TLDR
Story – 7/10 – 7 x 0.275 = 1,925
Art – 9,5/10 – 9 x 0.2 = 1,9
Characters – 8/10 – 8 x 0.225 = 1,8
Enjoyment – 8/10 – 8 x 0.3 = 2,4
Total: 8,025 -> 8
Story – 7/10
There isn’t much going on in Giganto Makhia’s story. It follows the main characters – Delos and Prome – after they arrive at a desert and meet the Scarabaei. After a quick fight against the champion of the Scarab people, they are attacked by the Empire, their sworn enemies. It is short but full of action, being primarily a depiction of the battle and its resolution.
The ending was lacking, too open-ended, and definitely felt rushed. Giganto Makhia’s story looked more like an excuse to make wonderful panels rather than a monument in storytelling.
Art – 9,5/10
Miura‘s definitely one of the best mangaka when it comes to art style. Being written during a hiatus of Berserk, it is normal that both art styles look really alike – especially with some late arcs. In fact, there are magnificent panels in Giganto Makhia, which is remarkable since it is really a short manga. The character design is well done, and they are all recognisable. It is a very easy read that has impeccable fluency.
Characters – 8/10
Characters are likeable and possess more personality than in some other bigger mangas. In all fairness, both Delos and Prome really look like they have been inspired by Guts and Schierke from Berserk, respectively. They are not necessarily original, especially if we know Miura’s work, but they work really well in the team and as a duo. The scarab people – the Scarabaei – are also very well designed.
Enjoyment – 8/10
Giganto Makhia is quite an enjoyable read. It is short and very well drawn, with some epic moments (more than one, which is quite something coming from its only seven chapters). It has, however, one flaw: it is too short. It is a shame that it wasn’t further developed, but it is understandable when overshadowed by Berserk, primus inter pares. It’s definitely a recommended and great (short) work by Master Miura.
