Volume 1: Gachiakuta
The coolest head you've ever seen.
Here we’ve got a Volume 1 so good that I’ve been checking shelves every day on the off chance that Volume 2 lands early. I sought out a website where I could read ahead, because I’m effectively hooked, but part of me doesn’t want to so that. This feels like a story I need to appreciate in the physical form. Maybe, I don’t know. Let’s get to it.
It’s Gachiakuta and I’ve fallen deeply in love.
What drew me to this series? Dystopian. I could just leave it at that word, but that was the first step. The second was the art, which is so expressive, emotional and refreshingly different.
How’d Volume 1 go? Probably the best Volume 1 I’ve read in quite some time, and that’s saying something, since I can vividly recall reading the first volume of The Summer Hikaru Died and thinking the same. Also, Wind Breaker, Blue Lock, Go! Go! Loser Ranger—all memorable Volume 1s. But this is a completely different kind of story, it’s so richly imagined and it grounds you immediately. The emotion on the character’s faces is gorgeously palpable (and there’s a lot of emotion). There are unexpected and satisfying twists (already!) and so many incredible characters and dynamics.
Also, let me say again how incredible the art is, just in general. Reminds me a bit of Toilet-bound Hanako-kun, but even more expressive.
Most compelling character? Enjin. Look, I’m a sucker for “cool” characters and Enjin had a cool mask, only to have a cooler head. I’ve also never called someone’s head cool, but his is. He’s also compelling in his antics and in this new organization (The Cleaners!) that he’s a part of. I’m ready to add him to my plastic figure hall of fame.
Not just that, but his weapon of choice is a bladed umbrella. A bladed umbrella! Be still my heart.
Anything unexpected? Not going to lie, when I saw the cover, I wasn’t necessarily excited, but as soon as I opened the book and saw the story art, I lost my mind. It is that unexpectedly stand-out.
Will I keep reading? I wish I was reading it now, honestly. I may just reread Volume 1 while I wait. Wait! By the time this pubs Volume 2 will be out. Nice. Okay, bye.
