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銃夢 新装版 [Gunnm Shinsōban] #5
Battle Angel Alita Deluxe Edition, Vol. 5
This FINAL VOLUME includes the rare, acclaimed story ASHEN VICTOR, plus two extensive interviews with creator Yukito Kishiro and all of the canon and non-canon endings of the original cyberpunk classic, Battle Angel Alita!
In a dump in the lawless settlement of Scrapyard, far beneath the mysterious space city of Zalem, disgraced cyber-doctor Daisuke Ido makes a strange find: the detached head of a cyborg woman who has lost all her memories. He names her Alita and equips her with a powerful new body, the Berserker. While Alita remembers no details of her former life, a moment of desperation reawakens in her nerves the legendary school of martial arts known as Panzer Kunst. In a place where there is no justice but what people make for themselves, Alita decides to become a hunter-killer, tracking down those who prey on the weak. But can she hold onto her humanity as she revels in her bloodlust?
In a dump in the lawless settlement of Scrapyard, far beneath the mysterious space city of Zalem, disgraced cyber-doctor Daisuke Ido makes a strange find: the detached head of a cyborg woman who has lost all her memories. He names her Alita and equips her with a powerful new body, the Berserker. While Alita remembers no details of her former life, a moment of desperation reawakens in her nerves the legendary school of martial arts known as Panzer Kunst. In a place where there is no justice but what people make for themselves, Alita decides to become a hunter-killer, tracking down those who prey on the weak. But can she hold onto her humanity as she revels in her bloodlust?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1998
11 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Yukito Kishiro
340 books374 followersYukito Kishiro (Japanese: 木城ゆきと) is a Japanese manga artist born in Tokyo in 1967 and raised in Chiba. As a teenager he was influenced by the mecha anime Armored Trooper Votoms and Mobile Suit Gundam, in particular the designs of Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, as well as the works of manga artist Rumiko Takahashi. He began his career at age 17, with his debut manga, Space Oddity, in the Weekly Shonen Sunday. He is best known for the cyberpunk series Battle Angel Alita.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 26, 2018
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
There’s something truly bewildering, yet satisfying, in reaching the end of a series that you followed so closely and enjoyed so thoroughly. With the amount of experience gained from following the heroes in their progression and development, you feel like you’ve known them from the beginning and seen just how well they deal with those tough moments in life. Deep down there’s always this joy in seeing these characters find solace in the moments of happiness that they manage to squeeze in between all their trials in life.
Battle Angel Alita Deluxe Edition Vol. 5 is the last collection featuring the ninth and final volume of the character’s original manga run, the acclaimed story “Ashen Victor” and two long-winded and highly insightful interviews with the creator himself. While it does not mark the end of what Yukito Kishiro planned for Alita, it did leave plenty of fans thinking that this might be the last time they’ll see their cyborg fight for what she believes in and figure out who she is in a world where everything is seen in extremes.
Taking place exactly where the previous volume left off, the story throws readers right into the long-awaited confrontation between Alita and the evil professor Desty Nova. What results from this encounter is a look into Alita’s understanding of the world in which she was resurrected in by her pseudo-father Daisuke Ido, but also a vision of the happiness she never truly had the chance to fully indulge in all of its heart-warming glory. Alongside her illusory moments is an origin story, but also a concluding story arc, for Den of the Barjack Rebellion, which highlights the cleavage of his body from his rage.
What’s special about this volume is that it not only features the canonical ending that was first released by Yukito Kishiro, but also the non-canonical alternate ending released before he decided to continue Alita’s story in Battle Angel Alita: Last Order. If there’s one thing worth noting about the original ending is how abrupt and completely destabilizing it is. It is not an ending that I would fight to endorse and it did leave me hesitant on the intended direction, but upon reading the interviews with the creator at the end and realizing that he was mentally and physically struggling, forcing him to put an end to Alita, it all made sense, but still did not justify the way it all ended.
The alternate ending gives her story a much grander and poetic touch that also introduces a space lore to her character, a lore that is intended to be expanded and developed in her next series. I found this ending to be jam-packed with too many ideas, but at least resorted to exploring the philosophical ideas of choice and freedom that were slightly forgotten in the canonical ending. It still remains that there was too much introduced in too little time to make it an ending that is any better—or worse—than its canonical counterpart.
Another reason why this volume seemed like a mixed bag of goodies is the included story arc “Ashen Victor”. This story features a never-before-seen character known as “Self-Destructo” Snev and his adventures in the famous competition of Motor ball. The artwork is also slightly different, reminiscent of Frank Miller’s work, and didn’t do much more to save the plot from its confusing nature. If anything, this story arc will please fans who have missed the competition and wanted to experience it again for one last time before moving on to the next series.
Battle Angel Alita Deluxe Edition Vol. 5 is not the ending that I would have dreamed of, but it still has its moments that remind us of those glorious moments we had in the previous arcs alongside Alita. One of my biggest complaint regarding this series as a whole would however be the mystery of Alita’s past that was never truly explored and left as an enigma in detriment to further exploring Alita’s character as a cyborg given a second chance at life and an opportunity to truly discover herself.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
There’s something truly bewildering, yet satisfying, in reaching the end of a series that you followed so closely and enjoyed so thoroughly. With the amount of experience gained from following the heroes in their progression and development, you feel like you’ve known them from the beginning and seen just how well they deal with those tough moments in life. Deep down there’s always this joy in seeing these characters find solace in the moments of happiness that they manage to squeeze in between all their trials in life.
Battle Angel Alita Deluxe Edition Vol. 5 is the last collection featuring the ninth and final volume of the character’s original manga run, the acclaimed story “Ashen Victor” and two long-winded and highly insightful interviews with the creator himself. While it does not mark the end of what Yukito Kishiro planned for Alita, it did leave plenty of fans thinking that this might be the last time they’ll see their cyborg fight for what she believes in and figure out who she is in a world where everything is seen in extremes.
Taking place exactly where the previous volume left off, the story throws readers right into the long-awaited confrontation between Alita and the evil professor Desty Nova. What results from this encounter is a look into Alita’s understanding of the world in which she was resurrected in by her pseudo-father Daisuke Ido, but also a vision of the happiness she never truly had the chance to fully indulge in all of its heart-warming glory. Alongside her illusory moments is an origin story, but also a concluding story arc, for Den of the Barjack Rebellion, which highlights the cleavage of his body from his rage.
What’s special about this volume is that it not only features the canonical ending that was first released by Yukito Kishiro, but also the non-canonical alternate ending released before he decided to continue Alita’s story in Battle Angel Alita: Last Order. If there’s one thing worth noting about the original ending is how abrupt and completely destabilizing it is. It is not an ending that I would fight to endorse and it did leave me hesitant on the intended direction, but upon reading the interviews with the creator at the end and realizing that he was mentally and physically struggling, forcing him to put an end to Alita, it all made sense, but still did not justify the way it all ended.
The alternate ending gives her story a much grander and poetic touch that also introduces a space lore to her character, a lore that is intended to be expanded and developed in her next series. I found this ending to be jam-packed with too many ideas, but at least resorted to exploring the philosophical ideas of choice and freedom that were slightly forgotten in the canonical ending. It still remains that there was too much introduced in too little time to make it an ending that is any better—or worse—than its canonical counterpart.
Another reason why this volume seemed like a mixed bag of goodies is the included story arc “Ashen Victor”. This story features a never-before-seen character known as “Self-Destructo” Snev and his adventures in the famous competition of Motor ball. The artwork is also slightly different, reminiscent of Frank Miller’s work, and didn’t do much more to save the plot from its confusing nature. If anything, this story arc will please fans who have missed the competition and wanted to experience it again for one last time before moving on to the next series.
Battle Angel Alita Deluxe Edition Vol. 5 is not the ending that I would have dreamed of, but it still has its moments that remind us of those glorious moments we had in the previous arcs alongside Alita. One of my biggest complaint regarding this series as a whole would however be the mystery of Alita’s past that was never truly explored and left as an enigma in detriment to further exploring Alita’s character as a cyborg given a second chance at life and an opportunity to truly discover herself.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
January 7, 2020
So... That happened.
While I feel that the original story wasn't quite finished, I didn't mind how it ended. It fit with the story, and so I had rather mixed feeling about reading the aditional issues.
That's partly because one of my pet peeves: authors that don't finish their series because they get a shiny idea.
While the author/artist here was struggling with his health at the time - as far as I can tell - he also wanted to focus on Last Order, and so he rushed the ending of Battle Angel.
Then there was the actual aditional issues. The art wasn't what I expected, using a lot more dark ink and contrasts that I wasn't a fan of, and it felt like the story just dragged out
What I'm trying to say is that the canon ending works for me, even being as short and fast as it was, while the "made for fans" does not.
Not to mention the logical trouble with the ending. I mean, if the secret of the Zalemites is what it is, how can he copy it into his stomach and then be himself? Like he did in the end? Again, it feels like a rushed ending.
While I feel that the original story wasn't quite finished, I didn't mind how it ended. It fit with the story, and so I had rather mixed feeling about reading the aditional issues.
That's partly because one of my pet peeves: authors that don't finish their series because they get a shiny idea.
While the author/artist here was struggling with his health at the time - as far as I can tell - he also wanted to focus on Last Order, and so he rushed the ending of Battle Angel.
Then there was the actual aditional issues. The art wasn't what I expected, using a lot more dark ink and contrasts that I wasn't a fan of, and it felt like the story just dragged out
What I'm trying to say is that the canon ending works for me, even being as short and fast as it was, while the "made for fans" does not.
Not to mention the logical trouble with the ending. I mean, if the secret of the Zalemites is what it is, how can he copy it into his stomach and then be himself? Like he did in the end? Again, it feels like a rushed ending.
March 23, 2021
The last two volumes didn't really do it for me. They felt disjointed and rushed, like there were gaps in the story. It felt like Kishiro would have a good idea, but wouldn't see it through before jumping to another one. The characters started to feel shallow because it never seemed like they were fully fleshed out. Then it all just ends, abruptly. It should be noted that this perhaps has to do with the author's mental health issues, which he does explain in an interview. For me the first two volumes were great, but they went down hill from there.
May 13, 2023
The fact that there is a 4 chapter spin off in the back of this where Kishiro is basically drawing and writing his version of Sin City is so fucking cool. Love the drastic change in art style between it and Alita and love Miller’s hyper-stylized black and white art seen through a 90s mangaka lens. Oh and Alita was great too.
October 15, 2023
You can actually kind of tell that Yukito got sick when he made this. My gut feeling was confirmed when I read the interviews @ the back of the book. I'm glad he's doing much better now. In-spite of his illness he still managed another incredible manga. The ending was pretty rough, but it certainly hit hard, & in this edition they made the very good decision to print the first Alita comic he made when he was getting better, straight after the very sad ending to the last one he made when he got sick; It's a whimsical story about healing & regeneration in a very literal sense. It's very interesting that he would have Alita be healed & reborn, & gain redemption though personal sacrifice for any sins of her past, as he himself was healing and recovering from his own inner demons. The end result is this this edition is a masterpiece. The art & symbolism at the end with Alita's re-birth is incredibly beautiful.
As the city of Jeru-Zalem descends from the heavens, the Angel Alita dies, sacrificing herself, redeeming not only her own sins, but the sins of humanity, & is then reborn. I know that some of the biblical references in Alita are deliberate on the part of Yukito, little things here & there, like calling a satellite Gabrial, but I wonder if he realises he literally made robot waifu space Jesus.
As the city of Jeru-Zalem descends from the heavens, the Angel Alita dies, sacrificing herself, redeeming not only her own sins, but the sins of humanity, & is then reborn. I know that some of the biblical references in Alita are deliberate on the part of Yukito, little things here & there, like calling a satellite Gabrial, but I wonder if he realises he literally made robot waifu space Jesus.
March 24, 2019
The ending is rather abrupt, but apparently the author was struggling with his health and wanted to end the manga before eventually continuing with Alita: Last Order. Unfortunately, it really does end with a whimper, but this deluxe edition comes with an alternative ending. In this alternative ending, we learn about Alita’s past and the nature of Zalem which, while intense, these scenes are not the canon ending. There’s also a side story about motorball, hookers, and drugs which looks like a Frank Miller comic. Luckily, there’s an interview section at the end that confirms Kishiro was inspired by Miller for this sidestory.
Overall, I think the series is a good read. It hits its peak in the first two volumes, and even if it declines in quality, it still maintains great world-building and a compelling protagonist.
Overall, I think the series is a good read. It hits its peak in the first two volumes, and even if it declines in quality, it still maintains great world-building and a compelling protagonist.
August 11, 2022
Alita overall is an absolute masterpiece of 90s manga but also transcends era with its beautiful futuristic art that has and will continue to age gracefully. Learning what it means to be human through a cyborg’s eyes will never get old.
This volume though isn’t as perfect as the previous four. There is a great reveal to start but then almost immediately the book rushes its ending.. about a third into the book. The rest? Alternate endings and extras which are great as well but I’d have given them their dedicated volume and I would’ve spread the main story across 4 volumes. Very minor gripe but I expected the whole thing to be be in the main series and felt disappointed it wasn’t.
This volume though isn’t as perfect as the previous four. There is a great reveal to start but then almost immediately the book rushes its ending.. about a third into the book. The rest? Alternate endings and extras which are great as well but I’d have given them their dedicated volume and I would’ve spread the main story across 4 volumes. Very minor gripe but I expected the whole thing to be be in the main series and felt disappointed it wasn’t.
December 26, 2020
I'm very thankful that the little "side story" was included, even if it's not technically canon. It gave a something of closure to most of the characters and made me content to leave it there and not continue with the series.
The series is quite graphic and gruesome at times. Many of the characters are ultimately shallow but are still enjoyable. They all "fight" for something, but usually the reasons are pretty pathetic "I must be the best" or "Everyone deserves a chance", being among the best. Since the author was only 23 when he started the series, I imagine his views probably lacked a bit of maturity. Still, excellent drawings and quite an engaging story so I'd say it was worth it overall.
The series is quite graphic and gruesome at times. Many of the characters are ultimately shallow but are still enjoyable. They all "fight" for something, but usually the reasons are pretty pathetic "I must be the best" or "Everyone deserves a chance", being among the best. Since the author was only 23 when he started the series, I imagine his views probably lacked a bit of maturity. Still, excellent drawings and quite an engaging story so I'd say it was worth it overall.
August 27, 2020
Honestly. I didn't find any faults in the whole series.
Now. On to Last Order.
Now. On to Last Order.
January 2, 2019
A fantastic collection that includes the original pre-Last Order ending to Alita as well as the Alita universe side story Ashen Victor, you simply can't get a better deal than this!
January 16, 2022
Conclusion of the original Battle Angel Alita story line.
As is always the case, heroes in epic stories like this cannot make it out unscathed. Book has two endings - first one is pretty much in line with what one might call realistic ending. After all after surviving the madness at the hands of Dr. Nova, Alita (very like Nicholas Cage in 8mm) tries to find place of love and peace. But as it is usually the case in world driven by madness it is very difficult to escape. So this one was quite a surprise for me, quite dark ending that is the only to be expected considering that Alita cannot discern friends from enemies any more, since everyone seems to have secret agenda or two.
We are given details of the very disturbing torture of Alita herself, not unlike Neo's isolation on ghost sub station. She is aware that she is forced to live in the "dream" somehow constructed by Dr. Nova. And this is where we can see how Alita has become true human - because even aware that what she sees around is not real she takes refuge in this fantasy because it is so good to see back the people she loves. For people who think this real-or-not aspect is silly, trust me there is nothing more cruel than skewering ones view of reality.
Second ending is more of a link-up to spin off volumes. Only way to save the Scrapyard is to sacrifice oneself so that Zalem does not fall on it and destroys it. Alita accepts this and in unselfish sacrifice for all means and purposes becomes the rock on which new world blossoms. ending is touchy but would resonate with anyone who read old legends and myths. Through sacrifice comes transformation and new world follows immediately after. Through exposure of Zalem's great secret (purge of GIB was truly a twist) both Scrapyard and Zalem finally link to the outer space and there is future for for both sky-dwellers and ground dwellers.
What resonates with current times is reaction of Zalem's youths when they are told they can continue as independent personas, true human beings. Enslaved by years of tyrannical world of utility-means-life they are terrified of the prospect of making decisions on their own. Dystopia at its best. And also what we find about about Alita shows us that she was a zealot at one time, uncompromising and blood-thirsty. And man, how changed she became since Ido found her in the waste pile.
Art as always is excellent, everything I said before remains the same. Pure joy for the eyes.
I cannot wait to start on follow up volumes :)
Highly recommended to fans of SF dystopia and pure SF/cyberpunk action.
P.S.
This volume also contains SF noir story Ashen Victor. Centered around motorball player Snev story is placed in the Alita universe but it is standalone story without usual Alita cast. Snev is motorball player that continuously ends up destroyed on the tracks. His career is in the air when suddenly his friend, prostitute named Beretta ends up murdered in a most gruesome way. Soon, story takes a twist that includes motorball league, club management and various crime elements.
Art approach here is different from the usual Alita art - it is more akin to the Sin City, large black and white panels with constant dance of the shadows. In my opinion here we have much more realistic figures (Sin City was full of abstract forms like in Mignola's work) and this makes it much more enjoyable for me. In any case as a standalone story I guess it would be for people that need to have every issue for completeness sake. For other I would recommend it but keep in mind this is standalone story that is in no way related to main (or any follow up) Alita volume.
As is always the case, heroes in epic stories like this cannot make it out unscathed. Book has two endings - first one is pretty much in line with what one might call realistic ending. After all after surviving the madness at the hands of Dr. Nova, Alita (very like Nicholas Cage in 8mm) tries to find place of love and peace. But as it is usually the case in world driven by madness it is very difficult to escape. So this one was quite a surprise for me, quite dark ending that is the only to be expected considering that Alita cannot discern friends from enemies any more, since everyone seems to have secret agenda or two.
We are given details of the very disturbing torture of Alita herself, not unlike Neo's isolation on ghost sub station. She is aware that she is forced to live in the "dream" somehow constructed by Dr. Nova. And this is where we can see how Alita has become true human - because even aware that what she sees around is not real she takes refuge in this fantasy because it is so good to see back the people she loves. For people who think this real-or-not aspect is silly, trust me there is nothing more cruel than skewering ones view of reality.
Second ending is more of a link-up to spin off volumes. Only way to save the Scrapyard is to sacrifice oneself so that Zalem does not fall on it and destroys it. Alita accepts this and in unselfish sacrifice for all means and purposes becomes the rock on which new world blossoms. ending is touchy but would resonate with anyone who read old legends and myths. Through sacrifice comes transformation and new world follows immediately after. Through exposure of Zalem's great secret (purge of GIB was truly a twist) both Scrapyard and Zalem finally link to the outer space and there is future for for both sky-dwellers and ground dwellers.
What resonates with current times is reaction of Zalem's youths when they are told they can continue as independent personas, true human beings. Enslaved by years of tyrannical world of utility-means-life they are terrified of the prospect of making decisions on their own. Dystopia at its best. And also what we find about about Alita shows us that she was a zealot at one time, uncompromising and blood-thirsty. And man, how changed she became since Ido found her in the waste pile.
Art as always is excellent, everything I said before remains the same. Pure joy for the eyes.
I cannot wait to start on follow up volumes :)
Highly recommended to fans of SF dystopia and pure SF/cyberpunk action.
P.S.
This volume also contains SF noir story Ashen Victor. Centered around motorball player Snev story is placed in the Alita universe but it is standalone story without usual Alita cast. Snev is motorball player that continuously ends up destroyed on the tracks. His career is in the air when suddenly his friend, prostitute named Beretta ends up murdered in a most gruesome way. Soon, story takes a twist that includes motorball league, club management and various crime elements.
Art approach here is different from the usual Alita art - it is more akin to the Sin City, large black and white panels with constant dance of the shadows. In my opinion here we have much more realistic figures (Sin City was full of abstract forms like in Mignola's work) and this makes it much more enjoyable for me. In any case as a standalone story I guess it would be for people that need to have every issue for completeness sake. For other I would recommend it but keep in mind this is standalone story that is in no way related to main (or any follow up) Alita volume.
July 21, 2021
Rather than review each of these, I'm going to just go over my impressions after the final volume here.
In the 80's and 90's I'd discovered anime, but I came late into manga as it wasn't quite as easy to locate where I was at first. So I missed this gem of a series. Luckily it seems to hold up quite well overall and I enjoyed almost all of it, as well as the growth of Alita, the development of who she is, and what she becomes.
The story begins with Ido finding the discarded remains of a cyborg - inoperable but somehow with brain still intact. He endeavors to rebuild her and reactivate her. She awakens with no memory. The world she lives in is called the Scrapyard, it lies below Zalem -- a floating city reportedly a paradise -- and below the Scrapyard citizens eke out a living and send supplies above. It definitely has cyberpunk influences.
The original stories were fairly self contained. They fit in a larger stories, but in a later interview Kishiro explains that he never knew if or when the series would be cancelled, so much of the early work consists of these short stories that expand on Alita, Ido and their world. Volume 2 I liked the least as Alita joins the local sport as a way to cope with her loss in volume 1. The end was a decent pay off such that I don't see anything lost, but I still just didn't like that portion as much.
Volume 3 starts with her going back into her life before sports, but it all comes crashing down as the mysterious Zalemite -- whose influence continuously crosses her path -- is revealed and brings her world crushing down. It's almost the end for her, but Zalem intervenes at the last moment and her pursuit begins and continues through the rest of the series. The ending was incredibly satisfying and her growth as a character is palpable.
Western Sci-Fi seems to have difficulty integrating religion into its stories without it appearing too clumsy, but Kishiro interweaves eastern and western spirituality throughout these volumes nigh-seamlessly. Perhaps this is an aspect of eastern fiction that we lack, but I liked Kishiro's references and the like throughout the stories. It adds to the central discussion: what makes one human? If we remained in the material, it would be less interesting. We're looking only at the physical. In fact, this materialism becomes a destructive idea when the dark secret of Zalem is revealed near the end.
Meanwhile, Alita, who through the series is just really a brain in various cybernetic bodies, never really fears of her own humanity, and it's a strength of hers that helps her overcome.
By the end, I loved this series. If I'd the funds I'd get all five volumes as they are worth re-reading, even if I have to re-read volume 2 for the other parts.
In the 80's and 90's I'd discovered anime, but I came late into manga as it wasn't quite as easy to locate where I was at first. So I missed this gem of a series. Luckily it seems to hold up quite well overall and I enjoyed almost all of it, as well as the growth of Alita, the development of who she is, and what she becomes.
The story begins with Ido finding the discarded remains of a cyborg - inoperable but somehow with brain still intact. He endeavors to rebuild her and reactivate her. She awakens with no memory. The world she lives in is called the Scrapyard, it lies below Zalem -- a floating city reportedly a paradise -- and below the Scrapyard citizens eke out a living and send supplies above. It definitely has cyberpunk influences.
The original stories were fairly self contained. They fit in a larger stories, but in a later interview Kishiro explains that he never knew if or when the series would be cancelled, so much of the early work consists of these short stories that expand on Alita, Ido and their world. Volume 2 I liked the least as Alita joins the local sport as a way to cope with her loss in volume 1. The end was a decent pay off such that I don't see anything lost, but I still just didn't like that portion as much.
Volume 3 starts with her going back into her life before sports, but it all comes crashing down as the mysterious Zalemite -- whose influence continuously crosses her path -- is revealed and brings her world crushing down. It's almost the end for her, but Zalem intervenes at the last moment and her pursuit begins and continues through the rest of the series. The ending was incredibly satisfying and her growth as a character is palpable.
Western Sci-Fi seems to have difficulty integrating religion into its stories without it appearing too clumsy, but Kishiro interweaves eastern and western spirituality throughout these volumes nigh-seamlessly. Perhaps this is an aspect of eastern fiction that we lack, but I liked Kishiro's references and the like throughout the stories. It adds to the central discussion: what makes one human? If we remained in the material, it would be less interesting. We're looking only at the physical. In fact, this materialism becomes a destructive idea when the dark secret of Zalem is revealed near the end.
Meanwhile, Alita, who through the series is just really a brain in various cybernetic bodies, never really fears of her own humanity, and it's a strength of hers that helps her overcome.
By the end, I loved this series. If I'd the funds I'd get all five volumes as they are worth re-reading, even if I have to re-read volume 2 for the other parts.
February 14, 2019
If you know your "Battle Angel" lore, you know that, sometime between volumes 8 and 9, series creator Yukito Kishiro came down with a serious illness. Fearful he might die soon, he decided to wrap up his magnum opus. He quickly concluded "Battle Angel" with its 9th volume. Now, not all fans were satisfied with this ending and, a decade later, Kihiro would begin a sequel series call "Last Order" that ran longer than the original did. (And he has since launched a third "Battle Angel" series called "Mars Chronicles.")
However, I've got to say, I was pretty satisfied with the original ending to "Battle Angel." It manages to answer just about all the questions we've had. We see what life is like in Zalem/Tipheres, learn its secrets, discover far more about the history of "Battle Angel's" world than we've known before, and learn had Alita's body came to reside in that trash heap in the Scrapyard. Could some of this information been expanded on more? Sure. But I found this satisfying. About the only thing that's disappointing is how quickly the ending happens, the story rushing towards its conclusion a little too much for my taste. Ultimately though, we get plenty of Alita kicking ass, see most of the series' antagonists banished, learn more about the world, and even get some touching and emotional moments.
Also included in this volume is "Ashen Victor," a side story set in the world of Motorball. "Ashen Victor" is inspired by Frank Miller's "Sin City" and that's evident in the art style. This doesn't look like any other manga I read, being so influenced by an American series. The heavy black and white ink veers towards the abstract. It's pretty cool and Kishiro does an excellent job of aping Miller's style. As for the story, about a masochistic Motorball player who gets wrapped up in a conspiracy, it's solid enough. There's some surprisingly gruesome moments and weird moments of psychological insight. (As another likely homage to Miller, there's also some casual violence against sex workers.) It's a decent little read.
Over all, the last proper Deluxe Edition of "Battle Angel Alita" is a solid cap on the series. What a journey this has been, reading through this whole series over a week or so. I can definitely see why Alita and her world has such a passionate fan-following. I hope the movie is good!
However, I've got to say, I was pretty satisfied with the original ending to "Battle Angel." It manages to answer just about all the questions we've had. We see what life is like in Zalem/Tipheres, learn its secrets, discover far more about the history of "Battle Angel's" world than we've known before, and learn had Alita's body came to reside in that trash heap in the Scrapyard. Could some of this information been expanded on more? Sure. But I found this satisfying. About the only thing that's disappointing is how quickly the ending happens, the story rushing towards its conclusion a little too much for my taste. Ultimately though, we get plenty of Alita kicking ass, see most of the series' antagonists banished, learn more about the world, and even get some touching and emotional moments.
Also included in this volume is "Ashen Victor," a side story set in the world of Motorball. "Ashen Victor" is inspired by Frank Miller's "Sin City" and that's evident in the art style. This doesn't look like any other manga I read, being so influenced by an American series. The heavy black and white ink veers towards the abstract. It's pretty cool and Kishiro does an excellent job of aping Miller's style. As for the story, about a masochistic Motorball player who gets wrapped up in a conspiracy, it's solid enough. There's some surprisingly gruesome moments and weird moments of psychological insight. (As another likely homage to Miller, there's also some casual violence against sex workers.) It's a decent little read.
Over all, the last proper Deluxe Edition of "Battle Angel Alita" is a solid cap on the series. What a journey this has been, reading through this whole series over a week or so. I can definitely see why Alita and her world has such a passionate fan-following. I hope the movie is good!
February 13, 2024
4.5/5
The finale to this still-impressive series is quite rushed, I'll give its detractors that. And while its alternate non-canon ending chapters pose no real value to the actual canon story, they do serve as a mostly satisfactory end to the original saga. Kishiro's interviews delve into the problems that caused these endings in the first place, and I can't blame the guy. I know how hardcore Japan can be with its work culture, so in my eyes it's a miracle we'd gotten an ending as good as this, even if the end of Vol. 9 before the non-canon chapters felt like some kinda dumb, sick joke.
On top of the final volume of the original run, and two interviews with Yukito himself, this deluxe edition also contains a strangely avante-garde bonus story called Ashen Victor, which is so wildly different from anything else in the world that I thought Kishiro got a different artist to do the art. It is a cyberpunk noir story that takes place in the MotorBall circuit from the first half of the series with heavy uses of silhouettes and deep contrasting shadows that heavily parallel Frank Miller's work in Sin City. Frankly, I'm all for that style, as it shows Yukito's versatility and serves a side story that is so wildly different in tone from the main series that it compliments. It carries strong street crime vibes and reminded me a lot of Yoshiaki Kawajiri's short film Running Man, a segment included in the 1987 Neo Tokyo compilation that was also introduced to many viewers in the West via Liquid Television. Being that Running Man is my favourite segment out of the three Neo Tokyo stories, I read Kishiro's Ashen Victor with great enthusiasm. It's very well put-together and I'm glad to read it in the Deluxe Edition's larger format.
I still have Holy Night and Other Stories included in this boxed set that I haven't read yet. I'll get to those, later. But currently, my thoughts and feelings toward this original run lean toward admiration and high regard. This is definitely a new favourite of mine. I'll have to start tracking down those Last Order omnibuses now.
The finale to this still-impressive series is quite rushed, I'll give its detractors that. And while its alternate non-canon ending chapters pose no real value to the actual canon story, they do serve as a mostly satisfactory end to the original saga. Kishiro's interviews delve into the problems that caused these endings in the first place, and I can't blame the guy. I know how hardcore Japan can be with its work culture, so in my eyes it's a miracle we'd gotten an ending as good as this, even if the end of Vol. 9 before the non-canon chapters felt like some kinda dumb, sick joke.
On top of the final volume of the original run, and two interviews with Yukito himself, this deluxe edition also contains a strangely avante-garde bonus story called Ashen Victor, which is so wildly different from anything else in the world that I thought Kishiro got a different artist to do the art. It is a cyberpunk noir story that takes place in the MotorBall circuit from the first half of the series with heavy uses of silhouettes and deep contrasting shadows that heavily parallel Frank Miller's work in Sin City. Frankly, I'm all for that style, as it shows Yukito's versatility and serves a side story that is so wildly different in tone from the main series that it compliments. It carries strong street crime vibes and reminded me a lot of Yoshiaki Kawajiri's short film Running Man, a segment included in the 1987 Neo Tokyo compilation that was also introduced to many viewers in the West via Liquid Television. Being that Running Man is my favourite segment out of the three Neo Tokyo stories, I read Kishiro's Ashen Victor with great enthusiasm. It's very well put-together and I'm glad to read it in the Deluxe Edition's larger format.
I still have Holy Night and Other Stories included in this boxed set that I haven't read yet. I'll get to those, later. But currently, my thoughts and feelings toward this original run lean toward admiration and high regard. This is definitely a new favourite of mine. I'll have to start tracking down those Last Order omnibuses now.
April 9, 2021
A soft four stars. The final volume of Alita is pretty fantastic—until the abysmally bad last scene. The end isn’t just bad, it’s mean, to both its main character and to readers. I understand that Kishiro was having a breakdown and rushed the finish, and I can sympathize. But that ending is terrible, and it boxes him in so badly that the short bridging stories (which I guess aren’t considered canon) are extremely flimsy and lacking.
The spinoff Motorball tale, “Ashen Victor,” is better than the shorts, but still a long way from the standard set by the Alita narrative. I don’t mind the different art style in this story because it helped set it apart from the main story. It wasn’t as engaging a style, but it worked well enough. Honestly, the art works better than the story itself, which has some interesting stuff hemmed in by some very stock material.
Like I said, overall the final volume is tremendous. Our different narrative strands are brought to really satisfying conclusions, with basically every character coming to a suitable and pleasing finish—except for Alita. She’s completely robbed, in the most drably mean way. Just lazy. And since she is the story, and to this point has been rendered so consistently well, it’s just a crushingly sour last note. I had to step away for weeks before I read “Ashen Victor,” because I was so upset and betrayed by the finish. I don’t remember the last time a series finish hurt so bad. It’s wretched. Makes me unsure whether to continue on with Last Order. I want to, but my trust is shaken. But that aside, Battle Angel Alita is undoubtably one of the most important sci-fi mangas of the 1990s. It’s a towering achievement and I adore it.
The spinoff Motorball tale, “Ashen Victor,” is better than the shorts, but still a long way from the standard set by the Alita narrative. I don’t mind the different art style in this story because it helped set it apart from the main story. It wasn’t as engaging a style, but it worked well enough. Honestly, the art works better than the story itself, which has some interesting stuff hemmed in by some very stock material.
Like I said, overall the final volume is tremendous. Our different narrative strands are brought to really satisfying conclusions, with basically every character coming to a suitable and pleasing finish—except for Alita. She’s completely robbed, in the most drably mean way. Just lazy. And since she is the story, and to this point has been rendered so consistently well, it’s just a crushingly sour last note. I had to step away for weeks before I read “Ashen Victor,” because I was so upset and betrayed by the finish. I don’t remember the last time a series finish hurt so bad. It’s wretched. Makes me unsure whether to continue on with Last Order. I want to, but my trust is shaken. But that aside, Battle Angel Alita is undoubtably one of the most important sci-fi mangas of the 1990s. It’s a towering achievement and I adore it.
May 17, 2020
In the final volume of Alita's story (well, her first story, at least), Alita storms Nova's lab, with only Kaos for backup. At one point, she utters the immortal line "My rage is ultrasonic", which, I must confess, made me giggle a lot. Meanwhile, since his attack on Zalem failed, Den is making a suicidal charge against the Scrapyard, alone, except for Koyomi.
There's a lot to enjoy here, especially Nova's second entrapment of Alita in the Ouroboros program, and Den's mental battle with Kaos, but I was very disappointed with the canonical ending. It just seemed very abrupt and, frankly, a rubbish way to end Alita's story.
This is continued with a non-canonical coda, almost, that takes Alita to Zalem and sees her and Nova, along with Lou, confront the master computer of Zalem. This improves a bit on the canonical end, but seems very odd. Nova in particular behaves in very odd ways that don't seem to follow from his previous actions. Why would he restore Alita like that, and give her that new, nigh-on invincible body?
There's also a short story set in the Motorball world, not featuring Alita, with a slightly different art style. That was interesting, with quite a melancholy tone to it. The volume finishes with a couple of interviews with the author where, amongst other things, he talks about the end, and how it's not what he wanted, but various factors converged to force him to end the story where he did.
As for myself, I think I'll content myself with the non-canonical ending, and not seek out the sequel series.
There's a lot to enjoy here, especially Nova's second entrapment of Alita in the Ouroboros program, and Den's mental battle with Kaos, but I was very disappointed with the canonical ending. It just seemed very abrupt and, frankly, a rubbish way to end Alita's story.
This is continued with a non-canonical coda, almost, that takes Alita to Zalem and sees her and Nova, along with Lou, confront the master computer of Zalem. This improves a bit on the canonical end, but seems very odd. Nova in particular behaves in very odd ways that don't seem to follow from his previous actions. Why would he restore Alita like that, and give her that new, nigh-on invincible body?
There's also a short story set in the Motorball world, not featuring Alita, with a slightly different art style. That was interesting, with quite a melancholy tone to it. The volume finishes with a couple of interviews with the author where, amongst other things, he talks about the end, and how it's not what he wanted, but various factors converged to force him to end the story where he did.
As for myself, I think I'll content myself with the non-canonical ending, and not seek out the sequel series.
July 18, 2021
Series Review (volumes 2-5; volume 1 review here)
My 18-year quest to read Battle Angel Alita in full (and in order) is finally complete. Detailed in my review of the first volume, I was introduced to the series in middle school, during the early-aughts time when manga was frequently flipped and printed right-to-left to appeal to Americans, and I could only find sporadic volumes, never figuring out what the full story or end of Alita was.
So how was it? Gritty. Violent. It...doesn't actually make much more sense when read in order than I thought it did when read piecemeal. It's not bad, not by a long shot, but if you were hoping for a grand finale, for Alita to solve the mystery of her existence or for the Scrapyard to be replaced by a better place, it doesn't happen. At least, not in a grand, conclusive way.
A common thread throughout the series has been the contrast of people's violence and the human will to stay alive. The Scrapyard is a terrible place, people reduced to their usefulness to the floating city of Zalem, murder viewed more as destruction of property, or an impediment to work for Zalem, than a problem because of the innate value of life. Individuals value their loved ones, or even others as a whole, but they are few and far between.
Alita's story, particularly after the first volume, takes her far afield. Characters who played big roles in early volumes fade out--killed, settled down, moving on, or just living their lives--and new characters come in. Alita's long-term quest--to find Dr. Ido, and to uncover her mysterious past--propels her forward, but it's a long, dangerous journey.
The ending is...abrupt, in a way that fits with how the series has gone, and which makes it clear there should be more story to come. Helpfully, turning the page shows us a message saying that while original Alita manga ended there, the story continues in Battle Angel Alita: Last Order, but also offers a following non-canon story, published after the original conclusion but before the continuation series, that offers an alternate ending with a bit more emotional closure.
My 18-year quest to read Battle Angel Alita in full (and in order) is finally complete. Detailed in my review of the first volume, I was introduced to the series in middle school, during the early-aughts time when manga was frequently flipped and printed right-to-left to appeal to Americans, and I could only find sporadic volumes, never figuring out what the full story or end of Alita was.
So how was it? Gritty. Violent. It...doesn't actually make much more sense when read in order than I thought it did when read piecemeal. It's not bad, not by a long shot, but if you were hoping for a grand finale, for Alita to solve the mystery of her existence or for the Scrapyard to be replaced by a better place, it doesn't happen. At least, not in a grand, conclusive way.
A common thread throughout the series has been the contrast of people's violence and the human will to stay alive. The Scrapyard is a terrible place, people reduced to their usefulness to the floating city of Zalem, murder viewed more as destruction of property, or an impediment to work for Zalem, than a problem because of the innate value of life. Individuals value their loved ones, or even others as a whole, but they are few and far between.
Alita's story, particularly after the first volume, takes her far afield. Characters who played big roles in early volumes fade out--killed, settled down, moving on, or just living their lives--and new characters come in. Alita's long-term quest--to find Dr. Ido, and to uncover her mysterious past--propels her forward, but it's a long, dangerous journey.
The ending is...abrupt, in a way that fits with how the series has gone, and which makes it clear there should be more story to come. Helpfully, turning the page shows us a message saying that while original Alita manga ended there, the story continues in Battle Angel Alita: Last Order, but also offers a following non-canon story, published after the original conclusion but before the continuation series, that offers an alternate ending with a bit more emotional closure.
November 15, 2021
I took my sweet time reading this series. The way I look at it is that it was published over five years, so I don't want to finish it in a few weeks. I think I've taken close to a year, but have finally arrived at the end (canonically) a quarter of the way through this volume and where it leaves off has me positive I want to read the follow-up series, 'Last Order', at some point. I wasn't sure about it because there's no way a series running thirty years can keep being this good, right? Well, now I realize I don't care I just want more Alita.
The rest of this volume is like bonus tracks tagged onto a record reissue, but they're good ones. The sudden ending Yukito Kishiro put together when he was so burned out he decided to finish the series is surprisingly beautiful, but also an info dump of many, many, ideas that feel disorienting. Clearly Kishiro had no clue he was going to continue this story. The 'Ashen Victor' pulp-noir is a cool bonus as well, a styilized and lean short series set in the 'Alita' universe. Finally, the interviews explain why this volume is all over the place but every time they start to discuss 'Last Order' I skipped over it to avoid spoilers.
All in all, the deluxe edition is still the best and least expensive way to enjoy this series in a physical format, especially if you can find it on sale.
The rest of this volume is like bonus tracks tagged onto a record reissue, but they're good ones. The sudden ending Yukito Kishiro put together when he was so burned out he decided to finish the series is surprisingly beautiful, but also an info dump of many, many, ideas that feel disorienting. Clearly Kishiro had no clue he was going to continue this story. The 'Ashen Victor' pulp-noir is a cool bonus as well, a styilized and lean short series set in the 'Alita' universe. Finally, the interviews explain why this volume is all over the place but every time they start to discuss 'Last Order' I skipped over it to avoid spoilers.
All in all, the deluxe edition is still the best and least expensive way to enjoy this series in a physical format, especially if you can find it on sale.
November 16, 2019
Readers who are paying careful attention and like math will have picked up on the fact that the original series of BAL has 9 volumes, which have now somehow been divided into 5 Deluxe Editions. This means that this last volume ends up being pretty odd.
The first half of this book is the last volume of BAL. It builds to a great crescendo, with cool final fights and a nice closing. Until the very final pages, when one of the weirdest twist endings happens, undercutting much of the previous.
After that, we have a pretty good 'what if?' sort of story, which picks up after and follows another Alita adventure. This volume makes it clear that it is non-canonical, which is probably important when I start reading the follow-up.
To round out the book, the editors have included a related series, Ashen Victor, with a wildly different art style, revolving around different Derby characters. It's ok, but so different from BAL tonally that it's a weird inclusion.
The book does end with some interesting and insightful interviews with the creator, which I appreciated. But ultimately, I feel like this series would have made 3 Slightly-More-Deluxe editions much more sensibly.
The first half of this book is the last volume of BAL. It builds to a great crescendo, with cool final fights and a nice closing. Until the very final pages, when one of the weirdest twist endings happens, undercutting much of the previous.
After that, we have a pretty good 'what if?' sort of story, which picks up after and follows another Alita adventure. This volume makes it clear that it is non-canonical, which is probably important when I start reading the follow-up.
To round out the book, the editors have included a related series, Ashen Victor, with a wildly different art style, revolving around different Derby characters. It's ok, but so different from BAL tonally that it's a weird inclusion.
The book does end with some interesting and insightful interviews with the creator, which I appreciated. But ultimately, I feel like this series would have made 3 Slightly-More-Deluxe editions much more sensibly.
November 15, 2018
The finale. Battle Angel Alita, the deluxe edition vol.5 ends with a whimper in the original series. While many felt forced, its an ending gives fans either you like it or you don't. While at that time of its original run, the confusion when Last Order was released, everyone wondered didn't the original run ends with Alita being transform into In the end, this edition explains much of it. I love how its explain PLUS - the out-of-print spin-off of Ashen Victor. This is my first time reading Ashen Victor and there are some influences of Frank Millers artwork noir style involvement. Its not much but more towards the world of Motorball in Alita's universe. I would say this is a great addition to this series. With two interviews of Yukito Kishiro explaining about the manga series and the upcoming movie, I am, without a doubt, satisfied with my collection complete. If you haven't read Battle Angel Alita, pick this up.
May 7, 2022
Sigh...
I'm going to review the first and second halves of this volume separately because...well iykyk.
First half: Yukito Kishiro whyyyyyyy??? After everything that's happened, after everything we've been through, after everything Alita has done and seen. What a sucky shitty undeserved random infuriating ending! My sympathies to the readers back in the day who just had to sit with that until he wrote more stuff!
Second half: Okay much better. I know the publisher's note says it isn't canon but you're not the boss of me! Still pretty weird and I don't really like it but much better than the first ending.
I've gotten to the end of this series thinking that I wasn't interested in continuing the Alita-verse but now that I'm here I realise that this was basically a prologue with no answers or backstory and was almost purely episodic. Do I want to follow her to Mars? Maybe...
Disappointed overall. I don't know if I would have read them if I'd know what the story would be. I can't say that anything about this volume was a satisfying conclusion.
2.5 stars.
I'm going to review the first and second halves of this volume separately because...well iykyk.
First half: Yukito Kishiro whyyyyyyy??? After everything that's happened, after everything we've been through, after everything Alita has done and seen. What a sucky shitty undeserved random infuriating ending! My sympathies to the readers back in the day who just had to sit with that until he wrote more stuff!
Second half: Okay much better. I know the publisher's note says it isn't canon but you're not the boss of me! Still pretty weird and I don't really like it but much better than the first ending.
I've gotten to the end of this series thinking that I wasn't interested in continuing the Alita-verse but now that I'm here I realise that this was basically a prologue with no answers or backstory and was almost purely episodic. Do I want to follow her to Mars? Maybe...
Disappointed overall. I don't know if I would have read them if I'd know what the story would be. I can't say that anything about this volume was a satisfying conclusion.
2.5 stars.
April 11, 2025
This is the finale of the original Alita series. The first half of this book has the final chapter, and the second half has some additional non-canon chapters by the author, an unrelated tale that takes place in the same world centered around the sport motorball, and two interviews with the author.
I liked this. My initial reaction was that the very end didn’t necessarily stick the landing for me, but I liked the last chapter up to then. The author mentions in an interview that it ended early due to concern for his wellness related to work stress, which I am certainly sympathetic to. The additional chapters showed more of Zalem than we’d seen previously. Ashen Victor was okay, but I really liked the author interviews.
Overall, looking at the entire series, it didn’t necessarily fulfill the potential I thought it had, but it’s not my story, and I enjoyed seeing it unfold. It helps to know the context these were published in, too, featured in manga magazines one story at a time before being collected. I have to wonder if this influenced any western works, like Kill Bill or others.
I liked this. My initial reaction was that the very end didn’t necessarily stick the landing for me, but I liked the last chapter up to then. The author mentions in an interview that it ended early due to concern for his wellness related to work stress, which I am certainly sympathetic to. The additional chapters showed more of Zalem than we’d seen previously. Ashen Victor was okay, but I really liked the author interviews.
Overall, looking at the entire series, it didn’t necessarily fulfill the potential I thought it had, but it’s not my story, and I enjoyed seeing it unfold. It helps to know the context these were published in, too, featured in manga magazines one story at a time before being collected. I have to wonder if this influenced any western works, like Kill Bill or others.
January 13, 2025
This series is incredible.
The illustrations are so impressive and the storyline is immersive. The plot develops in unexpected ways which challenged my expectations.
The depths of humanity is explored and the depravity of human nature is not mitigated from the story.
The extremes of the human experiences is laid out in detail and Kishiro does not shy away from the gruesome horrors that exist within the human experience.
The Manga series really challenges the notion of what it means to be a human and weaves in a variety of political topics without pushing a political agenda.
All in all a Manga series which challenges and expands the mind while reading it and digesting the illustrations.
Impressed to say the least and shocked during many moments while reading this Manga series.
Thanks to Kishiro for creating it.
The illustrations are so impressive and the storyline is immersive. The plot develops in unexpected ways which challenged my expectations.
The depths of humanity is explored and the depravity of human nature is not mitigated from the story.
The extremes of the human experiences is laid out in detail and Kishiro does not shy away from the gruesome horrors that exist within the human experience.
The Manga series really challenges the notion of what it means to be a human and weaves in a variety of political topics without pushing a political agenda.
All in all a Manga series which challenges and expands the mind while reading it and digesting the illustrations.
Impressed to say the least and shocked during many moments while reading this Manga series.
Thanks to Kishiro for creating it.
January 13, 2026
I’m glad that the ending of this book is no longer canon to the “Battle Angel Alita” series because it is bad but understanding the backstory as to why makes sense. The bonus chapter that takes place in Zalem feels like the true ending even though it’s not. It was probably the highlight of this volume and it was the moment I had been waiting for since staring this series. We get to see Alita at her most powerful.
The interviews at the end that feature Yukito Kishiro were a delight to read, getting an inside look in his mind and how the story came to be, alongside his various inspirations that make up the world of “Battle Angel Alita”. My favourite tidbit being that a German dictionary was the only non-English book Kishiro owned due to his interest in German tanks so that’s why some of the descriptor words Alita uses are in German.
Can’t wait to read the “Last Order” series now.
The interviews at the end that feature Yukito Kishiro were a delight to read, getting an inside look in his mind and how the story came to be, alongside his various inspirations that make up the world of “Battle Angel Alita”. My favourite tidbit being that a German dictionary was the only non-English book Kishiro owned due to his interest in German tanks so that’s why some of the descriptor words Alita uses are in German.
Can’t wait to read the “Last Order” series now.
October 26, 2019
This is kind of a tough one to rate. The original manga ends somewhat abruptly. If you read the interviews included in the extras you find out why and it is forgivable but it still just sort of ends. The other extras are a non-canonical alternative ending and another motorball story. The alternative ending is interesting and Motorball is as boring as it ever was. So why 4-stars? Well, because the manga is still great, Alita is still great. While I didn't care for the Motorball story, the other extras were really good to have. As a volume, it is till very solid.
Verdict: If you're a long time fan, or like me, this was your first time through the manga these deluxe editions are a great way to visit the strange and wondrous world of Alita.
Verdict: If you're a long time fan, or like me, this was your first time through the manga these deluxe editions are a great way to visit the strange and wondrous world of Alita.
May 16, 2023
Man, I hated that ending. Absolutely, completely, terribly unsatisfying. It didn't have to be that way. It was moving toward as good a wrap-up as could have been expected from a series that lost all focus halfway through, but nope. A mean-spirited swerve at the end that wiped away all that came before it.
I know Last Order continues Alita's story, but this one might have wiped out any emotional investment I have in following any further. I may just revisit the Scrapyard stories in the future, and forget the wasteland stories ever existed.
The other stories in this deluxe volume are the reason why this doesn't get a single star.
I know Last Order continues Alita's story, but this one might have wiped out any emotional investment I have in following any further. I may just revisit the Scrapyard stories in the future, and forget the wasteland stories ever existed.
The other stories in this deluxe volume are the reason why this doesn't get a single star.
November 13, 2018
I'm never not going to love this series, and the deluxe editions are gorgeously presented, with huge pages and a solid binding. This final volume also includes Ashen Victor, a side story that is otherwise difficult to track down. I appreciate the decision made to present the final chapters of the original run but to indicate where the story diverges into Last Order.
I need a bookshelf for books that define me, because this series is certainly one, and I love love love that there's a fancy hardcover edition.
I need a bookshelf for books that define me, because this series is certainly one, and I love love love that there's a fancy hardcover edition.
April 2, 2020
Me gusto mucho este volumen en especial! Al fin descubrimos cómo era Gally (o antes llamada Yoko 7u7) y vemos cómo han cambiado sus ideas y ahora es más fuerte!! El final me gusto lo normal, no me quejo, Gally se reencuentra con Figure y es tan hermoso ver como él la había esperado a pesar de los años y de su supuesta muerte :,)! Y ahorita q estoy recapacitando como puede ser q Gally allá sobrevivido tanto? Esa mujer es invencible o q!? Jsjs bueno pues me gusto, esta buena la historia ;D. Hasta la próxima Miguel xd (tiktok)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
El mejor tomo de todos, aquí caen como moscas todo lo que Kishiro construyó a lo largo del tiempo. Tal vez mi único pero es ese final alternativo que se nota apresuradisimo, pero teniendo el contexto sobre como Kishiro tuvo que terminar el manga de forma apresurada, puedo entenderlo. También agradezco que la versión de Distrito Manga incluya dicho final.
Y pues nada, más que listo para Last Order.
Y pues nada, más que listo para Last Order.
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