"Break Blade" is an ongoing manga series which was released back in 2007. So far, this seems to be a mix of steampunk and cyberpunk put together. Also, this adds in action, adventure, and mecha. As a major fan of anything to do with mecha, I felt the need to check out Break Blade. So far, I was pretty much satisfied with Break Blade. Also in a sense, this does somewhat make me think of this popular role-playing game called "Xenogears."

Since I have enjoyed the story, I do hope that this will get adapted into an anime series. It might be at least another year or two before Break Blade could get adapted into a Japanese anime series. Overall, the manga is pretty decent to read.

Storyline: A

So far, the storyline is very much plot-driven as there is a major plot going on along with some interesting subplots. The main plot takes place on some distant planet on the continent of Cruzon. In this world, almost everybody is born with the ability of "magic." In this term, magic is the ability to control and manipulate the mineral of quartz.

It is revealed that quartz is used to power up many things. As a result, it is used to power up many military weapons. On the flip side, there are rarities in which people are born without that ability. They tend to get discriminated against.

Soon, the nation of Athens and the Kingdom of Krishna are inevitably at war with each other. This is the ultimate test of friendship between four friends. One of the friends is dragged in the middle of it. In this respect, Break Blade presents the interesting character dynamic in regards to conflict. In battle, the forces resort to using mechas known as golems. The golems are powered up by quartz crystals.

Characters: A

There are four major characters: Lygatto, Zesu, Hozul, and Shigwen. The four of them are friends back from this academy. Lygatto is the only one who is unable to wield quartz which makes him an "un-sorcerer." Due to financial problems, Lygatto leaves and returns to his life as a farmer.

Hozul becomes the king of Krishna and marries Shingwen. Zesu, being the brother Athens' commander of all armed forces, joins the military and becomes a high-ranked officer. With Krishna and Athens at war with each other, the four friends are in conflict. Unfortunately for Lygatto, he gets dragged into the mess and ends up fighting for Krishna.

Because of the rarity of not being able to wield the power of quartz, Lygatto is able to pilot this ancient mecha. So far, the mecha only responds to Lygatto for the most part. As a result, this brings him into conflict with Zesu.

So far, it brings forth the interesting dynamic of duty to a country or the importance of friendship.

Illustrations: A

I liked the way Break Blade's illustrations were. It seemed as if everything seemed to fit together just perfectly for the most part. I liked the way the environment was portrayed as the story seemed to have taken place on a desert kingdom. In many senses, it makes me think of the battle between the desert kingdom of Aveh and the industrialized nation of Kislev in Xenogears.

Overall: A

Break Blade is a great manga to read and check out. If you are science-fiction and mecha, you may enjoy Break Blade. This title seems to be a must read for any fan of the mecha genre.

Learn more about this author, Can Tran.
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