Gachiakuta Manga Volume 1 Review

Discover a unique and visually striking manga that combines graffiti-inspired art with a captivating post-apocalyptic narrative. Follow Rudo as he navigates a divided society and fights against oppressive forces in a world filled with trash monsters. A fresh take on familiar themes, this manga is a must-read for fans of post-apocalyptic settings and societal critiques.

Gachiakuta Manga Volume 1: A Unique and Visually Striking Experience

Gachiakuta is a manga that offers a unique and visually striking experience. The art style, heavily inspired by graffiti, combines clean, thick line-work with a gritty, lived-in world. The character designs are instantly cool and the use of perspective and warped proportions in the opening chapter creates a kinetic and breathless action sequence that immediately grabs the reader’s attention.

The story revolves around Rudo, a teenage boy who belongs to the “Tribesfolk,” a socio-economic underclass living in the slums of The Sphere. This society is a partitioned community floating high above the clouds. Rudo faces discrimination not only for his social status but also for being the son of a deceased murderer. When he is framed for the murder of his foster father, he is cast down from The Sphere into The Pit, a massive garbage dump from which no one has ever returned.

A Creative Inversion of a Familiar Premise

While the concept of a floating city above a scrapyard may not be entirely original, Gachiakuta creatively inverts this premise by starting the story in the supposed elevated utopia and later descending into the filth-ridden underworld. The Sphere is a utopia only for the rich and privileged, who live sterile lives in spotlessly clean houses and carelessly dispose of items that could easily be repaired. They remain oblivious to the fate of their city’s garbage effluent and look down upon the Tribesfolk who struggle to live in comfort and cleanliness.

Rudo, on the other hand, has been taught to value possessions. He scavenges the city’s garbage collections, repairing and reselling salvaged items. His guardian, Regto, instills in him the belief that objects can be imbued with souls when loved and used. This philosophy becomes a driving force in the plot.

Gigantic Trash Monsters and the Power of the Giver

After being thrown into The Pit, Rudo encounters gigantic trash monsters that have developed a rudimentary form of consciousness. These monsters represent the twisted, malformed souls of discarded items and pose a threat to innocent surface dwellers. Rudo eventually discovers his own power as a “Giver,” capable of enhancing chosen objects with increased features and power. He joins an organization called “The Cleaners” and embarks on a journey to develop his abilities and fight against the oppressive society above.

A Fresh Take on Familiar Themes

Gachiakuta is an enjoyable manga that offers a fresh take on familiar themes. The art style is captivating, and the world-building presents interesting concepts and social commentary. The story leaves room for further exploration, including the mystery surrounding Rudo’s father. While there is a risk of the series falling into the tropes of a typical shonen power-fantasy, the potential for a post-apocalyptic narrative with a focus on challenging the obscenely super-rich adds an intriguing layer.

Conclusion: A Captivating Manga for Post-Apocalyptic Fans

Overall, Gachiakuta is a captivating manga that combines a unique art style with a thought-provoking narrative. It offers a fresh take on familiar themes and presents interesting social commentary. The story of Rudo, the Tribesfolk, and the oppressive society above is engaging and leaves room for further exploration. Fans of post-apocalyptic settings and narratives that critique societal inequality should definitely give this manga a chance.