Introduction:
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At the time of writing this review, the manga of Isshou Senkin has just reached Chapter 53. I've been following this manga since the end of 2023 (around Chapter 17). Although I am not the biggest fan of traditional fighting manga, this one grabbed me instantly. What pulled me in was the extreme tonal shift, from a seemingly cute and lighthearted opening to horrifying, nightmarish artwork that completely caught me off guard. Since this manga still flies under the radar, I wanted to write this review to hopefully get more people to check it out.
Isshou Senkin is an edgy, violent and intense manga about an underground fighting organization for women. It walks a fine line between pure action and stylized storytelling, delivering brutal fights and hilarious moments at the same time. The transitions between plot-driven moments and chaotic brawls are seamless, and the pacing never lets up for long. It strikes a unique balance of entertainment and shock value that feels fresh in the genre.
Yabako Sandrowich & Maam:
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The manga is written by Yabako Sandrovich, best known for "Kengan Ashura", "Kengan Omega", and his earlier collaboration with the manga's artist Maam on "How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?". While Maam hasn’t yet made a huge name in the industry, their work on Isshou Senkin proves just how much potential they have. The synergy between Sandrovich’s over-the-top storytelling and Maam’s unhinged, highly detailed art style is part of what makes this series work so well and so much fun.
Pro's:
Isshou Senkin is visually absolutely stunning ....and occasionally disturbing. The character designs range from stylish to grotesque, and the exaggerated expressions and body horror elements amplify the intense tone of the battles. Despite all the chaos, the series hooks you quickly with its strong visual identity and high-stakes energy. The characters are varied, unique, and refreshingly unpredictable. The story focuses on female fighters and isn’t afraid to present women with a wide range of body types, personalities, and strengths. There are even subtle feminist themes running throughout, adding more depth than you might expect from a hyper-violent fighting manga, which makes this series definitely interesting to check out.
Con's:
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Of course, the series isn’t for everyone. Some readers might find it too edgy or over-the-top, especially when it leans into absurd violence. The plot occasionally takes a backseat to the action, with story progression slowing down to make room for extended fight sequences and hype moments. Also, the art style might not appeal to fans of more polished or traditional fighting manga like Kengan or Baki, Maam’s illustrations are raw, chaotic, and at times grotesque, but that’s exactly what gives Isshou Senkin its unique charm.
Conclusion:
All that said, this manga is an absolute blast to read. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and brimming with energy. With badass fights, memorable characters, and a wild visual style, Isshou Senkin stands out as something bold and different. It fits surprisingly well into the extended Kengan universe by exploring the world of female fighting organizations through an entirely new lens. If you're in the mood for something intense, unfiltered, and unlike anything else in the genre, Isshou Senkin is absolutely worth checking out.
