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Bastard!! #1
Bastard!!
Bastard!! began in Japan’s best-selling manga magazine Shonen Jump and has been made into a six-episode anime series. In this first volume of sword and sorcery manga, evil armies attack the kingdom of Metallicana. Under seige, the desperate defenders turn to a legend that a virgin’s kiss may awaken “Dark Schneider,” an ancient wizard sealed within the body of a 14-year-old boy.
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 19, 2020
An absolutely ridiculous, psychedelic, hilarious, and violent Shonen Manga. It's as if a Shonen and Metal-crazed teen in his mother's basement had just finished bingeing every volume of Berserk and wrote the plot while ripping an 8-pack of Red Bull. It's incredible. Magical powers in this Manga can topple mountains and obliterate monsters. Volume 1 is rife with beautiful artwork of demons, monsters, medieval warfare, ninjas, and blood and guts everywhere. The main protagonist, Dark Schneider, is brought to life by a maiden's kiss, and faces off against a variety of nefarious and gigantic foes, all while screwing over his allies and friends half the time due to a wild and bad temper. He's a true anti-hero, not really a protagonist, and while sometimes the humor is a bit corny, it has more hits than misses. Also the writer apparently loves metal and rock and roll because virtually every page is rife with references to metal.
It's not nearly as deep or good as Berserk but the artwork is dark and gorgeous and the story is so utterly ridiculous that I can't help but enjoy it.
It's not nearly as deep or good as Berserk but the artwork is dark and gorgeous and the story is so utterly ridiculous that I can't help but enjoy it.
November 20, 2011
Talk about a visitor overstaying his welcome… This manga would be great if it didn’t do the same blunder most shounen do. Drag things unnecessarily.
Bastard (double exclamation points) is an epic fantasy series, which continues every time the mangaka feels like it. That is why it’s been over 10 years the story began and it still is not finished. A thing that shows in the art, as it turns a lot more computerized and mature after the big timeskip. It felt kinda alienating but nothing too bad.
ART SECTION: 9
The general artwork is superb as both characters and backgrounds are very detailed and the action scenes are simply out of this world. The setting is a blend of medieval and sci-fi and that makes things very interesting as a concept. It feels a lot like playing 2nd edition D&D in a post apocalyptic setting.
The characters are drawn in quite the stereotypical way, with males being muscular machos and women being lust incarnated, with as little clothes as possible. Clothing is generally over the top, with impossibly huge shoulder pads and gizmos as decorations that are mostly for show and fan service rather than practical. And for some reason, they regenerate along with their owners, so out of nowhere naked people grow a new set of clothes, lol.
A thing that makes this series special is the rock and metal tributes. Almost every name, spell and area is named after rock and metal bands or famous singers. So it is quite hilarious to see things such as a three headed hydra named Man-O-War or a spell called Exodus. Part of the fan service as well I guess.
The action is quite brutal and epic to the point of literally having spells powerful enough to turn entire mountains to dust and human limbs to mince meat. It has some really gore moments in it, as well as some rather bold nude and soft sex scenes. Nothing is taken too seriously though, as there are quite a lot of comedic moments that ease the grim atmosphere, the heroes can regenerate even if they have been blown to a million pieces and there is never actual sex in it. Still, the violence and the profanity are quite high and inappropriate for ages below 12.
As the story progresses, the action scenes and the scenery become more and more psychedelic, to the point where the latest volumes are non stop action in an Aliens-like environment, where it is hard to distinguish organic from inorganic. Quite cool but it becomes too gross and bizarre for my tastes.
STORY SECTION: 4
The story never takes itself too seriously and mostly goes for macho battles and soft porn. It is not bad but it did become repetitive and tiresome and it made me lose interest in it.
The main story is at first about powerful warriors and wizards gathering seals in order to unleash a demon lord that destroyed most of the world in the past (our present that is) and recreate the world as they see fit. The good guys end up freeing their leader, Dark Schneider, as he is the only one powerful enough to stop them. The thing is, D.S. is more dangerous than the evil generals themselves. It is not exactly original or complicating but it is not totally clichéd either. D.S. is trapped for a long part of the story inside the body of an innocent boy and can only be freed by the kiss of a maiden. And he is horny enough to jump at every pair of boobs his eyes spot. Yeah, nice excuse for ecchi there. Also, the first main bad guy, demon lord Anthrasax, is something out of Ginger’s artwork. Bizarre, gross and completely chaotic evil. This creates a very dark, erotic and at times comical story that always results to battles that make even DBZ feel poor.
But at the same time it is never too grim or serious as the good guys always find some poor excuse to win and be completely healed. No matter how much beating they get, they always survive and heal completely. It was cool the first dozen of times but then it became annoying.
The story is yet not finished and the rate the mangaka draws, it might take 10 more years to do so. It became too repetitive and wasted a lot of time on filler scenes and battles with unimportant villains, plus the good guys simply don’t know when to die. They are currently battling demon lords and archangels but I no longer find it appealing to keep reading as it outlasted its interest. It does add more to the setting as it goes on but it progresses too slowly and most of the new stuff is not interesting.
CHARACTER SECTION: 7
As the title implies, every major character is a bastard with a double exclamation point. All brawn and no brains, selfish and arrogant. Women are fragile bishoujos that can’t stay dressed for more than 5 minutes without being sexually attacked. Yet, unlike most heavy-dudes and useless damsels-in-distress in fighting series, they also have a drama behind them that gives a sensitive side to them. You almost feel they are just little immature kids with super powers, which go haywire every five minutes under the pressure of their ambition and sexual tension. The cast in this series is not original in any way, yet they seem to be an interesting mix of the best parts of the established clichés.
-Dark Schneider is practically an immortal that loves to blast people to bits, like Alucard from Hellsing. Yet, he cares about his women and even allows them to hit him when they get angry. That is a lot funnier than what you can tell by simply reading it here.
-They play jokes to each other and yet don’t forget to mention the cruel events in their pasts that led them to this mess.
-They talk like they are gods and yet they also cry and complain a few minutes later.
In all, although they are not original or realistic in any way, they have a wonderful mix of comedy and drama that overshadows almost all similar characters in other shows. The trio of Schneider, Nel and Gara strongly reminded me of Berserk’s Griffith, Caska and Guts; yet these guys were funny half the time and developed a lot faster. Some more add to the group later but they all pale before them, as the story repeats too much.
ENJOYMENT SECTION: 5
As I said, it is a very cool and blood boiling manga that unfortunately dragged for far too long and comes out far too slow. I see nothing left of interest in the story, as all their motives are now shown, yet the story keeps going for brainless action with bioorganic freaks and mecha clichés. If it was more solid in its pacing and had ended already, it would have been a masterpiece. But it didn’t and it now feels as silly as Bleach.
OVERALL SECTION: 6
Very good in the beginning but loses a lot of steam as it goes on.
Bastard (double exclamation points) is an epic fantasy series, which continues every time the mangaka feels like it. That is why it’s been over 10 years the story began and it still is not finished. A thing that shows in the art, as it turns a lot more computerized and mature after the big timeskip. It felt kinda alienating but nothing too bad.
ART SECTION: 9
The general artwork is superb as both characters and backgrounds are very detailed and the action scenes are simply out of this world. The setting is a blend of medieval and sci-fi and that makes things very interesting as a concept. It feels a lot like playing 2nd edition D&D in a post apocalyptic setting.
The characters are drawn in quite the stereotypical way, with males being muscular machos and women being lust incarnated, with as little clothes as possible. Clothing is generally over the top, with impossibly huge shoulder pads and gizmos as decorations that are mostly for show and fan service rather than practical. And for some reason, they regenerate along with their owners, so out of nowhere naked people grow a new set of clothes, lol.
A thing that makes this series special is the rock and metal tributes. Almost every name, spell and area is named after rock and metal bands or famous singers. So it is quite hilarious to see things such as a three headed hydra named Man-O-War or a spell called Exodus. Part of the fan service as well I guess.
The action is quite brutal and epic to the point of literally having spells powerful enough to turn entire mountains to dust and human limbs to mince meat. It has some really gore moments in it, as well as some rather bold nude and soft sex scenes. Nothing is taken too seriously though, as there are quite a lot of comedic moments that ease the grim atmosphere, the heroes can regenerate even if they have been blown to a million pieces and there is never actual sex in it. Still, the violence and the profanity are quite high and inappropriate for ages below 12.
As the story progresses, the action scenes and the scenery become more and more psychedelic, to the point where the latest volumes are non stop action in an Aliens-like environment, where it is hard to distinguish organic from inorganic. Quite cool but it becomes too gross and bizarre for my tastes.
STORY SECTION: 4
The story never takes itself too seriously and mostly goes for macho battles and soft porn. It is not bad but it did become repetitive and tiresome and it made me lose interest in it.
The main story is at first about powerful warriors and wizards gathering seals in order to unleash a demon lord that destroyed most of the world in the past (our present that is) and recreate the world as they see fit. The good guys end up freeing their leader, Dark Schneider, as he is the only one powerful enough to stop them. The thing is, D.S. is more dangerous than the evil generals themselves. It is not exactly original or complicating but it is not totally clichéd either. D.S. is trapped for a long part of the story inside the body of an innocent boy and can only be freed by the kiss of a maiden. And he is horny enough to jump at every pair of boobs his eyes spot. Yeah, nice excuse for ecchi there. Also, the first main bad guy, demon lord Anthrasax, is something out of Ginger’s artwork. Bizarre, gross and completely chaotic evil. This creates a very dark, erotic and at times comical story that always results to battles that make even DBZ feel poor.
But at the same time it is never too grim or serious as the good guys always find some poor excuse to win and be completely healed. No matter how much beating they get, they always survive and heal completely. It was cool the first dozen of times but then it became annoying.
The story is yet not finished and the rate the mangaka draws, it might take 10 more years to do so. It became too repetitive and wasted a lot of time on filler scenes and battles with unimportant villains, plus the good guys simply don’t know when to die. They are currently battling demon lords and archangels but I no longer find it appealing to keep reading as it outlasted its interest. It does add more to the setting as it goes on but it progresses too slowly and most of the new stuff is not interesting.
CHARACTER SECTION: 7
As the title implies, every major character is a bastard with a double exclamation point. All brawn and no brains, selfish and arrogant. Women are fragile bishoujos that can’t stay dressed for more than 5 minutes without being sexually attacked. Yet, unlike most heavy-dudes and useless damsels-in-distress in fighting series, they also have a drama behind them that gives a sensitive side to them. You almost feel they are just little immature kids with super powers, which go haywire every five minutes under the pressure of their ambition and sexual tension. The cast in this series is not original in any way, yet they seem to be an interesting mix of the best parts of the established clichés.
-Dark Schneider is practically an immortal that loves to blast people to bits, like Alucard from Hellsing. Yet, he cares about his women and even allows them to hit him when they get angry. That is a lot funnier than what you can tell by simply reading it here.
-They play jokes to each other and yet don’t forget to mention the cruel events in their pasts that led them to this mess.
-They talk like they are gods and yet they also cry and complain a few minutes later.
In all, although they are not original or realistic in any way, they have a wonderful mix of comedy and drama that overshadows almost all similar characters in other shows. The trio of Schneider, Nel and Gara strongly reminded me of Berserk’s Griffith, Caska and Guts; yet these guys were funny half the time and developed a lot faster. Some more add to the group later but they all pale before them, as the story repeats too much.
ENJOYMENT SECTION: 5
As I said, it is a very cool and blood boiling manga that unfortunately dragged for far too long and comes out far too slow. I see nothing left of interest in the story, as all their motives are now shown, yet the story keeps going for brainless action with bioorganic freaks and mecha clichés. If it was more solid in its pacing and had ended already, it would have been a masterpiece. But it didn’t and it now feels as silly as Bleach.
OVERALL SECTION: 6
Very good in the beginning but loses a lot of steam as it goes on.
April 30, 2008
Semi-goofy swords and sorcery manga from the eighties. You know what this means: mullets, big capes, impractical shoulder pads, needlessly art-designed weapons, and a thousand references to rock and metal music. Oh yes. Anthrax, Venom, Striper, "Meta-Licana" - Kazushi snuck as many bands as possible into his Fantasy world as the names of spells, cities, and even gods. Even the protagonist, "Dark Schneider," is a reference to the singer of Accept, a German heavy metal band. The whole thing feels like it's taking place in a stock RPG videogame world, with some of the monsters even getting encyclopedia-style introductions. I dare you not to laugh when they explain that "slimes" are complicated amoebae.
The story follows Dark Schneider, an evil wizard who was sealed away fifteen years ago in the midst of his campaign to conquer the world. He was trapped in the subconscious of a seemingly innocent boy. When Schneider's old allies regroup and restart his campaign for world domination the rulers of Meta-Licana release Schneider under a pact to defend them. From there we get a bunch of crazy magic fight scenes and some amusing tension as the boy's personality struggles and merges with Schneider, most notably in his irrational affection for one of the girls in the castle. This volume leads up to Dark Schneider's first confrontation with his old allies, so it's essentially a 200-page tease. This volume is also a collection of chapters published in Weekly Shonen Jump, meaning it doesn't flow like a normal graphic novel. The first hundred pages feel incredibly redundant as Kazushi explains and then re-explains the plot to his new potential readers - nice for the folks in the eighties who were picking this up mid-stream, but annoying as a trade paperback.
The art style is all over the place. Some illustrations have amazing shading and shadowing with rich detail, while others are embarrassingly simple. Most of the manga is done in a medium between those two extremes with art very reminiscent of Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball) and Rumiko Takehashi (Inu Yasha, Ranma 1/2), but based on distinctly European Fantasy designs. The violence is particularly graphic - some of the most detailed panels depict eviscerations and beheadings. It's downright bizarre that the manga jumps between disturbing violence and adorable innocence, and at least in this volume, doesn't try to mix them too often. It just gives you a helping of the repulsive (villain being ripped apart by a spell) and the adorable (little boy waking up in giant wizard robes).
The story follows Dark Schneider, an evil wizard who was sealed away fifteen years ago in the midst of his campaign to conquer the world. He was trapped in the subconscious of a seemingly innocent boy. When Schneider's old allies regroup and restart his campaign for world domination the rulers of Meta-Licana release Schneider under a pact to defend them. From there we get a bunch of crazy magic fight scenes and some amusing tension as the boy's personality struggles and merges with Schneider, most notably in his irrational affection for one of the girls in the castle. This volume leads up to Dark Schneider's first confrontation with his old allies, so it's essentially a 200-page tease. This volume is also a collection of chapters published in Weekly Shonen Jump, meaning it doesn't flow like a normal graphic novel. The first hundred pages feel incredibly redundant as Kazushi explains and then re-explains the plot to his new potential readers - nice for the folks in the eighties who were picking this up mid-stream, but annoying as a trade paperback.
The art style is all over the place. Some illustrations have amazing shading and shadowing with rich detail, while others are embarrassingly simple. Most of the manga is done in a medium between those two extremes with art very reminiscent of Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball) and Rumiko Takehashi (Inu Yasha, Ranma 1/2), but based on distinctly European Fantasy designs. The violence is particularly graphic - some of the most detailed panels depict eviscerations and beheadings. It's downright bizarre that the manga jumps between disturbing violence and adorable innocence, and at least in this volume, doesn't try to mix them too often. It just gives you a helping of the repulsive (villain being ripped apart by a spell) and the adorable (little boy waking up in giant wizard robes).
August 17, 2025
Déjà, il s'agit d'une série de manga que mon mec possède depuis des lustres, la série a été adaptée sur Netflix il y a environ 2 ans donc je fais partie du "public averti".
Bon, on ne va pas se mentir, cette série de manga est placée tout en haut de ma bibliothèque dans l'espoir que mes enfants ne pourront pas l'atteindre avant d'avoir comprit ce que sont les relations toxiques, le harcèlement sexuel et la misogynie (et l'héroïne n'a que 15 ans !)
Maintenant il faut aussi se dire que le masochisme des personnages est poussé tellement loin que ça en devient limite une dénonciation (parce que ça crée des situations ridicules).
C'est un monde de fantaisie où les armures des femmes protègent à peine leurs points vitaux, ou les monstres et royaumes portent les noms de groupes de métal (nan mais y a un mec qui s'appelle "Bon Jovina" quoi!). Le tout ressemblant a un gros délire d'étudiant sous acide.
Moi personnellement je me marre et il m'en faut pas plus pour mettre 4 étoiles.
Bon, on ne va pas se mentir, cette série de manga est placée tout en haut de ma bibliothèque dans l'espoir que mes enfants ne pourront pas l'atteindre avant d'avoir comprit ce que sont les relations toxiques, le harcèlement sexuel et la misogynie (et l'héroïne n'a que 15 ans !)
Maintenant il faut aussi se dire que le masochisme des personnages est poussé tellement loin que ça en devient limite une dénonciation (parce que ça crée des situations ridicules).
C'est un monde de fantaisie où les armures des femmes protègent à peine leurs points vitaux, ou les monstres et royaumes portent les noms de groupes de métal (nan mais y a un mec qui s'appelle "Bon Jovina" quoi!). Le tout ressemblant a un gros délire d'étudiant sous acide.
Moi personnellement je me marre et il m'en faut pas plus pour mettre 4 étoiles.
November 7, 2023
Bastard!! is about a dark magician Dark Schneider and Yoko
Yoku is the daughter of a high priest in a magical kingdom. She grew up with Luche, a teenage boy who has an alternative identity.
Luche is being used by the high priest to lock up a magician Dark Schneider. The lock can be broken if Luche is kissed by a virgin. That is why the high priest uses Yoku as the key keeper.
This reminds me of Ghostbusters a little.
When the seal is broken and the alternative personality Dark Schneider dominates the body of Luche, he still carries the fear of Yoku in his mind. So Yoku can boss over the dark magician even if he is very strong and powerful.
It is a bit sexist at times. But the magic kingdom allows such teenage fantasy.
The first one is about how Luche turned into Dark Schneider and destroyed the enemy. The enemy want to find Dark Schneider and kidnapped Yoku.
Yoku is the daughter of a high priest in a magical kingdom. She grew up with Luche, a teenage boy who has an alternative identity.
Luche is being used by the high priest to lock up a magician Dark Schneider. The lock can be broken if Luche is kissed by a virgin. That is why the high priest uses Yoku as the key keeper.
This reminds me of Ghostbusters a little.
When the seal is broken and the alternative personality Dark Schneider dominates the body of Luche, he still carries the fear of Yoku in his mind. So Yoku can boss over the dark magician even if he is very strong and powerful.
It is a bit sexist at times. But the magic kingdom allows such teenage fantasy.
The first one is about how Luche turned into Dark Schneider and destroyed the enemy. The enemy want to find Dark Schneider and kidnapped Yoku.
May 22, 2012
I think that Bastard!! is one of the most beautiful manga I never read...till the number 11. Then the story becomes confused. The appearance of the angels is a good idea but I have the feeling that Kazushi Hagiwara has no idea how to finish the story, so he is just adding new elements to the story without compliting the previous parts. I think that from the number 19 the story is becoming less interesting and I don't appreciate the quality of the last drawings; breasts too big and exaggerated muscles.
June 12, 2016
Hab die Reihe früher mal angelesen und jetzt günstig über bekannte Gebrauchtbuchseiten ergattern können. Versuche sie jetzt zu beenden.
Mir gefällt der Zeichenstil, ich kann auch die Charakter gut auseinander halten, was mich oft bei Mangas stört, da oft die Charas ziemlich gleich aussehen. Die Handlung ist teilweise ein wenig brutal und auch ein wenig schlüpfrig, machohaft, leicht ins erotische, da der Magier Dark Schneider, ein ziemlich Frauenheld ist. Besonder gelungen finde ich bei diesem MAnga die spärlichen Autorenkommentare, die wirklich mal witzig und sinnvoll sind.
Mir gefällt der Zeichenstil, ich kann auch die Charakter gut auseinander halten, was mich oft bei Mangas stört, da oft die Charas ziemlich gleich aussehen. Die Handlung ist teilweise ein wenig brutal und auch ein wenig schlüpfrig, machohaft, leicht ins erotische, da der Magier Dark Schneider, ein ziemlich Frauenheld ist. Besonder gelungen finde ich bei diesem MAnga die spärlichen Autorenkommentare, die wirklich mal witzig und sinnvoll sind.
August 2, 2017
D&D and 80's heavy metal parody Bastard!!! is a work of genius with its tongue firmy in cheek. The city of Metallicana is under attack by evil wizard Osbourne and only releasing evil wizard Dark Schneider from his prison (human boy Lucien) can save the day. Classic artwork and millions of metal references to enjoy, there's nothing out there like this.
June 6, 2022
così trash e coatto ( come si dice a Roma) Ah! Quanto lo amo!
so trashy and inappropriate. Ah! How much I love it!
so trashy and inappropriate. Ah! How much I love it!
August 18, 2020
Zum Inhalt:
15 Jahre sind seit dem letzten Krieg vergangen und im Königreich Metallicana herrscht Frieden. Doch der wird bedroht vom finsteren Krieger Osborn, der mit seinem gewaltigen Heer vor den Mauern steht. Das Reich steht kurz vor der Zerstörung und nur der mächtige Magier Dark Schneider kann die Rettung bringen.....
Cover:
Das Cover hatte mich jetzt ehrlich gesagt nicht wirklich angesprochen. Zu sehen sind hier Dark Schneider, der sehr selbstsicher zu wirken scheint sowie das Mädchen Yoko, welche sich verzweifelt an seinem Hals versucht festzuhalten - denke ich. Eine bittende Geste? Man weiß es nicht. Jedenfalls fand ich den Zeichenstil jetzt nicht sonderlich ansprechend. Aber der Inhalt hat durchaus gelockt.
Eigener Eindruck:
Die Welt lag 15 Jahre in Frieden, doch nun wird die Stadt Metallicana durch den schwarzen Magier Osborn angegriffen. Mitten im Getummel befinden sind auch die Tochter des Hohepriesters - Yoko - und deren Adoptivbruder Luche. Einzig Yoko weiß um Luches düsteres Geheimnis. Als es hart auf hart kommt, ist sie gezwungen den Geist des schwarzen Magiers Dark Schneider frei zu setzen, welcher in Luche schlummert. Dies gelingt nur durch eine magische Formel und einen Kuss durch eine Jungfrau. Dank Dark Schneider kann der Angriff abgewendet werden, doch dieser entpuppt sich als grausam und rücksichtslos. Er eröffnet Yoko, dass er ihren Vater umbringen will und um sie zu demütigen, küsst er sie, woraufhin er sich wieder in den ahnungslosen Luche verwandelt. Noch einmal Schwein gehabt!
Als Lord Karlo, einer der 4 apokalyptischen Reiter, die Stadt Judas angreifen lässt, um eines der 4 Siegel zur Erweckung des bösen Gottes Saxe zu brechen, ist Yoko gezwungen Dark Schneider wieder frei zu setzen. Dieser versucht sogleich wieder ihren Vater zu töten, was ihm jedoch nicht gelingt. Aus Wut darüber erweckt er einen Golem, welcher plötzlich inmitten des Kampfes mit einem der Ritter der Apokalypse steht. Als der Ritter mit Schneider aneinander gerät, kommt es zu einem Kampf zwischen den Beiden, woraufhin sich Schneider wieder in die Form von Luche zurück zieht. Nachdem die restlichen 3 Reiter der Apokalypse erkennen, dass ihr ehemaliger Mitstreiter Dark Schneider wieder unter ihnen weilt, entführen sie kurzerhand Yoko. Um sie zu retten erweckt die Prinzessin der Stadt Metallicana Dark Schneider, doch dieser denkt nicht daran Yoko zu retten...
Die Story ist einfach der Hammer. Die Zeichnungen - obwohl sie mich vom Cover her erst nicht so angesprochen hatten - und die ordentliche Portion Witz machen den Manga zu einem absoluten Vorzeigewerk. Ich persönlich finde die Geschichte sehr gut gelungen und auch die spannenden Szenen sind gut umgesetzt, wenn auch teilweise sehr gewaltlastig. Es gibt eine ordentliche Portion Spannung, aber auch genug Momente, wo man einfach nur schmunzeln muss. Wirklich gut gelungen. Ich jedenfalls bin gespannt, was die anderen Teile versprechen. Bis jetzt bin ich restlos begeistert und hoffe, dass nicht nur der erste Band so gut war. Ich für meinen Teil gebe hier eine absolute Leseempfehlung.
5 von 5 Sterne
Taschenbuch: 192 Seiten
Verlag: Carlsen (22. Juni 2000)
Sprache: Deutsch
ISBN-10: 3551745315
ISBN-13: 978-3551745316
Vom Hersteller empfohlenes Alter: Ab 16 Jahren
Größe und/oder Gewicht: 11,5 x 1,6 x 17,8 cm
15 Jahre sind seit dem letzten Krieg vergangen und im Königreich Metallicana herrscht Frieden. Doch der wird bedroht vom finsteren Krieger Osborn, der mit seinem gewaltigen Heer vor den Mauern steht. Das Reich steht kurz vor der Zerstörung und nur der mächtige Magier Dark Schneider kann die Rettung bringen.....
Cover:
Das Cover hatte mich jetzt ehrlich gesagt nicht wirklich angesprochen. Zu sehen sind hier Dark Schneider, der sehr selbstsicher zu wirken scheint sowie das Mädchen Yoko, welche sich verzweifelt an seinem Hals versucht festzuhalten - denke ich. Eine bittende Geste? Man weiß es nicht. Jedenfalls fand ich den Zeichenstil jetzt nicht sonderlich ansprechend. Aber der Inhalt hat durchaus gelockt.
Eigener Eindruck:
Die Welt lag 15 Jahre in Frieden, doch nun wird die Stadt Metallicana durch den schwarzen Magier Osborn angegriffen. Mitten im Getummel befinden sind auch die Tochter des Hohepriesters - Yoko - und deren Adoptivbruder Luche. Einzig Yoko weiß um Luches düsteres Geheimnis. Als es hart auf hart kommt, ist sie gezwungen den Geist des schwarzen Magiers Dark Schneider frei zu setzen, welcher in Luche schlummert. Dies gelingt nur durch eine magische Formel und einen Kuss durch eine Jungfrau. Dank Dark Schneider kann der Angriff abgewendet werden, doch dieser entpuppt sich als grausam und rücksichtslos. Er eröffnet Yoko, dass er ihren Vater umbringen will und um sie zu demütigen, küsst er sie, woraufhin er sich wieder in den ahnungslosen Luche verwandelt. Noch einmal Schwein gehabt!
Als Lord Karlo, einer der 4 apokalyptischen Reiter, die Stadt Judas angreifen lässt, um eines der 4 Siegel zur Erweckung des bösen Gottes Saxe zu brechen, ist Yoko gezwungen Dark Schneider wieder frei zu setzen. Dieser versucht sogleich wieder ihren Vater zu töten, was ihm jedoch nicht gelingt. Aus Wut darüber erweckt er einen Golem, welcher plötzlich inmitten des Kampfes mit einem der Ritter der Apokalypse steht. Als der Ritter mit Schneider aneinander gerät, kommt es zu einem Kampf zwischen den Beiden, woraufhin sich Schneider wieder in die Form von Luche zurück zieht. Nachdem die restlichen 3 Reiter der Apokalypse erkennen, dass ihr ehemaliger Mitstreiter Dark Schneider wieder unter ihnen weilt, entführen sie kurzerhand Yoko. Um sie zu retten erweckt die Prinzessin der Stadt Metallicana Dark Schneider, doch dieser denkt nicht daran Yoko zu retten...
Die Story ist einfach der Hammer. Die Zeichnungen - obwohl sie mich vom Cover her erst nicht so angesprochen hatten - und die ordentliche Portion Witz machen den Manga zu einem absoluten Vorzeigewerk. Ich persönlich finde die Geschichte sehr gut gelungen und auch die spannenden Szenen sind gut umgesetzt, wenn auch teilweise sehr gewaltlastig. Es gibt eine ordentliche Portion Spannung, aber auch genug Momente, wo man einfach nur schmunzeln muss. Wirklich gut gelungen. Ich jedenfalls bin gespannt, was die anderen Teile versprechen. Bis jetzt bin ich restlos begeistert und hoffe, dass nicht nur der erste Band so gut war. Ich für meinen Teil gebe hier eine absolute Leseempfehlung.
5 von 5 Sterne
Taschenbuch: 192 Seiten
Verlag: Carlsen (22. Juni 2000)
Sprache: Deutsch
ISBN-10: 3551745315
ISBN-13: 978-3551745316
Vom Hersteller empfohlenes Alter: Ab 16 Jahren
Größe und/oder Gewicht: 11,5 x 1,6 x 17,8 cm
April 10, 2021
Juvenile, stupid, and just very, very fun, Bastard!! lives up to its subtitle. Bold lines and deep shadows convey a definite sense of weight to Hagiwara's characters, especially the mythical creatures that pop up with some frequency, and as for the "Metal," anything that can be referenced will be referenced. There are kingdoms named after Metallica and Judas Priest, a spell named after Slayer, and a demon god named for Anthrax. Hagiwara is clearly an avid nerd, and his enthusiasm for rock music and mythology proves infectious. If you approach it with the right expectations, this fantasy romantic comedy makes for one hell of a good time.
November 25, 2017
A sword-and-sorcery parody that at first felt somewhat reminiscent of Rumiko Takahashi's goofier forays, but then ran way into the creepy side of male sexual fantasy with all the buxom, panting teenage girls who suffer frequent wardrobe malfunctions. The second volume ran straight into soft-porn territory by the end. Overall, the creepy erotica angle overshadowed the parody and sword-and-sorcery sides. Nope.
September 26, 2022
The premise is great. But it is too long and is unfinished. Then it faces stiff competition from a broad spectrum of similar things like: Inuyasha, Record of Lodoss War, and Redo of Healer.
I really want to like it and see it succeed. But mangaka seemed to give up on series.
I really want to like it and see it succeed. But mangaka seemed to give up on series.
October 3, 2024
A sore-thumb and draggy, yet artful, attempt of a series overall.
January 6, 2025
What you can expect from a heavy mental dark fantasy. With a lot of wtf and a fun read
September 20, 2017
Intendiamoci... il voto relativamente basso è dovuto semplicemente al fatto che ormai Bastard è una delle storie più sconclusionate che abbia avuto modo di leggere.
All'inizio però la trama era godibile, perfino appassionante. Solo successivamente è andata a perdersi malamente.
Discorso a parte per il disegno che, già ottimo nei primi numeri, migliora via via, arrivando a livelli veramente unici. Uno dei miei tratti preferiti. Un peccato che sia ormai vanificato da una storia non all'altezza (e che probabilmente mai terminerà!).
All'inizio però la trama era godibile, perfino appassionante. Solo successivamente è andata a perdersi malamente.
Discorso a parte per il disegno che, già ottimo nei primi numeri, migliora via via, arrivando a livelli veramente unici. Uno dei miei tratti preferiti. Un peccato che sia ormai vanificato da una storia non all'altezza (e che probabilmente mai terminerà!).
August 25, 2011
Bastard!! (What a great title) is the first volume in a very long, and still ongoing I believe manga series that's easily described as 80's fantasy. The story basically revolves around the kingdom of Metallicana, in a medieval sword and sorcery type world, that is under attack from some evil dudes. Their only hope is in the form of a very innocent boy named Lucien, who's actually the reincarnation of a very bad sorcerer, Dark Schneider, who basically decimated the kingdom some ten-twenty years prior, and can be awoken if there is great need through the kiss of a pure virgin. This is where Yoko, a very grrl power kind of gal, comes in, who not only loves Lucien, but is sort of falling for the darker side of him too....
I really, really, REALLY SUPER DUPER LOVED Bastard!! It had fantasy, and high fantasy at that, a kick-ass heroine, lots of comedy, a nice dose of romance, and just plain fun Conan-style-rara action. In other words, Bastard!! is just plain fun. The story, afterall, is pretty simple, and basically relies on a formula of threat to kingdom, kiss the evil dude, he fixes things, yada yada. It's also got these nice sub-plots that focus on character development, mainly Yoko's and Dark Schneider's in this first volume that liven up the pretty predictable storyline.
There is some negative aspects to the funness that is Bastard!! One of them is definitely the predictability. While I do enjoy the situation the series is based on, I have to admit the fact that the story relies on the same threat/kiss/action plot over and over again doesn't give me much hope of the series bringing anything new to the table. As much as I really do love this series so far, I need a bit more than just that to keep me going. Then again this is the first volume, so I'm gonna give it a break.
Another aspect I felt mixed about was the kick-ass heroine who might be a little whimpy. Yoko is both funny and just plain awesome. She doesn't let anyone put her down, and stands up for herself quite a bit throughout this first volume. The only time she's ever doubtful and kind of whimpy is when Schneider's around-which is understandable and furthers the romance angle-since she kind of goes gaga love eyes on him, and his...body. There's almost a ring of damsel in distress to her that I can't quite shake, and it bugs me in a nitpicky kind of way.
Then again this is the 80s...
The art is definitely not one of my favorites, and reminds me a lot of sailor moon for some reason. They've all got those triangle chins and the soft-looking hair... The action scenes are well done, and I really do like the art for the most part, but it isn't something I love.
All in all, Bastard!! is hilarious, fun, and just full of fantasy action. I wish, how I wish, I could continue this series, and read more of the adventures of Yoko, Schneider and the gang, but sadly the series is too old to buy (except used), and I hear they're canceling it in NA, even though the series is still ongoing in Japan. Shame. 4.5/5
I really, really, REALLY SUPER DUPER LOVED Bastard!! It had fantasy, and high fantasy at that, a kick-ass heroine, lots of comedy, a nice dose of romance, and just plain fun Conan-style-rara action. In other words, Bastard!! is just plain fun. The story, afterall, is pretty simple, and basically relies on a formula of threat to kingdom, kiss the evil dude, he fixes things, yada yada. It's also got these nice sub-plots that focus on character development, mainly Yoko's and Dark Schneider's in this first volume that liven up the pretty predictable storyline.
There is some negative aspects to the funness that is Bastard!! One of them is definitely the predictability. While I do enjoy the situation the series is based on, I have to admit the fact that the story relies on the same threat/kiss/action plot over and over again doesn't give me much hope of the series bringing anything new to the table. As much as I really do love this series so far, I need a bit more than just that to keep me going. Then again this is the first volume, so I'm gonna give it a break.
Another aspect I felt mixed about was the kick-ass heroine who might be a little whimpy. Yoko is both funny and just plain awesome. She doesn't let anyone put her down, and stands up for herself quite a bit throughout this first volume. The only time she's ever doubtful and kind of whimpy is when Schneider's around-which is understandable and furthers the romance angle-since she kind of goes gaga love eyes on him, and his...body. There's almost a ring of damsel in distress to her that I can't quite shake, and it bugs me in a nitpicky kind of way.
Then again this is the 80s...
The art is definitely not one of my favorites, and reminds me a lot of sailor moon for some reason. They've all got those triangle chins and the soft-looking hair... The action scenes are well done, and I really do like the art for the most part, but it isn't something I love.
All in all, Bastard!! is hilarious, fun, and just full of fantasy action. I wish, how I wish, I could continue this series, and read more of the adventures of Yoko, Schneider and the gang, but sadly the series is too old to buy (except used), and I hear they're canceling it in NA, even though the series is still ongoing in Japan. Shame. 4.5/5
August 31, 2014
Let's see... there's characters with names like Dark Schneider and Osbourne, it takes place in the kingdom of Metallicana, and characters cast spells by shouting out things like "Explosive Wall of Guns and Roses!" or "Power Orb of Stryper!" Too funny.
Oh, and the hair. The hair is big-hair-band style and is just pure 80s awesomeness.
It's even got the RPG-nostalgia side covered. There are brilliant little comments here and there by the characters, such as quibbling over the effects of a certain protective spell. The whole 15-year-old virgin's kiss requirement is a little on the creepy side, though.
The art isn't fantastic and the writing isn't much better, but for those of us grew up in the midst of the heavy metal bands and RPGs of the 80s, this is an incredibly fun trip down memory lane.
Parental warning: contains some graphic violence, nudity, and plenty of swearing. This is intended for mature readers. Well, it's intended for older readers, anyway. "Mature" is debatable...
Oh, and the hair. The hair is big-hair-band style and is just pure 80s awesomeness.
It's even got the RPG-nostalgia side covered. There are brilliant little comments here and there by the characters, such as quibbling over the effects of a certain protective spell. The whole 15-year-old virgin's kiss requirement is a little on the creepy side, though.
The art isn't fantastic and the writing isn't much better, but for those of us grew up in the midst of the heavy metal bands and RPGs of the 80s, this is an incredibly fun trip down memory lane.
Parental warning: contains some graphic violence, nudity, and plenty of swearing. This is intended for mature readers. Well, it's intended for older readers, anyway. "Mature" is debatable...
March 20, 2019
Empezó muy divertida y se estiró hasta quedar en nada... En serio, algunos tomos estaban llenos de imágenes sanguinolentas que no contaban absolutamente nada y no añadían absolutamente nada a la historia. Pero, como ya digo, en un principio todo prometía mucha acción y muchas risas. Es una lástima que se quedara a medias.
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September 12, 2011All series
January 6, 2013
Re-reading completely forgot about this series!!! ;p
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