Gachiakuta

In a seemingly postapocalyptic society, some members easily discard items as garbage, while others believe a well-cared-for item can be imbued with a soul. Trash digging is seen as a high offense, and murder is worthy of expulsion from society altogether. Rudo is a young boy who lives in the slums on the edges of this wealthy, wasteful society, and, one day, is framed for murder. His punishment is to be cast into The Pit with the refuse, only what he finds is actually a planet surface teeming with monsters and more humans. Rudo's understanding of his society and The Pit are upended, but his quest for revenge and self-discovery is just beginning. Urana has developed a gritty art style with heavy, bold lines that embraces graffiti elements and blends classic manga techniques into something wholly unique and beautiful. Panels at times are filled with fine details, while other times showcase demented facial expressions. Inventive panel layout, speech bubble outlines, and font convey a frenetic pacing throughout the story. There is some mild swearing and some graphic violence. This title will appeal to fans of Chainsaw Man or Blue Exorcist, where readers are craving a story of a tough-as-nails protagonist persevering against insurmountable odds.

Gr 10 Up--In a city where a wall divides the rich from slums, originally built for criminals, a boy named Rudo is willing to risk incarceration to rescue items discarded by the wealthy. After his murderous father was thrown into the garbage dump known as The Pit, Rudo was raised by a man named Regto who taught him to cherish items, including a pair of gloves he uses to hide his damaged hands. One day, Rudo works up the courage to give a girl he likes a stuffed animal he salvaged, but after rushing back home, he discovers Regto lying on the floor, bleeding out. Caught at the scene of the crime, Rudo is thrown into The Pit--his denial of the crime and pleas for the real murderer to be found completely ignored. There is a fair amount of violence throughout, and probably more for future volumes as this is an action manga, and in The Pit, Rudo is almost killed by the toxic air and the trash beasts that roam the dumping grounds. In the nick of time, he is rescued by Enjin, a Cleaner who wields an umbrella capable of harming the beasts. Enjin drags him to safety before leaving Rudo on his own again, but once Rudo's powers awaken his gloves, proving he is a Giver who is able to give objects life and harness their abilities, Enjin steps back in. This manga is filled with dynamic artwork that Urana manipulates to direct attention, highlighting specific panels and features with bold lines. The action scenes have incredible movement to them, and facial expressions are particularly striking. VERDICT Recommended, especially where action manga is popular.--Lisa Rowland