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Soul Beat, Volume 1: The Payback
In Soul Beat, Volume 1 , after a fateful encounter to save his friend, pro-boxer and 70s-loving soul brother Dante Alfonse will pursue his toughest challenge defeat the Devil himself—or die trying!
Dante Alfonse is a promising boxer who’s more than capable of taking on any opponent, inside or outside of the ring. Whether it’s a bully in his neighborhood or even stopping a robbery, he’s quick to step in and hold down his city. Of course, when your name means “to endure," being an unstoppable force for good comes naturally! But sometimes, good deeds attract unwanted attention… Such is the case when Dante tries to defend his friend and mentor, Ben, from being killed by the worst person the Devil himself! Now targeted by the forces of evil for his interference, Dante must use the knowledge his mentor left him and hone his newfound spiritual powers, not only to save his own life but to destroy the Devil before more lives are ruined. To his surprise, he’s not alone. A centuries-long feud between Heaven and Hell begins to surface in the Mortal World, and both sides have their reasons for wanting Dante on their side of the fight. Caught in the crossfire, he’ll have to figure out which side he’s on, uncover the truth surrounding his mentor’s mysterious past, and ultimately show the afterlife what it really means to have soul! Soul Beat is rated T for Teen, recommended for ages 13 and up.
Saturday AM, the world’s most diverse manga-inspired comics, are now presented in a new format! Introducing Saturday AM TANKS , the new graphic novel format similar to Japanese Tankobons where we collect the global heroes and artists of Saturday AM. These handsome volumes have select color pages, revised artwork, and innovative post-credit scenes that help bring new life to our popular BIPOC, LGBTQ, and/or culturally diverse characters. Join in even more adventures with the other action-packed Saturday AM TANKS Clock Striker , Gunhild , Hammer , Henshin! , The Massively Multiplayer World of Ghosts , Oblivion Rouge , Saigami , Soul Beat , Titan King , Underground , and Yellow Stringer .
Dante Alfonse is a promising boxer who’s more than capable of taking on any opponent, inside or outside of the ring. Whether it’s a bully in his neighborhood or even stopping a robbery, he’s quick to step in and hold down his city. Of course, when your name means “to endure," being an unstoppable force for good comes naturally! But sometimes, good deeds attract unwanted attention… Such is the case when Dante tries to defend his friend and mentor, Ben, from being killed by the worst person the Devil himself! Now targeted by the forces of evil for his interference, Dante must use the knowledge his mentor left him and hone his newfound spiritual powers, not only to save his own life but to destroy the Devil before more lives are ruined. To his surprise, he’s not alone. A centuries-long feud between Heaven and Hell begins to surface in the Mortal World, and both sides have their reasons for wanting Dante on their side of the fight. Caught in the crossfire, he’ll have to figure out which side he’s on, uncover the truth surrounding his mentor’s mysterious past, and ultimately show the afterlife what it really means to have soul! Soul Beat is rated T for Teen, recommended for ages 13 and up.
Saturday AM, the world’s most diverse manga-inspired comics, are now presented in a new format! Introducing Saturday AM TANKS , the new graphic novel format similar to Japanese Tankobons where we collect the global heroes and artists of Saturday AM. These handsome volumes have select color pages, revised artwork, and innovative post-credit scenes that help bring new life to our popular BIPOC, LGBTQ, and/or culturally diverse characters. Join in even more adventures with the other action-packed Saturday AM TANKS Clock Striker , Gunhild , Hammer , Henshin! , The Massively Multiplayer World of Ghosts , Oblivion Rouge , Saigami , Soul Beat , Titan King , Underground , and Yellow Stringer .
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Published October 17, 2023
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October 1, 2023tl;dr
Fun, fast-paced, and slightly irreverent, this series would be right at home on Toonami.
Thoughts
The publisher's name Saturday AM evokes images of early Saturday morning cartoons, but if I had to place this series, I'd air in on Toonami. It's got punchy (literally) action, a quick-paced storyline, and snappy humor. Dante is adult-aged, which lends a lot of weight to his confidence. So much so that when he says he's going to kill the devil, I genuinely believe he can, despite all the naysayers within the comic itself. He's also got a strong sense of justice that makes him very easy to cheer for. Supporting cast are also likable, with the mentor and/or sidekick character looking like he's also going to be a great foil for Dante. A strong start to the series, and I am looking forward to more!
Thanks to NetGalley and Rockport Publishing for an advance copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Fun, fast-paced, and slightly irreverent, this series would be right at home on Toonami.
Thoughts
The publisher's name Saturday AM evokes images of early Saturday morning cartoons, but if I had to place this series, I'd air in on Toonami. It's got punchy (literally) action, a quick-paced storyline, and snappy humor. Dante is adult-aged, which lends a lot of weight to his confidence. So much so that when he says he's going to kill the devil, I genuinely believe he can, despite all the naysayers within the comic itself. He's also got a strong sense of justice that makes him very easy to cheer for. Supporting cast are also likable, with the mentor and/or sidekick character looking like he's also going to be a great foil for Dante. A strong start to the series, and I am looking forward to more!
Thanks to NetGalley and Rockport Publishing for an advance copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
October 3, 2023
This comic is everything you want in a manga, as long as you’re comfy with Christian content. By that, I mean a hot brooding devil - the necessities. Hundreds of years ago, evil won and sinners have overtaken the earth. Our hero, Dante, a righteous 70’s-styled local boxer, is told this by his aging friend, Ben, as he passes on an ancient Relic. Dante gains heavenly powers and decides to save his friend’s soul by taking out the devil - and any demon who gets in his way. I absolutely loved this book. It ticked every box at exactly the right time for the “formula” of this type of manga without feeling tired and overdone. Character design was fun and filled with variety, tethered to the real world in most ways but still filled with the over the top design often found in manga like giant weapons or unrealistic costumes. I can not wait for the next installment!
Sensitivity Reader Comment for Author/Publisher: I love religious content but hadn’t expected it in this book (I just read Soul like Black culture and completely missed the intended double entendre, which I loved as soon as it finally hit me lol) and with the way the media is right now towards queer people, my radar was on high alert. If something Christian doesn’t immediately recognize itself as queer friendly nowadays, I’m unfortunately a little wary. This book had two points that had the tiniest inkling of probably unintentional homophobia that I probably only even noticed because of that high alert and the premise of “sinners have overtaken the earth”. At one point our main character refers to the group of baddies as boyfriends, using it as an insult. By it being the main character who is quite literally the last bastion of good in this book, that implies it is morally good to use gay as an insult. At another point later on, a demon states that no one can resist her, woman or man. As this is the only queer representation (is it even that?) in the book, and it’s a demon, this implies that queerness is demonic (Yes, there’s also more than two genders, but let’s give writers a lil slack somewhere people). I genuinely don’t think the author was trying to put any anti-queer messaging in here, I imagine it’d have been a lot more present if so. I freaking loved this manga, seriously. Like this is me being as nitpicky about it as I could possibly be. But it’s dangerous out there for the community right now, so even the little things sting. If there’s not intent to include the queer community in the “sinners have overtaken the earth”, I’d love to see the boyfriends line changed and a clearly ‘good’ character who’s queer added, ideally early on. If Asa and Dante aren’t meant to be a will they/won’t they (because they aren’t siblings, right?) down the line, Asa would be an awesome queer character. As long as there’s morally good people who are queer, villains can also be queer without implying it’s evil.
Sensitivity Reader Comment for Author/Publisher: I love religious content but hadn’t expected it in this book (I just read Soul like Black culture and completely missed the intended double entendre, which I loved as soon as it finally hit me lol) and with the way the media is right now towards queer people, my radar was on high alert. If something Christian doesn’t immediately recognize itself as queer friendly nowadays, I’m unfortunately a little wary. This book had two points that had the tiniest inkling of probably unintentional homophobia that I probably only even noticed because of that high alert and the premise of “sinners have overtaken the earth”. At one point our main character refers to the group of baddies as boyfriends, using it as an insult. By it being the main character who is quite literally the last bastion of good in this book, that implies it is morally good to use gay as an insult. At another point later on, a demon states that no one can resist her, woman or man. As this is the only queer representation (is it even that?) in the book, and it’s a demon, this implies that queerness is demonic (Yes, there’s also more than two genders, but let’s give writers a lil slack somewhere people). I genuinely don’t think the author was trying to put any anti-queer messaging in here, I imagine it’d have been a lot more present if so. I freaking loved this manga, seriously. Like this is me being as nitpicky about it as I could possibly be. But it’s dangerous out there for the community right now, so even the little things sting. If there’s not intent to include the queer community in the “sinners have overtaken the earth”, I’d love to see the boyfriends line changed and a clearly ‘good’ character who’s queer added, ideally early on. If Asa and Dante aren’t meant to be a will they/won’t they (because they aren’t siblings, right?) down the line, Asa would be an awesome queer character. As long as there’s morally good people who are queer, villains can also be queer without implying it’s evil.
dnf-ed
February 9, 2025DNF @40% Unbearable writing. Possibly racist?
December 10, 2024
Rating: 4* of five
The Publisher Says: Soul Beat, Volume 1 tells the story of a promising boxer who takes on the challenge of destroying the Devil by finding a series of ancient artifacts.
In Soul Beat, Volume 1, after a fateful encounter to save his friend, pro-boxer and 70s-loving soul brother Dante Alfonse will pursue his toughest challenge yet: defeat the Devil himself—or die trying!
Dante Alfonse is a promising boxer who’s more than capable of taking on any opponent, inside or outside of the ring. Whether it’s a bully in his neighborhood or even stopping a robbery, he’s quick to step in and hold down his city. Of course, when your name means “to endure," being an unstoppable force for good comes naturally! But sometimes, good deeds attract unwanted attention…
Such is the case when Dante tries to defend his friend and mentor, Ben, from being killed by the worst person imaginable: the Devil himself! Now targeted by the forces of evil for his interference, Dante must use the knowledge his mentor left him and hone his newfound spiritual powers, not only to save his own life but to destroy the Devil before more lives are ruined.
To his surprise, he’s not alone. A centuries-long feud between Heaven and Hell begins to surface in the Mortal World, and both sides have their reasons for wanting Dante on their side of the fight. Caught in the crossfire, he’ll have to figure out which side he’s on, uncover the truth surrounding his mentor’s mysterious past, and ultimately show the afterlife what it really means to have soul!
Soul Beat is rated T for Teen, recommended for ages 13 and up.
Saturday AM, the world’s most diverse manga-inspired comics, are now presented in a new format! Introducing Saturday AM TANKS, the new graphic novel format similar to Japanese Tankobons where we collect the global heroes and artists of Saturday AM. These handsome volumes have select color pages, revised artwork, and innovative post-credit scenes that help bring new life to our popular BIPOC, LGBTQ, and/or culturally diverse characters.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: I grew up in the 70s. I don't believe in the Devil, or the christian theology it springs from. I don't like reading comics.
What the ever-lovin' hell is a four-star rating doing up there?! A black man fighting evil in the 70s is a message I'd like to amplify; a struggle against the whole world towards self-belief, ditto; stareable, emotionally charged artwork completes my trifecta of reasons. I also realize when I'm not the target audience, and judge things by a more accepting standard. No, I won't but one for myself; I *would* buy one for my (age-appropriate, thirteen up) grand.
I think these three spreads will tell you what you want to know in advance of ordering a gift for the teen boy (I don't know any girls likely to enjoy this, of any age; it's violent and male-centered, so not really something I myownself would give to a girl). The message of self-belief and not listening to the naysayers is probably most well-suited to the teen boy in a social environment of deep negativity and racial prejudice.
The Publisher Says: Soul Beat, Volume 1 tells the story of a promising boxer who takes on the challenge of destroying the Devil by finding a series of ancient artifacts.
In Soul Beat, Volume 1, after a fateful encounter to save his friend, pro-boxer and 70s-loving soul brother Dante Alfonse will pursue his toughest challenge yet: defeat the Devil himself—or die trying!
Dante Alfonse is a promising boxer who’s more than capable of taking on any opponent, inside or outside of the ring. Whether it’s a bully in his neighborhood or even stopping a robbery, he’s quick to step in and hold down his city. Of course, when your name means “to endure," being an unstoppable force for good comes naturally! But sometimes, good deeds attract unwanted attention…
Such is the case when Dante tries to defend his friend and mentor, Ben, from being killed by the worst person imaginable: the Devil himself! Now targeted by the forces of evil for his interference, Dante must use the knowledge his mentor left him and hone his newfound spiritual powers, not only to save his own life but to destroy the Devil before more lives are ruined.
To his surprise, he’s not alone. A centuries-long feud between Heaven and Hell begins to surface in the Mortal World, and both sides have their reasons for wanting Dante on their side of the fight. Caught in the crossfire, he’ll have to figure out which side he’s on, uncover the truth surrounding his mentor’s mysterious past, and ultimately show the afterlife what it really means to have soul!
Soul Beat is rated T for Teen, recommended for ages 13 and up.
Saturday AM, the world’s most diverse manga-inspired comics, are now presented in a new format! Introducing Saturday AM TANKS, the new graphic novel format similar to Japanese Tankobons where we collect the global heroes and artists of Saturday AM. These handsome volumes have select color pages, revised artwork, and innovative post-credit scenes that help bring new life to our popular BIPOC, LGBTQ, and/or culturally diverse characters.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: I grew up in the 70s. I don't believe in the Devil, or the christian theology it springs from. I don't like reading comics.
What the ever-lovin' hell is a four-star rating doing up there?! A black man fighting evil in the 70s is a message I'd like to amplify; a struggle against the whole world towards self-belief, ditto; stareable, emotionally charged artwork completes my trifecta of reasons. I also realize when I'm not the target audience, and judge things by a more accepting standard. No, I won't but one for myself; I *would* buy one for my (age-appropriate, thirteen up) grand.
I think these three spreads will tell you what you want to know in advance of ordering a gift for the teen boy (I don't know any girls likely to enjoy this, of any age; it's violent and male-centered, so not really something I myownself would give to a girl). The message of self-belief and not listening to the naysayers is probably most well-suited to the teen boy in a social environment of deep negativity and racial prejudice.
September 4, 2023
I'm not a huge fan of action manga, but this is an exception for me.
You'll instantly like Dante. He and his personality shine here as a good person. And you know any story that starts out with the main character being given an artifact is going to be good.
I liked the art style, it isn't as harshly drawn as action manga tend to be drawn and the humor breaks up the tense moments well.
I love how Dantes confidence comes from experience and not just brute strength. His style is more realistic than a lot of action manga are out there. I haven't read a manga where boxing was the fight style before and even though I know nothing about it this was a truly enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this one start to finish, it has a good story and it gets you hooked quick. I suggest grabbing it when it releases, I plan to pick up this series once it comes out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Morganne Walker for letting me read the arc for this!
You'll instantly like Dante. He and his personality shine here as a good person. And you know any story that starts out with the main character being given an artifact is going to be good.
I liked the art style, it isn't as harshly drawn as action manga tend to be drawn and the humor breaks up the tense moments well.
I love how Dantes confidence comes from experience and not just brute strength. His style is more realistic than a lot of action manga are out there. I haven't read a manga where boxing was the fight style before and even though I know nothing about it this was a truly enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this one start to finish, it has a good story and it gets you hooked quick. I suggest grabbing it when it releases, I plan to pick up this series once it comes out.
Thank you to Netgalley and Morganne Walker for letting me read the arc for this!
January 23, 2025
I feel like this would have been a huge hit in Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block. We have a likable and distinctively styled main character on a mission, a fun supporting cast, lots of action, really good art. Everything you need for success. Worth noting that this is set in the modern day, despite main character Dante's self-described "soul brother" 70s styling. On one hand, that makes him a little more fun, and helps him stand out on the page. On the other, I kind of wish Walker had gone full in and set the entire book in the 70s.
September 3, 2023
The Devil better watch out because Soul is on the prowl, and not even the Devil can survive that 80s funk. Humour, battles - personal and physical and lots of ‘Soul’ is to be found within the comic’s covers. Only slight disappointment the comic is black and white, I was looking forward to some 80s colours. Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Rockport Publishing and NetGalley for the comic ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
January 19, 2024
So here we have a book that is for teens about a boxer and it’s a comic book. This is a little outside of anything I’ve read before, but as a very avid comic story enthusiast, I was excited to get a copy of that. I really enjoyed it and I think you will too if this is your thing.
January 30, 2026
The art is exceptional. The layouts and the ink work are really, really good. The story has legs, but hasn't run with them just yet. There's lots of promise here, but also a lot of reliance on common shonen tropes. Ultimately I'm interested in seeing where it goes from here!
September 19, 2023
"Evil triumphs when good men do nothing"... right?"
Hello, this graphic novel is so good??
February 11, 2024
I keep finding these graphic novels that come from a new company. They are excellent 👍. From the way the pictures are drawn to the premise of the story. This one is great.
April 24, 2024
With plotting that feels rushed and undisciplined, this might please fans East Asian style but may leave everyone else dazed.
September 15, 2024
Rating 4.25
I really enjoyed this story. It was way more then I thought it would be and I also enjoyed the fights as well. It is a good start to this and I can't wait to get the next volume.
I really enjoyed this story. It was way more then I thought it would be and I also enjoyed the fights as well. It is a good start to this and I can't wait to get the next volume.
November 14, 2023
Full review in Booklist Magazine.
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
April 18, 2024
I found this to be charming. I loved the art style and I feel like it really captured the essence of late 90s and early 00s manga art and I thought that the protag was funny and powerful but I didn’t really feel connected to any of the side characters or the villains so when something happens, it doesn’t hit me as hard as it should.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews