This week on Manga Monday I’m covering a series I recently read through. It’s Kurogane no Linebarrel, or Linebarrels of Blackiron in English, by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi.

Plot Synopsis: The story takes place in a fictional alternate future, centering on a junior-high school student named Kouichi Hayase, who escaped his daily life of being ridiculed as a child by daydreaming about being a hero. His life is forever changed during a class trip in 2016 when an artificial satellite falls from orbit.

Plot: The plot is pretty serious and covers some pretty deep topics, don’t let Kouichi’s fixation on being a hero distract you from the super serious nature of the series.

Characters: I liked Kouichi after the first few chapters, because he goes through some major character development in those chapters. I love the cast of characters, they are all very interesting. I can’t pick a favorite because they are all so good.

Art: The art is pretty gritty, and while it’s got it’s comedic tones occasionally it’s usually very serious and the art reflects that well.

Overall: A must read series.

For those who like: Mecha, Drama, Action, Great Plots, Amazing Cast of Characters, Fantastic Artwork.

Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above.