Bastard

(Viz, 2001-2008)
™ and ©1988 Kazushi Hagiwara
Graphic novel; Right to left reading format; b&w

The subtitle to this story is “Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy.” That about sums it up, since the tale takes place in the peaceful land of Metallicana, which is fighting a losing battle against demonic armies of darkness. With little hope left, must they turn to an arcane legend to summon a conquering hero?

This “savior” is more brutal than Ozzy Osborne and Slash combined—none other than the evil magician known as Dark Schneider, reincarnated in the body of the boy Lucien. Formerly the leader of the fearsome Four Divine Kings, he is fated to confront his old allies, as he must obey the teenage Yoko, daughter of the Imperial High Priest, and fetching Princess Shiela. But can he protect both of them, as he is challenged by grotesque foes and former friends?

Previously popularized by a multi-volume anime adaptation by Pioneer a few years ago, the original manga story packs an in–your–face–punch. With exposed loins, exploding intestines, and expletive–filled mouths, Bastard!! is over the top in more ways than one.

— Oliver Chin

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