RWBY: The Official Manga is a great starting point for fans looking to get into the world of RWBY without having to tackle a massive list of anime episodes.
RWBY: The Official Manga based on the hit Rooster Teeth original anime series of the same name serves as a great introductory point for new fans of all ages. As someone who is familiar with the name RWBY but hasn’t watched a single episode of the anime series this manga was a great starting point for me and it only fueled my interest in the anime itself. It even gave me more incentive to start the anime series in order to watch some of these event play out in full animation and color.
This first volume really lays down the groundwork and foundation of the multiple coming of age stories and adventures these character have to embark on. Each member of the academy, no matter what team they are on, have their own personal obstacles to overcome. And eventually have to learn how to work with one another in order to success and overcome those obstacles.
Seeing the formation of the titular team was great for me at least. Each character brings forth something unique and of value to their respective teams. Now we all know that Team RWBY is the focal point of the story but the manga doesn’t shy away from giving the supporting characters their time to shine. And as someone who, once again, has never watched a single episode of RWBY, getting to know these characters in a different medium was a breath of fresh air.
Mostly due to the fact that I stopped reading manga over ten years ago and just recently starting reading manga again to keep myself in tune with certain anime series that was watching. So getting into RWBY in manga form first prior to even starting the anime was the sense of freshness for me. I haven’t done that since my days of reading manga like Death Note and Ghosttalker’s Daydream.
I do have a few critiques about the manga though. Nothing is perfect and while the story itself is as linear and as cohesive as it is. The artwork at certain points in the manga was hard to make out. That unfortunately takes away from some of the bigger story pieces they’re trying to present. Especially when the hunters and huntresses are fighting the Nevermore. Unfortunately, the fact that manga is always illustrated in black and white, sometimes restricts the illustrator from presenting something in the way they intended.
On the flip side though, there are plenty of moments that are beautifully illustrated. Especially during those big action pieces with Ruby Rose and Blake Belladonna. Both Ruby and Blake were the standouts for me in this volume thus far. I loved Ruby’s shyness but keen sense of observation and how she uses her “shyness” to her advantage in order to formulate a very strategic plan. As for Blake Belladonna, she’s bad ass and headstrong and doesn’t back down from a fight.
In today’s climate which has pushed the envelope for female and women representation. I think this series, as both an anime and now a manga is a great way to shine the line on strong women and strong female characters. I think a lot of female readers will be able to connect with these characters and find something in themselves in these characters. Which I’m sure it has already given how massive the series is even before the manga adaptation.
Overall, this first entry in the RWBY manga was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish and its a manga I would recommend for anyone looking to get their foot in the door into the world of RWBY. Of course there’s the anime and the comic book from DC Comics but if your medium of choice is manga, definitely pick this book.
RWBY: The Official Manga Vol. 1 is available now in print and digitally on Viz Media.
For more anime and manga news, make sure to keep it locked right here at The Nerdy Basement. Also, while you’re here, consider supporting us on Patreon. It’s a simple way of supporting us so we can keep on providing you with your Nerdy News!