In this new world order … make sure you know which is the right side.
Creative Staff:
Story and Illustrations: Yasushi Baba
Translation: Kevin Gifford
What They Say:
New devices known as “Peacemakers” render people immune to all weapons, transforming world war into a martial arts free-for-all where all that matters are brawn and the will to kill! On one side is the clairvoyant Rasputin and Sasha “The White Witch” Goundarenko, a natural-born warrior with a mysterious power to peer into the past. They, along with world leaders such as U.S. President Billary Quintone, stand against the megalomaniacal Russian President Putinov and his brawny army of mass destruction and massive gains! Who will prevail atop this pile of snapped necks and suplexed corpses? What is the source of the mysterious Peacemakers? And is there any life worth living in a world roamed by ‘roided-out killers?
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
As Sasha and Ryuzo admire the scenery from Goryokaku Tower observation deck in Hakodate, they are immediately surveyed by a group of men biding their time to apprehend the pair of travelers. It is clear they do not wish to approach them too quickly, but when someone asks them if they need help, a quick response from a compact submachine gun readily reveals their intentions. But as they point weapons at their male quarry, the supposedly unprepared person quickly responds with a swift sweep kick, followed up with a series of precise attacks to pacify his first attacker. Distracted by the almost unseen death of their companion, the other assassins try their best to avenge their friend but are likewise taken down by the attractive woman with crushing blows. It is immediately clear which side is outmatched … however, they don’t know it yet.
In the capital of the Greater Russian Federation named Putinovgrad, special Japanese envoy Ishibashi is cautiously negotiating a new deal with President for Life Putinov, even as he discusses their latest conquests with his closest general. It is clear this tyrant can do anything he likes with the new technology they acquired called Peacemakers, a seemingly innocent bracelet which renders the bearer immune to any type of attack, whether it be conventional weaponry, biological or even nuclear – they all are ineffective. It is this amazing accessory which the ambassador wishes to bargain for his country, and even as the madman demonstrates its ridiculous powers against his military confidant, it is evident there is one vulnerability which is not well known … physical attacks can still harm the wearer. But as this megalomaniac discloses all of his secrets, it is not long before he makes his intentions known as to suitable compensation for this prize – access for his men to enter Hakodate. What does this despot have in mind for exchange for his toys … and is it all worth it?
In Summary:
Golosseum appears on the surface to be an over the top display of martial arts excitement, reminiscent of Fist of the North Star and One Punch Man, but that is where the similarities end. While the reader is dazzled by the exquisite artistic style of Yasushi Baba, showing off stunningly realistic depictions of handsome men and captivating women, it is the intense graphic violence which holds your attention. There is no end to the grotesque death scenes via decapitations, head crushing wrestling moves and outrageous feats of physical strength, all portrayed by men with ridiculously bulging muscles, seemingly overdosing on steroids. However, on the opposite side of the scale, we are still stunned by the curvaceous Sasha who can also do these feats, all while exposing her impossibly long legs. However, this is where the story departs from an enjoyable fighting manga and delves into a narrative which is confusing due to a lack of details and a tedious parody of current political affairs.
From the book’s own description you can tell mangaka Yasushi Baba is obviously creating an insincere imitation of the conflict between the United States and Russia, and this is further reinforced when we see President Billary Quintone and President for Life Vladislav Putinov in such striking detail. While this example might not be that crazy, to have them use a technology called Peacemakers is a bit oxymoronic since all the wearers ever do is slaughter everyone who stands before them in as spectacular a style as possible, with the aforementioned bloody finishing moves. Almost fittingly Russians are represented as bare-chested soldiers and the American defender is shown as a stereotypical professional wrestler called Axe Blowgun, with exceedingly loud matching attitude, looking like Hulk Hogan but sounding like Randy “Macho Man” Savage – both acting first and thinking second. All of this fits in with the ridiculous fight scenes, but then we start dipping into the creepy when he gives the fighters sickening weapons such as frozen finger arrows and Sasha wears boots crafted from human skin and a scarf woven from human hair. While it is true most readers will have become desensitized to the gore in the story, to have such sickening armaments is disgusting, invoking memories of the Holocaust. Although it is understandable to wield such implements against monsters, to display them with such graphic detail and brush over the need to use them as if they were nothing so extreme, makes the sacrifices made reprehensible.
Lastly, while writer Yasushi Baba does hint as to how the Peacemakers were created, through the use of the Voyager Golden Records, you would think he would disclose more information within this first volume since everyone is after these artifacts. However, instead, this mangaka bombards the reader with as much violence as possible, hoping the lack of a tangible backstory for most of the characters and the main plot device will be glanced overdue to spectacular illustrations. Although as such, this emptiness within the narrative leaves the audience with a subpar story, more fascinated with explosive deaths than a compelling tale. While it is possible we will have more information revealed in future volumes, this lost opportunity makes the initial book less than satisfying and instead presents us with a hollow tale of Hollywood cinematic drivel.
Golosseum on the surface appears to be a phenomenal presentation of martial arts and explosive violence, but in the end, it lacks any discernible story to make the reader care for the characters who are fighting so hard for an unexplained reason. In the end, to see charismatic people displayed as nothing else than shallow depictions of muscle and underage cleavage is a shame, since the premise seems tangible, but as of now the callousness of the narrative shows the absence of any understanding. Thus, what could elevate this book into something which relies equally on amazing illustrations and a moving story now falls flat … and for the time being is good for a brief stay, but overall is a forgettable attempt for the stereotypical genre.
Content Grade: D
Art Grade: A-
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: A
Age Rating: Older Teen (Ages 16+)
Released By: Kodansha Comics
Release Date: May 22, 2018
MSRP: $12.99
