Tower Dungeon Vol. 1 is a new manga series by Tsutomu Nihei, the creator of popular titles like BLAME! and Knights of Sidonia. Known for his futuristic sci-fi stories, Nihei takes a step back in time with this dark fantasy adventure. Published by Kodansha, the first volume introduces a world filled with dragons, monsters, and princesses, but it’s far from a typical fairy tale. This review dives into what makes this new release so captivating.
Braving the Tower
Tower Dungeon boasts a large cast of characters, including royalty, monsters, and magic users. At the heart of the story is Yuva, a simple farmer chosen to represent his village in a dangerous mission. Every village must send someone to help with a deadly dungeon crawl, and Yuva, despite lacking magical abilities or combat skills, is his village’s representative. His only weapon? A bag of salt, which he throws with surprising accuracy.
As Yuva ventures into the tower, he uncovers surprising secrets. The undead creatures within aren’t all mindless; some can even communicate with humans. When the princess is taken to the top floor, Yuva and his new companions realize they need to prepare much more thoroughly if they want to rescue her and bring her home safely. The tower is not just a physical challenge; it’s a place of mystery and unexpected alliances.
A Whole New World
Tower Dungeon marks a significant departure for Tsutomu Nihei. He’s known for his futuristic sci-fi settings, like in BLAME! and Knights of Sidonia. Even his work for Marvel, Wolverine: Snikt!, shares a similar vibe. This series is his first real foray into the fantasy genre. While it’s different from his usual work, it still retains many elements that fans have come to appreciate.
One of the most striking aspects of the manga is the monster designs. They are incredibly detailed and often disturbing. Some creatures are skeletal and zombie-like, while others are twisted humanoids. The Drago Tower’s stone walls contain these disturbingly organic beasts, and what Yuva’s group encounters on the first few floors is just the beginning. As the story progresses, readers can expect to see even more bizarre and terrifying creatures lurking within the tower’s depths.
What’s Next?
The first volume of Tower Dungeon primarily focuses on setting the stage. We meet the main characters, each with different backgrounds and motivations. Some want to marry the princess, while others are simply fulfilling their duty. Magicians, fighters, and humble farmers unite for a common cause, even if their reasons for doing so differ. Beneath the surface of the main quest, there are hints of political intrigue and magical conspiracies involving dragon blood and heirs to the throne.
The world-building in Tower Dungeon is rich and detailed. Nihei creates a believable fantasy setting with its own rules, history, and power structures. The tower itself is a character, with each floor presenting new challenges and mysteries. The interactions between the diverse cast of characters add depth to the story, as they learn to work together despite their differences.
Yuva’s journey is particularly compelling. He starts as an ordinary farmer, but he quickly finds himself thrust into extraordinary circumstances. His resourcefulness and determination make him a relatable and likable protagonist. As he faces increasingly dangerous foes, he must rely on his wits and the help of his companions to survive.
The art style in Tower Dungeon is distinctively Nihei’s. His detailed linework and intricate designs bring the world and its creatures to life. The action sequences are dynamic and visually stunning, capturing the intensity of the battles within the tower. The character designs are also well-done, with each character having a unique look that reflects their personality and background.
The themes explored in Tower Dungeon are universal and timeless. The story touches on themes of courage, sacrifice, and the importance of teamwork. It also explores the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of unchecked ambition. These themes resonate with readers and add depth to the overall narrative.
You don’t need to be a fan of Tsutomu Nihei to enjoy Tower Dungeon. The series offers a fresh and exciting take on the fantasy genre. If you are a fan, you’ll appreciate his versatility and willingness to experiment with new genres. While it’s still early days for Tower Dungeon, there’s every reason to believe it could become a strong and enduring fantasy title.
Tower Dungeon Volume 1 goes on sale July 15.