<p>Hello everyone, this is my second attempt at posting this review as my internet/keyboard trollingly erased my text for some reason... So here I am, a day later after reading other stuff to relax and also after a party, so expect me to be quite hyped about this review. Alright, enough with the nonsense, let's get straight to the point: VIOLENCE JACK. I absolutely love Go Nagai's take on horror and the way he narrates this kind of story, which is the main reason he's one of my favorite authors of all time. In this work, his art style has evolved significantly, and it's truly a feast for the eyes, especially in the full-page panels. I'll write a quick NON-SPOILER review because, as I always say, I like people to dive fresh into stories with just enough knowledge to guide them into absorbing as much as possible. The story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic wasteland in Japan, following a devastating earthquake that destroyed the land. The scenario is very similar to Fist of the North Star, but since Jack came before Hokuto, I believe it served as an inspiration for Hokuto. And here's a nice fact for you all: Violence Jack, particularly the protagonist, heavily influenced Kentaro Miura in creating the Berserk universe and Guts. But back to VJ, amidst this wasteland, some people are trying to survive peacefully and rebuild society, while others, with wicked, twisted, and vile minds, aim to be agents of chaos, tearing apart what remains of humanity. Expect cruel villains, rapists, serial killers, and demonic beings that shock even the bravest. However, in response to these villains, he emerges from the shadows, born from the black hearts of the same men who created him, with the voice of silence and a mission of justice (Sting reference for all you wrestling fans!) Enter Jack, wielding a gigantic jackknife that looks more like a machete, hence the name Violence Jack. He adheres to a minor moral code to keep his journey on the right path and avoid becoming a mere killing machine. He's one of the best protagonists ever, standing out from the majority because he responds to violence with even more violence. There's no "learn your lesson and stop being evil" approach; Jack knows he's in a land where hope is lost, and those doing evil do so because they're psychos who find pleasure in it. Thus, he meets them with equal force. Yet, he's not just rage and violence; Jack exhibits a kind side, especially towards children, showing he's not an agent of chaos but rather a demon with a golden heart (reminds you of something, doesn't it? The ending will get you guys, so read it). With that, I conclude my review. Give this manga a chance; though the story gets a little weird in the middle, the ending is entirely worth it. I really hope Netflix gives Violence Jack the adaptation it deserves, like they did with Devilman, or perhaps even a crossover with new animation and good treatment would suit this series well. This series deserves some love, let's see what the future holds for our friend Jack!</p>
This manga is currently being translated rather slowly by various groups, so please bear with this preliminary review.
Violence Jack marks a point where Go Nagai's style, in my opinion, truly begins to shine compared to his earlier violent mangas. The titular character, Violence Jack, lives up to his name as a sadistic yet somewhat moral protagonist, tearing his enemies into bloody shreds and sowing death across a post-apocalyptic world. While this isn't necessarily a new high for Go Nagai's gore and violence, it does excel in certain aspects—such as the sheer intensity of the gore or the horror—potentially surpassing even Devilman. There's an abundance of deeply disturbing imagery and sadism from Slum King, the main villain, which was a key missing element in Devilman, where there wasn't a singular central antagonist. It's almost as if Go Nagai picked up exactly where he intended to continue Devilman before veering off into its chaotic conclusion.
Even though it's not entirely clear at my current point in the manga, it's evident that Violence Jack is part of the broader Devilman franchise and one of its more significant components. It's slightly frustrating that it remains untranslated decades after its publication. I won't spoil the specifics of how it ties in, but this manga significantly expands on the lore, offering crucial insights into why the world is the way it is—a vital aspect of the series' world-building and overarching narrative. As always, you should read Devilman first, which is the golden rule for approaching any Devilman manga. I wish Violence Jack could be completed so that it, along with Devilman and Lady, could form a trilogy, as Devilman remains nearly incomprehensible without knowledge of Japanese. Now that's out of the way...
Violence Jack is a surreal manga, as well as a violently intense one. From the beginning, there's much mystery surrounding who or what Violence Jack actually is, with most events involving largely unexplained supernatural powers. The best comparison I can make is Hokuto no Ken (Fist of the North Star), both known for their violence and intense combat sequences, although I'd argue Hokuto no Ken has superior fight scenes while Violence Jack leans further into raw violence. Unlike Hokuto no Ken, Violence Jack’s structure is less linear, often veering off into subplots that might seem unrelated to the main story but, unlike some of Go Nagai's other works like Devilman or Lady, these segments are surprisingly enjoyable! Not all of them, mind you, as this manga contains some of the worst filler yet, but what works is undoubtedly the best material in this peculiar series up to this point in Go Nagai's career.
Most of the time, the manga follows Violence Jack, but occasionally shifts to flashbacks detailing events prior to the apocalyptic event or focuses on side characters. The single flashback within the series builds toward a later revelation—still untranslated—and serves as decent foreshadowing, effectively illustrating why the world is in such a dire state and why Violence Jack is such a morally complex individual. The supporting characters, while generally less interesting than Jack, possess distinct personalities and motivations that are well-developed. Whether there will be any payoff for these elements remains unclear, but it's unlikely the ending will match the gloriously absurd conclusions of Devilman or Lady.
The story often adheres to a formula: side characters get into trouble -> Jack arrives to save them -> moral dilemma -> dilemma resolved (sometimes in extremely unconventional/sadistic ways by Jack) -> Jack departs. This isn't inherently bad, as it consistently leads to entertaining scenes of Jack resolving conflicts, typically involving villains oppressing innocents. Despite its extreme violence, there's a subtlety and simplicity here that Devilman sorely lacks. Villains tend to appear episodically, though a few have their own mini-arcs, with Slum King standing out as the deeply unsettling and awe-inspiring primary antagonist. This character elevates the currently available portions of the story with his absolute sadism and cruelty. Though his fights aren't spectacular, knowing he returns later makes his segments worth reading, akin to Jinmen in the original Devilman.
What doesn't work is the excessive pacing issues caused by these subplots, stalling the plot. Go Nagai's fight scenes are somewhat sloppy, though I can't fault him too much given the characters and scenarios he must depict; he manages competently. The artwork, however, is among his finest if slightly simpler. While it may feel conventional, with characters having outdated designs—elongated faces and limited creativity—if you're approaching Violence Jack expecting a masterpiece, I question your reasoning. It delivers fully on violence, gore, and over-the-top action, even if the art occasionally falters.
Regarding filler, there's definitely padding during sections without Jack's presence, where little happens. This is another instance where an overly long manga suffers from extended downtime between pivotal events. If only the parts featuring Jack or his direct interactions were included, little of value would be lost. Most readers are tuning in solely for these moments anyway, as the side characters lack sufficient intrigue. It's regrettable, as without these extraneous parts, this could have been a solid, concise manga that might already have been translated. Nevertheless, it stands as one of the stronger entries in this frequently perplexing and loosely connected franchise. When directly compared, Lady might be considered as good or better, but I find it inferior due to its inexplicably ridiculous ending. Strongly recommended to Devilman enthusiasts and those who enjoy mangas like Hokuto no Ken but also appreciate violence, gore, or horror.
This took me quite a while to read, mainly because it's an extensive piece and also due to the difficulty in finding a complete scanlation online. Fortunately, I can read Spanish well enough, so I relied on a Spanish scanlation for most of it.
This manga is one of the craziest I've ever encountered, undoubtedly Go Nagai's most unrestrained creative project that I've read. I doubt he has created anything more extreme than this, but I'd be thrilled to discover otherwise. Initially set as a post-apocalyptic tale—apparently the first of its kind—it evolves into a wild crossover compendium, blending various genres and styles, all saturated with violence and nudity. You encounter numerous stories within this seemingly straightforward plot framework. Although it appears anthological at first, several overarching storylines converge by the end, which was a delightful surprise as recurring characters completed their arcs.
This is certainly not a Go Nagai work for beginners, as it frequently references his earlier creations and presents an unfiltered display of the author's strengths and weaknesses. I recommend having some familiarity with Devilman, Cutie Honey, Mazinger Z, and Nagai's broader body of work before diving into this, otherwise, you might feel lost regarding certain creative choices. It's also important to note that this manga may be uncomfortable for some readers, featuring frequent depictions of sexual assault and questionable sexual encounters involving significant age gaps. This is why I emphasize that Violence Jack isn't suited for Go Nagai newcomers. Not to mention the sheer amount of violence and gore, which, as the title suggests, should be expected.
Often considered an influence on Hokuto no Ken, I don't think the comparison is entirely fair, as this manga explores something distinct from HnK. In fact, I believe it had a greater impact on works like Berserk and Kingdom, especially since it delves deeply into warfare narratives midway through, focusing less on individual fights and more on large-scale armed conflicts involving tanks, helicopters, missiles, and even bombs. Some characters transition from guerrilla fighters to army generals commanding complex war strategies, and watching this evolution is incredibly satisfying.
Regarding character development, this manga reaches incredible heights towards the end, offering a cathartic experience for long-time Nagai fans. I imagine the excitement of reading the final chapter when it was released. This is definitely a recommended read for those who enjoy the broader Go Nagai universe.
Overall, I consider Violence Jack a rough gem that deserves more recognition. While people acknowledge its reputation in manga history, fewer are willing to invest time in reading it. I believe this needs to change. If you appreciate older, raw, and gritty battle manga, do give Violence Jack a try. Just be prepared to brush up on your Spanish or Italian if you wish to experience it fully.
Popular Reviews
Violence Jack marks a point where Go Nagai's style, in my opinion, truly begins to shine compared to his earlier violent mangas. The titular character, Violence Jack, lives up to his name as a sadistic yet somewhat moral protagonist, tearing his enemies into bloody shreds and sowing death across a post-apocalyptic world. While this isn't necessarily a new high for Go Nagai's gore and violence, it does excel in certain aspects—such as the sheer intensity of the gore or the horror—potentially surpassing even Devilman. There's an abundance of deeply disturbing imagery and sadism from Slum King, the main villain, which was a key missing element in Devilman, where there wasn't a singular central antagonist. It's almost as if Go Nagai picked up exactly where he intended to continue Devilman before veering off into its chaotic conclusion.
Even though it's not entirely clear at my current point in the manga, it's evident that Violence Jack is part of the broader Devilman franchise and one of its more significant components. It's slightly frustrating that it remains untranslated decades after its publication. I won't spoil the specifics of how it ties in, but this manga significantly expands on the lore, offering crucial insights into why the world is the way it is—a vital aspect of the series' world-building and overarching narrative. As always, you should read Devilman first, which is the golden rule for approaching any Devilman manga. I wish Violence Jack could be completed so that it, along with Devilman and Lady, could form a trilogy, as Devilman remains nearly incomprehensible without knowledge of Japanese. Now that's out of the way...
Violence Jack is a surreal manga, as well as a violently intense one. From the beginning, there's much mystery surrounding who or what Violence Jack actually is, with most events involving largely unexplained supernatural powers. The best comparison I can make is Hokuto no Ken (Fist of the North Star), both known for their violence and intense combat sequences, although I'd argue Hokuto no Ken has superior fight scenes while Violence Jack leans further into raw violence. Unlike Hokuto no Ken, Violence Jack’s structure is less linear, often veering off into subplots that might seem unrelated to the main story but, unlike some of Go Nagai's other works like Devilman or Lady, these segments are surprisingly enjoyable! Not all of them, mind you, as this manga contains some of the worst filler yet, but what works is undoubtedly the best material in this peculiar series up to this point in Go Nagai's career.
Most of the time, the manga follows Violence Jack, but occasionally shifts to flashbacks detailing events prior to the apocalyptic event or focuses on side characters. The single flashback within the series builds toward a later revelation—still untranslated—and serves as decent foreshadowing, effectively illustrating why the world is in such a dire state and why Violence Jack is such a morally complex individual. The supporting characters, while generally less interesting than Jack, possess distinct personalities and motivations that are well-developed. Whether there will be any payoff for these elements remains unclear, but it's unlikely the ending will match the gloriously absurd conclusions of Devilman or Lady.
The story often adheres to a formula: side characters get into trouble -> Jack arrives to save them -> moral dilemma -> dilemma resolved (sometimes in extremely unconventional/sadistic ways by Jack) -> Jack departs. This isn't inherently bad, as it consistently leads to entertaining scenes of Jack resolving conflicts, typically involving villains oppressing innocents. Despite its extreme violence, there's a subtlety and simplicity here that Devilman sorely lacks. Villains tend to appear episodically, though a few have their own mini-arcs, with Slum King standing out as the deeply unsettling and awe-inspiring primary antagonist. This character elevates the currently available portions of the story with his absolute sadism and cruelty. Though his fights aren't spectacular, knowing he returns later makes his segments worth reading, akin to Jinmen in the original Devilman.
What doesn't work is the excessive pacing issues caused by these subplots, stalling the plot. Go Nagai's fight scenes are somewhat sloppy, though I can't fault him too much given the characters and scenarios he must depict; he manages competently. The artwork, however, is among his finest if slightly simpler. While it may feel conventional, with characters having outdated designs—elongated faces and limited creativity—if you're approaching Violence Jack expecting a masterpiece, I question your reasoning. It delivers fully on violence, gore, and over-the-top action, even if the art occasionally falters.
Regarding filler, there's definitely padding during sections without Jack's presence, where little happens. This is another instance where an overly long manga suffers from extended downtime between pivotal events. If only the parts featuring Jack or his direct interactions were included, little of value would be lost. Most readers are tuning in solely for these moments anyway, as the side characters lack sufficient intrigue. It's regrettable, as without these extraneous parts, this could have been a solid, concise manga that might already have been translated. Nevertheless, it stands as one of the stronger entries in this frequently perplexing and loosely connected franchise. When directly compared, Lady might be considered as good or better, but I find it inferior due to its inexplicably ridiculous ending. Strongly recommended to Devilman enthusiasts and those who enjoy mangas like Hokuto no Ken but also appreciate violence, gore, or horror.
<p>
This manga is one of the craziest I've ever encountered, undoubtedly Go Nagai's most unrestrained creative project that I've read. I doubt he has created anything more extreme than this, but I'd be thrilled to discover otherwise. Initially set as a post-apocalyptic tale—apparently the first of its kind—it evolves into a wild crossover compendium, blending various genres and styles, all saturated with violence and nudity. You encounter numerous stories within this seemingly straightforward plot framework. Although it appears anthological at first, several overarching storylines converge by the end, which was a delightful surprise as recurring characters completed their arcs.
This is certainly not a Go Nagai work for beginners, as it frequently references his earlier creations and presents an unfiltered display of the author's strengths and weaknesses. I recommend having some familiarity with Devilman, Cutie Honey, Mazinger Z, and Nagai's broader body of work before diving into this, otherwise, you might feel lost regarding certain creative choices. It's also important to note that this manga may be uncomfortable for some readers, featuring frequent depictions of sexual assault and questionable sexual encounters involving significant age gaps. This is why I emphasize that Violence Jack isn't suited for Go Nagai newcomers. Not to mention the sheer amount of violence and gore, which, as the title suggests, should be expected.
Often considered an influence on Hokuto no Ken, I don't think the comparison is entirely fair, as this manga explores something distinct from HnK. In fact, I believe it had a greater impact on works like Berserk and Kingdom, especially since it delves deeply into warfare narratives midway through, focusing less on individual fights and more on large-scale armed conflicts involving tanks, helicopters, missiles, and even bombs. Some characters transition from guerrilla fighters to army generals commanding complex war strategies, and watching this evolution is incredibly satisfying.
Regarding character development, this manga reaches incredible heights towards the end, offering a cathartic experience for long-time Nagai fans. I imagine the excitement of reading the final chapter when it was released. This is definitely a recommended read for those who enjoy the broader Go Nagai universe.
Overall, I consider Violence Jack a rough gem that deserves more recognition. While people acknowledge its reputation in manga history, fewer are willing to invest time in reading it. I believe this needs to change. If you appreciate older, raw, and gritty battle manga, do give Violence Jack a try. Just be prepared to brush up on your Spanish or Italian if you wish to experience it fully.