Zombie Powder: Can't Kiss the Ring (of the Dead)

Zombie Powder #2

by Tite Kubo

Somewhere in the desert lies the world's greatest treasure: the 12 Rings of the Dead, the only source of the mysterious substance Zombie Powder, which can raise the dead and grant eternal life. Now a small group of super-skilled hunters has gone in search of the rings, against an army of crooks, killers and madmen...

CAN'T KISS THE RING (OF THE DEAD)
A knife-thrower. A sharp-shooter. A martial artist with a metal hand. And now...a journalist?! Meet the newest member of Gamma Akutabi's gang, the amazing Wolfina, as deadly with a camera as her friends are with a gun. Their goal is to find the Rings of the Dead...but only Wolfina knows the Rings' true twisted nature firsthand, having seen them turn her her brother into a mindless husk. Does the secret of eternal life now dwell in her brother's body? And what kind of human vultures would pry the secrets from his remains? Includes a special bonus story, "Ultra Unholy Hearted Machine"!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Shonen, Comics, Fiction, Action

182 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2000

About the author

Noriaki Kubo, known professionally as Tite Kubo ( 久保帯人), is a Japanese manga artist and character designer. His manga series Bleach (2001–2016) had over 130 million copies in circulation as of 2022.

Reviews

[Samantha wickedshizuku Tolleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume starts off with Chapter 8: Search & Bangaway.

I'll write more when my editing mode hits.
Happy Readings!
Fly my Pretties! Fly!

[kuristina- tabreez · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOLFina… who adorns herself with a cross… is a journalist in a trio of traveling fighters… has a tragic backstory involving a brother figure… Yeah, this is way too on the nose. Tite Kubo certainly was a fan of Trigun and let it inspire his own work. That said, he doesn’t let it define the direction he takes in his story. I feel he uses the things that he likes as muses and inspiration and then goes in the creative direction of his own style of fun. This volume was precisely that. Action-packed fun!
I enjoyed reading it whenever I needed a momentary escape as every page is made to be easily picked up if put down at a prior time. The story is simple to follow and the action scenes need no introduction. It’s a greatly fun action manga!



Ultra Unholy Hearted Machine

Tite Kubo-sensei’s first short manga story! He created it when he was 18 and claims to have just drawn and done what he felt like. It feels very Kubo style and the fight scenes are fun as always, however, the story is a bit jumbled and hard to follow. I can tell it was a comic done just for fun because it has numerous holes or flaws that make it difficult to call the story cohesive. It’s a still a good read, but it’s not anywhere near Tite Kubo’s current quality, so don’t expect it to be if you read it.

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit disappointed that I looked up that there are four books once Kubo mentioned in the author blurb that the series would be over in Weekly Shonen Jump once this volume was released, since the free library only had the three. It's not that I CAN'T special order the fourth book, just that I already have a HUGE LIST of titles to backorder as is.

...granted, at least this series I know it's ONLY the one book I'm missing. We'll see—I've already spent a lot of money in the past few days (not on books, unfortunately).

Anyway, Wolfina seems like a prototype Orihime, at least as far as body type. Once again, though, the main character seems patently oblivious to (or at least politely looking away from) the busty girl's source of future back problems, so I half wonder if Kubo wasn't ordered to include some eye candy. (I don't exactly go out of my way to look up what the artists I follow are like in their private lives, since that feels like the fast track to disappointment.) I mean, at least she manages to be able to fend for herself most of the time.

What surprised me was the "black" characters seem to at least be mostly respectfully handled. I mean, the gangsters all seemed to be treated like a palette swap, but Dr. Roscoe seems to be handled delicately while also providing non-white/non-Japanese representation without making him look like a caricature. (Caveat is I am not of African descent in any direct fashion, so I can't ACCURATELY say it's NOT caricature, but certainly he seems treated better than, say, Durarara!!'s Simon, who is DEFINITELY an amount of caricature.)

There's also a VERY LARGE bonus in the form of Kubo's first short story, "Ultra Unholy Hearted Machine." It's extra violent (even by Zombie Powder/Bleach standards!), and it continues (or, started?) this underlying theme of regrets about having let some tragedy happen (Wolfina's brother, Ichigo's mother). I guess it's an OKAY read, for a short story about drugs and politics.

On the whole, I don't know. I don't HATE the series, but it's definitely going to be out of sight, out of mind. (I'm usually like that with Bleach, too, so that's not a negative criticism of the series so much as an awareness of HOW MANY BOOKS I am reading and which ones stand out to me.)

[Cornerofmadness · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of Tite Kubo's earliest works and it shows. There is some interesting things going on though. Gamma is a criminal though there is definitely more to him than that. For one he has a metal arm (and the replacement seems to extend all the way to his cheek). He's intelligent and has some sort of magical power (or mutant power or whatever it is) He and his gang are looking for rings of death (though it's not clear yet as to what their plans on). Naturally there are wicked men also looking for them so they can make zombie powder, which is still not entirely clear what that does either but it's powerful. They too have abilities and it reminds me of Bleach in a way, over the top fight scenes intermixed with actual plot.

In this brew enters an 18 year old girl journalist with the horrible name of Wolfgangina but they thankfully call her Wolfina. She naturally has boobs of doom (H cup according to her bio, obviously drawn by a man who has no idea the gymnastics he's having her do are unlikely with someone this top heavy). She's drawn into this for two reasons, one she hates criminals and injustice and seeks to expose it and two, her brother is a victim of a ring.

It's not a bad story but it's not great either. Also interesting in this volume is the first manga Kubo drew at eighteen which was actually pretty enjoyable.

[Vered · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

I sought after this series only because I adored reading Bleach and Burn the Witch.

If you are not a fan of Tite Kubo or you haven't read/watched Bleach, I don't think you'll enjoy this series too much and I suggest reading Bleach before looking for Zombie Powder. However if you have read/watched Bleach I recommend this series to you.

I loved Bleach's funky cool characters and its story so I chased after anything from Kubo for another taste of that. While I enjoyed this short series it still left me craving something fun like Bleach again.

The characters are cool (as always from Kubo) and the story was alright, it definitely could've been better in many aspects but I didn't hate it. Worth a read if you like the bad-ass and goofy that Bleach has!

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far it is still meh, and pretty violent (I like violence), but Vol. 2 grows more interesting than Vol 1. We learn more about the Rings. They throw in a Double-D character, whose is much more likeable than the other 2ndary characters—and acts as a gateway for some fanservice.

However, the story does get slightly darker because it starts to talk about sexual assault; and this volume even has to go as far as censoring itself, of using certain words.

You will also get Tite Kubo's first one shot manga that he wrote when he was 18, "Ultra Unholy Hearted Machine."

Lastly, I'm liking the trend of how we always get a bio of each character.

[Gem Zy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The arrival of Wolfina added more depth to the story. I think a big part of her persona was her assets though, and it was unnecessary, but that is the way of old-school manga (yet it's still done today)... just a bit disappointing.

Other than that, volume 2 did a better job than volume 1. The new villain was also quite cool, and we got to see more of Gamma. He's really achieving 'protective and caring' character traits.

[Brandon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This volume introduces a female character with the best name Tite Kubo has ever created, Wolfgangina Lalla Getto! Tite Kubo also lets loose with some nice art, with the Rings of the Dead creating a surprisingly effective body horror element while also featuring Gamma's cool swordfighting. But there just isn't much to this volume.

[Cecillie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another fine volume, but I'm beginning to understand why I don't remember reading these books the first time. They're not that memorable in my opinion. They're more explicitly violent/graphic than I remember Bleach being. I did not enjoy the bonus story in this volume. It honestly bored me. Concepts that are way too complicated smashed into a tiny one shot.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this volume even more than the one before it. I feel like the series is going off in a better direction now, and I find that I'm genuinely interested in what is going to happen next. Can't believe that this is the halfway point of the series already!

[Leeann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great manga. Love how the new people get intuduced and I love how this volume you learn more about the rings and what they could do. I love the art as well.


I can't wait to read the next volume.

[Andrew Alvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolfina's such a great character and not just for her design; her personality is pure-hearted and her fighting style is unconvential to say the least.
The one-shot as well was great, shame Bäin and TinaTina were just filler characters though.

[Ruth Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a great world. Love getting to know more about the characters, and their lore and reality.

[Nals]

I especially like the dialogue so far. The art's very unique and nice to look at.

[Sedna Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun and entertaining like with the conclusion of the previous events of the volume and the situation of the Wolfaira and her little brother. Yet it was not as good as volume one.

[el · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Nehemiah Bekele · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is cool, definitely dated in comparison to bleach, but pretty cool

[Michele Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gamma is an S-Class criminal on the hunt for the legendary 12 Rings of the Dead, that when put together will make Zombie Powder, a substance made of pure life force which can bring the dead to life, or give the living immortality. This volume puts Gamma's sidekicks Elwood and Smith aside as Gamma gets caught up in the drama of the little town they've come to. It's here that he meets Wolfina, a young reporter/vigilante who guards not just the town, and especially the local hospital besieged with attacks from ring hunters, but her brother who is comatose inside, the victim of unprotected contact with one of the legendary rings.
In this volume we meet yet another great character who brings to the table new, disturbing information about the risk of ring hunting (other than the competition). The same pattern emerges, there are equal parts sketchy fight scenes and plot moving scenes. The confusing nature of the fight scenes could very well be implied heavy movement, but in still ink rather than animated form it comes off poorly. It's not difficult at the “pause” scenes to figure out what has happened, but having to in the first place will turn off some readers. The plot is quite enjoyable, with a real western flavor set into a background where feudal Japan has been replaced by all the wild gang types that one would expect from a manga. Recommended as part of public collections including manga, especially for it's cleaner nature. (Teen age range)
Contains: Implied rape, torture and other criminal activity, cartoon gore

[Monster]

Gamma is an S-Class criminal on the hunt for the legendary 12 Rings of the Dead, that when put together will make Zombie Powder, a substance made of pure life force which can bring the dead to life or give the living immortality. This volume sets Gamma's sidekicks, Elwood and Smith, aside, as Gamma gets caught up in the drama of the little town where they’ve arrived. It's here that he meets Wolfina, a young reporter/vigilante who guards not just the town, particularly the local hospital besieged with attacks from ring hunters, but her comatose brother, the victim of unprotected contact with one of the legendary rings.
Wolfina is yet another great character, who brings to the table new, disturbing information about the risks of ring hunting. The same pattern emerges, with equal parts sketchy fight scenes and plot-moving scenes. The confusing nature of the fight scenes could very well be implied heavy movement, but since they are drawn using still ink rather than animated form, it comes off poorly. It's not difficult at the “pause” scenes to figure out what has happened, but having to stop to do so in the first place will turn off some readers. The plot is quite enjoyable, with a real Western flavor set into a background where feudal Japan has been replaced by all the wild gang types that one would expect from a manga. Recommended as part of public collections including manga, especially for its cleaner nature. Grades 9-12.
Contains: Implied rape, torture and other criminal activity, cartoon gore

[~Cyanide Latte~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been so long since I went through this series and its full brutality, but even with as violent and as bloody as it is, I still love and adore Zombie Powder. It's so underrated and overlooked.

I have to say that I love Wolfina's introduction into the story, because it starts off as one thing, and very quickly gets turned on its head while we get introduced to more of the darker lore regarding the Rings of the Dead and how they operate. It goes from 0 to 60 very quick, and adds a new level of emotional connection with the story.

There's not much else to say at this point; I'm still reeling from this second read-through, and slavering to get my hands on the next volume again. Apologies for this lazy review.

[Also, a minor quibble: I hate this cover. Smith is on the cover of the other editions. I get why they cut him from the cover for the English release; Smith is pointing his pistol at his temple and it can be misconstrued as a suicidal pose, and I'm sure there was concern regarding the response from the American audience specifically (considering the original cover was kept for the German release.) But I don't like this poorly edited fake cover art, and I need to just say that. I want to buy a German or Japanese copy of this volume, JUST to have the original art with Smith. The collection looks off-balance with this hideous cover.]

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

We are still following Gamma in his quest to find all of the rings. In this volume, he comes across a young journalist named Wolfina. Her younger brother is being devoured by one of the rings which has embedded in his brain. During all of this, we also come across some of Wolfina's enemies, mainly Baragne Balmunk and his creepy circus of clowns. Frankly, this is what nightmares are made of! We leave this volume off with the beginning of their battle.

There are parts that I like to this series. I really like the ambiance, artwork, and the characters of Wolfina and Gamma. However, the main plotline is not something that is really grabbing me, and I'm afraid that is because I am probably comparing this to Bleach. I wish that there was more to this series so that I could get wrapped up in this world, but there are only 2 more volumes. I really think that if I had more time with these characters and plot, that I could like this more.

[Daken Howlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secondo volume della serie di esordi0 di Tite Kubo,un'altro dei personaggi principali viene introdotto,Wolfina,e vengono rivelati ulteriori dettagli su come possano funzionare e cosa finiscano per causare i ring of the death,in più a chiusura del volume viene pubblicata una delle storie auto conclusive che hanno ispirato la realizzazione di questo manga.
La serie continua ad avere gli stessi problemi presenti nel primo volume,da una certa mancanza di originalità sia nel setting,un western post apocalittico fin troppo simile a quello presentato in Trigun e nei personaggi,compreso quelli introdotti in questo volume,ma sopratutto soffre nell'avere un protagonista fin troppo overpowered sin dall'inizio della storia,che praticamente non si ritrova in una reale situazione di pericolo a nessun punto della storia.
Nel complesso la storia rimane un classico manga d'azione senza particolarità tali da renderlo estremamente memorabile,ma comunque realizzato in modo competente.

[MissAnnThrope · Rating 3 out of 5]

28 December 2012

Rating: * * * 1/2

Zombie Powder, Vol. 2: Can't Kiss the Ring (of the Dead) steps up the action from the first volume, and even throws in some fun silly humor. We're introduced to Wolfina (really, really awful name), a tough-as-nails do-gooder, who runs into trouble with a new strange villain, Baragne Balmunk. Wolfina's spunk and Balmunk's oddness add a bit of spice to the plot to make it more interesting.

The characters are more engaging, and I feel anxious to find out what happens to them next, especially with the discovery of how the Rings "eat" a person. Yeesh.

Gamma rocks a mean mullet! I'm starting to really dig this dude.

The bonus short story at the end was just meh for me. I found it confusing and a tad boring.

I'm actually really looking forward to the next volume. I hope there's more C.T. Smith in the next book!

[Robert Beveridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tite Kubo, Zombie Powder: Can't Kiss the Ring (of the Dead), (ViZ, 1999)

Who best to stop Gamma and his crew from picking up a Ring of the Dead? Why, an evil circus, of course! (No, I've no idea what goes through Kubo's head, either.) They travel to a town where it seems that the only two sane people in residence are an outlaw journalist named Wolfina and the town doctor, both of whom are trying to keep Wolfina's comatose brother alive. Pitted against them is, yes, the evil circus. No, it doesn't make any sense, but it's bang-up stuff, full of the action that Kubo's so good at depicting. Wolfina's a little over the top at times (especially certain, ah, shall we say, traits), but a fun character nonetheless. Fun series. I wish it had gone longer. *** ½

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hurriedly finished this book last night because it was due back at the library (with no further renewals available). That kinda sums up my feelings about the book, too. The story is interesting enough that I don't want to miss out on what happens, but not interesting enough that I need to know right now. Some of the details of the story are trite and there are a lot of fight scenes (which are not my favorite parts of mangas... I'm more interested in the dialogue). I might read the next one someday, but my son is telling me that I need to read "Bleach" instead, so I think I will do that first.

[Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, conclusión del arco de introducción del compañero e inicio del arco del circo. Esto va tan rápido, ¿pueden creer que ya van para el tercer anillo? ¡Eso no se puede! Me falta acción de la buena D: aunque sale esta chica periodista que es la onda, digo, ¡se echa a todos con su tripode y destruye bandas y organizaciones criminales con noticias de periódicos! Aunque se ponga a si misma en peligro sigue haciendolo y lucha con los malos aunque no tenga poderes como el gigante de Gamma. Ojalá todos los periodistas fueran como ella.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

She Really Dragged Him!

I liked this volume, it was a good introduction to Wolfina and why she became the person she is. We find out more about the consequences of messing with the rings which is, not gonna lie, really gross. We also get introduced to who I'm guessing is the biggest bad yet! I can't wait to see the battle! (Also Smith definitely cheats at cards)

[Dexter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only one word for it: awesome. I absolutely love the art and the characters, though unfortunately there wasn't much of CT Smith in this one. But for once a strong female character was introduced who is actually strong and cool! Hats off to Tite Kubo, and I'm eagerly looking forward to Volume 3!

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The one-shot story at the very end was my favorite part of the whole book, even though it had nothing at all to do with the rest of the Zombiepowder story. I'd love if Kubo would turn his attention to writing short stories in manga form.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Bleach, Tite Kubo's other manga, but I wasn't as impressed. However, I do really love the artwork.