with striking visuals. The series is dedicated to sustaining suspense and tension, making it an exhilarating experience when all elements align smoothly. With the action just beginning to truly escalate, there is still potential for the story to refine its imperfections. <p>
<p>
As far as the story goes, I think it's quite unique in its approach. I haven't read many manga with a similar vibe. The narrative focuses heavily on the development and perceptions of the main characters as they navigate various situations. The story can be a bit confusing at first until you delve into the later chapters and uncover more details. If you enjoy observing how different individuals handle diverse circumstances and evolve over time based on their experiences, you'll truly appreciate this manga. It still offers plenty of battles and intricate story setups, making it interesting and enjoyable to read. However, I believe the heart of the story lies in character perception and how it shifts throughout.
I would recommend reading the manga first before watching the anime. The manga provides more depth in certain areas and presents its story in a more logical manner. If possible, though, watch the anime after reading the current translations. I feel the anime has a smoother flow but struggles slightly with some scenes and plot points in the latter half. While the differences aren't drastic, I remember feeling a bit disoriented and lost while watching the series. However, after reading the manga, everything made much more sense due to its presentation.
<p>
Zetman is not complex in its themes; think Devilman meets Batman Beyond, all wrapped up in the intrigue of a mystery novel, brimming with dark undertones concerning superheroes, their origins, and conflicting ideals.
The action and visuals are realistic, dark, brutal, and unsettling, staying true to the superhero essence of the manga. The battles reflect this with dynamic impacts and striking transformations.
The artwork is meticulously detailed and stunning, as one would anticipate from Katsura Masakazu, the creator of Tiger & Bunny and Zetman. His character designs consistently exude slickness, vivid expressions, and an aura of coolness while maintaining an edge of badassery.
Describing the story of Zetman is no easy task, as it is not only difficult to make sense of the first few chapters but also lacks clear explanations until significantly further into the series. The beginning primarily sets the stage for the manga, involving monsters known as 'players' and introducing a child somehow entangled in these events. We then shift focus to another child who grows up idolizing a cartoon superhero, influencing his future ambitions. None of the numerous plots make much sense at this stage, and it takes a long time for the true story to emerge. Until then, readers can only follow the lives of two boys, Jin Kanzaki and Kouga Amagi, who share a sense of justice yet lead vastly different lives. It's peculiar how the manga splits into two distinct narratives, but it's equally captivating in its depiction of the characters' struggles leading them to a shared objective.
Though there are two main characters with a strong sense of justice, they are strikingly different. Jin Kanzaki is a grounded individual, both blessed and burdened by being a superhuman known as "Zet," while Kouga Amagi is a privileged youth who has always aspired to be a hero of justice. Other characters add variety to this otherwise grim tale, whether family, friends, or love interests, though some personalities may be unappealing.
What isn't unappealing, however, is the artwork, which masterfully portrays the gritty reality of this fantastical world. Despite the sketchy appearance of both the backdrop and characters, there's considerable detail in everything, from towering skyscrapers to technical gadgets. In summary, the art is nearly flawless, with an engaging Western comic book style. My only minor issue lies in the gruesome action scenes, not due to the level of gore, but because it can be challenging to discern the exact nature of the blows dealt.
Overall, Zetman is an excellent piece for fans of heroic/action stories, posing the recurring question: "What is your idea of justice?" Unfortunately, it doesn't provide a clear understanding of the story early on, but part of the appeal is discovering it yourself. As you progress, you'll notice the mangaka's effort in crafting a coherent storyline. While the cover image and themes of justice might evoke classic Western comics, this Japanese manga stands out precisely for that reason. <p>
Yet, what stands out about Zetman is its unique approach of placing two contrasting characters side by side, allowing us to explore how their notions of justice intersect and diverge. They share the same objectives, but what they hold most dear and what they're willing to sacrifice to achieve those goals differ significantly.
Jin is a superhuman known as Zet. From an early age, he has faced the harsh realities of life, losing many people who meant everything to him. These experiences have made him emotionally distant, pretending not to care about anything while internally striving not to lose anyone else. To protect those he cares about, he distances himself from them. He believes that the people closest to him are the most important and that saving someone's life is always the right thing to do, even if the person doesn't wish to be saved. Initially reluctant to become a hero, Jin realizes through Zet that he must embrace this role or risk endangering those he loves.
Kouga, in contrast, is a wealthy and somewhat spoiled young man with aspirations of becoming a superhero. With the help of his friends, he acquires a suit granting him near-superhuman abilities. However, it isn't until he meets Jin and experiences the darker aspects of life that he begins to question what justice truly means to him. Still grappling with this concept, Kouga looks up to Jin for his clarity regarding justice.
Despite their differences, the interactions between these two characters repeatedly raise the question, "What is Justice?" As they strive to define their own versions of justice, readers find themselves pondering alongside them.
The entertainment value of Zetman extends beyond its themes and characters. The action sequences are intense and gripping. The romance subplot adds depth and enjoyment, highlighting the tension between their personal lives and their roles as superheroes. While they attempt to understand what being a superhero entails, they must also safeguard and support those they love. Though not entirely original, the story remains engaging.
Additionally, the art in Zetman is breathtaking. Every detail, from the characters to the backgrounds and action scenes, is meticulously crafted, creating an immersive experience.
Unfortunately, the pacing of the manga can be challenging to follow, as the beginning offers little explanation of the setting. For a period, the plot's direction becomes nearly incomprehensible, particularly during "the Kouga arc." I must admit, I've abandoned this manga a few times. Nevertheless, perseverance pays off, and when all the pieces finally fall into place, the resulting satisfaction is immense.
<p>
I highly recommend it, especially for those who enjoy a lot of violence.
<p>
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