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Dark Souls: Redemption #1
DARK SOULS: REDEMPTION, Vol. 1 (manga): Humanity Lost
DOOMED BY A PAST LONG FORGOTTEN, RESOLVED TO SAVE WHAT SHE ONCE HELD DEARThe flame is lit. A nameless woman wakes. Roused from the tomb by a past she cannot recall, she sets out into a barren, unfamiliar landscape. The protector follows. Bound by oath and honor, he safeguards her against the dangers that draw near with the same ferocity he does the secrets of his past. The Grey Cinders gather in their tower, called by the fire to complete their solemn duty. A colossus, incarnate of death, stirs with the bones beneath the scarred grounds. And a nightmare— torment of a bygone era—returns to exact its toll. The fate of this land hangs in the balance, as their journey unfolds in this original Dark Souls story!
Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 27, 2024
This was a really long Hook that just didn't hook
August 7, 2025
Наразі це радше обіцянка - перший том як завжди є лише прологом, з якого може (або не зможе) вирости цікава історія. Наразі світ, змальований в манзі не дуже схожий на світ оригінальної серії, зберігаючи лише певні відсилки до загального лору. Але можливо то і на краще.
August 16, 2024
This has very little to do with Dark Souls, and doesn't really have anything interesting to show or say outside of its titular ties to the series... The tone is all wrong, it just feels like generic dark fantasy. It doesn't have any of the grit or mystery of the video games. The lore is flat, and doesn't line up at all with the gales either, outside of a couple badly used references. The art is all right but nothing to marvel at either. Just a disappointment all around
October 18, 2024
WOW! un coup de coeur pour ce premier tome, j'ai très hate à cette suite, qui mélange le médiéval, dragon, une héroïne comme personnage principale, le tout dans un fantastique qui est encore une fois parfait pour le thème d'halloween.
September 23, 2024
If Dark Souls is kinda just Berserk Fan-Fiction, then this manga is a doubly reiterated impulse. The art is great, the integration into Souls lore is great, and everything is functioning at exactly the speed and detail it ought to be. Even if I wasn’t a fan of the games I would be into this as a cousin to Berserk. Definitely worth checking out this first issue. Looking fwd to the rest.
July 3, 2024
Correct, mais un peu rapide en besogne, notamment sur le développement des situations. Trop de péripéties qui empêchent d'avoir un vrai ressentiment pour les personnages à la fin de se premier tome. Difficile d'adapter un univers comme Dark Souls en manga, j'attends de voir le prochain tome.
November 5, 2024
fine for 10 dollars - great illustrations, amazing sense of scale at times but has a generic narrative that doesn’t fit in the dark souls world IMO. some set pieces and splash pages make up for this though
September 1, 2026
Unknown how many volumes there are but like most manga, will only count 1st, every 6th volumes, end, or use the remainder as placeholder reviews for VN's
Either way, this series in particular requires nary much hints of lore from the first game, maybe just the mechanics of undead. And no, sorry to break it to you, that's not Nito on the cover like I thought it was lol
If you love the games, give it a try. I can't say I'm in love with it, but I'm intrigued enough to get the next volume (even if i have to pay an extra 5 bucks to get this damn thing imported)
3.5/5, -1.5 because action panels I had no idea what was going on and wish there was more lore exploration than what we got.
Either way, this series in particular requires nary much hints of lore from the first game, maybe just the mechanics of undead. And no, sorry to break it to you, that's not Nito on the cover like I thought it was lol
If you love the games, give it a try. I can't say I'm in love with it, but I'm intrigued enough to get the next volume (even if i have to pay an extra 5 bucks to get this damn thing imported)
3.5/5, -1.5 because action panels I had no idea what was going on and wish there was more lore exploration than what we got.
May 3, 2026
Another review described this manga as "a really long hook that just didn't hook", which described it perfectly. As a stand alone this is easily a 1/5, but as a first volume it is okay. There is definitely potential here, but for now it's just a convoluted clusterfuck of poorly explained plotpoints (which, admittedly, is incredibly on brand for a Dark Souls adjacent manga).
September 22, 2024
Great entertainment
July 9, 2025
episch und viel zu schnell vorbei gewesen
October 12, 2025
3.5 (rounded up)
I honestly rounded up because of the absolutely stunning artwork in here. It’s SO gorgeous! The story so far in this first volume was idk? It felt off. The way the characters spoke felt off to me at least and I know we are meant to be confused but I wish we were maybe given just a little more to what’s going on, it truly just felt really off story wise. Ugh, idk, I’d like to continue to see how my feelings may change as I go in the story.
I honestly rounded up because of the absolutely stunning artwork in here. It’s SO gorgeous! The story so far in this first volume was idk? It felt off. The way the characters spoke felt off to me at least and I know we are meant to be confused but I wish we were maybe given just a little more to what’s going on, it truly just felt really off story wise. Ugh, idk, I’d like to continue to see how my feelings may change as I go in the story.
February 6, 2026
4 ⭐
This art style, dude. Perfect ✨
This art style, dude. Perfect ✨
December 8, 2024
Це виключно для фанатів гри. Бо як обірвати ту пуповину з грою, то вийде сюжет про дівчину, що воскресла у склепі і страждає від амнезії, а навколишній світ і персонажі не поспішають про себе щось розповідати. Ясно тільки, що одна фракція називає дівчину Злом і хоче її прикоцати. А у Зла непросте минуле. Босом манги виступило щось драконоподібне. На фоні боротьби з драконопотворою між фракцією та Злом знову виникає дружба, але то, напевно, до повернення пам’яті.
Поки що не те щоб оригінальне темне фентезі. З “Берсерком” його не зрівняєш, тут якось все вилизано.
Поки що не те щоб оригінальне темне фентезі. З “Берсерком” його не зрівняєш, тут якось все вилизано.
September 2, 2024
I quite enjoyed this book. Kinda confusing but I feel like we will get an explanation soon. I feel like it’s confusing because she’s also confused and doesn’t know what’s happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2025
Be Wary of Spinoff
As far as Dark Souls: Redemption stands, this artist/writer duo is not doing it for me.
Who is this for? It didn’t nail the atmosphere, worldbuilding, or storytelling methods of the Dark Souls series.
The atmosphere isn’t dark: backgrounds were more likely to be an empty white than a black, and the images that used solid black in the environment almost communicated a sense that the darkness was restricted to certain areas rather than integrated into the world.
The story isn’t dark: it’s about a heroic character who did bad things (she can’t remember them) and seems to be working toward redemption. This could be dark, but it has a rather light and optimistic tone that the bones and ruins have not resolved. Contrast this with the game series, where your character’s identity is lost among the detritus of aeons and you struggle because, in a world on the brink of moral, metaphysical, and spiritual heat death, struggle is the only road offered.
The worldbuilding isn’t dark: in Miyazaki’s Souls games, knowledge is a luxury (learning about the world is part of the struggle). In Dark Souls: Redemption, however, characters are constantly pumping lore into scenes through dialogue. The mystery of the main character’s name is solved almost immediately; and I find it hard to believe any other stones will be long left unturned. I would likewise be surprised if the illustrations had any storytelling to do outside of moving the immediate plot forward. The art direction is so driven by the protagonist’s point of view that everything feels myopically small in scope—even when characters get a two-page spread.
I’m currently reading Tsutomo Nihei’s sci-fi series Blame! and that sparse storytelling style—driven by conflict, setting, and scale, and very rarely supported by dialogue—would have been a better fit for a Souls spinoff. Let the protagonist and the reader discover the world together. Let us learn about the world by seeing it, by interaction.
Anyway, I think I’ve convinced myself to read Nihei’s current series, Tower Dungeon.
Before I go, let me share one bright spot in my experience with this graphic novel: I am currently working on improving my ability to illustrate in perspective, and it is a comfort to see a paid artist struggling with the fundamentals of perspective drawing. As the saying goes: “Git gud.”
Art can sometimes redeem a mediocre story, but there was no redemption to be found here.
As far as Dark Souls: Redemption stands, this artist/writer duo is not doing it for me.
Who is this for? It didn’t nail the atmosphere, worldbuilding, or storytelling methods of the Dark Souls series.
The atmosphere isn’t dark: backgrounds were more likely to be an empty white than a black, and the images that used solid black in the environment almost communicated a sense that the darkness was restricted to certain areas rather than integrated into the world.
The story isn’t dark: it’s about a heroic character who did bad things (she can’t remember them) and seems to be working toward redemption. This could be dark, but it has a rather light and optimistic tone that the bones and ruins have not resolved. Contrast this with the game series, where your character’s identity is lost among the detritus of aeons and you struggle because, in a world on the brink of moral, metaphysical, and spiritual heat death, struggle is the only road offered.
The worldbuilding isn’t dark: in Miyazaki’s Souls games, knowledge is a luxury (learning about the world is part of the struggle). In Dark Souls: Redemption, however, characters are constantly pumping lore into scenes through dialogue. The mystery of the main character’s name is solved almost immediately; and I find it hard to believe any other stones will be long left unturned. I would likewise be surprised if the illustrations had any storytelling to do outside of moving the immediate plot forward. The art direction is so driven by the protagonist’s point of view that everything feels myopically small in scope—even when characters get a two-page spread.
I’m currently reading Tsutomo Nihei’s sci-fi series Blame! and that sparse storytelling style—driven by conflict, setting, and scale, and very rarely supported by dialogue—would have been a better fit for a Souls spinoff. Let the protagonist and the reader discover the world together. Let us learn about the world by seeing it, by interaction.
Anyway, I think I’ve convinced myself to read Nihei’s current series, Tower Dungeon.
Before I go, let me share one bright spot in my experience with this graphic novel: I am currently working on improving my ability to illustrate in perspective, and it is a comfort to see a paid artist struggling with the fundamentals of perspective drawing. As the saying goes: “Git gud.”
Art can sometimes redeem a mediocre story, but there was no redemption to be found here.
April 18, 2025
Heroes born in ash, cursed kingdoms, and mistakes that cannot be forgiven.
Dark Souls manages to capture its hopeless yet mesmerizing atmosphere remarkably well. The characters and their backstories remain hidden behind a veil of fog—but behind that fog lies not just fear, but also a strange, persistent hope.
Just like in the games, the narrative is not handed to you on a silver platter. It feels more like a slow-cooked meal—something you have to work for, but that tastes richer because of it. You can sense the depth behind what’s shown, and the gaps between the story beats invite your imagination to wander.
The artwork truly deserves praise. Every time I looked at a panel, it felt like I had walked through that place before… or maybe even died there.
Pros:
A narrative faithful to the soul of the games
Visually captivating artwork
Hidden details that reward devoted Souls fans
Cons:
Can be confusing for readers unfamiliar with the Souls universe
Some story elements are intentionally left vague
If you're already in love with the Soulsborne world, this book is a haunting and beautiful addition to your collection. It doesn’t explain—it whispers. And if you’re willing to listen, there's a lot to hear.
Dark Souls manages to capture its hopeless yet mesmerizing atmosphere remarkably well. The characters and their backstories remain hidden behind a veil of fog—but behind that fog lies not just fear, but also a strange, persistent hope.
Just like in the games, the narrative is not handed to you on a silver platter. It feels more like a slow-cooked meal—something you have to work for, but that tastes richer because of it. You can sense the depth behind what’s shown, and the gaps between the story beats invite your imagination to wander.
The artwork truly deserves praise. Every time I looked at a panel, it felt like I had walked through that place before… or maybe even died there.
Pros:
A narrative faithful to the soul of the games
Visually captivating artwork
Hidden details that reward devoted Souls fans
Cons:
Can be confusing for readers unfamiliar with the Souls universe
Some story elements are intentionally left vague
If you're already in love with the Soulsborne world, this book is a haunting and beautiful addition to your collection. It doesn’t explain—it whispers. And if you’re willing to listen, there's a lot to hear.
January 25, 2026
Un manga français de création originale basé sur la célèbre licence vidéoludique de FromSoftware, il y a de quoi intriguer les amateurs de médiéval fantastique! Fait à noter, il n’est pas obligatoire d'être un joueur aguerri de Dark Souls pour se lancer dans l’adaptation en manga. Je suis complètement néophyte et j'ai tout de même apprécié ma lecture.
On remarque d'entrée de jeu la qualité des dessins de Shonen. À mon avis, c'est le gros point fort de ce titre. Les paysages et les ruines très détaillés dressent une ambiance sombre au récit. Les planches mettant en vedette la forteresse sont vraiment immersives. Au niveau des designs de personnages, j'ai particulièrement apprécié le golem, ainsi que le sorcier et sa transformation (un point culminant du volume). Par contre, j'ai eu quelques difficultés mineures de lisibilité en raison de la mise en page de certaines cases pendant des scènes d'action.
J'ai eu l'impression de faire face à un univers avec un lore étendu, mais dont on ne gratte que la surface. En effet, peu d'explications sont fournies dans ce premier tome à la protagoniste amnésique et au lecteur. J'aurais aimé en savoir plus sur les Gardiens de l’Écaille notamment. Les petits mystères donnent toutefois envie de connaître la suite.
On remarque d'entrée de jeu la qualité des dessins de Shonen. À mon avis, c'est le gros point fort de ce titre. Les paysages et les ruines très détaillés dressent une ambiance sombre au récit. Les planches mettant en vedette la forteresse sont vraiment immersives. Au niveau des designs de personnages, j'ai particulièrement apprécié le golem, ainsi que le sorcier et sa transformation (un point culminant du volume). Par contre, j'ai eu quelques difficultés mineures de lisibilité en raison de la mise en page de certaines cases pendant des scènes d'action.
J'ai eu l'impression de faire face à un univers avec un lore étendu, mais dont on ne gratte que la surface. En effet, peu d'explications sont fournies dans ce premier tome à la protagoniste amnésique et au lecteur. J'aurais aimé en savoir plus sur les Gardiens de l’Écaille notamment. Les petits mystères donnent toutefois envie de connaître la suite.
September 14, 2025
Ich fang direkt mal mit dem verschenken Potenzial an und zwar geht es sowohl um die Story, als auch um die Artworks am Ende. Die Geschichte die in Mangas für mich sowieso immer etwas zu kurz kommt, hat hier leider nämlich sehr darunter gelitten, dass die letzten 26 Seiten Artworks sind. Auch bekommen wir noch mal 8 Seiten Werbung zu anderen Mangas, das ist eindeutig zu viel. Versteht mich nicht falsch, ich mag Artyworks sehr gerne, aber immer im Rahmen und wenn sowas nicht als Lückenfüller fungiert.
Die Geschichte war sonst nämlich sehr solide, aber durch die fehlenden Seiten etwas zu schnell im Tempo und daher konnte ich noch keinen starken Bezug zu den Charakteren aufbauen. Ich muss auch noch anmerken, dass das Manga hier mit ein paar alten, für mich schon sehr verbrauchten, Storyelementen wie den verlorenen Erinnerungen, ankommt.
Zum Artstyle gibt es nur positives zu sagen, ich liebe den erwachsenen, düsteren Charme den es innehat. Zu sehen gab es mal zwar mehr mal weniger Details, aber die Charaktere überzeugten mich bisher allesamt.
Ich bin trotzdem auf die nächsten Bände gespannt.
Die Geschichte war sonst nämlich sehr solide, aber durch die fehlenden Seiten etwas zu schnell im Tempo und daher konnte ich noch keinen starken Bezug zu den Charakteren aufbauen. Ich muss auch noch anmerken, dass das Manga hier mit ein paar alten, für mich schon sehr verbrauchten, Storyelementen wie den verlorenen Erinnerungen, ankommt.
Zum Artstyle gibt es nur positives zu sagen, ich liebe den erwachsenen, düsteren Charme den es innehat. Zu sehen gab es mal zwar mehr mal weniger Details, aber die Charaktere überzeugten mich bisher allesamt.
Ich bin trotzdem auf die nächsten Bände gespannt.
August 22, 2025
Realmente no tiene mucho que ver con Dark Souls, hasta ahora, solo unas cuantas referencias aquí y allá. Que realmente no veo mal, definitivamente necesitó ver qué más propone la obra para saber si todo el tema de los ciclos desgasatantes y reinos que se niegan a morir esta ahí, pero al menos me voy con curiosidad.
No tiene ni la mejor trama, ni los mejores personajes, ni el mejor uso del medio, pero si alguien merece todos los elogios es el artista. Hasta ahora nadie había logrado llegar si quiera al tipo de ilustración que Miura y su equipo lograban, bueno, el maldito lo logro. Aún falta por ver si puede mantener escenas emocionales junto con un dibujo espectacular, pero al menos eso último ya lo tiene cubierto.
No tiene ni la mejor trama, ni los mejores personajes, ni el mejor uso del medio, pero si alguien merece todos los elogios es el artista. Hasta ahora nadie había logrado llegar si quiera al tipo de ilustración que Miura y su equipo lograban, bueno, el maldito lo logro. Aún falta por ver si puede mantener escenas emocionales junto con un dibujo espectacular, pero al menos eso último ya lo tiene cubierto.
June 2, 2026
This was a rough read. This story is extremely fast paced and after having read it, I have hundreds of questions. Thankfully there’s another volume to read and volume 3 as I know it is to be released later this year. The setting of this manga is very reminiscent of the Dark Souls world (game), but it feels like it’s lacking. The art style is nice, but it feels very 2D and not so subversive like other mangas and their in depth backgrounds and art styles. I wish I could rate this higher, but it’s a bit flat. I’ll definitely purchase vol. 2 and continue reading it… maybe then my opinion changes? But we have yet to find out. If you’re a lover of the game, you’ll love this series. If you want a more in depth story/plot and character development… this volume is definitely NOT for you.
July 27, 2025
If the Elden Ring manga was too much of a comedy for you, then Dark Souls: Redemption will scratch the itch instead. With everything from invisible bridges to illusionary walls, vague allusions to wars from years ago, and the creeping feeling of utter despair on every page, this series has managed to capture the Souls vibe without having to adapt any particular story.
It manages to use the same kind of obtuse storytelling that the games use, with a lot of stuff implied rather than outright stated at this point, but the mystery is definitely intriguing, and the cast of characters keeps you guessing as well - Yionas the possessed helmet is a personal favourite.
It manages to use the same kind of obtuse storytelling that the games use, with a lot of stuff implied rather than outright stated at this point, but the mystery is definitely intriguing, and the cast of characters keeps you guessing as well - Yionas the possessed helmet is a personal favourite.
August 28, 2024
As a stand alone series this manga is enjoyable. I am not a fanatic manga reader but was drawn to the Dark Souls title after enjoying other media by the series. This manga has little to do with the other Souls titles and if you are looking for more lore on the other Souls media you may have enjoyed you will not find it here. However if you are seeking a similar dark fantasy story you will likely enjoy this series and the first Vol. does a good job at establishing all the major characters and enough backstory to draw you in wanting more.
Overall pretty good and short read.
Overall pretty good and short read.
September 3, 2025
I read this on my lunch breaks at work. Broken into 4 or 5 chapters (can't remember now) it was the perfect pacing to pick up and put down over a couple of days, and I couldn't get through it fast enough! Yes, as some reviews have stated, the story really has nothing to do with the games, but unless you're some kind of purist, this shouldn't be a problem as the story is great in itself. It leaves just enough up to mystery to keep you wanting more and I'm looking forward to the next issues in the series!
September 30, 2025
I was hoping to get the feeling of being dropped in a dark souls game more. It had elements such as a character without a direct path and foes that seem unstoppable at first but still lacked that base feeling of helplessness and persistance. This guy just seems to bail out our main character a lot. I was also hoping to see some character models or bosses make an appearance which isn't bad but I was hoping differently. I may continue the series
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December 1, 2024
a super cool premise and I love the art, I'm excited to read more about Ira's history
the cover looks like Nito and I'm just grasping for straws to connect this to the games (I'm not as deeply lore pilled as some so I'm just making parallels to some characters, like oh the greycinders look like those dragon soldiers guarding that ancient dragon in ds2)
the cover looks like Nito and I'm just grasping for straws to connect this to the games (I'm not as deeply lore pilled as some so I'm just making parallels to some characters, like oh the greycinders look like those dragon soldiers guarding that ancient dragon in ds2)
April 15, 2025
I’m interested, really like the art and storytelling, but I need more to really form a substantial opinion.
As someone who loves fromsoft, but hasn’t enjoyed any of the previous comic/ manga adaptations,y interest is at least piqued!
As someone who loves fromsoft, but hasn’t enjoyed any of the previous comic/ manga adaptations,y interest is at least piqued!
June 8, 2025
Por ahora no entiendo mucho algunas cosas de la trama y la relación que puede llegar a tener con el universo De Dark Souls, pero es cierto que me ha dejado intrigado y tengo muchas ganas de leer el siguiente tomo.
July 22, 2026
I’ve never played Dark Souls, so I don’t really have much to go off of. However, while the beginning was interesting, I felt like the story in general was just too unclear. I don’t think this was my cup of tea.
July 17, 2024
Interessanter Anfang, bloß ein wenig zu hektisch und es sind viele Fragen auf einmal, die man sich stellt gegenüber den Charakteren
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews