Review by Frank Plowright

The short review of Gantz 9 is that it’s a stunning and unexpected return to the form ensuring the opening volumes were so compelling.

A problem with Gantz for several volumes now has been Hiroyu Oku extending his action scenes into infinity and beyond, and repeatedly phasing in alternatives of the same threat. There was some evidence of that beginning Gantz 8, but followed by the shock of Oku pretty well wiping the slate clean. Only Kei now remains from the previous cast, and it turns out he’s been named in an online journal maintained by one of his former fighting colleagues, leading to questions at school. When summoned for a mission to end Gantz 8 Kei was the only person present.

The way Oku guides events has both Kei and readers underestimating the alien he faces as it’s small. As Kei rapidly discovers, though, that doesn’t mean it’s not without protective talents. Oku does again resort to repetition, but this time it’s not just more of the same and the extension is only for two chapters. After that Oku takes Gantz into entirely new territory.

Even during periods of repetition Oku’s stunning art kept Gantz looking interesting, and his designs have always been strong, so when that talent is applied to something refreshing, the results are amazing.

Gantz moves into new territory here in several respects, not least Kei’s secret life coming home to roost at his school. This volume also sees the introduction of someone who’ll become an important character going forward, which won’t be apparent from the random way they’re introduced.

After such sweeping change, it’s disappointing to note that scantily clad and sometimes naked girls with guns still form the chapter break pin-ups, and Oku’s attitude to women in-story isn’t any better. When Kei and his friends are playing a board game it’s suggested there’s a forfeit, and anyone subject to it will have to ask the girl closest to them out on two dates. It’s sleazy.

Despite that, for the first volume in some while there’s considerable hope of continued quality going into Gantz 10. There’s a sort of cliffhanger ending, but things only seem to be heading in one direction. This volume is also available as part of the smaller sized third Gantz Omnibus.