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Sabikui Bisco (Light Novel) #1
Sabikui Bisco, Vol. 1
A MUSHROOM TRIP LIKE NO OTHER
In the days that followed the end of the world, few could have predicted the Rust Wind, a phenomenon that swept across Japan like a plague, choking the life from the land and its people and corroding flesh into brittle, iron sand. No one knows how the Rust began, but one mushroom-wielding renegade known as Bisco Akaboshi, the Man-Eating Redcap, is determined to bring about its end. He’s the latest in a long line of Mushroom Keepers, and together with the dashing young doctor Milo Nekoyanagi, the two will brave the horrors and wonders of the Iron Desert in search of the a mythical mushroom rumored to have the ability to cure the ailment once and for all.
In the days that followed the end of the world, few could have predicted the Rust Wind, a phenomenon that swept across Japan like a plague, choking the life from the land and its people and corroding flesh into brittle, iron sand. No one knows how the Rust began, but one mushroom-wielding renegade known as Bisco Akaboshi, the Man-Eating Redcap, is determined to bring about its end. He’s the latest in a long line of Mushroom Keepers, and together with the dashing young doctor Milo Nekoyanagi, the two will brave the horrors and wonders of the Iron Desert in search of the a mythical mushroom rumored to have the ability to cure the ailment once and for all.
280 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2018
21 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 27, 2022
A great light novel that moves at lightning speed, just like it's protagonist! It's a crazy ride from start to finish with lots of twists and turns. Bisco and Milo's development as characters and as partners is absolutely the best part of this series debut and I'm looking forward to reading the rest. If you're in the mood for zany over-the-top action that never stops, give Sabikui Bisco a shot!
January 24, 2022
I thought this was a pretty fun read. I caught the first two episodes of the anime (started winter 2022) and liked it, and went and picked up the novel. (I'm assuming the first season of the anime will tell the whole first novel.) It was an action-packed ride, very anime-esque. The writing style is pretty simple and straightforward, and the action and characters are extreme and bombastic (like an anime) but the ideas are really fun and interesting, and the emotions and motivations are as straightforward as the writing.
I also dug how both the anime and novel are gay-ish. I'm sure folks could read the two male MCs as "pure and deep friendship" but it's also clear they develop a deep love for each other. However you read that- (friend or more) is up to you, although it's hinted in the text by other characters of their devotion for each other. As many light novel anime adaptions I see are straight, harem-esque stories, it's kind of nice to see something kinda queer-flavored.
I think folks who enjoy anime are going to like this the most because it's so anime in style. For readers not familiar with anime, it may feel very over-the-top.
Looking forward to checking out book 2 later this year.
I also dug how both the anime and novel are gay-ish. I'm sure folks could read the two male MCs as "pure and deep friendship" but it's also clear they develop a deep love for each other. However you read that- (friend or more) is up to you, although it's hinted in the text by other characters of their devotion for each other. As many light novel anime adaptions I see are straight, harem-esque stories, it's kind of nice to see something kinda queer-flavored.
I think folks who enjoy anime are going to like this the most because it's so anime in style. For readers not familiar with anime, it may feel very over-the-top.
Looking forward to checking out book 2 later this year.
March 3, 2022
Picked this up because I saw the anime, and that's basically what the book is: a shounen anime / manga in novel form. It's an action-packed, fast-paced story set in post-apocalyptic Japan, about a Mushroom Keeper and his encounter with a doctor who becomes his adventuring partner. This first volume covers their attempt to find Rust-Eater mushrooms, which has the ability to cure people from the Rust that's been plaguing the land. It ends in a really nice note despite having a lot more volumes to come, promising more exciting adventures for Bisco and Milo.
That being said, I had to knock off a star despite enjoying the book… because of how sexist it can be at times. Particularly when it comes to Pawoo, since the writing keeps pointing out about how it's such a waste that a woman as beautiful as her enjoys being a fierce warrior when she should be getting married. I understand that Japan does view women that way, but I just can't bring myself to like it.
Aside from that, this is the start of a really promising series. Will definitely be picking up the next book.
That being said, I had to knock off a star despite enjoying the book… because of how sexist it can be at times. Particularly when it comes to Pawoo, since the writing keeps pointing out about how it's such a waste that a woman as beautiful as her enjoys being a fierce warrior when she should be getting married. I understand that Japan does view women that way, but I just can't bring myself to like it.
Aside from that, this is the start of a really promising series. Will definitely be picking up the next book.
September 13, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
La storia è avvincente, l'inizio ancora di più, ma si perde un po' verso la fine, che pur essendo piena di azione è risultata un po' lenta e trascinata. Ho adorato i personaggi sin dall'anime e li ho amati ancora qui. Il legame che si sviluppa tra Bisco e Milo è il cardine portante della storia, e proprio per questo avrei preferito che fosse un po' più approfondito nel momento della sua nascita.
Di poco approfondito ci sono anche le descrizioni. Siamo in un mondo post-apocalittico ma le descrizioni sono un po' infantili ed essenziali, non mi hanno aiutata a capire il luogo in cui mi trovavo.
Nel complesso resta comunque una bella storia di amicizia e azione, e sicuramente leggerò il seguito per sapere come va!
La storia è avvincente, l'inizio ancora di più, ma si perde un po' verso la fine, che pur essendo piena di azione è risultata un po' lenta e trascinata. Ho adorato i personaggi sin dall'anime e li ho amati ancora qui. Il legame che si sviluppa tra Bisco e Milo è il cardine portante della storia, e proprio per questo avrei preferito che fosse un po' più approfondito nel momento della sua nascita.
Di poco approfondito ci sono anche le descrizioni. Siamo in un mondo post-apocalittico ma le descrizioni sono un po' infantili ed essenziali, non mi hanno aiutata a capire il luogo in cui mi trovavo.
Nel complesso resta comunque una bella storia di amicizia e azione, e sicuramente leggerò il seguito per sapere come va!
January 22, 2022
Cobkubo's thrown a lot of ideas into his post-apocalyptic setting, and it moves at a good clip, somewhat to the detriment of things like character depth, but it's fun nonetheless. Especially Kurokawa, who's my kind of villain: comically unhinged, but driven and violent enough to be actually scary.
The translation is immensely readable; I suppose some artistic liberty has been taken, but it fits the setting and the characters.
The translation is immensely readable; I suppose some artistic liberty has been taken, but it fits the setting and the characters.
March 25, 2022
I have to thank my friend for showing me the first episode of the anime for this light novel and therefore kicking off my journey into this series. This book was so fun. As far as Japanese light novels go it was not bad at all in terms of translation and readability. There will always be the usual hiccups with translated works but for the most part, this story was so much fun to read. The anime kept pretty close to the novel so if you're looking to read the books after watching the show, know that it will be mostly the same. I think the anime toned down the gay vibes between Bisco and Milo, especially by putting more emphasis on Bisco and Pawoo's interactions, but that is about the only things that are different. The anime also needed to make up time in the end because the book was shorter than their allotted anime episodes because episodes 10 and 11 had a ton of just like random extra scenes because the book's action flowed a lot more smoothly with no break. But I digress with my comparisons. The book was really fun. I agree with most people who reviewed this story that it is honestly about love. However, you want to view that love is fine. Romantic. Platonic. Whatever. Honestly, if you read the end of the book the author themself talks about how "love" was a topic for this story that they wanted to explore. This was such a fun story of watching Milo become more confident in himself and watching Bisco find someone he can trust to be his partner and have his back. The action and pacing were great and there really weren't very many dull moments. I also saw a review mention how women are treated in this series. I'm not surprised at how Pawoo and Tirol are written in this story, honestly, I've seen much worse. Still annoying when I see the way they are talked about. But if you're worried about the usual levels of misogyny seen in light novels I would say this is way on the lower end of the spectrum and most of that is due to the fact that the author is more interested in Milo and Bisco and their relationship with each other to bother writing many women. Pawoo is basically there to occasionally bring some heterosexual vibes to the story with her on and off attitude toward Bisco. Don't get me wrong, she is super cool and strong and powerful, but she's not really focused on that much. Tirol is also there to kind of be a ship for Milo. We've seen this situation all the time where two mains work well together in a queer relationship so there are these side characters there simply to remind readers every once in a while that "we're all heterosexual here." But aside from those things, I overall love the vibes of this series and find it so fun. I'm super excited to read the next book to see where the story goes next. Honestly, I'd follow Milo and Bisco just about anywhere so I'm sure it won't disappoint.
January 3, 2024
Sabikui Bisco is a fast paced, wacky, with lovable characters and a fun, exciting story. What really elevates it and part of this series’s charm is how earnest and heartfelt it is. It wears its heart on its loud, boisterous sleeve, which is fitting for a story that’s ultimately about LOVE….and mushroom terrorism…and giant crabs and shady governments, and so much more! If you like stuff like Gurren Lagann, Promare, and Pacific Rim, this has that same kind of balls to the wall, hopeful energy!
The art is amazing, translation is wonderful, and if you want a fun, quick little read I recommend this series whole heatedly! Truly Delightful!
The art is amazing, translation is wonderful, and if you want a fun, quick little read I recommend this series whole heatedly! Truly Delightful!
February 2, 2022
super fun and fast-paced read! i love how imaginative this post-apocalyptic world and the monsters are. the novel's highlight is the strong emotional core of bisco and milo. just going on a mushroom adventure with your bf.
February 5, 2022
these bitches gay, good for them. good for them.
February 8, 2022
This book is a fantasy roller coaster ride. One of the most creative and fun things I have read in quite some time.
February 12, 2022
Super wild and fun!
October 3, 2022
3,5-4*
This is a great light novel, not a piece of outstanding literature but enjoyable and it helps you relax and forget about your everyday struggles.
I loved our "partners" Milo and Bisco. I have to say that their conversations were wholesome, full of warmth and kindness. I loved it when they talked to each other, or when they just were together in silence.
Pawoo is a bit complicated character... and I mean mainly that my attitude towards her is a bit complicated. Her and the others seem to be in the story just to help with the resolution of the plot. They just appear here and there to assist our two guys.
The action of the story is really neat and smooth... only the last couple of pages I was wondering: "when will this mayhem end! Please stop!" lol
I'll definitely read the second volume, hopefully it will be just as good as the first one.
(first 100 pages read in March, then a pause and I finished the novel in one day, in October.)
This is a great light novel, not a piece of outstanding literature but enjoyable and it helps you relax and forget about your everyday struggles.
I loved our "partners" Milo and Bisco. I have to say that their conversations were wholesome, full of warmth and kindness. I loved it when they talked to each other, or when they just were together in silence.
Pawoo is a bit complicated character... and I mean mainly that my attitude towards her is a bit complicated. Her and the others seem to be in the story just to help with the resolution of the plot. They just appear here and there to assist our two guys.
The action of the story is really neat and smooth... only the last couple of pages I was wondering: "when will this mayhem end! Please stop!" lol
I'll definitely read the second volume, hopefully it will be just as good as the first one.
(first 100 pages read in March, then a pause and I finished the novel in one day, in October.)
June 15, 2023
I found the volume to be a fast paced and exciting read mixing deep expressions of friendship, crossing into deep affection, with action. The writer paired with the artist brought the world and characters to life in ways done more beautifully than some of their contemporaries. It was a fantastic read and one I suggest.
I would ding the volume on two accounts. First, the passage of time is unclear at times. The characters embark on a month long journey but only some mentions of time are made clear leaving us unclear of how much time has passed in scenes where its not mentioned. For example, the characters get into a scuffle where one is knocked out, then the next scene we are in a totally different location. The locations themselves are not within walking distance and also, some train travel was needed, so, it was unclear in that scene how much time passed. Its a minor issue but it does break some of the immersion in the storytelling.
The second is that the writer seemed to do too much forcing of one of the characters with the other characters sister, when both male characters seemed to actually profess feelings of romantic love towards each other. Even worst, one of the characters continued to try to pair Bisco with his sister, but he himself, seemed to actually be in love with Bisco, so that felt contradictory in many parts and also just seemed off due to how close Bisco and Milo got over the story. It was a really baffling decision.
Overall, these are two small dings I have against the volume and they do not ruin the five star rating I would give it, as overall the tale of friendship and love was really well done and Milo and Bisco gave incredibly good scenes together, the growth of characters over the volume was incredible, and the action was great. 5/5 for this volume.
I would ding the volume on two accounts. First, the passage of time is unclear at times. The characters embark on a month long journey but only some mentions of time are made clear leaving us unclear of how much time has passed in scenes where its not mentioned. For example, the characters get into a scuffle where one is knocked out, then the next scene we are in a totally different location. The locations themselves are not within walking distance and also, some train travel was needed, so, it was unclear in that scene how much time passed. Its a minor issue but it does break some of the immersion in the storytelling.
The second is that the writer seemed to do too much forcing of one of the characters with the other characters sister, when both male characters seemed to actually profess feelings of romantic love towards each other. Even worst, one of the characters continued to try to pair Bisco with his sister, but he himself, seemed to actually be in love with Bisco, so that felt contradictory in many parts and also just seemed off due to how close Bisco and Milo got over the story. It was a really baffling decision.
Overall, these are two small dings I have against the volume and they do not ruin the five star rating I would give it, as overall the tale of friendship and love was really well done and Milo and Bisco gave incredibly good scenes together, the growth of characters over the volume was incredible, and the action was great. 5/5 for this volume.
May 19, 2024
So, someone met Shinji Cobkubo, gave him heaps of coffee and energy drinks and told him, write about whatever comes across your head, it doesn't fricking matter if it makes sense at all. And, oh, put mushrooms in it.
And here we have "錆喰いビスコ" ("Rust-Eater Bisco") where our main character Bisco teams up with Milo, a doctor, because... Nah, who cares? The point here is heaps of battles, people shouting all the time, all those 'on the brink of death' moments, one bad guy that embraces his role with gusto, sharing with everyone that he is a bad apple... Now, if you like hyper energetic light novels, this might be for you, as it never stops to give much thought to character or plot development, but if not... Well, read something else.
The best: Bisco and Milo's, yeah, sure, what! relationship
The worst: that people can't talk LIKE NORMAL PEOPLE!!!!, that it makes absolutely zero sense
Alternatives: hmmm, hmmm, hmmm; watch "Akira"
4/10
(Japanese; original)
And here we have "錆喰いビスコ" ("Rust-Eater Bisco") where our main character Bisco teams up with Milo, a doctor, because... Nah, who cares? The point here is heaps of battles, people shouting all the time, all those 'on the brink of death' moments, one bad guy that embraces his role with gusto, sharing with everyone that he is a bad apple... Now, if you like hyper energetic light novels, this might be for you, as it never stops to give much thought to character or plot development, but if not... Well, read something else.
The best: Bisco and Milo's, yeah, sure, what! relationship
The worst: that people can't talk LIKE NORMAL PEOPLE!!!!, that it makes absolutely zero sense
Alternatives: hmmm, hmmm, hmmm; watch "Akira"
4/10
(Japanese; original)
January 31, 2025
Antes de empezar, me gustaría agradecer a la editorial por el envío del ejemplar y por confiar en mí. 📚✨
Hoy os traigo la primera entrega de Sabikui Bisco, ¡un manga de lo más loco que he leído en mucho tiempo! 🤯🍄
Nos encontramos en un mundo postapocalíptico que, como suele ocurrir en este tipo de historias, ha cambiado drásticamente. Pero aquí hay un giro bastante peculiar: el mundo está gobernado por el óxido. ¡Incluso hay enfermedades relacionadas con él! ⚙️😷
Otro elemento clave en la historia son las setas 🍄, aunque no al estilo de The Last of Us. Aquí, parece que pueden ser la clave para solucionar el problema del óxido… aunque todavía nos faltan muchas respuestas.
Los personajes que han aparecido hasta ahora tienen personalidades muy marcadas y únicas, lo que hace que sea muy fácil empatizar con ellos desde el primer momento.
Tengo muchas ganas de volver a sumergirme en este mundo y descubrir qué más nos tiene preparado esta historia. ¡Se viene algo grande! 🔥📖
Hoy os traigo la primera entrega de Sabikui Bisco, ¡un manga de lo más loco que he leído en mucho tiempo! 🤯🍄
Nos encontramos en un mundo postapocalíptico que, como suele ocurrir en este tipo de historias, ha cambiado drásticamente. Pero aquí hay un giro bastante peculiar: el mundo está gobernado por el óxido. ¡Incluso hay enfermedades relacionadas con él! ⚙️😷
Otro elemento clave en la historia son las setas 🍄, aunque no al estilo de The Last of Us. Aquí, parece que pueden ser la clave para solucionar el problema del óxido… aunque todavía nos faltan muchas respuestas.
Los personajes que han aparecido hasta ahora tienen personalidades muy marcadas y únicas, lo que hace que sea muy fácil empatizar con ellos desde el primer momento.
Tengo muchas ganas de volver a sumergirme en este mundo y descubrir qué más nos tiene preparado esta historia. ¡Se viene algo grande! 🔥📖
February 10, 2024
I had watched the anime first and loved it so much I wanted to check out the series! The first book does not disappoint! I love that there are details here that were left out of the show; it helps with the world building and makes it intriguing. I like that we get a peak into each character’s head and what they’re thinking. Overall very good first book! I’m so curious who’s going to take the place of the main antagonist now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2022
It's been a while since I've enjoyed a book so much from the first page! The characters are engaging and the story is action-packed. There was a bit of plot armor ridiculousness, but I'm not even complaining. Highly recommended if you're into action filled, beat 'em up shounen light novels. Definitely check out the gorgeous anime too, if you're also into that.
March 16, 2024
I love this book! I loved the anime and desperately needed more. I had expected the first season of the anime to have been maybe two books at least, but this first book is the whole first season which means we get SO MUCH more story with the rest of the series. I have the second book so I'm going to jump right into it. <3
March 8, 2023
Pretty fun and also leaves very little to expand on for the future. Interested to see where it goes though
November 30, 2023
The story was interesting and the concept was pretty cool! I feel like the first book should be the only one.
March 19, 2024
An outstanding introduction
April 1, 2023
Lo he leído después de haber visto el anime, por lo que ya sabía toda la trama de la primera novela ligera.
Es muy entretenida y se hace muy ligera para leer porque hay muchísimas escenas de acción que están muy bien descritas. Los personajes son variopintos y funcionan muy bien juntos en las situaciones en las que el autor los pone.
Es muy entretenida y se hace muy ligera para leer porque hay muchísimas escenas de acción que están muy bien descritas. Los personajes son variopintos y funcionan muy bien juntos en las situaciones en las que el autor los pone.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews