<p>[Story 9/10] At first glance, the story appears rather straightforward. A character declares himself as the "savior" by eliminating what he perceives as evil. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that the protagonist is aware that his actions could be deemed "evil." He understands there are alternative ways to reform the government, but he desires to instigate the change himself, and his methods are the only ones he knows. This course of action dominates most of the manga. Along the journey, the dynamic aspects of the characters are revealed, showcasing their development. The series concludes with all questions answered, at least all of mine were. In my view, this is one of the finest ways to end a manga—complete closure, leaving little to the imagination except for what the characters might do next.</p>
<p>[Art 10/10] I haven't explored many different types of manga, particularly seinen, so take this part of the review with a grain of salt. Honestly, I rarely focus on backgrounds, but I recognize that their absence would make the manga feel empty. My primary artistic attention is on the characters. To me, among all the manga I've read, this features some of the best art I've encountered. I genuinely loved it.</p>
<p>[Character 10/10] I truly appreciated every character and how they were humanized. You can relate to all of them, even down to Shou, who merely wants to assist his country in the only way he knows. Then, consider the policeman striving to stop Akumetsu while grappling with the "politics" of law enforcement that impede him from performing his duty.</p>
<p>[Enjoyment 8/10] Despite the high marks I've given this manga, I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped. Primarily because the world of politics is largely unfamiliar to me, and incorporating Japanese politics makes it even more challenging. The author attempted to provide simplified explanations, but even then, many political elements of the manga eluded me, detracting from the intensity and enjoyment that could have been derived from reading it. Still, I grasped the main idea and some simpler explanations, so it still merits high marks from me.</p>
<p>[Overall 9/10] Honestly, this is an exceptional manga, and if I could comprehend perhaps 80% of its political aspects, it would be a masterpiece in my eyes. Nonetheless, it's a remarkable work of art, and I would recommend it to everyone I know. Yes, it gets quite graphic (it's seinen), but politics aren't pretty. So, I imagine transforming an entire country's politics would be exceedingly brutal.</p>
An extremely wild and fun manga. Akumetsu is a shonen reminiscent of Death Note in its approach to fighting evil through an anti-hero protagonist, while sharing the madness of Chainsaw Man in its storytelling style.
The characters are the weakest aspect of this manga. Akumetsu garners all the attention, leaving the others without significant development.
That said, in the final stages of the story, they do play a more active role. However, they remain overshadowed by the main character.
The protagonist, Shou, is the biggest charm of this manga. He is highly charismatic, and the way he executes "akumetsus" is always inventive.
The main issue with him is that, due to the lack of development in other characters, his ideas are rarely challenged, leaving them lacking depth. Although, the author does provide some good development for him in the final stretch.
Akumetsu's story is solid but suffers from some dragging sections. Overall, it's engaging and enjoyable with its chaotic narrative form. That said, the author spends too much time focusing on Akumetsu's actions rather than delving deeper into the police investigation or yakuza activities in the country. This creates a sense of monotony within the story.
Thus, when the final stages arrive, the story becomes truly captivating. We witness two sides clashing, making it increasingly intriguing to follow.
The art is decent. It’s not groundbreaking, but it effectively conveys the action scenes and dramatic moments of the story.
In conclusion, Akumetsu is a highly entertaining manga with a crazy narrative and a standout protagonist. However, it lacks well-developed characters, and its story can be tiresome at times due to repetition and lack of progression.
Here’s a story that successfully blurs the lines between black and white—where the heroes resort to morally ambiguous methods, and the villains might not be entirely evil. However, while some antagonists remain purely malicious, the narrative could have delved deeper into exploring the systemic nature of corruption instead of leaving it somewhat superficial. The plot features multiple arcs, some of which drag on unnecessarily, making the manga feel longer than necessary when it could have been more concise and impactful.
ART: 6
The art is functional and serves its purpose without standing out.
POLITICAL POTENTIAL: 6
It's refreshing to see a manga dive headfirst into politics! It's commendable that the author attempts to tackle themes of politics and economics, but their perspective remains confined within the outdated paradigm of "economic growth equals progress." As a result, the analysis and viewpoints presented in the manga come across as embarrassingly obsolete. Important aspects like social sciences, alternative political systems, and environmental concerns are largely ignored.
The narrative perpetuates the trope of "Japan's decline due to incompetent politicians," which is frustrating because it overlooks the fact that Japan is one of the wealthiest nations globally. It fails to acknowledge the unsustainable ecological footprint of the country and how further economic growth would only exacerbate these issues. Moreover, the story doesn't address the existential crisis at hand: what should a nation aim for in the absence of continuous economic growth? What binds society together beyond material prosperity?
There is an interesting discussion about the use of violence, but it lacks depth and insight.
FEMINISM: 4
The usual problematic tropes are present—love interest, damsel in distress, and even a rape attempt—but there is one strong female character who stands out slightly.
CONCLUSION: 5
Akumetsu isn't bad by any means and offers an engaging read if you enjoy vigilante justice stories. That said, it still has merit if you can overlook its verbosity, graphic violence, and politically naive undertones.
Well guys, I have to say, this shounen manga was an incredibly addictive and interesting 162-chapter read. I appreciated its uniqueness, as it revolves around a young guy who uses his homie clones to beat up corrupt politicians and ultimately aim for world domination. While Shou is a likable main character, I wished he had been paired with Mary (nicknamed "Bloody Mary") and Yamada. Mary exudes a potential "badass" aura, capable of taking down any villain, while Yamada has "Reigen" vibes, making him skilled at investigations.
Unfortunately, these supporting characters weren't given much opportunity to be more involved in the story. It's also unfortunate that Katsuragi couldn't join Shou's chaotic rebellions, especially since he passed away from cancer at 15. That truly shattered my heart, man 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭.
I absolutely loved the intense action scenes in this manga. If you're into action, give this old-school manga a try if you have some spare time! Yes, it's quite political, but it really gets you hyped for the "battle" scenes involving Shou's clones!
P.S. I read this from 7 PM to 11:20 PM, so yeah, it's an excellent manga to indulge in if you're looking to pass the time, lads :D
Akumetsu has effortlessly made its way into the Top 5 of my favorite animangas. It boasts a rather intricate story that captivated me from start to finish, featuring undoubtedly one of the greatest protagonists in the manga world: Shou.
Honestly, Akumetsu surpassed every expectation I had. When I initially read the first 7 volumes, I stopped because they ceased releasing it in my country, and I wanted to experience it in physical form. But I will never regret continuing. What started as a great story in those first 7 volumes transformed into a literary masterpiece by the time I finished it.
I will always recommend this story, even if it's become a sort of "meme" among my friends. I'll never stop endorsing this tale that has made me laugh, cry, feel deeply emotional, and even angry at times. Akumetsu has claimed a piece of my heart, and it will forever hold it. It's worth noting the incredible ending of this work, which leaves you utterly satisfied.
Story: [10/10]
Since I would rate Death Note, my previously favorite manga, at a 9, I'd be "akumetsu'd" if I didn't give this a 10 xD. It shares some similarities with Death Note, but it's even more mature as it delves deep into the Japanese government. At times, it can be challenging to follow, but you'll eventually catch up as you progress through the manga. The ending is particularly surprising. Even after a major plot twist several volumes before the conclusion, it remains uncertain what will happen in the final chapters. Akumetsu kept me on my toes.
Art: [8/10]
Very good, but occasionally, you might forget you're reading a manga due to some chaotic fight scenes.
Character: [10/10]
JUST LOVE SHOU LIKE HE LOVES CATS!
Being a terrorist while maintaining humor isn't easy, but Shou proves it's possible.
Enjoyment: [9/10]
At times, I found myself drifting off because it was a bit too complex, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially towards the end. While some scenes may seem messy, everything becomes clear by the conclusion of each arc. What annoyed me, though, was how Ametsu-kun gave away spoilers at the end of every chapter.
Overall: [10/10]
A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and those who adored Death Note. I believe anyone who finished Death Note years ago and thought, "nothing can top this," should definitely read this.
It's quite odd that there still isn't an anime adaptation.
This review might not help you decide if this manga is for you, but you can read it anyway if you're interested.
- This manga gets compared to Death Note a lot because of its exploration of what is good and what is evil. I'd say don't go in with that expectation because you'll be looking for something like Death Note. Is this some philosophical masterpiece? No, but is this manga as hot as the fire from your gas stove top? Yes.
- The first third of the story is really exciting and fast-paced with great action, but then it slows down, making you think, "Wow, this is slow two-thirds in." But then it picks back up and makes you think, "Wow, this is some spicy stuff." I feel that this slowness midway was necessary to break the repetitiveness of what Akumetsu was doing, but that's just my opinion.
Some people may find the manga a bit repetitive, but I still think it's worth a read. Personally, I didn't find it repetitive, but I understand if others might.
The art is amazing.
The story is cool. The mystery of who the main character is was pretty easy to guess. However, the mystery surrounding his origin and why he does what he does was handled well.
The main character and the police officer are pretty well-written.
The manga is enjoyable if you're okay with reading a lot of political stuff and can get through the middle part of the story.
My shit analogy: This manga is like one of those poops that come out clean without making a mess. But halfway through your poop session, you start pooping nuggets, which extends the poop session. But once you're done with the nuggets, it's another large, satisfying log that makes no mess. The manga is like that.
The story is quite intriguing—similar to Death Note and as realistic as Detective Conan. It follows a group of "terrorists" on a mission to destroy evil. In my view, it's akin to Detective Conan but centered around politics rather than mysteries. Initially, it grabbed my attention, but midway through, it became repetitive, almost like filler content. Nonetheless, the ending tied everything together beautifully and was incredibly thrilling. (I even got frustrated with my computer when it failed to load the next page.) The conclusion wasn't cheesy; in fact, it might be the best ending I've encountered in a story.
The art was fantastic—anime-inspired yet not overly exaggerated with disproportionate features. It struck a balance between semi-realism and semi-anime style. The only minor annoyance was the panel layout in each chapter, which often included a dramatic single-panel page. This felt somewhat excessive, though it wasn't too bothersome.
The characters are likable, but don't grow too attached, as they may either disappear or meet an untimely demise. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it—from the art to the uniquely captivating story.
I highly recommend this to all anime enthusiasts. However, if you're looking for romance or similar elements, this might not be your cup of tea. (But you can always check the manga's tags to gauge your interest.)
One final note: While I compared this manga to Death Note, I'm aware this one came first. I made the comparison because Death Note is more widely recognized.
This manga has a pleasant tone to it and will likely resonate with anyone who watched V for Vendetta and interpreted it as more of a political film rather than just an action movie. But even if you didn't view VfV that way, it's still a great read.
<p>
To me, Akumetsu is everything Death Note should have been (in terms of Death Note's story). I hope I haven't angered anyone by saying that. I consider Akumetsu's storytelling to be outstanding.
The entire philosophy of "What is good? What is evil?" is something that a lot of series incorporate into their plot.
While Akumetsu might seem to follow this theme, it takes a contemporary approach. Featuring science fiction rather than magic.
Story: The details keep you intrigued. They can be essentially divided into three parts that are all developed as the story progresses.
1. Akumetsu's actions and the political background of Japan
2. The people trying to understand Akumetsu and/or stop him
3. The revelation of who/what Akumetsu is and how he came to exist
The first part makes up the most of the story. The second part humanizes the story, and the third part keeps you interested.
I give the story a 9/10. I personally never tired of it. But I can imagine that some people might find the repetitive nature a little annoying.
The art is very cool. It reminds me of a more artistic Sin City. You shouldn't try to find "moe" in this series, but the female characters are still quite beautiful. (10/10)
Characters get 10/10 from me because for the most part, they were all humanized, made sympathetic, and thus had "depth".
- Shou's anger at the system yet his realization that what "he" is doing is evil
- Shiina's sadness that Shou has put himself up to this task
- A police officer whose sense of justice puts him at odds with Akumetsu, but also puts him against his administration
Enjoyment. I give enjoyment an 8/10 because the middle part of the story is a little hard to get into. However, overall, Akumetsu is a manga that will remain with me as one of the peaks of seinen manga.
Yes, I gave Akumetsu a 10 because I absolutely love it. I've read it twice already.
Akumetsu instills in you a sense of urgency to take action.
The artwork effectively conveys the emotions of the characters.
The violence, character development, and intricate plots make this story incredibly awesome.
A thriller comedy classic for those who enjoy vengeance with a touch of bloodstained excitement.
Main character: Hazama Shou
Right off the bat, let me say that this manga is extremely similar to two others of note: Death Note and Sanctuary. At its core, Akumetsu is a vigilante story starring the protagonist Shou and his somewhat superhuman exploits. Shou wants to change Japan for the better by assassinating politicians and others he deems corrupt but beyond the reach of normal law. In theory, this sounds similar to Death Note in the assassination aspect and Sanctuary in the reform part, but in my opinion, Akumetsu is better than both.
To start off, I like the main character Shou, who has an unwavering determination and always smiles, even in the most dire situations, only for the audience to find out that everything is going according to plan (most of the time). Maybe I am naturally inclined to like troublemaker protagonists, but Shou is not immature. In fact, he takes his job very seriously. So serious and committed to his personal justice that he would literally die for it—somewhat literally.
Beyond Shou, there are some other characters, most notably the fictional Prime Minister of Japan. There aren't a lot of recurring characters, but there are a few. Akumetsu always has an audience, so it's not quite like he stares his enemy down and tries to morally break them in a one-on-one conversation; there are always other characters around. Recurring characters also appear in flashbacks. However, Shou is absolutely the star of the show, and he is just a really fun character. Everything he does is interesting. If you're a thinker reader, you might find yourself questioning the validity of Shou's justice and logic. Rest assured, the author was prepared for this, or rather, Shou himself was prepared for this. While Shou may seem like your typical Machiavellian character à la Light Yagami, this isn't quite true. Don't be fooled by the smirk.
Shou drives the entire story, of course. This is not a saga following multiple perspectives; it's definitely Shou's story, and he is at the center of everything one way or another. The story is, basically, his long attempt to reform Japan in a bloody way. The chapters are heavily driven by dialogue. In fact, Akumetsu has more words per page on high-action pages than I've ever seen in a manga, sometimes with around 70 words on a page. You can see the translators using a narrow bold font to make up for this. There is some sarcastic banter on Shou's side, but during his engagements, it usually involves him revealing the very extensive crimes of his targets. He doesn't mince words, but he also makes sure his speeches are never under 1000 words. However, it's not a bore by any means. In fact, since the political crimes of his targets are usually very realistic in nature, it is interesting just by its factual accordance, or rather its attempt at looking like a factual accordance. It's always interesting to hear what Shou, or Akumetsu, has to say and what bizarre and corrupt crimes his target really committed. He doesn't choose his targets without a reason. Moving on from his explanations, the presentation of these explanations is always absolutely absurd and entertaining. I thought every single one was awesome. There is always some ridiculous infestation of the host building he is operating in, whether hiding himself in a funeral casket or wiring bombs to windows for dramatic effect. There's a reason he is capable of all of this.
There is also a lot of action in Akumetsu, particularly toward the end, where things get closer to warfare. In the beginning, Shou is unstoppable, and it's hard not to have fun on the ride. To pull it off to such a degree without entering the territory of thoughtless entertainment, which Akumetsu obviously is not, is a feat in itself. Good fun.
The art in Akumetsu is nice. Nothing out of this world, but even the most fervent manga art critics can't find a substantial issue here. The scenes are creative in what I would call "scene choreography," and you will find your epic and overwhelmingly cool spreads here as well, which most notable manga have at least a few of.
One last thing I want to mention is that this manga is pretty funny at times too. The nature of Akumetsu's exploits in detaining and executing his targets is intentionally absurd and over the top. And although there is no breaking of the laws of physics, etc., this manga is fiction, albeit realistic fiction. There are also frequent references to Tezuka-era anime/manga.
All in all, one of my absolute favorites. I am really glad I read it. If it means anything, it's a top 5 for me. Definitely give it a try if you're interested.
Popular Reviews
<p>[Art 10/10] I haven't explored many different types of manga, particularly seinen, so take this part of the review with a grain of salt. Honestly, I rarely focus on backgrounds, but I recognize that their absence would make the manga feel empty. My primary artistic attention is on the characters. To me, among all the manga I've read, this features some of the best art I've encountered. I genuinely loved it.</p>
<p>[Character 10/10] I truly appreciated every character and how they were humanized. You can relate to all of them, even down to Shou, who merely wants to assist his country in the only way he knows. Then, consider the policeman striving to stop Akumetsu while grappling with the "politics" of law enforcement that impede him from performing his duty.</p>
<p>[Enjoyment 8/10] Despite the high marks I've given this manga, I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped. Primarily because the world of politics is largely unfamiliar to me, and incorporating Japanese politics makes it even more challenging. The author attempted to provide simplified explanations, but even then, many political elements of the manga eluded me, detracting from the intensity and enjoyment that could have been derived from reading it. Still, I grasped the main idea and some simpler explanations, so it still merits high marks from me.</p>
<p>[Overall 9/10] Honestly, this is an exceptional manga, and if I could comprehend perhaps 80% of its political aspects, it would be a masterpiece in my eyes. Nonetheless, it's a remarkable work of art, and I would recommend it to everyone I know. Yes, it gets quite graphic (it's seinen), but politics aren't pretty. So, I imagine transforming an entire country's politics would be exceedingly brutal.</p>
The characters are the weakest aspect of this manga. Akumetsu garners all the attention, leaving the others without significant development.
That said, in the final stages of the story, they do play a more active role. However, they remain overshadowed by the main character.
The protagonist, Shou, is the biggest charm of this manga. He is highly charismatic, and the way he executes "akumetsus" is always inventive.
The main issue with him is that, due to the lack of development in other characters, his ideas are rarely challenged, leaving them lacking depth. Although, the author does provide some good development for him in the final stretch.
Akumetsu's story is solid but suffers from some dragging sections. Overall, it's engaging and enjoyable with its chaotic narrative form. That said, the author spends too much time focusing on Akumetsu's actions rather than delving deeper into the police investigation or yakuza activities in the country. This creates a sense of monotony within the story.
Thus, when the final stages arrive, the story becomes truly captivating. We witness two sides clashing, making it increasingly intriguing to follow.
The art is decent. It’s not groundbreaking, but it effectively conveys the action scenes and dramatic moments of the story.
In conclusion, Akumetsu is a highly entertaining manga with a crazy narrative and a standout protagonist. However, it lacks well-developed characters, and its story can be tiresome at times due to repetition and lack of progression.
<p>
Here’s a story that successfully blurs the lines between black and white—where the heroes resort to morally ambiguous methods, and the villains might not be entirely evil. However, while some antagonists remain purely malicious, the narrative could have delved deeper into exploring the systemic nature of corruption instead of leaving it somewhat superficial. The plot features multiple arcs, some of which drag on unnecessarily, making the manga feel longer than necessary when it could have been more concise and impactful.
ART: 6
The art is functional and serves its purpose without standing out.
POLITICAL POTENTIAL: 6
It's refreshing to see a manga dive headfirst into politics! It's commendable that the author attempts to tackle themes of politics and economics, but their perspective remains confined within the outdated paradigm of "economic growth equals progress." As a result, the analysis and viewpoints presented in the manga come across as embarrassingly obsolete. Important aspects like social sciences, alternative political systems, and environmental concerns are largely ignored.
The narrative perpetuates the trope of "Japan's decline due to incompetent politicians," which is frustrating because it overlooks the fact that Japan is one of the wealthiest nations globally. It fails to acknowledge the unsustainable ecological footprint of the country and how further economic growth would only exacerbate these issues. Moreover, the story doesn't address the existential crisis at hand: what should a nation aim for in the absence of continuous economic growth? What binds society together beyond material prosperity?
There is an interesting discussion about the use of violence, but it lacks depth and insight.
FEMINISM: 4
The usual problematic tropes are present—love interest, damsel in distress, and even a rape attempt—but there is one strong female character who stands out slightly.
CONCLUSION: 5
Akumetsu isn't bad by any means and offers an engaging read if you enjoy vigilante justice stories. That said, it still has merit if you can overlook its verbosity, graphic violence, and politically naive undertones.
Unfortunately, these supporting characters weren't given much opportunity to be more involved in the story. It's also unfortunate that Katsuragi couldn't join Shou's chaotic rebellions, especially since he passed away from cancer at 15. That truly shattered my heart, man 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭.
I absolutely loved the intense action scenes in this manga. If you're into action, give this old-school manga a try if you have some spare time! Yes, it's quite political, but it really gets you hyped for the "battle" scenes involving Shou's clones!
P.S. I read this from 7 PM to 11:20 PM, so yeah, it's an excellent manga to indulge in if you're looking to pass the time, lads :D
Akumetsu has effortlessly made its way into the Top 5 of my favorite animangas. It boasts a rather intricate story that captivated me from start to finish, featuring undoubtedly one of the greatest protagonists in the manga world: Shou.
Honestly, Akumetsu surpassed every expectation I had. When I initially read the first 7 volumes, I stopped because they ceased releasing it in my country, and I wanted to experience it in physical form. But I will never regret continuing. What started as a great story in those first 7 volumes transformed into a literary masterpiece by the time I finished it.
I will always recommend this story, even if it's become a sort of "meme" among my friends. I'll never stop endorsing this tale that has made me laugh, cry, feel deeply emotional, and even angry at times. Akumetsu has claimed a piece of my heart, and it will forever hold it. It's worth noting the incredible ending of this work, which leaves you utterly satisfied.
Just wonderful.
Since I would rate Death Note, my previously favorite manga, at a 9, I'd be "akumetsu'd" if I didn't give this a 10 xD. It shares some similarities with Death Note, but it's even more mature as it delves deep into the Japanese government. At times, it can be challenging to follow, but you'll eventually catch up as you progress through the manga. The ending is particularly surprising. Even after a major plot twist several volumes before the conclusion, it remains uncertain what will happen in the final chapters. Akumetsu kept me on my toes.
Art: [8/10]
Very good, but occasionally, you might forget you're reading a manga due to some chaotic fight scenes.
Character: [10/10]
JUST LOVE SHOU LIKE HE LOVES CATS!
Being a terrorist while maintaining humor isn't easy, but Shou proves it's possible.
Enjoyment: [9/10]
At times, I found myself drifting off because it was a bit too complex, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially towards the end. While some scenes may seem messy, everything becomes clear by the conclusion of each arc. What annoyed me, though, was how Ametsu-kun gave away spoilers at the end of every chapter.
Overall: [10/10]
A must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and those who adored Death Note. I believe anyone who finished Death Note years ago and thought, "nothing can top this," should definitely read this.
It's quite odd that there still isn't an anime adaptation.
- This manga gets compared to Death Note a lot because of its exploration of what is good and what is evil. I'd say don't go in with that expectation because you'll be looking for something like Death Note. Is this some philosophical masterpiece? No, but is this manga as hot as the fire from your gas stove top? Yes.
- The first third of the story is really exciting and fast-paced with great action, but then it slows down, making you think, "Wow, this is slow two-thirds in." But then it picks back up and makes you think, "Wow, this is some spicy stuff." I feel that this slowness midway was necessary to break the repetitiveness of what Akumetsu was doing, but that's just my opinion.
Some people may find the manga a bit repetitive, but I still think it's worth a read. Personally, I didn't find it repetitive, but I understand if others might.
The art is amazing.
The story is cool. The mystery of who the main character is was pretty easy to guess. However, the mystery surrounding his origin and why he does what he does was handled well.
The main character and the police officer are pretty well-written.
The manga is enjoyable if you're okay with reading a lot of political stuff and can get through the middle part of the story.
My shit analogy: This manga is like one of those poops that come out clean without making a mess. But halfway through your poop session, you start pooping nuggets, which extends the poop session. But once you're done with the nuggets, it's another large, satisfying log that makes no mess. The manga is like that.
The story is quite intriguing—similar to Death Note and as realistic as Detective Conan. It follows a group of "terrorists" on a mission to destroy evil. In my view, it's akin to Detective Conan but centered around politics rather than mysteries. Initially, it grabbed my attention, but midway through, it became repetitive, almost like filler content. Nonetheless, the ending tied everything together beautifully and was incredibly thrilling. (I even got frustrated with my computer when it failed to load the next page.) The conclusion wasn't cheesy; in fact, it might be the best ending I've encountered in a story.
The art was fantastic—anime-inspired yet not overly exaggerated with disproportionate features. It struck a balance between semi-realism and semi-anime style. The only minor annoyance was the panel layout in each chapter, which often included a dramatic single-panel page. This felt somewhat excessive, though it wasn't too bothersome.
The characters are likable, but don't grow too attached, as they may either disappear or meet an untimely demise. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it—from the art to the uniquely captivating story.
I highly recommend this to all anime enthusiasts. However, if you're looking for romance or similar elements, this might not be your cup of tea. (But you can always check the manga's tags to gauge your interest.)
One final note: While I compared this manga to Death Note, I'm aware this one came first. I made the comparison because Death Note is more widely recognized.
<p>
The entire philosophy of "What is good? What is evil?" is something that a lot of series incorporate into their plot.
While Akumetsu might seem to follow this theme, it takes a contemporary approach. Featuring science fiction rather than magic.
Story: The details keep you intrigued. They can be essentially divided into three parts that are all developed as the story progresses.
1. Akumetsu's actions and the political background of Japan
2. The people trying to understand Akumetsu and/or stop him
3. The revelation of who/what Akumetsu is and how he came to exist
The first part makes up the most of the story. The second part humanizes the story, and the third part keeps you interested.
I give the story a 9/10. I personally never tired of it. But I can imagine that some people might find the repetitive nature a little annoying.
The art is very cool. It reminds me of a more artistic Sin City. You shouldn't try to find "moe" in this series, but the female characters are still quite beautiful. (10/10)
Characters get 10/10 from me because for the most part, they were all humanized, made sympathetic, and thus had "depth".
- Shou's anger at the system yet his realization that what "he" is doing is evil
- Shiina's sadness that Shou has put himself up to this task
- A police officer whose sense of justice puts him at odds with Akumetsu, but also puts him against his administration
Enjoyment. I give enjoyment an 8/10 because the middle part of the story is a little hard to get into. However, overall, Akumetsu is a manga that will remain with me as one of the peaks of seinen manga.
Akumetsu instills in you a sense of urgency to take action.
The artwork effectively conveys the emotions of the characters.
The violence, character development, and intricate plots make this story incredibly awesome.
A thriller comedy classic for those who enjoy vengeance with a touch of bloodstained excitement.
Main character: Hazama Shou
<p>
To start off, I like the main character Shou, who has an unwavering determination and always smiles, even in the most dire situations, only for the audience to find out that everything is going according to plan (most of the time). Maybe I am naturally inclined to like troublemaker protagonists, but Shou is not immature. In fact, he takes his job very seriously. So serious and committed to his personal justice that he would literally die for it—somewhat literally.
Beyond Shou, there are some other characters, most notably the fictional Prime Minister of Japan. There aren't a lot of recurring characters, but there are a few. Akumetsu always has an audience, so it's not quite like he stares his enemy down and tries to morally break them in a one-on-one conversation; there are always other characters around. Recurring characters also appear in flashbacks. However, Shou is absolutely the star of the show, and he is just a really fun character. Everything he does is interesting. If you're a thinker reader, you might find yourself questioning the validity of Shou's justice and logic. Rest assured, the author was prepared for this, or rather, Shou himself was prepared for this. While Shou may seem like your typical Machiavellian character à la Light Yagami, this isn't quite true. Don't be fooled by the smirk.
Shou drives the entire story, of course. This is not a saga following multiple perspectives; it's definitely Shou's story, and he is at the center of everything one way or another. The story is, basically, his long attempt to reform Japan in a bloody way. The chapters are heavily driven by dialogue. In fact, Akumetsu has more words per page on high-action pages than I've ever seen in a manga, sometimes with around 70 words on a page. You can see the translators using a narrow bold font to make up for this. There is some sarcastic banter on Shou's side, but during his engagements, it usually involves him revealing the very extensive crimes of his targets. He doesn't mince words, but he also makes sure his speeches are never under 1000 words. However, it's not a bore by any means. In fact, since the political crimes of his targets are usually very realistic in nature, it is interesting just by its factual accordance, or rather its attempt at looking like a factual accordance. It's always interesting to hear what Shou, or Akumetsu, has to say and what bizarre and corrupt crimes his target really committed. He doesn't choose his targets without a reason. Moving on from his explanations, the presentation of these explanations is always absolutely absurd and entertaining. I thought every single one was awesome. There is always some ridiculous infestation of the host building he is operating in, whether hiding himself in a funeral casket or wiring bombs to windows for dramatic effect. There's a reason he is capable of all of this.
There is also a lot of action in Akumetsu, particularly toward the end, where things get closer to warfare. In the beginning, Shou is unstoppable, and it's hard not to have fun on the ride. To pull it off to such a degree without entering the territory of thoughtless entertainment, which Akumetsu obviously is not, is a feat in itself. Good fun.
The art in Akumetsu is nice. Nothing out of this world, but even the most fervent manga art critics can't find a substantial issue here. The scenes are creative in what I would call "scene choreography," and you will find your epic and overwhelmingly cool spreads here as well, which most notable manga have at least a few of.
One last thing I want to mention is that this manga is pretty funny at times too. The nature of Akumetsu's exploits in detaining and executing his targets is intentionally absurd and over the top. And although there is no breaking of the laws of physics, etc., this manga is fiction, albeit realistic fiction. There are also frequent references to Tezuka-era anime/manga.
All in all, one of my absolute favorites. I am really glad I read it. If it means anything, it's a top 5 for me. Definitely give it a try if you're interested.
Leave a Review