You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
Note: Reviewing this series will be slightly weird as I am reviewing the deluxe versions as one book instead of the three individual books that it is comprised of.
Wow this is dark. I knew it was going to be and man did it deliver on the darkness. I can totally see how this inspired Dark Souls. The grotesque and horrific monsters are perfect for the messed up world the main character lives in. If the monsters I have experienced so far are only a taste of what’s to come, I can’t wait to see what’s in store.
I am looking forward to seeing how Guts grows as a person and to learn more about him. The downside of having a mysterious character is that he doesn’t tell you much about him. The reader is learning along with Puck about why Guts is so violent and cares so little about those weaker than him (which is most people).
The Black Swordsman Arc was a great introduction to this series. Excited to see where it goes.
Wow this is dark. I knew it was going to be and man did it deliver on the darkness. I can totally see how this inspired Dark Souls. The grotesque and horrific monsters are perfect for the messed up world the main character lives in. If the monsters I have experienced so far are only a taste of what’s to come, I can’t wait to see what’s in store.
I am looking forward to seeing how Guts grows as a person and to learn more about him. The downside of having a mysterious character is that he doesn’t tell you much about him. The reader is learning along with Puck about why Guts is so violent and cares so little about those weaker than him (which is most people).
The Black Swordsman Arc was a great introduction to this series. Excited to see where it goes.
This is a classic series that I am always hearing a lot of buzz about.
Reading this first omnibus collection I immediately noticed a few things.
First, I really like the art style, it is a nice blend of gothic and anime aesthetics, that is similar to a lot of series from its time, but now have a very unique feel. The action and monsters are done particularly well.
Second, this series has no lack of vicious and brutal action sequences, filled with blood and gore. For some this might be more then a little much, but I found it enjoyable the same way the over the top violence in Doom is.
However, quickly the story started to feel a bit repetitive. Our protagonist is very VERY strong, and isn't really challenged until the end of the book. The strong, grim, silent but strong protagonist is a product of its time, but can make for repetitive reading (its an archetype I am glad isn't used as much).
The first half of the story has next to no world building or character development. In the second half, we get more, but I wouldn't say a ton.
Overall, I can see the ways this series has heavily influenced anime, I can also see why some people love it. For me, it was fun, but grew a bit bland. I am going to read at least one other collection, to see if there is more substance later in the series.
Reading this first omnibus collection I immediately noticed a few things.
First, I really like the art style, it is a nice blend of gothic and anime aesthetics, that is similar to a lot of series from its time, but now have a very unique feel. The action and monsters are done particularly well.
Second, this series has no lack of vicious and brutal action sequences, filled with blood and gore. For some this might be more then a little much, but I found it enjoyable the same way the over the top violence in Doom is.
However, quickly the story started to feel a bit repetitive. Our protagonist is very VERY strong, and isn't really challenged until the end of the book. The strong, grim, silent but strong protagonist is a product of its time, but can make for repetitive reading (its an archetype I am glad isn't used as much).
The first half of the story has next to no world building or character development. In the second half, we get more, but I wouldn't say a ton.
Overall, I can see the ways this series has heavily influenced anime, I can also see why some people love it. For me, it was fun, but grew a bit bland. I am going to read at least one other collection, to see if there is more substance later in the series.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Puck is really the only lovable character in the story so far.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another book on my very short list of things I have read more than twice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, War
I've heard fantastic things about this series, and usually hype ruins things for me.
This time it didn't, this was such a good book!
This time it didn't, this was such a good book!
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First impressions as someone who's completely unfamiliar to the series: It's quite good but nothing stood out to me other than the art. The art is awesome, and it really brings out all the disgusting details of the world and characters. I enjoyed the first three volumes, but to be honest I would probably have dropped the series in favor of other books I've been meaning to read if not for the huge fandom re-assuring me that it's worth my time. Guess I'll see it through and hopefully my opinion improves as the series goes on.
I also understand that this series inspired TONS of dark fantasy works since its creation, but so far it seems a bit run of the mill "badass swordsman kills tons of demons and evil people". The only difference is that he has a HUGE sword. Seriously, that thing is HUGE. I still don't understand how he can carry it on his back without it constantly getting stuck in the ground under him. Now that's the biggest mystery of the series so far.
Unrelated to my review, I just wanted to say that Puck's design is the most bizarre thing I've ever seen in my entire life. If the intention was to make a cute chibi follower, WHY is he naked all the time and have realistic proportions? I get it, there's no genitals so it doesn't classify as nudity, but his buttcrack is showing every second page and the realistic body fat and muscle movements is SO. UNNERVING. Of all the horrifying and disgusting imagery in this volume, Puck is what really weirds me out. Why would they not just give him clothes?
I also understand that this series inspired TONS of dark fantasy works since its creation, but so far it seems a bit run of the mill "badass swordsman kills tons of demons and evil people". The only difference is that he has a HUGE sword. Seriously, that thing is HUGE. I still don't understand how he can carry it on his back without it constantly getting stuck in the ground under him. Now that's the biggest mystery of the series so far.
Unrelated to my review, I just wanted to say that Puck's design is the most bizarre thing I've ever seen in my entire life. If the intention was to make a cute chibi follower, WHY is he naked all the time and have realistic proportions? I get it, there's no genitals so it doesn't classify as nudity, but his buttcrack is showing every second page and the realistic body fat and muscle movements is SO. UNNERVING. Of all the horrifying and disgusting imagery in this volume, Puck is what really weirds me out. Why would they not just give him clothes?
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes