ゴロセウム

GOLOSSEUM

Action

MANGA

STATUS
COMPLETE
VOLUMES
6
RELEASE
December 8, 2017
CHAPTERS
39

DESCRIPTION

Scientists discover a new material that renders people immune to all existing weapons. But these “peacemakers” instead transform world war into a martial-arts free-for-all! Rasputin plots with Russian President Putinov to control the global supply. Opposing them are the unstoppable Axe Bogan, a certain master in a jumpsuit from China, and a slew of other muscular heroes!

(Source: Kodansha USA)

CHAPTERS

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REVIEWS

Yoshh
90/100
The best fighting/historical manga in a while. Understands exactly what it is, and rolls with it. Highly recommended.
This series is fucking amazing.

Baba Yasushi manages to create a mix of politics, historical realism, martial arts, and biotechnology in a story all set in comfy Hakodate, a sleepy town in Hokkaido.

Let's take a look at the synopsis, shall we?
"A mysterious substance incorporated in bracelets makes men more powerful than ever. Bullets, sharp weapons and other missiles do not kill them. From there, a sort of Fist World War is set in place for this new human race to dominate the world. In the middle of this hunting area, a woman, Sasha Gundarenko (nicknamed the White Witch), imposes her style through jujutsu techniques that were taught her by Rasputin."

Sounds mildly interesting.

Wrong.

Fist World War? So it's like... international battles but with martial arts? Sounds like Dragonball Z turned modern, hm? What's with the White Witch? Is she a main character that uses some fantasy elements?
Wait, did I read that right? Rasputin taught her? Gosh I didn't think anyone would make Rasputin a martial artist. Guess that's the weirdest thing about this setup.

So wrong.

The cover looks like a macho european with a bear. Maybe their strength is based on animals? Maybe similar to Murata Shinya works? That would be cool, I dig some faux-scientific biology.

So so wrong.

Ok I give up here's the serious meme description.
I was expecting some interesting historical fighting manga, sprinkled with some fun fantasy, with some serious tones.
Instead I got:
- Fucking insane physics.
- Putin. Naked. Super strong. Sarcastically hilarious.
- Great fight scenes. Wait, not just fight scenes. WAR scenes. But they're actually hilarious.-
- DEEP lore and "PLOT"
- Amazing art that takes itself so seriously, it adds to the ridiculousness. Think Hiramoto Akira works, except it's in Hokkaido.
- WRASSLIN'.
- Fucking Rasputin (yes, Rasputin) talking about the glory of JKs. He's probably the most normal character.
- AMERICA.
- How did Yasushi manage to skirt through libel charges from all the "definitely fictional characters" he has in this series? What the fuc
- Did I mention Putin? And his fetish with riding on things? No that's not a euphemism he seriously just wants to ride on things. There's even a spin-off.
Kodansha's localization is actually quite great. I even look forward to reading the extra chapters for every volume.

If you like martial arts, scientific, faux-political, seinen manga with complicated realistic settings, and some Hiramoto Akira-esque ridiculousness, then pick this shit up. This will either repulse you within the first volume, or you will cackle with laughter while you turn off your brain and appreciate it for what it is. I suggest the latter. Don't take it too seriously -- it doesn't either.

Also Fedorov-kun is my bae.

Pleasantly surprised to the nth degree. a solid 9/10.
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