Sep 10, 2024
The first time I read the initial chapters, I found it promising. It was intriguing to see a man who grew up surrounded by rats, developing the ability to communicate with and even control them. It reminded me of a Western movie with a similar premise, though I’m unsure if the manga was inspired by it, or if it’s merely coincidental.
The story begins with a child abandoned by his parents and somehow adopted and raised by rats. He grows up able to interact with them and, at a certain point, is taken in by a hobos living under a bridge. From there, he is raised
...
as a normal human being.
As the story unfolds, the protagonist grapples with the concept of humanity, struggling to live as an ordinary person while the world around him makes him question the value of being human, especially since rats have been such a significant part of his life. The plot follows his journey to define his own version of humanity, shaped by his bond with the rats. However, the humans around him push him into a life of crime, as his perception of humanity conflicts with what he experiences. Eventually, he rises to become a top criminal, using rats to achieve his goals.
Early on, it’s enjoyable to see how he navigates the normal world, employing rats in various situations. The action has a certain straightforwardness typical of '80s manga, which adds to the fun.
However, as Yhagbakri mentioned in their review, the plot doesn’t develop much and ultimately feels aimless, with the premise built in the early chapters failing to deliver by the end.
The art style is decent—not extraordinary, but still effective in telling the story. The rats are particularly well-drawn (we don’t get a "Mickey Mouse" version of rats here). The character designs are distinguishable, and the backgrounds are often stunning, showcasing the beauty of traditional ink pen techniques. Throughout the series, the artwork becomes inconsistent. Some panels are beautifully detailed with dynamic backgrounds, while others feel lackluster and sparse.
Overall, Army of Hell left me deeply disappointed, as it failed to meet the expectations set in the earlier chapters. I picked it up because it's rare to find a manga focused on rats, but after reading it, I’m still unsure whether I’d recommend it to others. The scanlation team did a solid job—the raws were clean, and the translation was clear and engaging. It's not a long read, with each chapter being short enough to finish in a single sitting or over a weekend. However, I can’t promise it will be a satisfying series for everyone.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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