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イサック [Issak] #1-2
Issak Omnibus 1
The digital hit samurai epic comes to print in 2-in-1 omnibuses! This historical action manga follows a Japanese warrior's journey to Europe in search of vengeance, at the height of the Thirty Years' War. Vinland Saga meets Shogun in this American Manga Awards-nominated masterwork.
The year is A.D. 1620. Europe is riven with the conflagrations that will grow into the Thirty Years War. Catholic and Protestant forces clash across battlefields ruled by sword and gunpowder alike, and mercenaries of every stripe ply their trade. Among them is Issak, a lone Japanese warrior wielding a matchlock gun of strange design, on a sworn mission to find and kill the man who murdered his master and fled Japan for the other side of the world.
Extra-long omnibus edition contains Vol. 1-2 of the Japanese release.
The year is A.D. 1620. Europe is riven with the conflagrations that will grow into the Thirty Years War. Catholic and Protestant forces clash across battlefields ruled by sword and gunpowder alike, and mercenaries of every stripe ply their trade. Among them is Issak, a lone Japanese warrior wielding a matchlock gun of strange design, on a sworn mission to find and kill the man who murdered his master and fled Japan for the other side of the world.
Extra-long omnibus edition contains Vol. 1-2 of the Japanese release.
416 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 8, 2025
A Japanese man named Issak crosses the globe seeking revenge and ends up a mercenary for the Protestant forces of the Electoral Palatinate at the onset of the Thirty Years' War in 1620, fighting in what is now Germany.
Issak is a sniper who gives off Golgo 13 vibes as he calculates the angles and maximizes the impact of his shots to best protect the fortresses of his princely employer, all while keeping an eye out for the man who set him on the path of vengeance. Zetta, a war refugee, latches on to him as a sidekick of sorts, providing the audience with more emotional range beyond Issak's low simmer.
There's action a-plenty to keep things interesting, from minor skirmishes to epic battles.
I'll be coming back for more in the future.
FOR REFERENCE:
Omnibus. First published in Japan in 2017 by Kodansha Ltd., Tokyo, as Issak volumes 1 and 2.
Contents: [Part 1] Chapter 1. Meager Reinforcements -- Chapter 2. Mercenary Contracts -- Chapter 3. Crown Prince Alfonso -- Afterword -- [Part 2] Chapter 4. Zetta's Choice -- Chapter 5. Struggle in the Valley -- Chapter 6. The Two Guns -- Chapter 7. Issak and Lorenzo -- Translation Notes
Issak is a sniper who gives off Golgo 13 vibes as he calculates the angles and maximizes the impact of his shots to best protect the fortresses of his princely employer, all while keeping an eye out for the man who set him on the path of vengeance. Zetta, a war refugee, latches on to him as a sidekick of sorts, providing the audience with more emotional range beyond Issak's low simmer.
There's action a-plenty to keep things interesting, from minor skirmishes to epic battles.
I'll be coming back for more in the future.
FOR REFERENCE:
Omnibus. First published in Japan in 2017 by Kodansha Ltd., Tokyo, as Issak volumes 1 and 2.
Contents: [Part 1] Chapter 1. Meager Reinforcements -- Chapter 2. Mercenary Contracts -- Chapter 3. Crown Prince Alfonso -- Afterword -- [Part 2] Chapter 4. Zetta's Choice -- Chapter 5. Struggle in the Valley -- Chapter 6. The Two Guns -- Chapter 7. Issak and Lorenzo -- Translation Notes
May 6, 2025
Okay, so Issak Omnibus Volume 1 (which is basically the first two regular books smooshed together) is a pretty decent historical manga, but the main dude, Issak, just didn't really click with me.
Like, he's on this revenge trip, which can be a really cool story idea – think about how awesome that is in Vinland Saga. But when I get into a story, I'm looking for more than just a plot that moves along; I need characters that make me care. And that's where Issak Omnibus kinda stumbles for me. Issak himself is just... there. He's this super serious, kinda boring "hero" who's always saving people and taking out the bad guys, but he doesn't really show a lot of what's driving him emotionally, and that makes the whole story feel a little flat. Plus, the plot went pretty much where I expected it to go, no big surprises or anything.
But hey, it's not all doom and gloom! The art in this thing is seriously good. The way they draw stuff like loading a gun or someone getting taken out is crazy detailed. I also really dig the historical setting and how different it feels from a lot of other manga out there, and that's actually why I was interested in checking it out in the first place. I'm a big fan of stuff like Vinland, so I was hoping for that kind of vibe.
So, if you're into historical settings, you might really dig this. You might even connect with Issak more than I did, and that could totally make you love the series. For me, it's still a solid read, but I just didn't fall head over heels for it. I'm gonna give it a 3 out of 5
Like, he's on this revenge trip, which can be a really cool story idea – think about how awesome that is in Vinland Saga. But when I get into a story, I'm looking for more than just a plot that moves along; I need characters that make me care. And that's where Issak Omnibus kinda stumbles for me. Issak himself is just... there. He's this super serious, kinda boring "hero" who's always saving people and taking out the bad guys, but he doesn't really show a lot of what's driving him emotionally, and that makes the whole story feel a little flat. Plus, the plot went pretty much where I expected it to go, no big surprises or anything.
But hey, it's not all doom and gloom! The art in this thing is seriously good. The way they draw stuff like loading a gun or someone getting taken out is crazy detailed. I also really dig the historical setting and how different it feels from a lot of other manga out there, and that's actually why I was interested in checking it out in the first place. I'm a big fan of stuff like Vinland, so I was hoping for that kind of vibe.
So, if you're into historical settings, you might really dig this. You might even connect with Issak more than I did, and that could totally make you love the series. For me, it's still a solid read, but I just didn't fall head over heels for it. I'm gonna give it a 3 out of 5
June 16, 2025
I REALLY love a historical fiction. I love stories that take place in times of war. I love an epic revenge story. And I love when a manga artist can really bring the action scenes to life... So this one hit for me! The art is incredible... The depiction of the armies and battles were bada**. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspect of the story and reading Issak's revenge journey, so I will definitely continue on with this series (I believe my arc only included vol. 1). I can't wait to see where it goes.
May 26, 2025
I'm a huge history nerd so this manga was right up my alley. It's fast-paced, brutal and somethimes touching. I instantly fell for Issak's character (he's such a broody figure) and can't wait to see where his story of revenge goes.
Thank you Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for providing this eARC in exchange of an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for providing this eARC in exchange of an honest review.
February 8, 2026
Off to a pretty good start!
Issak is a Japanese mercenary seeking someone on the battlefields of the 30 Years War for revenge. I really dig historical fiction, especially ones where you have someone foreign to the land they are in conflict with.
While this first volume is very "plot driven" heavy and less character focused, what we do get is engaging! While he's not a big sword swinger like a Guts or Thorfinn, Issak himself favors his rifle; and he is one hell of a sharpshooter. Some of his feats early on are so impressive he's already being held in high regard. Some battles truly can be won with the right bullet in the right place.
While Issak himself seems a bit simple/mysterious so far, I enjoyed the personalities shown by Heinrich and Zetta. I do wonder if they will be around in the battles ahead.
This first volume does enough to keep me reading, invested, and curious what comes next. It isn't very deep per day, but that could change in the future.
Issak is a Japanese mercenary seeking someone on the battlefields of the 30 Years War for revenge. I really dig historical fiction, especially ones where you have someone foreign to the land they are in conflict with.
While this first volume is very "plot driven" heavy and less character focused, what we do get is engaging! While he's not a big sword swinger like a Guts or Thorfinn, Issak himself favors his rifle; and he is one hell of a sharpshooter. Some of his feats early on are so impressive he's already being held in high regard. Some battles truly can be won with the right bullet in the right place.
While Issak himself seems a bit simple/mysterious so far, I enjoyed the personalities shown by Heinrich and Zetta. I do wonder if they will be around in the battles ahead.
This first volume does enough to keep me reading, invested, and curious what comes next. It isn't very deep per day, but that could change in the future.
January 11, 2026
Epic. Beautiful. What is there not to like? A few small things, but first the good. Every panel is obscenely gorgeous, not to mention the full-pagers. Glorious. The amount of detail is absurd, reminiscent of another historical manga: A Bride's Story. That is a high compliment from me. Rather than Mongolia we are in what would be today southwest Germany at the beginning of the Thirty Years' War. Issak finds himself in the middle of it and that determines the type of story we are looking at: action with an emphasis on emotional and narrative high points in battles at various points. I have found in some high-action manga that the necessary visual complexity of events can make things muddled and confusing, leaving me unclear as to what precisely is happening in a panel or even in a whole scene. Occasional panels here are like that, but I suspect it is at least partially intentional, a decision to portray the chaos of up-close warfare, friend distinguished from foe mostly by directional orientation and clothing. Most panels really nail the complex visuals while maintaining clarity for readers. I was very impressed with a certain scene in which cannons are fired and there are explosions everywhere, visual noise everywhere, yet it was very clear exactly what was happening. It is good that such details are maintained even in the most noisy of scenes, since this manga is all about those scenes. Though it is of course Issak's journey, he journeys along the path of the war, so to speak, and so the plot advances by way of one battle blending into the next. Small details are included very well and frequently, but this is less about describing the intricacies of the culture in that time and place than it is about fighting against odds in large-scale warfare.
If it was just violence and gore, regardless of its superficial beauty it would not be as interesting. Happily, we get very engaging and, in a word, cool characters. Immediately on seeing a character, just from the design, I can think "He must be important" and so I am primed to hang on their words before they speak. There is nothing cooler than well-hyped characters clashing after an appropriately long build-up, like a sports rivalry that comes to a head when both teams are at their peaks. That kind of thing is exactly my cup of tea, hence my love of certain anime, like K, Durarara!! and Legend Of The Galactic Heroes, to name a few. To give a small break from the warfare, there is the initial damsel in distress Zetta, who turns out to be brave and capable when given a shot (pun somewhat intended). Her sunny personality mixed with practicality might be a good influence on Issak in future volumes. She's probably 14 or something, so not in a romantic way. There is more to the world than that.
The only thing I don't like is Issak's apparently superhuman abilities with a matchlock rifle, regardless of its build quality. Those old rifles notoriously sucked. They were effective in volleys at close range, but trying to hit one small target from long range is nearly impossible, more up to luck after a certain point than anything else. If you suspend disbelief in this regard and have fun with a medieval Japanese sniper in the Holy Roman Empire during the Thirty Years' War, this will be as big a blast for you as a cannon shot hitting a castle wall.
If it was just violence and gore, regardless of its superficial beauty it would not be as interesting. Happily, we get very engaging and, in a word, cool characters. Immediately on seeing a character, just from the design, I can think "He must be important" and so I am primed to hang on their words before they speak. There is nothing cooler than well-hyped characters clashing after an appropriately long build-up, like a sports rivalry that comes to a head when both teams are at their peaks. That kind of thing is exactly my cup of tea, hence my love of certain anime, like K, Durarara!! and Legend Of The Galactic Heroes, to name a few. To give a small break from the warfare, there is the initial damsel in distress Zetta, who turns out to be brave and capable when given a shot (pun somewhat intended). Her sunny personality mixed with practicality might be a good influence on Issak in future volumes. She's probably 14 or something, so not in a romantic way. There is more to the world than that.
The only thing I don't like is Issak's apparently superhuman abilities with a matchlock rifle, regardless of its build quality. Those old rifles notoriously sucked. They were effective in volleys at close range, but trying to hit one small target from long range is nearly impossible, more up to luck after a certain point than anything else. If you suspend disbelief in this regard and have fun with a medieval Japanese sniper in the Holy Roman Empire during the Thirty Years' War, this will be as big a blast for you as a cannon shot hitting a castle wall.
May 14, 2025
3.25 stars
This review covers only half of the omnibus, namely volume 1, as that is all that was provided to me as an ARC.
When I picked up Issak I was drawn in by the fact that it was presented as a character-driven historical fiction story. While this first volume delivers on the historical fiction aspect, I found it hard to really care about the characters. Let me start by saying the art of Issak is impressively beautiful and extraordinarily detailed. Especially the double spreads featuring battlefields and nature are stunning. You can see DOUBLE-S has put a lot of time and effort in portraying even the smallest details.
The action scenes are also incredibly well done. They are easy to follow and impactful. The harsh black lines illustrate the brutality of war. The first volume features little dialogue and seems more focused on environmental storytelling along with a string of action scenes. We do get some exposition, mostly regarding our main character, but I would have liked for this to feel a bit more natural. I adored the historical details and the extra pages at the end explaining which events this manga is aiming to follow and which figures did and didn't exist in that time period. I loved hearing how Makari got inspired to write this story.
Overall Issak was not for me personally, because I prefer character-driven stories over plot-driven ones. However there is space for the story to develop in that direction. The art is stunning and the action scenes are a highlight. If you enjoy action-focused manga exploring historical settings be sure to give Issak a try.
Thank you Shinji Makari, DOUBLE-S and Kodansha Comics for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This review covers only half of the omnibus, namely volume 1, as that is all that was provided to me as an ARC.
When I picked up Issak I was drawn in by the fact that it was presented as a character-driven historical fiction story. While this first volume delivers on the historical fiction aspect, I found it hard to really care about the characters. Let me start by saying the art of Issak is impressively beautiful and extraordinarily detailed. Especially the double spreads featuring battlefields and nature are stunning. You can see DOUBLE-S has put a lot of time and effort in portraying even the smallest details.
The action scenes are also incredibly well done. They are easy to follow and impactful. The harsh black lines illustrate the brutality of war. The first volume features little dialogue and seems more focused on environmental storytelling along with a string of action scenes. We do get some exposition, mostly regarding our main character, but I would have liked for this to feel a bit more natural. I adored the historical details and the extra pages at the end explaining which events this manga is aiming to follow and which figures did and didn't exist in that time period. I loved hearing how Makari got inspired to write this story.
Overall Issak was not for me personally, because I prefer character-driven stories over plot-driven ones. However there is space for the story to develop in that direction. The art is stunning and the action scenes are a highlight. If you enjoy action-focused manga exploring historical settings be sure to give Issak a try.
Thank you Shinji Makari, DOUBLE-S and Kodansha Comics for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 16, 2025
A Gritty Tale of War and Identity
Issak Omnibus 1 delivers a gripping blend of action, honor, and history through the eyes of a Japanese sniper navigating the chaos of the Thirty Years’ War. The setting isn’t just background noise, it’s a fully realized landscape of political tension and shifting alliances that pulls the reader straight into 17th-century Europe. The combination of Eastern discipline and Western warfare makes Issak a compelling figure. His quiet intensity, sharp focus, and code of honor stand in stark contrast to the brutality around him. The battle scenes are explosive and cinematic, but it’s the slower, tension-filled moments and political maneuvering that give the story real weight. A standout element is the detailed historical context woven into the narrative. Instead of dumping facts, the manga integrates background information, especially regarding Japanese presence in Europe, deepening the overall experience.
A well-crafted story that’s both engaging and thoughtful, offering plenty of depth for fans of action and historical fiction alike.
Issak Omnibus 1 delivers a gripping blend of action, honor, and history through the eyes of a Japanese sniper navigating the chaos of the Thirty Years’ War. The setting isn’t just background noise, it’s a fully realized landscape of political tension and shifting alliances that pulls the reader straight into 17th-century Europe. The combination of Eastern discipline and Western warfare makes Issak a compelling figure. His quiet intensity, sharp focus, and code of honor stand in stark contrast to the brutality around him. The battle scenes are explosive and cinematic, but it’s the slower, tension-filled moments and political maneuvering that give the story real weight. A standout element is the detailed historical context woven into the narrative. Instead of dumping facts, the manga integrates background information, especially regarding Japanese presence in Europe, deepening the overall experience.
A well-crafted story that’s both engaging and thoughtful, offering plenty of depth for fans of action and historical fiction alike.
September 3, 2025
So, this is FANTASTIC on every level.
I couldn’t put this down. This is the action-packed, historical fiction meets high drama story that I wish was more prevalent in the genre. The back cover describes this as “Vinland Saga” meets “Shogun”—and I think that’s pretty accurate.
This whole story is just SO captivating and compelling the whole way through. It’s the definition of GRIPPING.
All of the characters are just so fleshed-out and their motivations braid together in such interesting ways. Issak and his personal history—is obviously the star here but few characters are relegated to the background.
I especially appreciate how we have a FMC in this story and she’s not relegated to menial or peripheral tasks—she’s part of the action. In a story full of intimidating and intense male characters, Zetta holds her own on the page.
This manga is in a tier above most series.
If you enjoy a manga with a more “elevated” level of storytelling and hyper-realistic art, this is for you.
Though, to be honest, I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t be RIVETED by this story. It blew me away~
I couldn’t put this down. This is the action-packed, historical fiction meets high drama story that I wish was more prevalent in the genre. The back cover describes this as “Vinland Saga” meets “Shogun”—and I think that’s pretty accurate.
This whole story is just SO captivating and compelling the whole way through. It’s the definition of GRIPPING.
All of the characters are just so fleshed-out and their motivations braid together in such interesting ways. Issak and his personal history—is obviously the star here but few characters are relegated to the background.
I especially appreciate how we have a FMC in this story and she’s not relegated to menial or peripheral tasks—she’s part of the action. In a story full of intimidating and intense male characters, Zetta holds her own on the page.
This manga is in a tier above most series.
If you enjoy a manga with a more “elevated” level of storytelling and hyper-realistic art, this is for you.
Though, to be honest, I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t be RIVETED by this story. It blew me away~
June 5, 2025
Okie... this was really educational! Considering I handled these topics literally this year at history, I could still recall some things I knew. I really liked this concept, I researched some about Japanese people in the Netherlands in the 17th Century and read some posts on Reddit talking about things that were correctly depicted but also some things that were placed in the wrong time period (some guy was really yapping about their armour being from the 16th Century and I was here for it lol).
I definitely want to research more about this topic. I didn't even know that the West had Japanese slaves and I want to learn more about the power struggles in Japan during that time.
Overall really enjoyed it, I think I'm also sensing a little romance...Which I will never complain about! I think I'll give this a 3.75 stars, I like history, I liked the concept, I liked the battle scenes (and badass scenes). I want to jump into the next Volumes because that cliffhanger is not okay!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced digital copy.
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RTC
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"The thirty years war started when three men were thrown out of a window." I love this lol, defenestration for life.
I did NOT expect this to be a history lesson, there are so many interesting things mentioned, like the Japanese ties with Western Europe in the 17th Century???? I'm gonna start a whole investigation, brb.
ALSO THE CLIFFHANGER
I definitely want to research more about this topic. I didn't even know that the West had Japanese slaves and I want to learn more about the power struggles in Japan during that time.
Overall really enjoyed it, I think I'm also sensing a little romance...Which I will never complain about! I think I'll give this a 3.75 stars, I like history, I liked the concept, I liked the battle scenes (and badass scenes). I want to jump into the next Volumes because that cliffhanger is not okay!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced digital copy.
------
RTC
--
"The thirty years war started when three men were thrown out of a window." I love this lol, defenestration for life.
I did NOT expect this to be a history lesson, there are so many interesting things mentioned, like the Japanese ties with Western Europe in the 17th Century???? I'm gonna start a whole investigation, brb.
ALSO THE CLIFFHANGER
June 13, 2025
Books on war intrigue me so. Not because I love seeing people die or have morbid interests. It's just that these stories explore the mindsets of the characters during the time of heavy violence and politics. For them, life & death was always something they had to face.
Upon reading the afterword it was cool to know that "Issak" was inspired by a 17th century map. As the author, Shinji Makari, stated, Japanese soldiers actually used firearms more during this time period rather than katanas. It just shows you how colonization impacted everything down to how a people fought. I feel like I am rambling but c'mon, history is the best subject to learn about. The manga itself looks great. It is quite brutal, but I expected that. I wonder how Issak's journey of vengeance will end.
Thank you NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this arc!
Upon reading the afterword it was cool to know that "Issak" was inspired by a 17th century map. As the author, Shinji Makari, stated, Japanese soldiers actually used firearms more during this time period rather than katanas. It just shows you how colonization impacted everything down to how a people fought. I feel like I am rambling but c'mon, history is the best subject to learn about. The manga itself looks great. It is quite brutal, but I expected that. I wonder how Issak's journey of vengeance will end.
Thank you NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this arc!
May 22, 2025
This book is set around the Thirty Year War and we are following the main character Issak and his journey on getting revenge on the man who killed his master. So, I enjoyed this manga and I will probably continue the series as it comes out. What I liked about this was the art style and how the story is historical/set in a different era. Issak does only have the revenge plot right now and it does kind of seem like that all he has going for him. I do really like how intricate the details are on the characters and the weapons. I think that if you like a historical setting or a different era other than modern, I think this manga series would be for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha comics for an advanced readers copy of this manga.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha comics for an advanced readers copy of this manga.
September 15, 2025
This story is full of war, betrayal, and the burning need for revenge. It follows two men from Japan who find themselves in another country, but each ends up fighting on opposite sides of the conflict. The main character’s true goal is to get hold of the other man’s gun so he can save a woman back in his homeland.
While caught up in this new place, he meets a girl who wants to help him after he saves her. Over time, he becomes an important part of the war effort on his side, surprising everyone with his clever strategies and incredible long-distance shooting skills.
It’s an action-packed story with high emotional stakes, balancing themes of loyalty, survival, and the weight of personal vows.
While caught up in this new place, he meets a girl who wants to help him after he saves her. Over time, he becomes an important part of the war effort on his side, surprising everyone with his clever strategies and incredible long-distance shooting skills.
It’s an action-packed story with high emotional stakes, balancing themes of loyalty, survival, and the weight of personal vows.
May 16, 2025
Thank you to Kodansha for the e-arc of this manga omnibus! This is such a compelling historical manga. Set in Holy Roman Empire Europe, it follows a Japanese mercenary seeking revenge for the death of his master. A man of honor and fidelity, Issak is a strong main character and noble in his cause. The art style was immaculate, with such detail in every panel. The story is epic and only just beginning. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to start a new historical saga that doesn’t shy away from violence, war, and loyalty. The drawings are graphic and the content is mature, so please check trigger warnings. 4.75 🌟
July 6, 2025
I thought it was an okay read, the art was excellent and really showed strong movement as well as proper proportions generally being quiet pleasant to look at despite the violence (as expected which also looked incredible).
I find the main character Issak was a bit different from what I expected. I found his character a little serious and one sided only really represented as the serious hero who always saves the day. I think the lack of what is driving him emotionally is what caused the story to feel a bit flat. It wasn't bad - just more predictable than anything. I would look forward to seeing more development and vulnerability in future novels
I find the main character Issak was a bit different from what I expected. I found his character a little serious and one sided only really represented as the serious hero who always saves the day. I think the lack of what is driving him emotionally is what caused the story to feel a bit flat. It wasn't bad - just more predictable than anything. I would look forward to seeing more development and vulnerability in future novels
August 11, 2025
Did I expect this to be set on the 1600s? no. Did I enjoy it? absolutely.
The art was amazing, the story told was incredible. I was very confused at first, as i am not very well informed when it comed to anything related to history, wars, etc. but the afterword helped a lot as well.
And yes, when we talk about Japanese warriors, the first thing that comes to mind is always them with katanas but seeing Issak welding both a gun and a Katana but using mostly the gun made me realise just how little i know of the past.
Absolutely loved this, can't wait to read more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this wonderful ARC.
The art was amazing, the story told was incredible. I was very confused at first, as i am not very well informed when it comed to anything related to history, wars, etc. but the afterword helped a lot as well.
And yes, when we talk about Japanese warriors, the first thing that comes to mind is always them with katanas but seeing Issak welding both a gun and a Katana but using mostly the gun made me realise just how little i know of the past.
Absolutely loved this, can't wait to read more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this wonderful ARC.
April 20, 2025
Issak is a historical manga set during the Thirty Years War. It follows Issak, a Japanese mercenary, who travels to Europe in search of revenge. This is definitely an unusual setting for a manga, but I thought the story and art style worked really well together. I will be interested to continue reading this series. I am especially curious to see Zetta if will continue to be a major character in future volumes.
This Omnibus will be the first print edition of Issak available in English. I received an ARC from Kodansha Comics in exchange for an honest review.
This Omnibus will be the first print edition of Issak available in English. I received an ARC from Kodansha Comics in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2025
Issak has made his way to Germany from Japan for revenge on the man who killed his master. Now he is wandering Germany in the midst of the Thirty Years War hunting for him while acting as a mercenary. Such a task has brought him to Fuchsburg where he has joined the defenders holding off the Spanish armies. Lucky for them, Issak is a superb marksman! But will his talent be enough. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next omnibus volume!
Thanks Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for the chance to read this title!
Thanks Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for the chance to read this title!
June 9, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha for the e-arc!
I really like Historical Fiction and manga. So i'm glad i pick this one.
I thought it will be two volume, turns out for this ARC, there's only one volume, which is fine by me.
I like the historical setup, and the story is pretty make sense they travel from Japan to Spain. And they mention Batavia as well.
The main chara is a bit too good at his job(at least that's what i read from this first volume) but the villain is good too..
And i also like the art. No complain so far from first volume.
I really like Historical Fiction and manga. So i'm glad i pick this one.
I thought it will be two volume, turns out for this ARC, there's only one volume, which is fine by me.
I like the historical setup, and the story is pretty make sense they travel from Japan to Spain. And they mention Batavia as well.
The main chara is a bit too good at his job(at least that's what i read from this first volume) but the villain is good too..
And i also like the art. No complain so far from first volume.
September 14, 2025
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
This historical fiction story is set in the 17th Century and follows a Japanese mercenary as he tries to exact revenge for the killing of his master. Issak is a sharpshooter in an age where guns are exceedingly rare, and his skill and attitude make him an enigma. The illustrations are exceptionally detailed, including the gory details of war, so this title isn't for the feint of heart. This would be a great series for those who enjoyed Vinland Saga.
Reviewed for Booklist Magazine.
This historical fiction story is set in the 17th Century and follows a Japanese mercenary as he tries to exact revenge for the killing of his master. Issak is a sharpshooter in an age where guns are exceedingly rare, and his skill and attitude make him an enigma. The illustrations are exceptionally detailed, including the gory details of war, so this title isn't for the feint of heart. This would be a great series for those who enjoyed Vinland Saga.
Reviewed for Booklist Magazine.
April 18, 2025
I want to say thank you for being able to read the first volume of this story. I am intrigued to read volume 2 to find out what happens with Issak and the soldiers that attacked him on his journey back to the castle. I thought the art was nicely done for the story, very appealing to the eyes, especially the full-color pages in the very beginning. I do hope that Zetta is someone who becomes important to the story, someone who helps Issak along the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2025
The cover captivated me, so I bought it immediately. Really enjoyed this so much so that I flew through it in a couple of days. The story is very interesting and really dig the historical fiction aspect of it. The ending of the book left me on such a cliff hanger I need to go ahead and grab the second book. Only have read the first Berserk and Elden Ring manga this was right up my alley for great battle sequences and bloody sword fighting. Great stuff.
November 1, 2025
Bought this on a whim because earlier this year I read a sampler in a free comic book day issue and it caught my attention enough to give it a try.
Admittedly nothing here that I haven’t seen before in other revenge plots - but that’s not to say it’s bad, just done slightly better elsewhere (at least so far!). But its gorgeous artstyle and thrilling war action scenes more than make up for its (so far) basic plot. Nice read!!
Admittedly nothing here that I haven’t seen before in other revenge plots - but that’s not to say it’s bad, just done slightly better elsewhere (at least so far!). But its gorgeous artstyle and thrilling war action scenes more than make up for its (so far) basic plot. Nice read!!
August 6, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ARC of this manga volume 1-2
Reading this was a fun engaging read about a war happening and a warrior has come to help in the hard time of not having enough soldiers etc to protect the village.
I loved the art and also the pacing of the story and I look forward to reading more in the future
Reading this was a fun engaging read about a war happening and a warrior has come to help in the hard time of not having enough soldiers etc to protect the village.
I loved the art and also the pacing of the story and I look forward to reading more in the future
January 9, 2026
After reading issue #1 I then found this at my friends. This is a really good series that follows a samurai (Issak) as he tracks down a samurai who killed his master. The action is fast and furious; the BW pages almost 'jump' off the page! I will try to finish this series and write a final review after I am finished.
April 14, 2025
Such a great story!
There are not a lot of graphic novels regarding this period of time in history, so this was a great surprise. I thought this would be related to a samurai, I could have never imagined it's about a marksman. I need to read the next volume!
There are not a lot of graphic novels regarding this period of time in history, so this was a great surprise. I thought this would be related to a samurai, I could have never imagined it's about a marksman. I need to read the next volume!
May 7, 2025
As a fan of Vinland Saga and Golden Kamuy I really enjoyed this historical drama. Rare to see detailed illustrations of period costumes in manga. I look forward to continuing to read Issak’s story.
arc provided by Kodansha
arc provided by Kodansha
May 29, 2025
3.5⭐️
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
Thank you NetGalley for a review copy!
first just a quick thing, I thought we were going to get vol 1 and 2, but I think we only got vol1 of the omnibus (and I can't find anywhere so I can confirm this)
about what I read, I got really interested in continue this one! I don't think this is something i gravitate to normally, but I do like war in my mangas😅😅
i'm really interested in seeing him getting his revenge and the journey to that!! and is that girl going with him??👀👀👀
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
Thank you NetGalley for a review copy!
first just a quick thing, I thought we were going to get vol 1 and 2, but I think we only got vol1 of the omnibus (and I can't find anywhere so I can confirm this)
about what I read, I got really interested in continue this one! I don't think this is something i gravitate to normally, but I do like war in my mangas😅😅
i'm really interested in seeing him getting his revenge and the journey to that!! and is that girl going with him??👀👀👀
June 11, 2025
Decent story but this first part is not enough for me to fully care about this world and its characters. The series has great potential as long as future installments give the characters more depth. Other than that, the art and battle scenes are done well.
I read the ARC on NetGalley.
I read the ARC on NetGalley.
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