Akumetsu

Plot

The setting for the story is a near-future Japan where politicians and businessmen pamper and lavish themselves amidst growing public unrest, while excessive corruption and speculation lead the country to a massive economic downfall, increasing the public deficit to an enormous seven hundred trillion yen and triggering an economic recession. When her father's company goes bankrupt, Shiina finds out and resolves to sell herself into prostitution by attending high-class parties through an escort agency, in order to help pay off her family's debt.

It is during the first and only such party she attends, where the guests were mainly VIPs and high-profile officials of the Ministry of Finance, and what was set to become an orgy, is suddenly interrupted by a young man wearing an Oni mask, who after giving a speech on how savage and corrupt the upper class of Japan has become, shoots the attendants in order to state his point and then proceeds to brutally slaughter the most prominent guest using a fire axe. Recognized by a frantic Shiina as Shou, the man simply waves the statement off as a misunderstanding, then grabs the mauled body of his victim and walks calmly to the front lobby, where he is gunned down by police and, before dying, has his head blown off by a device implanted into his own mask.

Thus, the act introduces a long, exceptionally violent campaign of murders performed by such masked individuals, targeting those who are deemed as responsible for the massive economic crisis and, as such, labeled as evil by the masked men, who all goes by the common alias Akumetsu (literally destroyer of evil).

Release

The series has been published in Italy by JPOP from to and in France by Taifu comics.

Reception

Akumetsu has generally received positive reviews, with critics praising its intense narrative and social commentary while noting its extreme violence. The series has been recognized for its provocative approach to addressing contemporary Japanese issues, particularly corruption and economic instability. Reviewers have appreciated the manga's evolution throughout its run, including the introduction of complex themes like the Japanese mafia and retirement system. Critics have also commended the series' dynamic artwork and its balance of intense action with elements of humor. Some reviewers have noted that while the manga's complex political themes might not appeal to all readers, it successfully provokes thought and discussion about important societal issues.

References

References

1. "J POP - Manga - Akumetsu". Edizioni BD srl.
2. "Akumetsu". Taïfu Comics.
3. "Manga-news.com vol. 12 review".
4. "Planete BD vol. 16 review".
5. "Planete BD vol. 14 review".
6. "Manga-news.com vol. 13 review".