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Gantz #34-37
Gantz Omnibus Volume 12
Hiroya Oku’s Gantz reaches its apocalyptic conclusion!
A stunning adult epic of mind-blowing science fiction, gut-wrenching body horror, and eye-popping eroticism, Gantz has sold over 15 million copies in Japan and inspired three feature films and an anime TV series. This value-priced collection features 856 pages of shock and awe!
While the truce with the alien invaders crumbles, Gantz warrior Kei races to save his beloved Tae aboard the alien mothership before the goliath vessel is consumed in the rapidly spreading destruction. But beyond Tae’s desire to reunite with Kei is her hope that Kei can prevent a Gantz-led genocide of the aliens!
Collects Gantz volumes 34, 35, 36, and 37.
A stunning adult epic of mind-blowing science fiction, gut-wrenching body horror, and eye-popping eroticism, Gantz has sold over 15 million copies in Japan and inspired three feature films and an anime TV series. This value-priced collection features 856 pages of shock and awe!
While the truce with the alien invaders crumbles, Gantz warrior Kei races to save his beloved Tae aboard the alien mothership before the goliath vessel is consumed in the rapidly spreading destruction. But beyond Tae’s desire to reunite with Kei is her hope that Kei can prevent a Gantz-led genocide of the aliens!
Collects Gantz volumes 34, 35, 36, and 37.
856 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2023
6 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Hiroya Oku
289 books336 followersHiroya Oku (奥浩哉 Oku Hiroya, born September 16, 1967 in Fukuoka, Fukuoka) is a mangaka who is the creator of Gantz, Zero-One and HEN, all of which have been serialized in Young Jump. He has finished working on his most renowned manga, Gantz, which began in July 2000. His manga often contain explicit violence and gore, as well as sexual situations.
He won the second prize of the Youth Manga Awards in 1988, under the penname Yahiro Kuon.
He designed a character for Namco Bandai's Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 fighting game, Soulcalibur IV named Shura.
He won the second prize of the Youth Manga Awards in 1988, under the penname Yahiro Kuon.
He designed a character for Namco Bandai's Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 fighting game, Soulcalibur IV named Shura.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 28, 2024
So this it, the end of a phenomenal ride. The last four volumes (34 to 37) of the superb speculative fiction horror reality that is Gantz. What do you want at the end of a series really? Let's be honest ideally we want is full closure and on this Gantz completely delivers with all questions answered, world shattering conflict, glorious sacrifices, great wins, love, reunions and above all a most beautifully crafted final battle scene.
Let's start on the negatives about this series: the bizarre sexual image exploitation of mostly young and buxom female characters; the at times hard to determine what's going on artwork; and the multiple plot-gaps, wher4 for once a bit of exposition would have helped.
The good is very good; a wonderfully created speculative fiction horror constructed reality that is so well paced as the horror escalates throughout the series. Somehow the creators also managed a fair amount of character development for many of their protagonists. The peak thing about this series tis the creativity around the look and feel of the non-human antagonists, sublime! Very much written for a global audience this very much a highly recommended jumping on point for manga. A 8.5 out of 12, Four Star sumptuous manga delight :)
2024
Let's start on the negatives about this series: the bizarre sexual image exploitation of mostly young and buxom female characters; the at times hard to determine what's going on artwork; and the multiple plot-gaps, wher4 for once a bit of exposition would have helped.
The good is very good; a wonderfully created speculative fiction horror constructed reality that is so well paced as the horror escalates throughout the series. Somehow the creators also managed a fair amount of character development for many of their protagonists. The peak thing about this series tis the creativity around the look and feel of the non-human antagonists, sublime! Very much written for a global audience this very much a highly recommended jumping on point for manga. A 8.5 out of 12, Four Star sumptuous manga delight :)
2024
May 25, 2024
After a false start ten years ago reading the first dozen volumes, I've finally finished Gantz, reading all 37 volumes in the thick, 12-book omnibus format. It's quite the thrill ride, with gallons of gore, loads of shocks, and a whole hell of a lot of nudity.
Alas, once the story abandons the gaming concept of the early volumes, it goes off the rails. As Speed taught us when they got off the bus and The Hunger Games confirmed when they broke out of the arena, leaving a strong initial concept behind can be a huge mistake for an action epic.
The first half of this volume devolves into hard to follow giant robot battles with aliens, has a brief talking-head interlude with some other aliens to explain the whole plot of the series, and then goes back to the first aliens for a final battle of the champions with winner-takes-all stakes.
The creator reveals in the afterword that the whole series -- and especially the ending -- is a tribute to some anime I never heard of called Invincible Super Man Zambot 3. To me it just felt like an exercise in Mary Sue storytelling with a naturally-talented protagonist who keeps leveling up in time to face ever-increasing threats. It's all fun until you get to the end, and then it all feels rather pointless.
It's still a pretty fun ride until the fizzle though.
Alas, once the story abandons the gaming concept of the early volumes, it goes off the rails. As Speed taught us when they got off the bus and The Hunger Games confirmed when they broke out of the arena, leaving a strong initial concept behind can be a huge mistake for an action epic.
The first half of this volume devolves into hard to follow giant robot battles with aliens, has a brief talking-head interlude with some other aliens to explain the whole plot of the series, and then goes back to the first aliens for a final battle of the champions with winner-takes-all stakes.
The creator reveals in the afterword that the whole series -- and especially the ending -- is a tribute to some anime I never heard of called Invincible Super Man Zambot 3. To me it just felt like an exercise in Mary Sue storytelling with a naturally-talented protagonist who keeps leveling up in time to face ever-increasing threats. It's all fun until you get to the end, and then it all feels rather pointless.
It's still a pretty fun ride until the fizzle though.
May 1, 2024
I've just completed the entire 12-volume series of 3-in-1 books, with the last volume being a 4-in-1 compilation.
Firstly, I must say that the ending wasn't as disappointing as I had anticipated.
It's actually a well-crafted and satisfying conclusion. Of course, personal preferences vary, but Hiroya Oku's ending is solid and coherent.
I particularly enjoyed the introspective moments that delve into the essence of human existence.
Gantz stands out as an exceptional manga series that every science fiction enthusiast should delve into. While this Dark Horse edition is commendable, it's worth noting that the intricate artistry of the series would have been better showcased in a larger format.
Overall, I'm truly pleased with my journey through this series and thoroughly satisfied with its entirety.
Firstly, I must say that the ending wasn't as disappointing as I had anticipated.
It's actually a well-crafted and satisfying conclusion. Of course, personal preferences vary, but Hiroya Oku's ending is solid and coherent.
I particularly enjoyed the introspective moments that delve into the essence of human existence.
Gantz stands out as an exceptional manga series that every science fiction enthusiast should delve into. While this Dark Horse edition is commendable, it's worth noting that the intricate artistry of the series would have been better showcased in a larger format.
Overall, I'm truly pleased with my journey through this series and thoroughly satisfied with its entirety.
January 20, 2024
Took me a while to get hold of and read all 12 omnibus volumes, but glad I did, I loved it the TV show barely covered the opening volumes and the Gantz O cgi movie covers one of the later arcs in a condensed way (misisng characters etc...), but neither really, actually explains what is going on. It gets kind of bonkers at times but I think it's great and definitely worth tracking down. Need to read Gantz G side story series at some point and maybe Gantz E if it's released in English.
May 15, 2023
Insane. Violent. Offensive. Over the top.
Loved every volume
Loved every volume
September 6, 2023
While the story may not be the strongest at times, what Hiroya Oku achieved with Gantz is remarkable. Not to mention the artwork is incredible. The only thing I wish is that Mr. Oku would have included more backstory for the characters - flashbacks, more scenes of them outside the games, etc. Even Kurono’s backstory is pretty surface level. Out of all the characters, I enjoyed Takeshi and Muscle Rider’s relationship the most. I felt they had the most at stake / to loose throughout the story. Their chosen family and bond was very sweet and every mission I was rooting for them to make it through. Old Man Yoshikazu was another unique character. Side note though - wtf happened with the vampires and Kurono’s brother? Talk about loose ends 😂
July 23, 2023
This series starts out really strong. I really enjoyed the first 9 Omnibus editions but after that, it takes a different direction that I didn’t love. I still recommend reading the overall series, even though I didn’t really like the last three volumes.
August 10, 2024
Here’s a brief overview of the entire series:
If you’re into sci-fi with cool alien tech, harrowing action, extreme gore, and lots of nudity, then Gantz is for you. If any of those elements sound shocking or uninteresting, then you should pass. This review contains spoilers!!!
—————————-
Kei Kurono is killed by an oncoming train. Resurrected by mysterious alien tech and transported to a room with other recently deceased people, he is given another chance at life. A strange black sphere with a naked person inside provides super suits and advanced weapons to those in the room. The mission? After being transported from the room, Kei must locate and kill aliens who live secretly among us within a set timeframe. If he wanders outside of the mission boundaries, a bomb inside his head will explode.
What a way to start a story!
The strength of Gantz lies in its concept of the black spheres and the strong development of its protagonist. The first half of the series is particularly good. About halfway, however, the series loses steam by switching from a survival game to an alien invasion story.
The series also makes the mistake of explaining too much. Part of the thrill early on was not knowing why any of this was taking place. As the reader, we didn’t need to know everything. The mystery was stronger and more engaging than the explanation provided in the final volume.
It’s worth noting that Kei’s character development was satisfying. He goes from a selfish punk worried about his own survival to someone who fights to protect those he loves.
P.S. I wonder what the point of that vampire subplot was?
Overall rating of the series: 4/5
First half rating: 5/5
Second half rating: 3/5
If you’re into sci-fi with cool alien tech, harrowing action, extreme gore, and lots of nudity, then Gantz is for you. If any of those elements sound shocking or uninteresting, then you should pass. This review contains spoilers!!!
—————————-
Kei Kurono is killed by an oncoming train. Resurrected by mysterious alien tech and transported to a room with other recently deceased people, he is given another chance at life. A strange black sphere with a naked person inside provides super suits and advanced weapons to those in the room. The mission? After being transported from the room, Kei must locate and kill aliens who live secretly among us within a set timeframe. If he wanders outside of the mission boundaries, a bomb inside his head will explode.
What a way to start a story!
The strength of Gantz lies in its concept of the black spheres and the strong development of its protagonist. The first half of the series is particularly good. About halfway, however, the series loses steam by switching from a survival game to an alien invasion story.
The series also makes the mistake of explaining too much. Part of the thrill early on was not knowing why any of this was taking place. As the reader, we didn’t need to know everything. The mystery was stronger and more engaging than the explanation provided in the final volume.
It’s worth noting that Kei’s character development was satisfying. He goes from a selfish punk worried about his own survival to someone who fights to protect those he loves.
P.S. I wonder what the point of that vampire subplot was?
Overall rating of the series: 4/5
First half rating: 5/5
Second half rating: 3/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
I'm going with a full 5er for the series as a whole.
I mean, it starts out raw, it's a little disconcerting, then it becomes almost a hero arc, then that is kind of abandoned in favor of a much bigger plot. There's A LOT going on in this book, I can see how it's not everyone's cup of alien blood juice, but for me, it was transgressive in a lot of the right ways, it has a heart to it, and I think it brings something new to the table in being as bonkers as it is without ever really being a big joke.
It's nuts, violent as fuck, sexually immature in a lot of ways, and at the same time, I think the flaws of Gantz end up serving the story and the ending, ultimately, that has something to do with humanity being messy but still mattering on some level.
I'm veering dangerously close to doing some Norton Anthology analysis shit here, and Gantz is no place for that, so let's just close by saying I had a damn good time with Gantz. No need to make that anything more or less than it is.
I mean, it starts out raw, it's a little disconcerting, then it becomes almost a hero arc, then that is kind of abandoned in favor of a much bigger plot. There's A LOT going on in this book, I can see how it's not everyone's cup of alien blood juice, but for me, it was transgressive in a lot of the right ways, it has a heart to it, and I think it brings something new to the table in being as bonkers as it is without ever really being a big joke.
It's nuts, violent as fuck, sexually immature in a lot of ways, and at the same time, I think the flaws of Gantz end up serving the story and the ending, ultimately, that has something to do with humanity being messy but still mattering on some level.
I'm veering dangerously close to doing some Norton Anthology analysis shit here, and Gantz is no place for that, so let's just close by saying I had a damn good time with Gantz. No need to make that anything more or less than it is.
July 26, 2024
oh my god what an ending i can’t believe how underrated this series is. are some parts just absurd and crazy? yes. is there a lot of unnecessary fan service? 100% it’s worst flaw. but oh my god it knows what it wants to be and it executes it perfectly. hiroya oku has such a good way at getting you attached to these characters and ripping ur heart out when he kills them off. also his art style is BEAUTIFUL like beyond amazing he is criminally underrated in that aspect. 100% so so so glad i decided to buy it all when i did, now i just have to find figures that aren’t just the most insane things i’ve ever laid my eyes on and would scare any woman that looked at them! also every characters conclusion was BEAUTIFUL and perfect i love love love how he wrapped up half the cast (can’t name them all) lovely cast lovely characters lovely art lovely plot. 9.7/10 as a whole.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 15, 2024Finally. After many years I have finally acquired all the Gantz manga and I was finally able to finish this series. What a wild ride! So good. So violent, sad, and genuinely a good story. I think I could have used a bit more explanation on why Gantz was created but overall such a good series. Also, the vampire subplot Not too sure how I felt about that ending last chapter, however. So much buildup and it just ends. All in all, if you can handle (very) mature content, give this series a read.
May 19, 2025
I'm reviewing the whole series with this one.
Ate it in under a week. The art is beautiful, it gets better as the series progresses, with epic 2-page spreads in later issues. The story is pretty good, though somewhat generic. It read a bit like a thriller. The demise of some characters you care about is shocking, though often dampened with the plot devices. The book gave me very angsty vibes that grow with the reader into hope for the ultimate payoff. I wish I saw more resolutions to subplot and more world building, because it's probably the strongest part of the manga; I say this more because it was fascinating and there are opportunities to expand it, since it was quite unique and I'd love to see more of it.
It's a good one.
Ate it in under a week. The art is beautiful, it gets better as the series progresses, with epic 2-page spreads in later issues. The story is pretty good, though somewhat generic. It read a bit like a thriller. The demise of some characters you care about is shocking, though often dampened with the plot devices. The book gave me very angsty vibes that grow with the reader into hope for the ultimate payoff. I wish I saw more resolutions to subplot and more world building, because it's probably the strongest part of the manga; I say this more because it was fascinating and there are opportunities to expand it, since it was quite unique and I'd love to see more of it.
It's a good one.
February 3, 2025
It just kept getting worse. I guess the bad about Gantz, was always there, but the action and mystery really made up for it, until now. This last volumes and this ending is just bad writing after bad writing, the end story explained is super uninspiring, dialogues are utter shit, they seem like they were written by some porn-obsessed virgin adolescent on a bad day. Nothing made sense, truly a pity, this was a really good one for a long time, with the bad rarely showing, now it's 99% of the book. Still glad I finished it.
April 12, 2025
Dear Future Matt,
Oh Gantz. What a wonderful series. Your mom first bought you the anime way back in the day and the only reason she gave was because "it's banned in Australia." A true foundational manga for you as a youth. It took you about 20 years from seeing that first episode to finish collecting all the manga.
This actual finale is...fine. It gets very weird toward the middle of the book during a conversation that kind of doesn't go anywhere. Then there's a truly hype Gantz moment with Kurono and then the series ends. Happy to have read it though.
From,
Past Matt
Oh Gantz. What a wonderful series. Your mom first bought you the anime way back in the day and the only reason she gave was because "it's banned in Australia." A true foundational manga for you as a youth. It took you about 20 years from seeing that first episode to finish collecting all the manga.
This actual finale is...fine. It gets very weird toward the middle of the book during a conversation that kind of doesn't go anywhere. Then there's a truly hype Gantz moment with Kurono and then the series ends. Happy to have read it though.
From,
Past Matt
June 15, 2023
I don't think the ending was necessarily bad, it was good. But I didn't get the enjoyment I was getting from the previous volumes in the latter half. It just felt like this was ending just for the sake of ending?? I don't know. Pretty mixed on it. Gantz as a series is still one of my favorites tho so idk.
June 11, 2025
The final book in the series. what a wild ride. From fighting aliens o earth to fighting giant aliens from m outer space. From fighting innocuous evil to fighting evil gods. What a journey. The illustrations were a feast, and so full that I stayed staring to take it all in. a grat series!
February 20, 2023
Overall, mediocre for the most part. Gets good towards the end. Very confusing often times.
November 21, 2023
That it, huh?
September 24, 2024
Ends on a bit of a whimper tbh. Some nice existential moments of dread and thought provoking questions as it wraps up for our squad, but somewhat anticlimactic and rushed after everything in lead up.
December 9, 2024
Great ending for a great series! There was some amazing artwork and very emotional moments as well. I love it. Definitely on my top five best manga series I've read so far!
May 24, 2025
One of the best sci fi series I have read!!! A crazy adventure, kind of like squid games on steroids!!!
July 21, 2025
The ending sucked, lots of lost plot lines and aliens were the least imaginative in the series. Kurono’s arc is amazing as always though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
The final volumes of this series. The end of the world seems imminent. Can Kei Kurono strange it off and save those he loves?
January 21, 2024
Disappointed would be an understatement. This ending was hot garbage. A lot of the panels hot garbage. Two stars solely for a few really cool panels but otherwise, don’t bother finishing Gantz. In the omnibus realm, it’s pretty much curtains after vol 10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2025
One of the best manga series ever. Only wish there was more of an epilogue for some characters and interactions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews