Back in 1999 Zombiepowder started, the first on-going series from Tite Kubo, who would later find success with Bleach. This series, only lasted 27 chapters before being cancelled, unfinished and without a conclusive ending, however it’s still worth reading now and is a lot better than a lot of series that are being published today.

The story follows a young boy, Elwood, a pickpocket who becomes friends with a Powder Hunter, Gamma Akutabi. A local gang that Elwood works for, thinks that Elwood is trying to cut them out of a deal. During an attack on Elwood’s home, his sister is killed and in an attempt to resurrect her back Elwood joins Gamma in the hunt for the Rings of the Dead.

As set ups go, it’s fairly standard for a Shōnen manga. A young protagonist sets of on an adventure to find some magical/mystical item, normally to help someone. It’s a set-up that’s been used from Dragon Ball to Demon Slayer. While it’s a cliched beginning in the short 27 chapters, the worldbuilding is incredible. There’s so much going on, and it’s filled with imaginative ideas. It’s a western style world, with technology from different eras of history.

The art style is fantastic, with distinct characters and awesome fight sequences. It’s incredibly entertaining and had me hooked almost straight away. The characters and story are interesting and kept me wanting to read more and more. It’s such a shame that this series didn’t get more time to full develop. It ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, with lots of unanswered questions.

If you’re ever looking for a quick manga to read then Zombiepowder is definitely worth have a read. It may be unfinished, but it’s still entertaining to read while it lasts.

Thanks for reading!