Giganto Maxia, Vol. 1

The writer/artist of the infamous dark fantasy Berserk is back with his first new work in 20 years, a hard-hitting fable roughly inspired by Roman mythology. Delos, an ex-gladiator, and Prome, his naiad-like companion, are wanderers in a barren, postapocalyptic world populated by humans, demihumans, and Gigantos—massive creatures in service to the Empire of Olympus who can destroy the Earth or return life to it. Thrown into a fight to the death with a desert tribe’s most powerful fighter, good-hearted Delos sets about solving things via man-to-man combat. But when the Empire’s army shows up in the village with a Giganto, Delos, and Prome must break out the big guns and become a Giganto themselves. Miura’s art once again pushes the boundaries of space and line, often filling the page with visceral expressions, creative crosshatching, and clever sound effects, all with stunning results. The story, too, is masterly; it reinforces the importance of striving to do better, even during times of suffering. Old fans and new ones will no doubt soon push this to bestseller status. (Mar.)