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Gangsta. #1
[ GANGSTA., VOLUME 1 by Kohske ( AUTHOR ) Feb-18-2014 Paperback ]
舞台は悪党だらけの犯罪都市。ワイルドでセクシャルでジャンクな男たちがキレまくって撃ちまくる!! 新ジャンル、マフィアンファンタジーがスタート!!!マフィアにチンピラに売春婦に汚職警官が巣食う悪党だらけの街・エルガストルム。そんな最悪の犯罪都市で、誰も関わり合いたくない汚れ仕事を引き受ける便利屋を営むニックとウォリック。ある日、馴染みの警官から有力マフィアの縄張りを荒らす新興売春グループの殲滅を依頼されるが……。ワイルドでセクシャルでジャンクな男たちがキレまくって撃ちまくる!! 新ジャンル、マフィアンファンタジーがスタート!!!
Paperback
First published July 8, 2011
76 people are currently reading
2179 people want to read
About the author
Kohske
30 books122 followersAssociated Names:
コースケ
Ko-suke
Kosuke
Koosuke
Kohske made her manga debut in 2009 with the short story "Postman" in Shonen GanGan magazine. Her first ongoing serial, GANGSTA., began in 2010. Her second series, DOODLE, began serialization in 2013. She currently resides in Hokkaido and owns a pet java sparrow named Fumi.
コースケ
Ko-suke
Kosuke
Koosuke
Kohske made her manga debut in 2009 with the short story "Postman" in Shonen GanGan magazine. Her first ongoing serial, GANGSTA., began in 2010. Her second series, DOODLE, began serialization in 2013. She currently resides in Hokkaido and owns a pet java sparrow named Fumi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
March 10, 2014
I read fan translations of these chapters a few years ago but I wanted to buy the US adaptation because this is one of those titles I never expected to see licensed. (Support the things you love!) Also, since the ending of Blade of the Immortal, this has become my favorite manga.
This is part of the Viz Signature line and it's a beautiful edition. It's interesting to read the hard copy because I notice all sorts of little details I hadn't before. Kohske's art is beautiful and sharp, suiting the gritty violence of what is essentially an urban crime drama.
This volume introduces a pair of "handymen" -- Worick and Nicolas. They do all sorts of tasks around Ergastulum (which I'll just assume is somewhere in Europe, hopefully Italy, with that name). They're hired by a cop to take out a gang, which they do quickly and efficiently, BUT choose to spare the life of the gang's prostitute, Alex.
Alex is my favorite character from the manga. It's easy to mistake her for a damsel in distress at first glance but she's not. She's the lens through which we learn about Worick and Nicolas, as well as Ergastulum. Having read further along in the manga, I also know there are some secrets to her as well.
This manga gets the tags it does because both Alex and Nicolas are biracial. Alex is half-black/half-Chinese (and the manga shows that with her dark skin) and Nicolas is half-white/half-Asian (and the manga refers to that with how he's constantly insulted as being short). Nicolas is also deaf and Kohske does a great job drawing Japanese sign language. (Mad props to One Piece's Nami was teaching me the JSL for "money." I recognized it even before reading the translation!)
Reading this volume more carefully, I am struck again by how I prefer Alex & Nicolas as a couple over Alex & Worick. (Nothing wrong with the latter, just not my cup of tea.) It especially hit me when reading the panels where Alex shoots Barry full of holes. Worick is shocked & surprised. But Nicolas smiles. I think this kind of shows the way the two men view Alex and how they differ. That's neither here nor there, though. I doubt we'll see anything of that sort for a long time, if ever.
This is part of the Viz Signature line and it's a beautiful edition. It's interesting to read the hard copy because I notice all sorts of little details I hadn't before. Kohske's art is beautiful and sharp, suiting the gritty violence of what is essentially an urban crime drama.
This volume introduces a pair of "handymen" -- Worick and Nicolas. They do all sorts of tasks around Ergastulum (which I'll just assume is somewhere in Europe, hopefully Italy, with that name). They're hired by a cop to take out a gang, which they do quickly and efficiently, BUT choose to spare the life of the gang's prostitute, Alex.
Alex is my favorite character from the manga. It's easy to mistake her for a damsel in distress at first glance but she's not. She's the lens through which we learn about Worick and Nicolas, as well as Ergastulum. Having read further along in the manga, I also know there are some secrets to her as well.
This manga gets the tags it does because both Alex and Nicolas are biracial. Alex is half-black/half-Chinese (and the manga shows that with her dark skin) and Nicolas is half-white/half-Asian (and the manga refers to that with how he's constantly insulted as being short). Nicolas is also deaf and Kohske does a great job drawing Japanese sign language. (Mad props to One Piece's Nami was teaching me the JSL for "money." I recognized it even before reading the translation!)
Reading this volume more carefully, I am struck again by how I prefer Alex & Nicolas as a couple over Alex & Worick. (Nothing wrong with the latter, just not my cup of tea.) It especially hit me when reading the panels where Alex shoots Barry full of holes. Worick is shocked & surprised. But Nicolas smiles. I think this kind of shows the way the two men view Alex and how they differ. That's neither here nor there, though. I doubt we'll see anything of that sort for a long time, if ever.
May 25, 2017
I make it a habit to go into series blind so nothing gets spoiled. What's funny with this one, I didn't even have the genre right. If you look at the shelves this is on it seems like straight-up seinen gangster mystery right? Oh, but apparently there is a supernatural element. You're given a couple of hints of this by the end of the volume.
Even without that, this is a pretty interesting story. The two main characters are jacks of all trade, sort of mercenaries for hire. One is missing an eye, the other is deaf. The guy that's missing an eye is also a gigolo, and the deaf guy is where the supernatural stuff comes into play. Oh, and after they kill a couple of scumbags they take the girl that was there, who is also a prostitute, and bring her home with them. Add into this a couple of police officers they work with, and a doctor who seems really shady.
Like I said ... interesting.
Even without that, this is a pretty interesting story. The two main characters are jacks of all trade, sort of mercenaries for hire. One is missing an eye, the other is deaf. The guy that's missing an eye is also a gigolo, and the deaf guy is where the supernatural stuff comes into play. Oh, and after they kill a couple of scumbags they take the girl that was there, who is also a prostitute, and bring her home with them. Add into this a couple of police officers they work with, and a doctor who seems really shady.
Like I said ... interesting.
January 4, 2023
Worick, Nicolas and Alex are such charming protagonists. Their easy banter with each other rules, especially with how easily Alex slipped into the mix. I especially love her clear aversion to the typical damsel-in-distress trope, as Alex proves herself a capable partner to Worick and Nick soon after being spared by them.
Deaf representation rules!! I hardly expected to see such great disability rep from Nick—one of two main characters in a gang—so imagine my delight when that turned out to be just the case. When Alex found Worick sleeping next to the sign-language guide so he could learn to communicate better with Nicolas?? *in tears* man I just…. love their friendship so much.
The plot does seem a bit ordinary so far, but overall this was a really great first volume with striking art! I read Gangsta on a whim at the library, and have since checked out the next 7 volumes they had on the shelf….. this binge is gonna be a lot of fun.
Deaf representation rules!! I hardly expected to see such great disability rep from Nick—one of two main characters in a gang—so imagine my delight when that turned out to be just the case. When Alex found Worick sleeping next to the sign-language guide so he could learn to communicate better with Nicolas?? *in tears* man I just…. love their friendship so much.
The plot does seem a bit ordinary so far, but overall this was a really great first volume with striking art! I read Gangsta on a whim at the library, and have since checked out the next 7 volumes they had on the shelf….. this binge is gonna be a lot of fun.
January 19, 2018
Man reading a lot of places broken down into sectors or districts lately. Well I guess it's like the real world. Anyway we're thrown into a world about two handymen who go around doing jobs. One is a gigglo and other is a "Tag" or "Twlight" I think. The names are being thrown around but think of a hyper violent badass warrior with a sword. They also have a whore (no she is) who joins them after the first chapter and things become a bit more interesting because from her eyes we see the world of "Gangsta" grow where they put us in a realistic setting yet some hyper over the top fight scenes are being played out.
Good: The fight scenes. Easily the best part of the manga. They're hyper violent, badass, and look great. The characters all work well together, all feel different, and build upon each other. Also the design is great, a very realistic world we can relate to, with super over the top style that you just have to love.
Bad: The dialog sometimes falls back to anime cliches. Also the flashbacks are really hard to follow. Probably on purpose. But damn it I can't understand what is happening at all.
Overall it's really solid, violent, and fun. Lots of blood and cursing so be ready for that. I'd go with a 3-3.5 out of 5. It's entertaining enough for me to rent the next two volumes from my local library.
Good: The fight scenes. Easily the best part of the manga. They're hyper violent, badass, and look great. The characters all work well together, all feel different, and build upon each other. Also the design is great, a very realistic world we can relate to, with super over the top style that you just have to love.
Bad: The dialog sometimes falls back to anime cliches. Also the flashbacks are really hard to follow. Probably on purpose. But damn it I can't understand what is happening at all.
Overall it's really solid, violent, and fun. Lots of blood and cursing so be ready for that. I'd go with a 3-3.5 out of 5. It's entertaining enough for me to rent the next two volumes from my local library.
May 26, 2017
Ergastulum is a pseudo-Mediterranean city founded on slavery and social division. Originally used as a in the present it appears to be little more than your average suburban slum. Crime is rampant and even with a police force on patrol, gangs rule the streets. GANGSTA. focuses on the exploits of characters that aren't explicitly tied to any gang, a fortune which allows them to take on odd-jobs from anyone and everyone across Ergastulum's vast sprawl. They are Benriya, or the Handymen.
Nicolas is a Twilight. Deaf and primarily non-verbal, he communicates via sign language and his superhuman swordsmanship (which will fuck you up, yo). Worick is a weekend gigolo who has been working the streets since he was fourteen. Despite only having the use of one eye, he never forgets a face. Alex is a former prostitute, liberated by Benriya against orders in the first chapter. Initially kept under the thumb of an abusive pimp, she works as a secretary for the Handymen and slowly begins to build up her confidence again.
The first volume serves as an introduction to Ergastulum and its residents. Benriya take on various dangerous jobs (everything from assassination to delivery services) and Alex starts her quest to not only learn about the men who have taken her into their lives, but about the life she had before meeting the pimp, Barry. Along the way they meet a variety of characters who will become recurring and hints are dropped about the all-encompassing darkness that exists within Ergastulum.
Frequently compared to series like DOGS and Black Lagoon, what makes GANGSTA. stand out is the way it refuses to flinch at the depths of difficulty and depravity its leads experience, yet still finds time to make a few jokes and deliver heart-pumping action. These are characters whose struggles aren't merely used as window dressing, they are explored with a lingering sense of nuance. The premise might be pretty standard on the surface, but Kohske really sells her world through little character moments and hints at what's to come. Like Nicolas being frustrated by people being unable to communicate with him in sign language, Worick covering his heavily scarred eye before beginning work, and Alex silently learning the rules of the residence. The characters and their world intrigue enough to make the reader want to know more, even with some rough art in early chapters.
In saying all that however, this isn't a series for everyone. Those triggered by bloody violence, sex work and physical abuse against children would do well to steer clear. While it doesn't get a huge amount of page time in the first volume, child abuse does feature quite prominently in the story as it goes on (particularly the third volume). So yeah you do get a warts-and-all portrayal of this shit, but it can be genuinely quite confronting at times -- even with the heavily stylised art. On the plus side GANGSTA. #1 is fairly inclusive for a first volume. Ergastulum is a diverse city and two out of the three leads are bi-racial, including WoC heroine Alex. Nicolas is deaf and his disability is portrayed consistently and not dismissed or forgotten. The story isn't flawless though. There is the unfortunate use of the word "tr*nny" in the English translation at one point, and no queer characters are introduced in this volume (though some appear later in the story).
Overall, this is a compelling first volume from a series with a superficially simple premise. What draws you into the world of GANGSTA. isn't really the blurb-promised action, but the fascinating characters and their personal struggles against a gritty suburban backdrop.
Nicolas is a Twilight. Deaf and primarily non-verbal, he communicates via sign language and his superhuman swordsmanship (which will fuck you up, yo). Worick is a weekend gigolo who has been working the streets since he was fourteen. Despite only having the use of one eye, he never forgets a face. Alex is a former prostitute, liberated by Benriya against orders in the first chapter. Initially kept under the thumb of an abusive pimp, she works as a secretary for the Handymen and slowly begins to build up her confidence again.
The first volume serves as an introduction to Ergastulum and its residents. Benriya take on various dangerous jobs (everything from assassination to delivery services) and Alex starts her quest to not only learn about the men who have taken her into their lives, but about the life she had before meeting the pimp, Barry. Along the way they meet a variety of characters who will become recurring and hints are dropped about the all-encompassing darkness that exists within Ergastulum.
Frequently compared to series like DOGS and Black Lagoon, what makes GANGSTA. stand out is the way it refuses to flinch at the depths of difficulty and depravity its leads experience, yet still finds time to make a few jokes and deliver heart-pumping action. These are characters whose struggles aren't merely used as window dressing, they are explored with a lingering sense of nuance. The premise might be pretty standard on the surface, but Kohske really sells her world through little character moments and hints at what's to come. Like Nicolas being frustrated by people being unable to communicate with him in sign language, Worick covering his heavily scarred eye before beginning work, and Alex silently learning the rules of the residence. The characters and their world intrigue enough to make the reader want to know more, even with some rough art in early chapters.
In saying all that however, this isn't a series for everyone. Those triggered by bloody violence, sex work and physical abuse against children would do well to steer clear. While it doesn't get a huge amount of page time in the first volume, child abuse does feature quite prominently in the story as it goes on (particularly the third volume). So yeah you do get a warts-and-all portrayal of this shit, but it can be genuinely quite confronting at times -- even with the heavily stylised art. On the plus side GANGSTA. #1 is fairly inclusive for a first volume. Ergastulum is a diverse city and two out of the three leads are bi-racial, including WoC heroine Alex. Nicolas is deaf and his disability is portrayed consistently and not dismissed or forgotten. The story isn't flawless though. There is the unfortunate use of the word "tr*nny" in the English translation at one point, and no queer characters are introduced in this volume (though some appear later in the story).
Overall, this is a compelling first volume from a series with a superficially simple premise. What draws you into the world of GANGSTA. isn't really the blurb-promised action, but the fascinating characters and their personal struggles against a gritty suburban backdrop.
Read
July 2, 2023I stumbled onto this on a reel and immediately binge-read the first two volumes. The art style is terrific!
I've seen this story before, with its elements of crime, the mafia, gangs, and the police, as well as its drama, dark humor, and violent and mature scenes. However, there is something about the main characters. It's interesting because you can see the ways they figure out their own qualities and their actions from there.
I'm still waiting for volume 3 to be available.
I've seen this story before, with its elements of crime, the mafia, gangs, and the police, as well as its drama, dark humor, and violent and mature scenes. However, there is something about the main characters. It's interesting because you can see the ways they figure out their own qualities and their actions from there.
I'm still waiting for volume 3 to be available.
November 2, 2022
read 02/11/2022
I bumping up my rating to 5 starts because the paneling is so smartly done and the layout is awesome. The attention to details is everything.
I love this story and this is an excellent beginning.
Original review:
I love Gangsta so much! It's been some time since I read it and I'm so excited to reread the series.
Gangsta is manga about Nic and Worick (two handymen Benriya in the city of criminals) and Alex (former sex worker, who joins The Benriya after they kill her abusive ex). It's a violent manga, with lots of fighting sequences and many grey and morally dubious characters, it's so fascinating to uncover everyone's story, to see their motivations. I believe the author handles difficult topics well, without romanticizing violence or any type of abusive behaviors.
Gangsta is diverse manga. Alex is curvy black young woman, Nic is deaf and of Asian decent (it's not specified yet), Worick is a sex worker. The cast of secondary and side characters is also diverse. I love the characters' dynamics, I love seeing the beginning of what's going to be a great family.
I wish there were queer characters but I'm not aware about complicated sistuation in Japan around lgbtq+ issues, so I'm going to leave it at that.
I admit the first volume is introductory, we get a general feeling of the series, perhaps see the threads pulling, the conflict weaving, but what attracted me immediately is art. Kohske creates stunning visuals, I adore her illustrations, from characters' design to panel composition. 10/10 gorgeous art.
Oh and also the story has people with super human abilities, these people face prejudice and unfair treatment in this system. Exploration of power dynamics is to come soon. These people are called twilights by the way.
I can't wait to read the next volume.
My spoilery rambling reactions on each chapter:
I bumping up my rating to 5 starts because the paneling is so smartly done and the layout is awesome. The attention to details is everything.
I love this story and this is an excellent beginning.
Original review:
I love Gangsta so much! It's been some time since I read it and I'm so excited to reread the series.
Gangsta is manga about Nic and Worick (two handymen Benriya in the city of criminals) and Alex (former sex worker, who joins The Benriya after they kill her abusive ex). It's a violent manga, with lots of fighting sequences and many grey and morally dubious characters, it's so fascinating to uncover everyone's story, to see their motivations. I believe the author handles difficult topics well, without romanticizing violence or any type of abusive behaviors.
Gangsta is diverse manga. Alex is curvy black young woman, Nic is deaf and of Asian decent (it's not specified yet), Worick is a sex worker. The cast of secondary and side characters is also diverse. I love the characters' dynamics, I love seeing the beginning of what's going to be a great family.
I wish there were queer characters but I'm not aware about complicated sistuation in Japan around lgbtq+ issues, so I'm going to leave it at that.
I admit the first volume is introductory, we get a general feeling of the series, perhaps see the threads pulling, the conflict weaving, but what attracted me immediately is art. Kohske creates stunning visuals, I adore her illustrations, from characters' design to panel composition. 10/10 gorgeous art.
Oh and also the story has people with super human abilities, these people face prejudice and unfair treatment in this system. Exploration of power dynamics is to come soon. These people are called twilights by the way.
I can't wait to read the next volume.
My spoilery rambling reactions on each chapter:
May 25, 2018
When I decided to read this manga it was mainly because:
1) Everyone was talking about how amazing it is.
2) The main character, Nicolas is deaf and uses sign language!
The manga is quite gory (not that I’m complaining) but I was so interested in reading this that I jumped into it immediately. I wouldn't say its my favorite manga but the story is pretty good.
1) Everyone was talking about how amazing it is.
2) The main character, Nicolas is deaf and uses sign language!
The manga is quite gory (not that I’m complaining) but I was so interested in reading this that I jumped into it immediately. I wouldn't say its my favorite manga but the story is pretty good.
February 5, 2018
Cool concept, nice artwork and interesting plot. Might buy the second volume :)
January 20, 2021
It's dark, it's mysterious and has character that you love from the beginning, even if they are morally 'gray'.
June 30, 2021
I really liked this story! It's one of the less supernatural/magical manga's I've read in a while.
First of all, glad to take a break and read a story about adults. This story follows 2 "handymen" as they go about their jobs and encounter a sex worker, Alex. They take her in and she helps them with their work. There aren't a ton of characters in this series, but the ones that are here are pretty fleshed out. You get a feel for who Worick and Nic are and that they care about each other. I didn't get a strong sense of who Alex was as much as the other 2, but I hope the next volume gives us more.
I already ordered the rest of the series!
First of all, glad to take a break and read a story about adults. This story follows 2 "handymen" as they go about their jobs and encounter a sex worker, Alex. They take her in and she helps them with their work. There aren't a ton of characters in this series, but the ones that are here are pretty fleshed out. You get a feel for who Worick and Nic are and that they care about each other. I didn't get a strong sense of who Alex was as much as the other 2, but I hope the next volume gives us more.
I already ordered the rest of the series!
August 2, 2024
Been awhile since a manga really intrigued me in the first volume
September 10, 2016
Wieso nur hab ich so lange gewartet, bis ich mir den Manga zu Gangsta geholt habe! Die Beiden sind schließlich der Hammer und ich kann einfach nicht genug bekommen xD
February 18, 2024
İki kiralık "iş çözücü" ve kendini onların şiddet dolu tuhaf dünyasında bulan bir hayat kadınının öyküsü. Bir bakıma Black Lagoon'u anımsatıyor. Serinin dünyası karanlık olsa da karakterleri özünde iyi ama dışarıda sert derken biraz tezatlıklardan faydalanıp kendince bir tat ortaya koyuyor. Dövüş sahnelerini beğensem de olay örgüsü zaman zaman temposunu yitiriyor. İlk cilt için güzel yine de.
January 26, 2021
só n eh 5 pq quando explicar a historia direito vai FICAR PERFEITO
May 5, 2022
This was a fantastic volume one. Can’t wait to read more!
July 9, 2021
so far so good, very curious about these two.
September 18, 2020
Прочитав перший том Gangsta. Загалом дуже зайшло, як і аніма в свій час. Брутальне, з елементом фанатастики, про мафію та різні гангстерські справи. Головні герої щось типу найманців: прибрати когось, хто зайшов на чужу територію, підчистити за копами, прикрити місцевого лікара і тд. Що цікаво обидва головні герої інваліди: один глухонімий, інший одноокий. Але при цьому силовики вони знатні, покрошать в капусту і не помітять. Екшон зроблений добре, малюнок гарний. Єдине, що фонів трохи бракує. Загалом якщо ви шукали щось про мафіозі, з елементами фантастики, хорошим екшоном та цікавими персонажами, то дуже раджу. Моя особиста оцінка 9 пуль з 10.
June 11, 2019
For the most part I really quite enjoyed this book, great art, fun characters and setting, and it was really interesting to see a deaf main character, which I haven’t seen often depicted in manga / comics.
(Vagabond being the only other that springs to mind)
But I have to say I was quite turned off by the inclusion of a tasteless and unnecessary transphobic joke/remark from one of the main characters towards the end of the book, which left a bad taste.
(Vagabond being the only other that springs to mind)
But I have to say I was quite turned off by the inclusion of a tasteless and unnecessary transphobic joke/remark from one of the main characters towards the end of the book, which left a bad taste.
September 23, 2020
I've read this series before and it continues to be one of my favourite mangas... Although there are some aspects of the story that don't sit right with me (particularly the way women are treated at times), in general the story and the characters are fantastic.
May 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this beginning. Definitely interested to see where this goes. Much grit.
November 9, 2022
This book made me search up what a gigolo is and now that's forever on my search history.
January 1, 2020
Se trata de un seinen que mezcla mafia, drogas, prostitución y poderes sobrenaturales.
La historia se ubica en Ergastulum, una ciudad con un aire a Italia, o algún lugar en Europa y que se encuentra dividida entre distintas "familias" mafiosas. Nuestros protagonistas son Worick, un hombre tuerto, con una excelente memoria y gigolo durante los fines de semana, y Nicolas, a quien primeramente nos presentan como un japonés sordo con una gran habilidad con la espada, (pero más adelante nos enteramos más cosas sobre él). Este dúo es conocido como Benriya y se encargan de hacer tareas de cualquier tipo para los ciudadanos, desde pintar un local, hasta pelear contra la mafia.
El primer tomo nos sirve como introductorio a este mundo y a algunos de los personajes más importantes, como Alex, una prostituta que es salvada por Benriya en contra de unas ordenes que recibieron y que terminó trabajando como su secretaria. Alex es la que nos narra la historia así que la voz en off siempre es desde su perspectiva. Ella llegó a esa ciudad en busca de su hermano que está relacionado con una droga...
A medida que los capítulos avanzan nos vamos enterando de la existencia de unos seres llamados twilights que poseen poderes inusuales, los mismos son reconocidos por usar unas chapas de identificación al mejor estilo las que utilizan los del ejército. (que por si no lo sabían... Nick es uno de ellos)
Lo que más me llama de este manga no es la historia en sí, sino los personajes, empecé a amar a Worick así de seductor y calculador y Nick, (OMG Nick) lo amo con todo mi ser, a pesar que es sordo y se maneja con lenguaje de señas no le impide ser uno de los mejores personajes, igual que Worick al no tener un ojo igualmente es excelente en su trabajo. Lo bien que se complementan es genial y todo el potencial que tienen! Me parece fantástico que se empiecen a incluir personajes con discapacidades ya que no es tan habitual, conozco solo 2 o 3 mangas que lo hagan.
Realmente recomiendo la historia, será cuestión de seguir leyendo los demás capítulos para seguir enamorándome de todos.
La historia se ubica en Ergastulum, una ciudad con un aire a Italia, o algún lugar en Europa y que se encuentra dividida entre distintas "familias" mafiosas. Nuestros protagonistas son Worick, un hombre tuerto, con una excelente memoria y gigolo durante los fines de semana, y Nicolas, a quien primeramente nos presentan como un japonés sordo con una gran habilidad con la espada, (pero más adelante nos enteramos más cosas sobre él). Este dúo es conocido como Benriya y se encargan de hacer tareas de cualquier tipo para los ciudadanos, desde pintar un local, hasta pelear contra la mafia.
El primer tomo nos sirve como introductorio a este mundo y a algunos de los personajes más importantes, como Alex, una prostituta que es salvada por Benriya en contra de unas ordenes que recibieron y que terminó trabajando como su secretaria. Alex es la que nos narra la historia así que la voz en off siempre es desde su perspectiva. Ella llegó a esa ciudad en busca de su hermano que está relacionado con una droga...
A medida que los capítulos avanzan nos vamos enterando de la existencia de unos seres llamados twilights que poseen poderes inusuales, los mismos son reconocidos por usar unas chapas de identificación al mejor estilo las que utilizan los del ejército. (que por si no lo sabían... Nick es uno de ellos)
Lo que más me llama de este manga no es la historia en sí, sino los personajes, empecé a amar a Worick así de seductor y calculador y Nick, (OMG Nick) lo amo con todo mi ser, a pesar que es sordo y se maneja con lenguaje de señas no le impide ser uno de los mejores personajes, igual que Worick al no tener un ojo igualmente es excelente en su trabajo. Lo bien que se complementan es genial y todo el potencial que tienen! Me parece fantástico que se empiecen a incluir personajes con discapacidades ya que no es tan habitual, conozco solo 2 o 3 mangas que lo hagan.
Realmente recomiendo la historia, será cuestión de seguir leyendo los demás capítulos para seguir enamorándome de todos.
September 8, 2021
TW: Graphic violence, prostitution, sexual assault, substance, PTSD, strong language, blood & gore, an insinuation of child trafficking ( disturbing remarks*), drugs, substance & nudity
This series is heavily explicit and the themes can be triggering to some. Please do your own research and be aware of the age ratings before starting any manga.
I found a new favourite!!! Lately, I'm more drawn towards mature manga. I still love cute & fluffy stories but mature manga tends to depict the sad realities of life. Plus, they explore uncharted territory that is often morally vague.
Gangsta is set in the city of Ergastulum, filled with made men, petty thieves, hoodlums and more. Nic & Worick (the “Handymen”), takes care of jobs no one else will handle. They join forces with a cop to take down a new gang of a top Mafia family. One day on a job, the duo encounters a prostitute named Alex and decided to spare her life. Alex learns more about the lives of the two men-for-hire while also rediscovering her past of prostitution.
First of all, I was amazed when I learned that one of the MCs ( Nicolas Brown ) is deaf. I love that whenever he signs, the speech bubbles are in black instead of a white background. Also, whenever he speaks, the font gets a little distorted. Such a lovely and cute detail. Nic is also a POC!! He is half Asian if I’m not mistaken. Worick is often seen learning sign language and Alex is too.
What’s more, the pace is bloody good. I finished it in less than 2 hours. Not a lot has been revealed yet but it’s such a solid first volume. The mangaka has left substantial ‘bread crumbs’ that left me wondering. The art is beautiful and the panel layouts are clean. I have a vision of where it is heading but I have a feeling that this series is going to be a depressing one. Unfortunately, volume 2 is unavailable everywhere.
Also, the mangaka is not doing well. Sending well wishes to her.
This series is heavily explicit and the themes can be triggering to some. Please do your own research and be aware of the age ratings before starting any manga.
I found a new favourite!!! Lately, I'm more drawn towards mature manga. I still love cute & fluffy stories but mature manga tends to depict the sad realities of life. Plus, they explore uncharted territory that is often morally vague.
Gangsta is set in the city of Ergastulum, filled with made men, petty thieves, hoodlums and more. Nic & Worick (the “Handymen”), takes care of jobs no one else will handle. They join forces with a cop to take down a new gang of a top Mafia family. One day on a job, the duo encounters a prostitute named Alex and decided to spare her life. Alex learns more about the lives of the two men-for-hire while also rediscovering her past of prostitution.
First of all, I was amazed when I learned that one of the MCs ( Nicolas Brown ) is deaf. I love that whenever he signs, the speech bubbles are in black instead of a white background. Also, whenever he speaks, the font gets a little distorted. Such a lovely and cute detail. Nic is also a POC!! He is half Asian if I’m not mistaken. Worick is often seen learning sign language and Alex is too.
What’s more, the pace is bloody good. I finished it in less than 2 hours. Not a lot has been revealed yet but it’s such a solid first volume. The mangaka has left substantial ‘bread crumbs’ that left me wondering. The art is beautiful and the panel layouts are clean. I have a vision of where it is heading but I have a feeling that this series is going to be a depressing one. Unfortunately, volume 2 is unavailable everywhere.
Also, the mangaka is not doing well. Sending well wishes to her.
March 22, 2023
I have always been so curious about this manga after seeing the anime all over the place. I remember when this was super popular and it seemed to have made a brief comeback on tiktok. I had a lot of fun with this one. It's pretty dark, but can also be comical to lighten the mood. Definitely for more mature audiences because it's graphic depictions of sex and violence, but it's not so overwhelming (I am looking at you Berserk, Vol. 1).
I am glad I finally got around to reading this. It was a great first volume and I am looking forward to the next volume. The world in this is filled with different gangs and it's all about power and money. Meanwhile there are certain people referred to as tags who appear to have extraordinary strength and be outcastes/feared. Overall, very intriguing world and I like all the characters. Nicolas so far is my personal fav though.
I am glad I finally got around to reading this. It was a great first volume and I am looking forward to the next volume. The world in this is filled with different gangs and it's all about power and money. Meanwhile there are certain people referred to as tags who appear to have extraordinary strength and be outcastes/feared. Overall, very intriguing world and I like all the characters. Nicolas so far is my personal fav though.
April 26, 2021
Character 3| Setting 3| Plot 2| Art 5| Enjoyability 3.5
Overall Rating: 3.3
The art in Gangsta is beautiful. The hard lines and just the effort that went into every panel is plain.
Unfortunately for me that was the best part of this manga. There's a lot of naked lady imagery im not jiving with and maybe it would be better suited for someone else and that's cool. What I absolutely can't take is transphobia. It really was a throwaway line about talking about doing a "tranny" and the Nic, said it made his dick limp thinking about it. Yikes.
I do like the style in which Kohske conveys when Nic is actually speaking vs him using Sign language I thought that was pretty creative.
Overall Rating: 3.3
The art in Gangsta is beautiful. The hard lines and just the effort that went into every panel is plain.
Unfortunately for me that was the best part of this manga. There's a lot of naked lady imagery im not jiving with and maybe it would be better suited for someone else and that's cool. What I absolutely can't take is transphobia. It really was a throwaway line about talking about doing a "tranny" and the Nic, said it made his dick limp thinking about it. Yikes.
I do like the style in which Kohske conveys when Nic is actually speaking vs him using Sign language I thought that was pretty creative.
August 8, 2025
Хороша розважальна манґа з цікавим світоустроєм та персонажами.
Манґа одразу сподобалась мені своїми героями. Вони різні, харизматичні, гарно намальовані. Нехай навіть у першому томі відчувається, що автор не до кінця продумав загальну історію, та він написав про героїв рівно те і в ті моменти, коли це були потрібно мені, як читачу.
Нік - мовчазний хлопець, який спілкується мовою жестів, із натхненням проявляє насилля, щиро та віддано дружить з Воріком та має цікаві особливості поведінки. А ще він - жетон, тобто людина з підвищеною силою та витривалістю, ідеальна машина для вбивств.
Ворік - жигало, харизматичний злочинець, з (час від часу) добрим серцем. Його біографія - темна загадка, але він чудово справляється зі своїм життям та роботою "Різноробів".
Алекс - молода дівчина, яка стає щось типу секретаркою у "Різноробів". У першому томі ми частково бачимо події через призму її погляду на світ.
До речі про світ. Тут фентезійне - це норма, як і мафія, яка править містом та дає доручення поліції. Така диспозиція освіжає любителів всяких кримінальних історій (мене), бо зазвичай у мафії/банд жорстке протистояння не тільки між конкурентними групами, а й з поліцією. До того ж ніколи не бачила у кримінальній історії фентезійної складової.
Загалом, перший том чудово зацікавлює свою аудиторію. Якщо вам теж подобаються харизматичні поганці, які однаково легко роблять щось погане, як і щось "конвенційно хороше" - це ваша зупиночка. Я читатиму далі.
Більше відгуків у моєму книжковому Telegram.
Манґа одразу сподобалась мені своїми героями. Вони різні, харизматичні, гарно намальовані. Нехай навіть у першому томі відчувається, що автор не до кінця продумав загальну історію, та він написав про героїв рівно те і в ті моменти, коли це були потрібно мені, як читачу.
Нік - мовчазний хлопець, який спілкується мовою жестів, із натхненням проявляє насилля, щиро та віддано дружить з Воріком та має цікаві особливості поведінки. А ще він - жетон, тобто людина з підвищеною силою та витривалістю, ідеальна машина для вбивств.
Ворік - жигало, харизматичний злочинець, з (час від часу) добрим серцем. Його біографія - темна загадка, але він чудово справляється зі своїм життям та роботою "Різноробів".
Алекс - молода дівчина, яка стає щось типу секретаркою у "Різноробів". У першому томі ми частково бачимо події через призму її погляду на світ.
До речі про світ. Тут фентезійне - це норма, як і мафія, яка править містом та дає доручення поліції. Така диспозиція освіжає любителів всяких кримінальних історій (мене), бо зазвичай у мафії/банд жорстке протистояння не тільки між конкурентними групами, а й з поліцією. До того ж ніколи не бачила у кримінальній історії фентезійної складової.
Загалом, перший том чудово зацікавлює свою аудиторію. Якщо вам теж подобаються харизматичні поганці, які однаково легко роблять щось погане, як і щось "конвенційно хороше" - це ваша зупиночка. Я читатиму далі.
Більше відгуків у моєму книжковому Telegram.
November 4, 2017
Un nuevo manga que me recomendó una amiga, y el cual voy a seguir comprando porque sencillamente me ha encantado. Los personajes son increíbles y por más que he querido escoger a un favorito, aún no he conseguido decidirme. Tendré que esperar al siguiente tomo...
January 23, 2021
I am intrigued, but not fully sold yet. It could either be one of my favorite manga series or the absolute worst. The authors planted so many seeds of so many annoying tropes, so they either follow the trope or they spin them on their heads.
October 17, 2018
What's my life anyway? I mean I can clearly spend all my time reading mangas but this one takes the cake. Love it.
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