**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**

Gachiakuta 1 by Kei Urana is a shonen action manga set in a dark, rough, post-apocalyptic world that is divided between two people of upper and lower class and the most ominous threat is being sentenced down to the trash heap called the abyss. We follow a young boy named Rudo who's always digging through trash to try and find some reusable items to sell. When tragedy strikes, he finds himself dropped into the Abyss, and instead of dying as he expects, he lands upon a strange new world where monsters and a sort of magic reside. Now he'll do everything in his power to get back to the surface and take his vengeance.

This manga was just okay for me. I am in no means the target audience, but if you like dark, heavily lined art and a depressing world this might be for you! ;-) This volume was pretty much just the setup for the world, but the ending did have some intriguing information that dropped and I'm sure will be important in future volumes.

I really like the concept of objects being imbued with souls that reflect how much or little they were cared for; thus trash turns into monsters and well-loved objects can be used by those with special powers to defeat those monsters. I thought the world was well built in a short amount of time, and enough of the plot was shared for a first volume. Although fantastical, the plot feels relevant to our consumerist world where planned obsolescence, waste management, and pollution are very real problems.

— 3.5 ⚝

thank you to kodansha comics and netgalley for an e-arc of this manga. all thoughts are my own and not influenced in any way.

this was an interesting first volume. i think the premise of the story is very compelling and so is the world. i felt terrible when the mc gets wrongfully convicted of a crime and got sent off the edge. it was heartbreaking. i feel like that scene was written very well. overall, a very solid start to a series, one i don't know if ill be continuing because it reads like every other shonen manga ever. there's nothing particularly different about it that distinguishes it from other shonen. i still might give the next volume a shot but im unsure in this moment.

i think the power he has is super cool and enjin is hot so for him alone i might keep reading. i do think it has potential tho!

I honestly really like the art style of Gachiakuta. I'm not always a huge fan of reading shounen titles. But this one stuck out for some reason. I will absolutely be reading the next volume!

I've been looking forward to read this manga as it's a debut manga coming from Atsushi Ohkubo (soul eater and fire force)'s assistant, Kei Urana. The 4 chapters of volume 1 story so far is great. The premise is so unique with a world based in trash and filth. Basically the concept is about "Trash and Garbage". Our protagonist's name is Rudo and he pretty much outcasted by most of people and struggles to live in the society due to his criminal father. He has this huge justice and ideology that people easily throw things away and call it trash even though they are still pretty useful.

In the very first chapter, Rudo is accused of a murder and is sent to a place called "Abyss" which is a horrifying place where all the criminals are send as well as the garbage is thrown. Abyss is like a whole new place, like under/above world. Basically to the other dimension than the world he's living in. I love that this new protagonist has a driving force that keeps him going and alive, which is revenge.

The story is fast-paced, in just one volume so many things happened and we immediately get introduced to the dark side of the world and also some of important characters. The art style is breathtakingly beautiful. I'm a huge fans of a dark, edgy art-style, and this pairs perfectly with the dystopian setting and characters design.

Overall, I definitely will looking forward to the next volumes. This manga definitely the next 'big thing' to happen if it's have an anime adaptation. The story is darker than you thought, it have upsetting topics, graphic detail and violence. When you read it, you know it did have similar tones with Fire Force and maybe a bit of soul eater, while the dystopian settings giving me The Promise Neverland vibes. highly recommended!! Giving this 4.5 ⭐️

I love the concept around this story. The setting is fun too, working in a dystopian world. I usually don’t enjoy those types of books but the characters and story help to bring together something unique. A world where “trash” has a soul is kind of exciting and a new take on one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Summary:

Most people only see garbage when looking at a trash heap. But Rudo sees the potential. He understands (better than most people) that there's no need for so much waste in our society. So he does what he can to reclaim and reuse.

It's gotten him a bit of a bad reputation. Then again, as the son of a serial killer, he already had a bad reputation. Unfortunately, that's why everyone, even those he called friends, is willing to think the worst of him.

Review:

Oh! What an interesting start to a new series! Gachiakuta Vol. 1 kicks off a new series by Kei Urana, who happened to apprentice under Atsushi Okubo. Obviously, I had to give his work a try! Thus far, I'm not disappointed.

I will say that much of Gachiakuta Vol. 1 had to focus on worldbuilding and setting up. So it's probably a little slower than the rest of the series (I assume). That said, it did cover a lot of ground. We have our main character, the world, a fair amount of politics, at least two mysteries, and more.

This is an interesting start to a series. I'm curious to see where it will go, and I wish I had more to binge-read on the spot. I feel this is one of those series that will only get better with time.

Highlights:
Action Manga
Shojo
Apprentice of Atsushi Okubo (Soul Eater)

Will I continue the series? Yes

Thanks to Kodansha Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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This was such a fun first volume. I loved the world building and the very dark tone. It never got too burdensome as the MC would insert just enough comedy to keep it flowing. The art is fantastic and I can see many of my students devouring this book. I would recommend this to those who love MHA but want a bit darker of a story.

I'll admit it, I'm picky about art styles when it comes to manga. Gachiakuta does not disappoint when it comes to style.

The edgy, angular lineart and bold design language pairs perfectly with the dystopian setting and rowdy cast of characters. The more scenic, story-driven panels are beautifully detailed and the more action-packed scenes do an amazing job at instilling a sense of movement and urgency.

I also have to point out how much I love the character design. I found it hard not to love the characters based on their design alone. I commend the artists for infusing each characters design with so much detail and personality.

The story was fast paced (personally I felt it might've been too fast, but I understand the need to capture audience attention quickly.) and interesting from start to finish.

Unfortunately, I found it difficult to connect with the main character. Because of the fast paced story, we hardly have enough time to truly begin routing for Rudo before he's thrown into the action.
Despite that, I do think he has a lot of potential. While juvenile and somewhat grating at times, he's obviously still a child who craves connection and belonging. He also has a shockingly less-than-soft side which goes far past just juvenile antics.

I'm definitely keeping an eye out for the next installment. The story has a fun hook and the characters all have this chaotic charm to them that's really left me wanting more.

I wouldn't recommend this to people who have content sensitivities.
(The story contains some graphic violence as well as other mildly upsetting themes.)

I'd highly recommend this to fans of fast paced stories, and characters who are absolutely feral.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

I'm a huge fan of graphic novels and mangas, so I'm always excited when I'm able to get my hands on one from NetGalley. The plot / storyline of this one was definitely interesting and more on the unique side of things for me.


The graphics were great, the storyline was great. would definitely read again.

What a strong start to a series. It's just as cool as the cover suggests and I'm definitely going to keep up with this series as new volumes come out in English.

I would definitely check trigger warnings for this book.

I'll be honest. I'm not feeling the mc. He's a bit obnoxious and juvenile for my taste. HOWEVER. The world setting is so intriguing, that I'm willing to pick up a few more volumes. Maybe my questions will get answered. Maybe the mc will grow on me. But I am going to swing back by for more.

I'm very interested in more of this! How did a whole people end up in the pit? Where'd the main character's dad go? Was he framed by the cleaners? I want to know so much

What we have here is a revenge story for a crime not committed. It's a good setup that helps the reader root for our downtrodden MC, who just can't seem to catch a break! Where things get interesting is when he's condemned, he's thrown down into an abyss of garbage. That's where the world building and potential social commentary comes into play. While mostly an action title, it has other elements going on in the background that help it stand out a bit more. I'm curious to see where it might go in future volumes.

A unique manga created around the Shinto belief that the items you use can become imbued with a soul and the mistreatment of such items can cause those items to become angry spirits. The people who live in the floating city are divided by class. A line divides those who have money and are a wasteful society. When they get bored with an item or it gets a little dirty, they throw it away. On the other side of the floating city are the poor people who would love to have the discarded items of the rich but are ridiculed for being “dirty”. Trash picking is an illegal activity though. When Rudo defies the law and picks trash, fixes and cleans things to re-use he is an outcast among outcasts. Further isolating him, his father was accused of murder and as punishment was thrown off the floating city into the trash pile below.

When something horrible happens, Rudo is also thrown off the city like trash. He wakes up in a strange trash filed land full of a miasma. He can’t breathe and is scared. When trash monsters come after Rudo he runs then fights until a man comes to his rescue. Will Rudo be able to survive in this new strange land? Can he clean his name and get his life back? Who knows, but this is a fresh and fun plot for a manga. It give me Sand Land or Tank Girl vibes so far. It seems written for a middle grade reader so far but who knows what the future holds.

“If you treat something with care for long enough, it’s imbued with a soul. Right?”

Honestly, I was hesitant to pick this manga up because of the cover art. It’s highly descriptive and rough around the edges with uneven lines, which means the inside would be similar. I’m not very good with manga using this art style since there’s either too much going on in a panel, or just the right balance. Fortunately, this was the latter and I’m glad because I thoroughly enjoyed this manga.

Rudo, the son of a murderer lives in the slums with Regto, where the descendants of all criminals live. Discrimination, bullying and shortages are common. However, one day Rudo is accused of a crime he did not commit and is sent to “The Pit”. A place where trash and criminals are thrown into indiscriminately and never seen again. Thus, begins Rudo’s journey for revenge while learning about “The Pit”.

This was an absolute delight to read! The art style took me some time to get used to, but I did eventually grow to like it and re-reading this volume multiple times. There are hidden details throughout so I felt like each time I read it I was seeing something new. The character designs are quite cool and interesting, including their personalities. The overall atmosphere in this volume ranges greatly. We have some mystery, over the top hilarious expressions, dangerously dark killing intents and threats, sudden betrayals and comrades and much more. It’s just the right amount to keep the reader engaged and interested.

Although a lot happens in the first volume in Rudo’s life, the volume is primarily depicting the world. There is no black or white to what’s going on and what’s right. We get multiple perspectives and thoughts, so we can figure it out ourselves. That said, the story is primarily told from Rudo’s perspective. We get to learn a little bit about Rudo, his past and present, his emotions and personalities, as well as his probable future. The volume does a great job in balancing this, such that it’s not too overwhelming while also not being vague.

Overall, I loved this volume! I will probably re-read it again right after I finish writing this review and it’s nonetheless on my “guilty list”. Definitely give this a read because it revolves around such a strong and impactful message.

A moderately interesting plot with themes of revenge, class conflict, and environmentalism. Characters are mostly two-dimensional at this point—the young hothead orphan, the rough but caring mentor, the special gift from a parent—but have potential. The art is well drawn though not quite so evocative as the cover. Good for teen and adult fans of action manga who want a tough-world setting,, moderately paced action with meaning behind it, and aren’t easily grossed out.

Starting with a wow, I never imagined diving into a manga centered on trash, but I found myself captivated by the storytelling and illustrations. No moments of boredom; the storyline and characters held my interest throughout. I appreciate the world-building, character portrayals, and social commentary in volume 1.

Looking forward, I hope for an enhancement in the art style in the next volume.

Overall, my experience with volume 1 was positive, and I will be continuing the manga. Can’t wait to read the next volume.

Thank You to the publisher here at NetGalley for providing the Arc to volume 1. All opinions are my own.

Gachiakuta Volume 1 follows Rudo, a boy living in the slums who seems to be the only one who sees the value in objects in this wasteful society. Bullied due to his father having been a murderer, he is taken in by Regto, a man who teaches him that objects can be imbued with a soul if only they are cared for enough. In this first volume, Rudo is falsely accused of murder, thrown into the 'Pit' below, and makes a discovery he never anticipated. The second half really took off, so I would push through if you're unsure! I thoroughly enjoyed Gachiakuta 1, and I will definitely be picking up volume 2.

Gachiakuta follows Rudo, a kid abandoned by his parents and living in the slums. One day he is falsely accused of murder and sentenced to exile in the worst place imaginable. There he discovers that he might not be the outsider he thought he was. When I read the premise for this title, I was curious to see how the plot would unfold. I think for the first volume, the setup is good. By the end, you wonder if Rudo will survive to prove his innocence. I sense found family and an underdog story from this series. If those tropes are your favorite, then I recommend checking this title out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for the e-book copy!