(This review will contain spoilers for Chapter 7 to 11)
I haven’t read anything else from the authors Takumi Fukui and Shinya Umermra, but how they write the fights is amazing. Chika Aji, the artist, is working on a manga for the first time and you can see how great the communication between the story and art is.
Speaking of the art, there’s mental and/or physical conflicts in every single chapter. And whenever there’s a conflict of either, the art is detailed, messy, and beautiful. You can tell how powerful and how a character feels from the art.
What makes this Shuumatsu so great, however, are the characters. Of course, they’re based on real Gods and real humans in a fictional story, but seeing them interact with each other is by far the most interesting part. Each contender has their own reason for fighting, not just for the sake or harm of humanity, but their own personal reason. From the fight about excitement and respecting each other to a fight about what it means to be humans.
Despite only having 39 chapters with 4 fights, every moment feels great. My favorite fight by far has to be the Adam vs Zeus fight. What makes it such a good fight is who they are. Adam was the first human being, has several children, and lived a peaceful life until his wife was accused of a crime. Instead of the typical rage filled punch to the wrongdoers, he simply tells his wife that it doesn't matter what happens, and they’ll just move away from the Garden of Eden and start a new life, whereas Zeus..is the most horrifying God yet. He comes off as a feeble old man, but is the strongest, craziest one. Filled with the excitement for a fight, his jumpy attitude and perverted mindset, he’s horrifying. Despite the crimes higher beings committed towards Adam’s family, Adam never gets angry and always remains calm. The reason why he isn’t fighting isn’t for revenge, but for the safety of his family.
It’s such a beautiful read and I wholeheartedly plead to you to read it if you enjoy tournament stories.