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Reviewed by Lisa Anderson Generally I’m one to sidestep most science fiction manga. There’s no personal dislike toward the genre, but I won’t go out of my way to read it either. When first introduced to Battle Angel Alita: Angel of Victory, the cover art alone set off my science fiction radar off. Expecting another bleak world filled with androids and life-threatening struggles, or a simple rehash of the Battle Angel Alita anime, I was in for a pleasant surprise. The story starts with the introduction of the Motorball racing world, immediately placing the reader at the start of an important race. As Alita wends her way through the deadly course, fellow racers are introduced as either friends, foes, or neutrals. By the end of the first race, it’s made clear that Alita is looking for teammates to join her in an upcoming challenge race against Jashugan, the Motorball Top League Champion. While Alita decides on her fellow teammates, Jashugan makes plans to meet her head on. Despite growing health problems, the Champion has every belief in his skills - as well as similar belief in the skills of Doctor Ido, who is working with him in the hopes of convincing Alita to give up Motorball and return home. From there the story works up to the final race, and all the dangers it contains for both sides. With even the smallest mistake carrying the possibility of death, Motorball is one sport best left to serious competitors, something Alita and Jashugan have in common. The final showdown is very well written, though I won’t go into details lest I spoil it. Despite the science fiction setting, Battle Angel Alita: Angel of Victory is far more than some harsh futuristic tale. Instead Kishiro weaves many emotional plots in with the overall story, creating a delightful mix between action and drama. Gradually bits of Alita’s past are revealed, along with the various connections between certain characters. There is no definite villain, and that works well for the story. Like true sportsman, Alita and Jashugan see each other as competitive rivals instead of hated enemies. Conflict is handled on several different levels, with competition raging between fellow Motorball players, as well as key players fighting against themselves in order to improve. For every scene of violent fighting along the Motorball course, there is an intense conversation to balance it. The characters are more than fighting machines, and both their fighting and personal aspects still have flaws. Despite knowing full well that Alita is the main character, I couldn’t help rooting for Jashugan every now and then, which speaks volumes for Kishiro’s ability to breathe life into even short-lived characters. The artwork for Battle Angel Alita: Angel of Victory is also very impressive. Almost every shot has some sort of action to it, be it a full battle sequence or a simple conversation. Everything has a certain edge behind it, adding a constant forward flow to the story. Movement aside, the artwork also has a gritty quality to it. Nothing holds a smooth finish, which says a lot for the state of the world and the characters. The subtle harshness compliments the story, to the point where the manga wouldn’t be the same without it. Battle Angel Alita: Angel of Victory is a great title for anyone interested in sci-fi manga along the lines of Appleseed or Ghost in the Shell. While the story can get dark and harsh, both in combat and character interaction, it is very well done. There is no greater threat for everyone to face, no all-consuming destruction on the horizon. Instead conflicts are held on a far deeper personal level, leaving lasting interest in the characters and their futures. Despite being the fourth volume in the series, it was easy enough to get an idea of where things stood. The story wraps up well enough that, while reading future volumes is a good idea, it isn’t necessary. Whether you’re a fan of science fiction or not, I definitely recommend giving Battle Angel Alita: Angel of Victory a try. As for myself, I plan on picking up the rest of the series. Interested in writing for MangaLife? We're always looking for talented reviewers and columnists, so drop us a line! Charles Webb Editor-in-Chief, MangaLife.com |
1 September 2010
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