*Warning: I intend to analyze the entirety of this manga, so if you came here wanting to know my overall opinions of the manga: Read it! It's bloody fantastic! Only 34 chapters are out right now (6 volumes). So catch up and if you feel compelled, come back and check out this post! Spoiler alert ahead for the plot of Gangsta*
So why is that I like this manga so much? Is it because it's written by a female mangaka? It it because of its cool characters? Or does it have something to do with gangsters?
I'd like to start this analysis off by making a bold statement: If this manga continues to get the same amount of quality implemented in its future chapters/volumes, I truly believe that Gangsta is a series that will completely succeed and triumph over Rei Hiroe's popular manga/anime, Black Lagoon. Now before you come at me with pitchforks and torches, allow me to explain a bit....
I feel comparing Gangsta to Black Lagoon is an acceptable comparison as both of these pieces of work share A LOT in common. Both star a cast of gritty protagonists whom run a company/business (Benriya vs the Lagoon Company) that tend to delve into crime and illegal transactions. Both of these works also contain extremely similar settings and very similar themes. Lastly, both works contain a narrative that simply does not care about the reader's/viewer's moral stances on particular matters. They are fully aware of what they are trying to convey and they each try to have fun with it. What I'm getting at here...is that both pieces delve into chaos, crime, and the darker, more cynical aspects of humanity.
Setting: (Just to entertain the argument a little)
Gangsta's Ergastulum
Black Lagoon's Roanapur
Black Lagoon's Roanapur shares a lot in common with Gangsta's Ergastulum. Both serve, as the primary setting of the main events of each work respectively. Both places are also encumbered and convoluted with crime, gangsters, mafias, drug lords, prostitutes, and essentially all things that society commonly views in a negative light. Both settings also play host to several major factions that dominate over each setting as a whole collectively. Where Roanapur houses the Rip-off Church, the Triad, Hotel Moscow, the Verrocchio, the CIA, etc. Ergastulum plays host to major factions such as the police, the Monroe family, the Christiano family, the Paul Klee Guild, and the Corsica family.
While each setting shares a slue of commonalities, it is within my honest opinion that Ergastulum triumphs as a stronger backdrop to Gangsta's plot. Roanapur is simply less fleshed out overall as a setting compared to Ergastulum. In Black Lagoon, we come to understand that Roanapur, thirty five years prior to the beginning of the series was a dying port town. After the Vietnam War, deserting soldiers and prostitutes invigorated the town as it slowly devolved into a crime-ridden, chaotic, hellhole. As such, Black Lagoon's main cast of characters reside in Roanapur most of the time, as it functions as a way to flesh out the character of Rock (primarily) as a man whose morals and ideals slowly become akin to those of the hooligans whom reside here. Beyond hosting most of the plot and being provided with brief background, Roanapur as a setting is just not fleshed out enough to make it an interesting and memorable one when compared to others in anime and manga, in my opinion. While it certainly serves as a successful setting for the kind of story that Black Lagoon tells, it almost feels too convenient that we are introduced to a cast of criminals, only to then believe that their story will take place in a setting that houses an entire town of criminals. While this is minor, I can't help but feel that Roanapur would've been better suited having been introduced at the very get go of Lagoon while placing a better effort to showcase many characters' moral break downs over time instead of only Rock's. This isn't to say that other characters in Lagoon do not receive development, I just feel that most of it was spent on a singular character.
Ergastulum on the other hand, is much more developed and interesting as a setting already into a manga series that currently holds only 34 chapters. Through flashbacks of Worick Arcangelo's past and the dialogue of other characters, we come to learn that Ergastulum was founded in the wake of a great war known as the War of Unification in 1913. It was originally intended to function as a quarantine zone for users of Celebre, whose children would later become the Twilights. However in 1926, due to overcrowding in prisons, Ergastulum became a place where criminals (both humans and twilights) could reside apart from the world. Ergastulum holds a large population of refugees whom were either too poor to sustain themselves or lost their countries/homes to war. With this setup, Ergastulum becomes the center stage for the discrimination and intolerance that arises from humans towards the twilights. Yet, we later learn that in 1934, the Pualklee Guild "successfully" managed to raise the social status of twilights via organizing them into a guild of mercenaries for hire.
Ergastlum plays center stage to the same debauchery that occurs in Roanapur while being better written and simply containing an extra layer of complication taking the form of the unrest humanity holds towards the twilights (leading to protests, homicides, and at times massacre). I can't help but feel that this layer of unique portrayals of discrimination created by Kohske really allows for quite frankly, one of the more unique and memorable settings I have encountered in manga and anime.
Characters:
I want to take this time to now analyze many of the major characters in Gangsta and stray away from the "Gangsta is better than Black Lagoon" idea a bit. I like both series guys!
Worick Arcangelo
Worick is the most outgoing member of the trio that makes up Benriya. He is a man who hides his pain and more serious nature under an easy going, smooth talking, comedy-filled, and charming persona. This is fleshed out with the fact that he is well respected by the majority of the inhabitants of Ergastulum and also works as a gigolo on the side. Yet, Worick's upbringings spout some very interesting elements. We come to learn that Worick was originally named Wallace and was the second son of the vastly wealthy and influential Aracangelo family (though some of his maids gossiped that he may have actually been an illegitimate son). It is in his youth that he first encounters a young Nicolas Brown, a twilight who will become his best friend and close partner in crime. Despite a background of privilege, young Wallace seems to detest his position in his family and always fails to live up to his father's wishes (resulting to domestic violence from his father). It is only until he becomes closer to Nicolas, that he really learns to cherish and value another person (indicative of how worried he got when Nicolas would go on dangerous missions with his father's mercenary group). It's also heart-warming to see that Worick was the one that taught Nicolas how to read and communicate via sigh language, upon learning of Nic's disability.
At a later point, Nicolas offers to kill Wallace's family upon observing Wallace's depression and hardships under his father's abuse (primarily after Wallace's father burns out his eye with a cigarette). While we do not necessarily know if Wallace consented to his family's murder or if it was Nicolas acting on his own accord, the story thus far has hinted that this very act has created a strange kink in Nic and Worick's relationship. While Worick seems to view Nic in a brotherly way, I can't help but feel that he may harbor a conflicted view wavering in the back of his mind as to what he really feels towards his best friend for murdering his family. Whether or not this is in play to set up a potential, future plot element is yet to be known, but may prove interesting if touched on. Lastly, I think a very interesting element behind Worick's character is how seemingly normal he is power/strength-wise compared to the other characters in the manga. He is just an ordinary human who is experienced and crafty with whatever he seeks to accomplish. Yet, his one unique gift creates an interesting dynamic for his character. Readers come to learn that Worick has an incredible memory, being able to recall any face, name, and detail he has ever encountered/observed. Coined, "hyperthymesia" by Dr. Theo, Worick's ability has been described as a dangerous asset that could be used to a vastly influential effect in the wrong hands. This skill alone makes him highly valuable to his allies. With that being said, I find it interesting that a man with only one functional eye to view the world around him possesses such a useful talent as this. At the end of the day, Worick drives a lot of the humor and light hearted moments sprinkled throughout the manga.
Nicolas Brown
Nicolas Brown is the quietest of the trio that makes up Benriya. He's an extremely complicated and well thought out character whom has easily become one of my favorite characters in all of manga/anime. To start things off, Nic's upbringings are some of the saddest portions of this manga's story. Wanting to have his own twilight in his mercenary group and not willing to pay for one, West Gate Mercenary Commander Gaston Brown knocked up a unnamed "tagged" prostitute to bear a twilight son. Upon giving birth to Nic, Gaston killed Nic's mother and took the child to raise as his tool. As such, we come to learn the severity of the circumstances behind Nic's birth from a biological perspective. Kohske goes to great lengths to flesh out what it means to be a twilight in her manga; thus this particular detail adds immense depth to Nic's character:
-Most twilights only live to the age of 30. However, this is mostly for those whom have both a twilight mother and father. Half twilights (such as Nic) are known as "Hagure" and can live a little longer than normal twilights (some have been know to live to the age of 49). However, in return for their abilities, they are born with mental and physical disorders (in Nic's case he was born deaf). These disorders are commonly known as "Compensation." Compensation is hereditary, and the most severe cases of it occur among those who have twilight mothers than those who have twilight fathers-
Nic was brought into the world for the sole purpose of being a tool for his father whom would inevitably suffer some form of disability (due to the biological nature of his birth). Yet, Nic's father eventually abandons him and leaves him with Worick to die without celebre. The scene where Nic watches his father leave him in the rain at the Arcangelo mansion was truly powerful, as it was one of the very few times that Nic's face seemed to reflect genuine sadness in the manga.
Another cool aspect of Nic's character is that his inability to hear allows for him to be portrayed in interesting ways socially. I like the approach Kohske took with his character in making him primarily communicate through sign language and only speaking during moments of irritation or in a few instances when others simply can't understand his singing. However, this does not occur often as he is simply not willing to accommodate for most people, lending to more of the dark-humored facet of his personality. Most of what Nic is thinking can be observed through his expressive face alongside the few times Kohske actually shows us what he's thinking.
The last thing I'd like to mention about Nic's character is the fact that while he and Worick are the protagonists of this series, readers come to understand that they are some of the weaker people in this story. Nic is a twilight that is officially ranked as an A/0, yet through Galahad we learn that Nic is at his most powerful only when he overdoses on celebre uppers. He has cheated the system and is actually a B/5 at best. I find this aspect fascinating as most anime/manga tend to create narratives in which their protagonists are usually powerful members of their worlds, if not the most powerful. Kohske's approach is well received, allowing for Nic and Worick to pale in comparison (power-wise) to a lot of the main cast of characters in her story. How this will affect future plot elements in the story, greatly interests me.
Alex Bennedetto
Alex is the third and final member of Benriya whom up until recently was working as a prostitute in order to survive in Ergastulum. While some readers may come to see her as subscribing to the "damsel in distress" trope, she greatly exceeds expectations. Alex suffers from the side effects of a horrible drug that pimps make use of in order to control their prostitutes. However, the drug has horrible side effects of which include vivid hallucinations and even suicidal/self-destructive behavior. Despite that Alex's previous owner Barry was killed by Worick, she still sees him alive via hallucinations that depict him as a man covered in blood. As such, while adapting to a new life where she is respected and cared for by Benriya, she struggles to shake off the hallucinations that haunt her as well as the possibility that she may try to kill herself at some point. These set of circumstances alone make her an interesting character.
*Side Note: As the manga unfolds, it really is heart warming for readers to see her go from a field of work in which she is used solely for physical pleasure to being a singer at a brothel.
Another interesting aspect of her character is the fact that it is heavily implied that her mother was killed by a twilight. Yet, based on how her character has been portrayed so far, she seems to harbor no hatred or discrimination towards the twilights unlike a lot of the other "normals" in the manga. Learning this, I couldn't help but like her character all the more as she seems to truly care for and respect Nicolas who already gets enough hatred towards him being a twilight.
Kohske's female lead by no means subscribes to the weak, female protagonist trope. She conquers and saves herself from the horrible side effects of drugs (with the help of Dr. Theo) and quickly learns how to adapt and survive in a world of chaos. I personally cannot wait to see how things will go down when she finally meets her brother again and realizes that he is now a member of the Destroyers.
Some honorable mentions of characters that really stood out and their importance:
-Dr. Theo
-He is the only doctor in all of Ergastulum whom is actively caring for twilights and providing them with celebre in order for them to survive (for free).
-He has a strong personality but ultimately cares for those in need, allowing him to wane from being an effective doctor to a stone cold killer when appropriate.
-The manga has set up an important future plot element in Volume 6, with a drug he created and is testing. The drug may allow for the effects of a celebre overdose that only serves to make the user's strengths and senses stronger (albeit lasting only 10 minutes). Although the first test run was a failure.
-Loretta Christiano Amodio
-The current head of the Christiano family at the young age of 14.
-Runs a brothel named "Pussy," that allows for Kohske to drive the idea that both female and men have an equal role in the typical gangster story.
-Awesome character whom displays fantastic leaderships skills and firm independence. She's a badass!
-Marco Adriano
-High ranking member of the Christiano family.
-I'm a big fan of his design: with the deep cut on the right side of his face that extends all the way into his torn right ear.
-Has a past as a member of the Destroyers (important for the current arc).
-His relationship with Constance is serving as an entertaining side plot that is getting more and more intense by the chapters.
-Chad Adkins
-Head of the police.
-Has a strong relationship with Worick and Nic (knowing them for years).
-Serves as an interesting portrayal of cops as he is willing to bend the law and mold situations in ways that allow for justice (even if may not be the "nice way").
-Galahad Woehor
-He's awesome.
-Gina Paulklee
-Head of the Paulklee guild (seemingly composed entirely of militarized twilights)
-Her father Adolph, was said to be only S/0 ranked twilight.
-Can't wait to see more of her character in future chapters.
-Ginger
-Member of the Paulklee guild
-Ranked as an S/5 twilight (the highest ranking we've seen amongst the twilights so far)
-I have a crush on her....
Art Style:
Gangsta's art style actually reminds me a lot of Hiromu Arakawa's style in how expressive and detailed it can really be. However, Kohsek's art is fantastic and distinct enough to stand on it's own when compared to others. I can't stress enough how many pages seem to flow so naturally as if though you were watching an anime. This is something I rarely experience with manga art (the first time being with Takehiko Inou's Vagabond) that I feel really lends itself to the success of why this manga is so great. Most times, readers can really immerse themselves in her world as her art style translates that well off the page. The dark shadows, sunken-in eyes, and rough edges she employs allows for an interesting alignment between art and theme. She even makes use of interesting elements such as carefully placed segments of foreshadowing within her art that by no means come across as cliche or awkward.
*One cool thing worth mentioning is that in Chapter 19 there is a scene where Worick and Nic are fighting a group of anti-twilight terrorists. In the entire scene there is no dialogue and the only thing playing in the background is Ben E. King's song "Stand By Me." This was really cool as I can recall very few scenes in manga in which popular music is implemented. I really can't wait to see this scene play out in the upcoming anime adaptation.
Final Thoughts:
Black Lagoon simply lacks the racial, social, and political themes that are nonexistent in its over the top, action-oriented story. While this may not necessarily make Gangsta an objectively better piece overall, I really feel it only makes Gangsta's narrative look all the stronger when compared. Kohske has created a story where complicated relationships and themes drive a wonderful version of the gangster story that has seen many different renditions over the years. She has created a world in which both males and females play an equal role in chaos and corruption. This is a refreshing notion, as the gangster narrative is typically convoluted with male-oriented/driven plots that tend to leave females on the sidelines.
Twiligths suffer overwhelming oppression and discrimination; they are not even considered humans. I feel this plot device truly resonates strongly with readers. I can't recommend this manga enough and acknowledge for the millionth time: It's only just begun and it already has IMMENSE potential. It's truly sad though that Kohske herself suffers sickness and spends a lot of time in the hospital. Thus, chapters as of recently have ceased until further notice. But Kohske is determined to see her manga completed!
Anyways, I hope to review future chapters of Gangsta as they release so stay tuned for that. Thank you so much for reading and as always have a wonderful day.
*An anime adaptation has been announced for this summer so look forward to that by the way! You can read the article here.
-Nights Off
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