Sometimes a reader needs to put aside such considerations as a coherent plot and enjoy a manga for the simple joys of a mayhem-and-violence-laden slugfest such as Apocalypse Zero.
Set in yet another ruined postapocalyptic dystopia that is common to the genre, this series is an ultra-bizarre gene splicing of high school soap opera and gory super-hero histrionics that must be seen to be believed. Kakugo Hagakure is the new student at the Gyakukuji School, and his good looks and aloof demeanor instantly mark him as a heartthrob to the female students and a potential rival for the leader of the tough boy gang. In addition to the usual teenage angst, Kakugo must also contend with an obscene assortment of grotesquely exaggerated mutants called "tactical fiends," each an outrageous sexual monster straight out of old erotic woodblock prints. Fortunately, Kakugo's a master of the "zero form" superhuman martial art; he can turn his body into living steel and is equipped with a virtually unbeatable armored suit as well. Much violent fun ensues, with enough crazily illustrated carnage to thoroughly entertain those who revel in the outrageous. The artwork takes the standard manga superhero style and gives it a lewd "underground" edge, making this a twisted shocker à la Berzerk
worth checking out for those with very strong stomachs. (Jan.)
