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Juni Taisen: Zodiac War #1
Juni Taisen: Zodiac War Vol. 1
Twelve fighters enter, one fighter leaves—who will win the 12th Zodiac War?
Every 12 years, 12 fighters take the form of the Chinese zodiac and engage in a battle royale. With their strength and mysterious powers, they fight to the death and the sole survivor is granted the ultimate prize—any wish.
Eleven of the twelve fighters have gathered, and everyone awaits the final contender—Boar. She is strong, confident and a favorite to win the twelfth Zodiac War. However, this time, the rules have changed! The battle is limited to an abandoned city and all of the contestants are forced to ingest a deadly poison. Monkey tries to call a truce, but before she can the floor explodes, scattering all the fighters. Despite the chaos, one thing’s for sure—only one will remain standing.
Every 12 years, 12 fighters take the form of the Chinese zodiac and engage in a battle royale. With their strength and mysterious powers, they fight to the death and the sole survivor is granted the ultimate prize—any wish.
Eleven of the twelve fighters have gathered, and everyone awaits the final contender—Boar. She is strong, confident and a favorite to win the twelfth Zodiac War. However, this time, the rules have changed! The battle is limited to an abandoned city and all of the contestants are forced to ingest a deadly poison. Monkey tries to call a truce, but before she can the floor explodes, scattering all the fighters. Despite the chaos, one thing’s for sure—only one will remain standing.
184 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2017
6 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Akira Akatsuki
46 books4 followersAkira Akatsuki (暁月 あきら) is a japanese manga artist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 2, 2021
I forgot how much fun it was to read a manga in one sitting!
I've been in a bit of a slump so this is exactly what I needed - a nice violent graphic novel with fantasy elements that's super easy to follow.
What are we following? A battle royale between 12 warriors who have taken on the animals of the zodiac as their persona.
The characters are fantastic, with plenty of variety and interesting looks. I enjoyed the artwork and costumes and definitely keen to see more up close in subsequent volumes.
The story is quite fun with some neat twists, and definitely left me wanting more. I have to know how it ends!
All in all, an easy, fun, gruesome manga that was a fun way to spend a few hours and a nice diversion from all the novels I'm neglecting.
I've been in a bit of a slump so this is exactly what I needed - a nice violent graphic novel with fantasy elements that's super easy to follow.
What are we following? A battle royale between 12 warriors who have taken on the animals of the zodiac as their persona.
The characters are fantastic, with plenty of variety and interesting looks. I enjoyed the artwork and costumes and definitely keen to see more up close in subsequent volumes.
The story is quite fun with some neat twists, and definitely left me wanting more. I have to know how it ends!
All in all, an easy, fun, gruesome manga that was a fun way to spend a few hours and a nice diversion from all the novels I'm neglecting.
June 30, 2021
Friggin hunger games, dude!
August 4, 2018
If you think the synopsis and the battle royale part sounds close to the Holy Grail War in Fate series, you aren't mistaken. Welcome to the more shonen version of Fate - in the form of a fanservice story. I regret not looking closely at the cover before getting this, because the design itself should have clued me in to how seriously this story is going to take itself.
The basic plot is that mercenaries (mostly) around the world, each as an aspect of a Chinese zodiac animal would take part in a battle royale that has them killing each other for a wish. To up the stakes, each of them has unwittingly ingested a poison crystal, and in a gruesome version of 'capture the flag', the last person standing with the others' crystals wins. Each of the contestants has their own superpower, be it 'making it rain' (despite how awesome unlimited ammunition might sound to some people, I think it is the most ridiculous one), or controlling birds, or raising the dead. They never mention where they get the powers from, or if they get it when they get selected. The backstories for the characters don't serve up much clue either, and things don't match up - if Chicken already had her powers, did Ox also always have her powers or did she get it after killing her sister?
The characters are, well, boring and generic, and none of them stand out as for us to root for. Besides, all of them keep declaring how they kill ("I kill indiscrimately!!!") as if it is part of their title or something - every damn time they meet another contestant, as if they haven't already been introduced to each other FFS. There is one observer character who is overseeing the contestants, but he serves to mostly recite the contestants' stats (what do their height and weight have to do with a superpower match IDEK). I wish he was a bit snarky at least, for the amusement of the readers, because just the costumes alone would be enough to make fun of. The Ox fighter comes dressed like a lady for a battle (with high heels! can we stop that trend PLEASE?!), the Rabbit is like he stepped out of a WWE ring, Rooster's fighter is like someone took a Halloween outfit for Cupid and rolled around in a barn.
The only saving grace (and that is being generous about it) is the artwork layout. It matches well with the battle style of the story, and has an emphasis on cool action scenes with explosive fight tactics. The scope of their powers also comes out well, especially when you think about how they must have used it as mercenaries. But at the core of it, it doesn't feel like it has any substance.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Viz Media, via Edelweiss.
The basic plot is that mercenaries (mostly) around the world, each as an aspect of a Chinese zodiac animal would take part in a battle royale that has them killing each other for a wish. To up the stakes, each of them has unwittingly ingested a poison crystal, and in a gruesome version of 'capture the flag', the last person standing with the others' crystals wins. Each of the contestants has their own superpower, be it 'making it rain' (despite how awesome unlimited ammunition might sound to some people, I think it is the most ridiculous one), or controlling birds, or raising the dead. They never mention where they get the powers from, or if they get it when they get selected. The backstories for the characters don't serve up much clue either, and things don't match up - if Chicken already had her powers, did Ox also always have her powers or did she get it after killing her sister?
The characters are, well, boring and generic, and none of them stand out as for us to root for. Besides, all of them keep declaring how they kill ("I kill indiscrimately!!!") as if it is part of their title or something - every damn time they meet another contestant, as if they haven't already been introduced to each other FFS. There is one observer character who is overseeing the contestants, but he serves to mostly recite the contestants' stats (what do their height and weight have to do with a superpower match IDEK). I wish he was a bit snarky at least, for the amusement of the readers, because just the costumes alone would be enough to make fun of. The Ox fighter comes dressed like a lady for a battle (with high heels! can we stop that trend PLEASE?!), the Rabbit is like he stepped out of a WWE ring, Rooster's fighter is like someone took a Halloween outfit for Cupid and rolled around in a barn.
The only saving grace (and that is being generous about it) is the artwork layout. It matches well with the battle style of the story, and has an emphasis on cool action scenes with explosive fight tactics. The scope of their powers also comes out well, especially when you think about how they must have used it as mercenaries. But at the core of it, it doesn't feel like it has any substance.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Viz Media, via Edelweiss.
October 8, 2018
I’ve seen the anime for this series, and I’ve read the Light Novel, so of course I had to see how the manga faired.
There are the 12 signs of the zodiac, each one represented by a different person who has special skills, be it being a drunken fist fighter, someone who can use guns without the need to reload them at all or being able to communicate with birds.
The story starts off with the 12 fighters first meeting face to face before the battle, an entire city of 500,000 people have been evacuated just so this battle can take place.
Each warrior is told by the “host” of the event that they need to swallow a gem, which they are later told is filled with a poison. Not only that but the warriors need to acquire these gems to show who the winner is.
At this point it’s revealed that they will need to kill each other, and the last one standing clearly is the winner and will have one wish granted.
A few minor things are different between the 3 venues so far. Main one is that there is someone who is there to record the events; he goes by the name Navi. There is no mention of Navi in the anime or the Light Novel.
Some of the background info on the fighters is cut very short in the manga. It’s explained in more detail between the anime and Light Novel.
Of course the action and spilled blood will be more expressed in the anime since that’s much more visual.
Like I mentioned I’ve seen the anime and read the book, so I know who the last warrior standing is, and I still have fun reading the manga to see how the story is depicted.
The Warriors:
The Fighter of the Dog: Kills with Bites
The Fighter of the Monkey: Kills in Peace
The Fighter of the Horse: Kills in Silence
The Fighter of the Dragon: Kills for Money
The Fighter of the Tiger: Kills with Drunken Power
The Fighter of the Ram: Kills Inexorably
The Fighter of the Boar: Kills in Abundance
The Fighter of the Chicken: Kills with Pecks
The Fighter of the Sheep: Kills with Deception
The Fighter of the Snake: Kills for Money
The Fighter of the Rabbit: Kills with Distinction
The Fighter of the Ox: Just Kills
By the end of the first volume 3 of them are dead, the others don’t hold back on their punches.
There are the 12 signs of the zodiac, each one represented by a different person who has special skills, be it being a drunken fist fighter, someone who can use guns without the need to reload them at all or being able to communicate with birds.
The story starts off with the 12 fighters first meeting face to face before the battle, an entire city of 500,000 people have been evacuated just so this battle can take place.
Each warrior is told by the “host” of the event that they need to swallow a gem, which they are later told is filled with a poison. Not only that but the warriors need to acquire these gems to show who the winner is.
At this point it’s revealed that they will need to kill each other, and the last one standing clearly is the winner and will have one wish granted.
A few minor things are different between the 3 venues so far. Main one is that there is someone who is there to record the events; he goes by the name Navi. There is no mention of Navi in the anime or the Light Novel.
Some of the background info on the fighters is cut very short in the manga. It’s explained in more detail between the anime and Light Novel.
Of course the action and spilled blood will be more expressed in the anime since that’s much more visual.
Like I mentioned I’ve seen the anime and read the book, so I know who the last warrior standing is, and I still have fun reading the manga to see how the story is depicted.
The Warriors:
The Fighter of the Dog: Kills with Bites
The Fighter of the Monkey: Kills in Peace
The Fighter of the Horse: Kills in Silence
The Fighter of the Dragon: Kills for Money
The Fighter of the Tiger: Kills with Drunken Power
The Fighter of the Ram: Kills Inexorably
The Fighter of the Boar: Kills in Abundance
The Fighter of the Chicken: Kills with Pecks
The Fighter of the Sheep: Kills with Deception
The Fighter of the Snake: Kills for Money
The Fighter of the Rabbit: Kills with Distinction
The Fighter of the Ox: Just Kills
By the end of the first volume 3 of them are dead, the others don’t hold back on their punches.
December 22, 2019
Didn’t like the winner (he was a total push-ass cheater), but the gore was fabulous. Jesus, the gore was beautiful. The story was fine and all, but damn, those intestines be fine.
July 13, 2019
The "Mad Max: Fury Road" of manga. Pedal to the metal, terrifically violent, and fanservicey as heck (okay that last part isn't too reminiscent of Mad Max). If any of these aspects offend you then don't bother reading. The reviews saying they didn't realize what kind of manga this would be crack me up. Did they buy a copy with the cover and synopsis torn off or something?
I think the record-long page count for lulls in this series is about five pages or so. The plot moves at such breakneck speed and it's such a joy to read. Constant intensity, which is perfect for a series that's only 4 volumes long. Very recommended unless your fragile sensibilities can't handle some anime butts and blood.
I think the record-long page count for lulls in this series is about five pages or so. The plot moves at such breakneck speed and it's such a joy to read. Constant intensity, which is perfect for a series that's only 4 volumes long. Very recommended unless your fragile sensibilities can't handle some anime butts and blood.
October 26, 2018
Juni Taisen: Zodiac War is exactly as it sounds. The twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac are represented by twelve fighters, and they have been entered into a battle royale where the last one alive is granted a wish.
I previously watched the anime earlier this year, so I know where this manga is going, however, I was curious to see how well it translated to the page and if they would keep it faithful to the show or not. One thing I can say is that I really enjoy how quickly this gets into the action and fights between the characters. The pacing is odd on this one, it moves very quickly right up until it hits a character’s backstory and while the backstories are really interesting and need it just seemed to throw off the balance somehow.
The character designs are pretty interesting as well. There are some misses like Rooster’s super revealing outfit, which is just there for aesthetic, while cute is kind of idiotic given the nature of the event. I do like the small touches that really pull together the zodiac animal, like Boar’s tusk earrings. Each character also comes with a ‘power’ of sorts, which we get to see in action but are rarely ever explained fully. Boar has an ability called ‘Making it Rain’ (yes…) where she can shoot her guns rapidly without having to reload, which is really cool…but it’s never explained how one gets that specific of a magic power. In addition to their powers, they also do a sort of video game type introduction with each other, where they face off and announce who they are. It’s super cheesy and probably totally unneeded because all of them are mercenaries who have heard of each other, right now I enjoy it but I can see it getting repetitive.
Overall, I enjoyed this. It wasn’t anything overly mind-blowing, but it is a really cool concept and it’s a good popcorn read. Be aware it is a fairly violent book and some the character designs are revealing, so if that’s something you dislike then you might want to skip it.
Thank you Viz Media for providing me with a copy to review. All opinions are my own.
I previously watched the anime earlier this year, so I know where this manga is going, however, I was curious to see how well it translated to the page and if they would keep it faithful to the show or not. One thing I can say is that I really enjoy how quickly this gets into the action and fights between the characters. The pacing is odd on this one, it moves very quickly right up until it hits a character’s backstory and while the backstories are really interesting and need it just seemed to throw off the balance somehow.
The character designs are pretty interesting as well. There are some misses like Rooster’s super revealing outfit, which is just there for aesthetic, while cute is kind of idiotic given the nature of the event. I do like the small touches that really pull together the zodiac animal, like Boar’s tusk earrings. Each character also comes with a ‘power’ of sorts, which we get to see in action but are rarely ever explained fully. Boar has an ability called ‘Making it Rain’ (yes…) where she can shoot her guns rapidly without having to reload, which is really cool…but it’s never explained how one gets that specific of a magic power. In addition to their powers, they also do a sort of video game type introduction with each other, where they face off and announce who they are. It’s super cheesy and probably totally unneeded because all of them are mercenaries who have heard of each other, right now I enjoy it but I can see it getting repetitive.
Overall, I enjoyed this. It wasn’t anything overly mind-blowing, but it is a really cool concept and it’s a good popcorn read. Be aware it is a fairly violent book and some the character designs are revealing, so if that’s something you dislike then you might want to skip it.
Thank you Viz Media for providing me with a copy to review. All opinions are my own.
December 12, 2023
Each 12 years a group of 12 warriors duke it out. They don titles like tiger, ox and rat. They wear accessories to match the titles - ears, fur and horns. And kill silently, inexorably or abundantly. Whatever that means. This should be fun. Fun as in stupid. There is exactly one thing this comic does right - the twists. The characters are unique and are constantly looking for an advantage over the other fighters. This is why you get weak-looking characters you think are just cannon fodder who manage to trick seasoned, bloodthirsty fighters into letting their guard down. Just when the badasses think they have the upper hand, boom! The weakling gets a kill. Other thean that, the comic is for preschoolers.
December 7, 2019
Esta historia consta de 4 libros.
Doce asesinos representando el zodiaco chino entran a un torneo donde solo uno saldrá vivo.
Tienen doce horas para tener un ganador, ya que en este tiempo actuara el veneno que los esta "obligando" a participar.
Se lee genial....sin embargo deja mucho por profundizar.
Quería saber mas sobre muchos personajes y sin embargo solo al final explican pocas pasiones y motivos.
El arte de Akira Akatsuki me encanta, desde Medaka Box que lo sigo. Sus heroínas son encantadoras.
La historia y ritmo de Nisio Ishin tampoco defrauda, tiene su sello.
Mis personajes favoritos fueron Mono, Gallo, Tigre y Toro. Quiero sus figuras!
Doce asesinos representando el zodiaco chino entran a un torneo donde solo uno saldrá vivo.
Tienen doce horas para tener un ganador, ya que en este tiempo actuara el veneno que los esta "obligando" a participar.
Se lee genial....sin embargo deja mucho por profundizar.
Quería saber mas sobre muchos personajes y sin embargo solo al final explican pocas pasiones y motivos.
El arte de Akira Akatsuki me encanta, desde Medaka Box que lo sigo. Sus heroínas son encantadoras.
La historia y ritmo de Nisio Ishin tampoco defrauda, tiene su sello.
Mis personajes favoritos fueron Mono, Gallo, Tigre y Toro. Quiero sus figuras!
April 25, 2023
Another property that's taken inspiration from Battle Royale, (Battle Royale).
This time as well as needing to kill each other, they have unique powers. They're also animal themed for some reason, for what it is I quite liked it. It wasn't group breaking but the whole breaking up some teaming up and having a necromancer, made it interesting.
If you're expecting a more proactive book like the cover suggest, you won't find it here, it's much more focused on the story and the kills.
This time as well as needing to kill each other, they have unique powers. They're also animal themed for some reason, for what it is I quite liked it. It wasn't group breaking but the whole breaking up some teaming up and having a necromancer, made it interesting.
If you're expecting a more proactive book like the cover suggest, you won't find it here, it's much more focused on the story and the kills.
October 18, 2018
94/100 (2018 Reading Challenge)
I’ve read the light novel & am a sucker for anything by NisiOisiN so wanted to give the manga adaptation a try. It seemed more suited for visuals a lot of the time anyway. Not sure if they will turn out the same. But it’s still worth a read, you get a little bit more backstory to some of the characters anyway. It’s pretty similar to the fate/whatever series, minus the summoning. But I like most of those. Still it works well as a manga so sure will buy volume two when it’s out.
I’ve read the light novel & am a sucker for anything by NisiOisiN so wanted to give the manga adaptation a try. It seemed more suited for visuals a lot of the time anyway. Not sure if they will turn out the same. But it’s still worth a read, you get a little bit more backstory to some of the characters anyway. It’s pretty similar to the fate/whatever series, minus the summoning. But I like most of those. Still it works well as a manga so sure will buy volume two when it’s out.
February 19, 2021
What a great way to start off a manga! I got this in a subscription box a while ago and the mangas from the box were amazing!
I definalty loved this start, it doesn't hold back on the gore, the characters are amazing! And don't forget the art work! I haven't read anything like this, so its completely amazing! Right up my ally! 🤩
I definalty have high expectations for the rest of the story!
I definalty loved this start, it doesn't hold back on the gore, the characters are amazing! And don't forget the art work! I haven't read anything like this, so its completely amazing! Right up my ally! 🤩
I definalty have high expectations for the rest of the story!
May 5, 2021
If you like a bloody battle royale, you’d probably enjoy this one. The action is intense and the violence is gory. But, if you like a well-developed world with fleshed out characters, this is probably not the story for you~
October 19, 2018
This was good I liked it but glad I didn't buy it wasn't that good.
December 6, 2018
An okay set up to the start.
January 30, 2019
Ok I loved this
April 21, 2019
Gah. No. Too gruesome and dark for me.
(This book was part of the March Manga Spice Cafe subscription box.)
(This book was part of the March Manga Spice Cafe subscription box.)
May 28, 2019
This was surprisingly more fun than I expected. A bit creepy (mostly from rabbit, yikes dude), a bit gory, and just an overall killfest which is exactly what I needed to start my day.
November 29, 2020
This is exciting stuff! I wonder what will happen in the next volume! 😆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2021
I already watched the anime series so it wasn't quite a surprise what I read, but I really love the characters design.
August 27, 2021
It’s not bad.
September 6, 2021
Oh this is going to be so much fun! I already love this. Action packed from beginning to end. Can’t wait to see who goes out in the next novel.
January 11, 2022
Very engaging battle royale! I can't get myself to read light novels so I love that this was adapted into manga. This is definitely worth the pick up
December 22, 2022
Mortal Kombat in a good way.
January 14, 2023
This was a fun and quick read. There were a few surprises and I definitely was left wanting to see what happens next in volume 2.
January 27, 2023
she died way to fast ✊
March 17, 2023
There was some major TnA that is annoying if Manga. It was okay for the story otherwise.
August 3, 2023
ALL THE GIRLS R SO CUNTY OMGGG
August 28, 2023
i’m not even gonna pretend and say i didn’t start reading this because of the rabbit guy 🧍
February 15, 2024
A battle royale in the vein of the zodiac creatures. What's not to like?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews