Gangsta., Vol. 1 (1) Paperback – February 18, 2014

I first discovered this series in the graphic novel section at Barnes and Noble but they were sold out of the 1st volume at the time, but they did have the other available volumes. I didn't want to spoil the story for myself by looking into the other volumes. After reading some of the reviews here on Amazon, I decided to purchase Volume 1 of Gangsta. Reading this book I could not put it down for one moment and I finished it in one sitting. The story takes place in a European inspired fictional city called Ergastulum, where the story focuses on two protagonists. The first is Nicolas Brown, a quiet mercenary who fights with a Katana and communicates through sign language which I think is pretty cool and unique. And other is Worick Arcangelo, Nicolas's friend and partner who is an easy going and cheerful individual who is a nice contrast to Nicolas's character. Together they are "The Handymen", where they take on requests and jobs from the Police in the city all the way to the Mafia. And these are jobs only these two will take up and can handle. This is a very serious story with some dark elements and I would classify it as Thriller, Action, Drama with some comedic moments. I am happy that I picked up this volume because this is a great story with awesome and interesting characters that I can enjoy, support and invest in. Definitely pick this up if you're looking for a new series to get into.

Now, originally, this manga was an impulse buy, because I saw a pic online of one of the main characters and I thought... "WOWZA, this guy is attractive!" So I bought two volumes and... I was already expecting a good story, but man, did I underestimate how good it was going to be (and no, I am not biased just because Worick is hot). Normally I wait a couple weeks or months before I re-read a volume again, but I've already re-read Volume 1 three times. I can't wait to start the second one... and buy all the others after that, OBVIOUSLY. =3=

(4.5/5 rounded up, review hopefully spoiler free)As first installments of manga go, this one is pretty close to perfection. Yes, there are flaws: a few frames where the art seems a bit half-assed, a couple of moments in the "action" scenes where it's unclear what's going on, some side characters that look perhaps a bit too similar, and a critical overdose of improbable cleavage (presumably for the thirsty fanboys?). However, these minor flaws are inconsequential. This volume will utterly suck you into the made up universe of Ergastulum and the characters that inhabit it and will leave you eager for more. It establishes the setup and key parameters of the story, while hinting at more to be discovered and posing some question marks (about the characters and their past, the power structures underlying their city, surface appearances that may be deceiving...).The art has its own unique style and some of the best storytelling/character building moments are conveyed via sequences of frames that have no dialogue or words in them. Quite brilliantly done, especially the flashbacks.There is still some need for verbal exposition, handled via the questions asked by one of the three main characters--Alex, a newcomer to Ergastulum--and her interactions with the others. Every edge in the triangle created by her and the two other main characters, "Handymen" Worick and Nicolas, is intriguing and full of future potential.Finally, one of the most unique aspects of this manga is introducing a deaf character as one of the leads and the way the art conveys and uses sign language. Sign me up for more!

I loved the background story’s and it was able to make me want to read more of the manga

Yow just finished the first manga and wow this is actually way better than I was expecting. The art work is pretty good, the story line so far I love. And there's just something different about it that you have to keep flipping the pages. Super excited to purchase vol 2.

When I first got this book I was amazed with everything really. It was a bit hard to read due to the black and white pictures, but its something you adjust to. The actual manga itself comes together in great condition and in good quality. Has a nice "book smell" to it as well and feels great in your hands.Moving on the actual story I found it interesting, but clearly the author hasn't quite figured out what she wants to do with the series at this point. The first time I read through the book I was really intrigued, but you then realize that events are sorta just happening. Most of what's happening with the series is just the author experimenting. It is their first work after all.Oh yeah, and if you're buying this after watching the anime I'm here to let you know that the company that animated the series doesn't exist anymore so don't bother waiting for a second season. If you're holding off on this because you expect another season don't get your hopes up.The author (Kouske) is also a woman if that makes a difference. She has a bird.

I do enjoy this anime alot and decided to buy the manga which is more great to view. I must say there were small damage on the middle of the cover but its not mayor. Even check on the inside its done right. Love it.

One of my favorite anime’s and mangas. I reread it all the time! I’m really bummed it’s been discontinued :/