The Rejected Alpha's Vengeance

Update plsss

Wow. that was an unexpectedly good ending.

Hot simple hot ...nice work author

A rather cringeworthy and subpar manga series, it kicks off with a group of politicians behaving like characters from a hentai manga, and it only goes downhill from there. The moralizing and political lectures add nothing positive, and the series drags its feet through the middle portion. It is NOT on the same level as Death Note; it lacks the excitement in execution and is far more didactic in its message while Death Note subtly explores moral complexities. To be fair, Akumetsu doesn't experience as significant a drop in quality as Death Note... but that's because the series is consistently poor throughout, whereas Death Note has moments of genuine brilliance.  

(Not worth reading)  
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I search for manga featuring scenes where the villains, who lead lives or commit acts that enrage the readers, get utterly crushed and obliterated by the main character, facing a fate worse than death. I'm familiar with Death Note, Tokyo Ghoul, Akame ga Kill, and maybe One Punch Man. Although Akumetsu isn't quite what I'm looking for, it's close enough to give it a try. I discovered this manga while searching with the keyword "vigilante manga."

I don't aim to write a well-structured review; I just want to vent my anger by writing this and making it public.

The early chapters are incredibly amazing and enjoyable. But damn it, the ending is a freaking tragedy and left me extremely upset, to the point where I wanted to rate this manga 1/10. It seems like the author lacked the courage to create something entirely new, which could have been possible if the ending hadn't gone this way, instead opting for spineless realism that is truly garbage.

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Akumetsu stands as a bold, ultra-violent critique of Japanese bureaucracy, government corruption, and the economic struggles of the recession era. The narrative centers on a teenage "anti-hero" who carries out public executions of corrupt officials, aiming to reshape society through acts of terrorism. As the public debates whether such methods can ever be justified, the manga delves deeply into the policies and trends that have led Japanese society into its current state of debt and despair. It continues a tradition of pulp stories where morally ambiguous vigilantes take matters into their own hands, building towards an exhilarating conclusion. Regardless of whether you agree with the author's analysis of the situation, it's difficult not to empathize with the protagonist's anti-establishment fury. The main drawback of Akumetsu is the lack of a quality fan translation, especially for its more complex sections, making the existing amateur translations online challenging to follow. Nevertheless, if you're seeking a visually striking action series with political undertones, this is an excellent choice. <p>

I initially really enjoyed this manga, and as it moved forward, it started to feel a bit stagnant. There are moments in the middle where it can get somewhat boring due to repetitive mini-stories. However, endings often make or break a story, and in this case, the ending DEFINITELY elevated the manga. Those who didn't see it through to the end don't have the right to rate it fully. The final chapters leading up to the conclusion were incredibly dramatic and tense. Although the ending was somewhat abrupt, I found it satisfying as it tied up loose ends and left a lasting impact. That said, the story isn't without flaws, and some characters introduced early on were left undeveloped (like the girl Shou might have liked in the beginning).

Here’s my breakdown of each category:

art: 9/10  
The art style is highly stylized and expressive. It effectively conveys the emotions of the characters and creates moments of epic intensity. The artist does an excellent job portraying the "evil" as visually repulsive, evoking a true sense of disgust whenever they appear. While the literal depiction of evil as ugly might overpower other manga, it fits well here, emphasizing how oppressive and overwhelming evil is in this story. Though not overly detailed, the art is well-drawn and creatively enhances the storytelling.

story: 8/10  
The plot is straightforward yet deep. It doesn't force the idea that the "hero's" actions are always justified. Akumetsu's actions range from questionable to downright immoral, giving readers room to reflect on his choices. The story acknowledges that nothing is inherently evil but can become corrupted over time. While there are minor flaws throughout, none are significant enough to ruin the experience. As mentioned earlier, the ending, though abrupt, provides a sense of closure. I appreciate that the story doesn't offer a simplistic solution to defeating "evil," unlike certain other series (cough, Code Geass R2, cough).

characters: 7/10  
This is the weakest aspect of the manga. Aside from the protagonist, side characters receive little to no development. They come across as two-dimensional and lack distinct personalities. One exception is Katsuragi; even though he isn't alive during the main timeline, the chapters dedicated to him enrich his character and explain Akumetsu's motivations. His death felt genuinely impactful. Focusing on Akumetsu's perspective works for the narrative, but when he starts relying on underdeveloped secondary characters near the end, their teamwork feels hollow. Despite this, the finale remains deeply rewarding.

Story: 5/10  

The plot bears a striking resemblance to Death Note. The main character (MC) operates with a rigid moral code through which he views the world. Armed with a unique power, he eliminates individuals he deems responsible for his country's decline. Essentially, the MC leads a terrorist organization enhanced by superpowers, targeting leaders of corrupt entities. The narrative delves into contemporary global issues and unravels the mystery surrounding the MC's power and its associated costs.  

Key themes include class disparity between common citizens and the elite, government corruption, healthcare challenges, and ethical dilemmas concerning actions for the greater societal good.  

Art: 6/10  

Backgrounds lack intricate detail, though character emotions are evident but not fully realized. The art style leans toward classic manga aesthetics—somewhat outdated compared to modern digital art but retains a nostalgic charm that complements the story without detracting from it. Many panels feature minimalistic or absent backgrounds. Gory scenes are vividly depicted with explicit blood and violence. However, action sequences aren't rendered in a manner that stands out artistically.  

Characters: 6/10  

Shou serves as the sole primary character. He exudes light-heartedness and humor, maintaining popularity while upholding a robust sense of justice. Throughout the manga, Shou consistently acts as the quintessential "good" guy, never engaging in behavior portrayed negatively within each arc.  

Side characters exist primarily to add depth to the narrative but rarely challenge the MC's perspective, often acquiescing to his viewpoints. This limits their development and impact on the story.  

Enjoyment: 6/10  

This manga held my interest during high school, earning an 8.5 rating at the time. Upon revisiting it, however, certain aspects leave much to be desired. The definitions of good and evil feel overly simplistic, and consequences remain unexplored. Declaring entities corrupt is easy, yet no solutions are proposed. The MC's critiques of Japan's flaws are accepted as gospel truth, with no alternative paths suggested. Violence becomes the default response to perceived injustices. While the author occasionally attempts to present opposing perspectives, these characters ultimately align with the MC. The ending proved semi-realistic, contrasting with the rest of the manga. Middle arcs dragged excessively, making chapters less enjoyable. The backstory of cloning was tedious to navigate. I persevered to reach the conclusion, curious about my current take on the work. Unfortunately, Akumetsu fails to offer solutions to the myriad problems it raises, evoking a Cultural Revolution vibe through public lynchings cheered by the populace, resulting in negligible change.  

Overall: 6/10