This manga sure is good, but as any other it has it's good and bad sides. I have to say that the story was absolutely phenomenally conceived. The whole thing about changing the country with the sole will of those with the dream is great. What I didn't like is some things that damages realism of this manga. For example, when something happens in some other gang or political party everyone finds about it almost immediately. Looks like they all have some serious leaks. Also all newspapers and media have no problem wilth labeling someone a criminal even though that person isn't convicted as such. That just doesn't go in life.

The end was little surprising cause it wasn't so straight forward as the rest of the manga. And what to say about art. At first it will look as bloody amazing, but as you read on it feels less and less so. It starts to get repetitive, and the thing I personally didn't like was recycling of the images, as in using the same image again usually just little zoomed or shifted.

Despite everything I wrote before I still consider this manga a worthy read. While it certainly isn't the greatest manga of all times it's still ranks high in top half and you could only lose if you miss it.

... Last updated on February 25th, 2010, 2:04am

Without a doubt this is one of the best manga I've ever had the pleasure to read. This gripped me instantly and I found myself so engrossed I was foregoing sleep in order to read the next chapter.

Plot - 10/10
The plot was definitely intricate and that is what makes it so damn good. Not a light read by any means but what I love about this story was the way all the characters wove together whilst forging their own paths. Unfortunately the last chapter felt fairly rushed which, while still moving, did detract somewhat from the climax most of the manga had built up to. The plot, however, was excellent but a little overly dramatic towards the end to the point where it was slightly unrealistic at times. The cut-throat ambitions present in both the yakuza and politics made you wonder which path was light and which was dark, especially considering the deep long-running tie between top-level politicians and yakuza dons. The amibitions, whilst idealistic, really struck a chord and got me thinking about my own country what I was doing to get my own voice heard in English parliment. In this sense the plot definitely makes you think as well as being entertaining to read.

Art 10/10
The art was phenomenal. Enough said.

Characters 9.5/10
The characters were extremely well developed on the most part. My favourite trait is the fact everything each individual character does is in keeping with their nature. There is development without changing personality. Even supporting characters get a good look in and you can understand why each character acts the way they do. Most of the characters are well developed so you see the viewpoints of the enemy as well as Hojo and Asami. My only complaint is the lack of a role women play. Other than the american Bisset and maybe Yuki there were no strong female characters. The one female to get any real coverage was fairly weak-willed, doing little but stand around and worry about Hojo. Thankfully this degrading view of women is easily ignored in the presence of the other characters.

Overall 10/10
This was well worth the read despite it's faults and I recommend it to anyone.

... Last updated on December 30th, 2009, 6:12pm

For the record, i have to say that this is one of the best mangas i ever read, period!! How this manga portrayed the characters and the story in such a way is genuis and deserves 10+(if the rating scale went over ten).

I highly recommend you stop reading the comments and go read it ^.^

... Last updated on March 22nd, 2009, 5:28pm

I feel like a person when I read storyes like these. Yep, superheros. Yep, wild dreams. But when I finish reading I get this urge to do something. You know, when you hear a really good song you can;t help but sing, or write lyrics... etc.

Well I don't quite except everything about this manga - a powerful policewoman without any power, or establishment of some realtionsships, for example.

ps but these kind of manga are still needed, at least it makes you think...

I mostly agree with Ichen. this story is really good and art is just fantastic but what is wrong with that cop woman? she is pathetic and whiny even when carrying a gun she acts like a weak, fragile person. always under the influence of the males around her, she really doesn't have any good impression on me. If I have to choose, I'd say Hojo is the only one who caught my attention.

For newcomers:
Just read it, do it now. All comments and reviews you've read about this manga is correct. Hell i suggest go buy it right now it's worth every penny I wouldn't want to have missed this i could have paid $50 grand for it. It's THAT good, life changing if you just believe in it.

I gave it a 10/10, good plot and character development. Also love the art...the only thing I was a little touchy on was the ending. Did he die didn't he die? I want to know!

The story is fairly interesting, and can easily draw you in, and the characters can be likable in their own way. That being said, anyone who genuinely thinks this manga's plot is anything short of ridiculous needs help, at first it starts out as being passable, but by volume 9 or 10 its pretty out there. Also around the same time (volume 9 or 10) the manga goes from being a fairly interesting gangster/ political manga to basically being something best described as a completely over the top political statement (not saying the statements wrong just I don’t need to see it on every other page). Far from being the best manga out there, but for anyone who likes gangster related manga, I would strongly suggest reading it.

Note: lchen's comment also summerizes the manga up pretty well in my opinion

This is an amazing manga! The art really surprises you by how good it is. I'm almost reluctant to call this a manga if it's judged by art alone, it's that realistic and brilliant.
Both the graphical and the written content is mature. I guess that's both a blessing and a curse but i've been waiting for the next epic mature manga!
One thing bothers me though. The manga is so damn japanese patriotic...
It gets pretty annoying from time to time when they have to constantly show how proud and good japanese are...

It started good, but all the political BS and ways to change japan became a little ridiculous.
One memorable moment were the reception of the US minister.
After she is told how and shown how japanese cars are awesome, she's "defeated" and sent home to US with a valuable lessen taught (it doesn't matter what colour "IT" has, and long as you're getting the shit f***ed out of you!).

... Last updated on April 30th, 2008, 6:58am

If you're able to understand politics and other elements in this manga, then I guess you'll enjoy this manga too. Oh well, the way it treats females is one thing but I guess stuff by Shinjo Mayu and many other mangaka rival it.