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A review by beorn_101
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt, Vol. 1 by Yasuo Ohtagaki
4.0
When I picked this up I was hoping it would be as cool as the cover, and for the most part it delivered. Some context, I have no prior knowledge about Gundam, except that it is a series with big piloted mechs that fight, and that the older episodes of the show I saw were a bit campy and cheesy.
This manga; however, was not campy or cheesy! I liked the artstyle, it was a little gritty, with a bit of an old school feel. The story was compelling, thrusting the reader right into the action. It follows two main characters on opposing sides of a war, each representing the ace pilot for their side.
I really enjoyed the narrative, which twined together perspectives from both sides of the conflict, making each side appear sympathetic. This also demonstrated the horrors of this long term conflict, with many characters mentioning past casualties, or the hardships that had been caused by it.
If I am being picky I have 2 small complaints. One while I don't mind being thrust into the action, I like to have a bit more of the setting explained pretty early on. This still left a lot to hints and the imagination, which at times was a little confusing.
I also felt like it was tough at times to follow which characters were which, and on what side, due to the black and white illustrations. For the most part it is clear, but occasionally I had to relook over a panel to figure out what was happening.
Overall, this was really good start to a series and I am very excited to continue to read it! I may even give the Gundam anime a try :)!
This manga; however, was not campy or cheesy! I liked the artstyle, it was a little gritty, with a bit of an old school feel. The story was compelling, thrusting the reader right into the action. It follows two main characters on opposing sides of a war, each representing the ace pilot for their side.
I really enjoyed the narrative, which twined together perspectives from both sides of the conflict, making each side appear sympathetic. This also demonstrated the horrors of this long term conflict, with many characters mentioning past casualties, or the hardships that had been caused by it.
If I am being picky I have 2 small complaints. One while I don't mind being thrust into the action, I like to have a bit more of the setting explained pretty early on. This still left a lot to hints and the imagination, which at times was a little confusing.
I also felt like it was tough at times to follow which characters were which, and on what side, due to the black and white illustrations. For the most part it is clear, but occasionally I had to relook over a panel to figure out what was happening.
Overall, this was really good start to a series and I am very excited to continue to read it! I may even give the Gundam anime a try :)!