Zombie Powder

author: Kubo Tite
review type: manga
status: completed, discontinued
genre: Shonen, Action
volumes: 4
original run: 1999-2000

Synopsis

Zombie powder is a substance that is rumored to be highly sort after for it's life-giving properties. It is even believed to be able to endow a person with a limitless life force; eternal life. Those who earnestly seek it are called powder hunters. They are a group of people so fanatically driven; even if it means putting their lives on the line to obtain such powers.

So how does one get a hold of this substance? Simply by collecting twelve rings called the Rings of the Dead. These rings are sentient, with the ability to bring someone to comatose when touched, and parasitic, with the ability to drain the life out of a person. It is when the ring has a host that it begins to produce the highly sort after and powerful zombie powder.

We begin with a character called John Elwood Shepherd. A young boy, working as a thief for a local gang. One fateful day, he meets Akutabi Gamma; a possessor of a Ring of the Dead and a wanted criminal with a handsome bounty on him. Elwood decides to rob him, only to miserably fail. They soon become friends. During this time, a fellow gang member suspects Elwood of turning in Gamma for the bounty and musters the gang towards Elwood's residence. Elwood's home turns into a battlefield with heavy gunfire pouring down from the shots fired by the gang members.

Gamma shows up to the rescue. Only to find out that he is a little to late; Elwood's sister, Sheryl was slain. Elwood decides to follow Gamma on the hunt for the zombie powder with hopes that he could resurrect his dead sister. Soon Gamma and Elwood are joined by C.T Smith; a long time partner of Gamma's and also a highly wanted powder hunter. They soon form a trio and travel with a mission to collect all 12 existing rings.

Rempit's Vrooming Comments

ANN really slated this one and I do think that much credit should be given to Kubo Tite on his first installment as a mangaka. So shame on you ANN! SHAME!!!!

But it is an obvious fact if you can't help but agree with much of what ANN has to say on this title. Does Outlaw Star, Trigun, or even Cowboy Bebop ring a bell? Anyone? The western space cowboy theme was definitely the biggest rip-off or an attempt to rip-off. But then again I think it's the strongest aspect of the manga. Simply because, western space cowboy themed stuff can really get your imaginations going and can definitely tease you in on a particular series. So thumbs up to Kubo Tite for that.

I can't write off the characters as well. Alright Elwood seems normal, like shonen normal, which is OK. I mean we've tolerated Naruto for ages? But focusing on Gamma and his counter part really will remind you why this manga is a sort after, interesting read. Gamma may appeal to be the stereotypical anti-hero hero; basically a bad ass. But take that and hold it with his ability to be a leader and you'll get one of the best characters around. Reminds you a little of Kurosaki Ichigo, from Bleach (Tite's current hit release). But Gamma is a more seasoned and well rounded leader with that lone ranger attitude that is contemplative and reflective of a dark past.

C.T Smith, might have been labelled as Ishida's predecessor; which people might do the same to Gamma but besides having a neatly combed hair style, glasses and maybe a projectile; Smith is another standout character. He doesn't seem to be as rash as Ishida or even in any contempt against his partner. Instead C.T Smith provides the antithesis to Gamma's character; a somewhat of Jin and Mugen from Samurai Champloo.

I really do recommend this manga as a must read. The sad news would be it was discontinued. Why? I am not entirely sure either. But one-hit wonders are always meant to be appreciated and for a manga that had very good reception and was the predecessor to what I think is Kubo Tite's worst title (Bleach), I think Kubo-san really did well and had something going on here. Bleach sucked and still sucks big time, but this might just change your view on Tite as a prolific author.

Rempit Rates

Character Development: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Art: 5/5
Originality: 4/5