Contrary to popular belief I'll be explaining why this, being one of my all time favorite manga gets a 9.5 despite the fact it is worthy of a 10/10. Here we go...
This series was Tite Kubo’s first published work in Japan. It was serialized starting in 1999, two years before his mega-hit Bleach started its run in Weekly Shonen Jump. As an early work, it is an interesting look at an artist’s growth and development. Like in Bleach, Kubo’s characters have intelligence, cocky attitudes, cool fighting moves, and, in the case of many of the girls, gigantic breasts. In addition to the serious moments when characters struggle with death, family issues, guilt and courage, there are also humorous asides that help alleviate the darkness. This is a much bloodier manga than Bleach, keep that in mind.
Since the two series were released so close together, there isn’t much difference in the art style between Zombie Powder and the early chapters of Bleach. Starting in Volume Two, fans can begin seeing Kubo’s distinctive illustrations for the chapter breaks, which often have the characters in more modern, almost hip-hop-style clothes and poses and incorporate the name of the series within the art. Extras are included in the last three volumes. In Volume Two, there is the short bonus story “Ultra Unholy Hearted Machine,” Kubo’s first work, written when he was 18. The characters in that story don’t yet have his trademark sharp-faced look, but it has the twists and turns readers have come to associate with him. The short in Volume Four, “Bad Shield United,” shows the growth that his art style underwent during a period of about two years. The only problem with Zombie Power is that it is unfinished, leaving readers hanging at the end, just as they are beginning to get to know the characters. I’m not sure why it stopped being serialized, but I do hope that he picks it back up at some point. Gamma’s world is an interesting one, and I’d love to read more about it. Fans who are looking for more works by a beloved creator, especially those who want to see his early efforts, will enjoy this four-volume series. It will also appeal to readers looking for a high-octane, high-action, fast read.
Well, hope you enjoyed that as much as I'm going to enjoy re-reading Zombie Powder once again. (Just wish Kubo would take a quick break from Bleach just to finally finish this would be masterpiece up)