The Fall 2024 Manga Guide

Brunhild the Dragonslayer

What's It About? 

Eden is a place of perfection, protected from outside harm by the silver dragon. In this idyllic land, the dragon raises a human girl found on the island's shores as his own. But when the dragon's life is mercilessly snuffed out by human machinations, the girl must choose whether to heed his dying wish and stay the course of righteousness…or walk a path of vengeance.

Brunhild the Dragonslayer has a story by Yuiko Agarizaki and art by Takeru Kirishima, with English translation by Jennifer Ward. This volume was lettered by Jamil Stewart. Published by Yen Press (September 24, 2024).

Is It Worth Reading?

Brunhild's art is nothing short of beautiful, lavishing in the natural beauty of a literal unspoiled Eden, and the natural riches found within contrasted with the iron-clad war machines of the invading nation that seeks to plunder it. There is a struggle between the protagonist's hatred of the world of man, its empty pursuit to slaughter dragons and make merry of the matter, and the dragon's divine wisdom—that through God's teachings and a good life lies life eternal in the kingdom of Heaven. There's a beautiful story here about nature versus nurture...

… also, a twelve-year-old confesses her romantic attraction to her ageless dragon parental figure, which sets up the conflict for the remainder of the book.

Yeah, Bunny Drop-esque plot aside, Brunhild is at least pretty and goes into interesting territory about faith and overcoming hatred. The real penny doesn't drop until the end and sets up a fascinating struggle (our dragon-loving protagonist is the heiress of an esteemed dragon-hunting family). I wrinkle my nose at the dragon-love sub-plot (was it too hard to keep things... not-incest-y?), and the story takes a long time to get going. Still, I have to say, Kirishima does amazing work drawing those natural vistas and armies of warships.

There's a good fantasy story in here. While I'm not totally sold on this I can see people really vibing with the tone and aesthetic of this manga. Mildly recommended.