Introduction

As an otaku, I’m into all things nerdy. I love the idea of dragons and the lore people create about them. That’s why I was more than happy to accept an early copy of Brunhild the Dragonslayer Volume 1 and review it.

You have dragons, a powerful female protagonist, and a fantasy theme set in oddly enough the modern age, which sounds amazing on paper. Well, folks, I read volume 1 of Brunhild the Dragonslayer but was this what I wanted, or is this particular dragon not as legendary as the ones of myth? In my full review of Brunhild the Dragonslayer Volume 1, we’ll find out!

Thanks again to Yen Press for providing us here at SunsetNerdVerse with an early copy!

Art Style

In my opinion, because art is subjective after all, Brunhild the Dragonslayer is gorgeous, visually. Everything from the minor details on the dragon to how the girl’s clothes looked/flowed was perfectly illustrated.

In the various battle scenes, especially the naval fleet battle, I was in awe of how the multiple vehicles looked and how much detail was on them. I could almost mentally imagine them trying to bomb our dragon guardian and him using his powerful abilities to take them down even though the images were still.

Excellent job to artist Takeru Kirishima. Brunhild the Dragonslayer is perfect!

Story & Characters

The interesting thing about Brunhild the Dragonslayer is it’s a vague story that leaves much to wonder about. We learn that there’s an island called Eden, those familiar with the bible should know what this place is about.

The only place defending it from being invaded is a dragon guardian. You may wonder if people want to invade Eden. On the island, several items can help propel people into a greater existence. The dragon doesn’t allow humans to get these sacred items as ordered by God to protect Eden.

One day, a young woman is found on the island, and after a fierce battle, the dragon observes the little girl covered in his blood, which should spell doom for the child as the dragon’s blood is pure poison to humans. Enough, our little girl survives and the two come together as a family to protect Eden.

Brunhild the Dragonslayer’s story is…strange to say the least, but very original and that’s what made it so fun to read. Usually, in most of these stories, I can predict what will happen next but Brunhild the Dragonslayer always did something different in some way. I could predict a few moments here and there but, even when I realized what would happen, the story does shock you a bit.

I wonder what volume 2 will do and if we will learn more about the dragon and his “child”.

Pacing

Brunhild the Dragonslayer does an incredible job of not being too slow in its world-building and early days of the girl and the dragon. I was more than satisfied seeing how they show the progression of time as simple for the two despite their occasional attacks on the aisle.

I wish we were given some more bonding sequences between the pair as I would love to have seen their time together mature a bit more but I do believe if they spent too long on that it would be almost defeating the purpose of how time feels for the dragon.

The ending sequence where we discover the girl’s origins was perfectly handled by author Yuiko Agarizaki, as it hits you with one gut punch after another. I was almost just as enraged at our female lead when she met her actual father and his seeming distance towards her. I can certainly see volume two going back a bit to show how they got separated in greater detail or glossing over that element to further push our female lead into her desire to grow stronger and rip him to shreds.

Panel Layout & Flow

With action/fantasy stories, a fear I always have is how the mangaka and artist will handle all the scenes/panels. It can be tough to contain all the chaotic action moments. Brunhild the Dragonslayer isn’t solely an action manga but there were plenty of battles in volume 1 and they were handled perfectly. My eyes could follow all the imagery being thrown in some panels and it was never an issue knowing what scene came next.

There’s one particular moment where a gigantic fleet attacked and the dragon/girl was taking the threats down yet, as crazy as that was, it was easy to keep reading and not stop to see if I missed something. I was quite happy with how the panels looked and were laid out.

Flow-wise, Brunhild the Dragonslayer does a great job. There’s a pretty sizeable amount of time spread throughout volume 1 but it doesn’t feel like time skipped and potentially, a lot was missed. I think the flow was consistent and fine for an action/fantasy story but I do hope volume 2 does slow down so we can see more of the characters and lore.

Themes & Tone

Brunhild the Dragonslayer has a unique feeling behind it that isn’t easy to explain. Rather than be about a fantasy world where dragons and knights roam the world, Brunhild the Dragonslayer is set in what seems to be the modern world We see naval vessels and aircraft attack the isle of Eden, as well as, our dragon and young woman enter a modern city with current age technology.

However, Eden alone is a location we know exists in the bible and to see a dragon as its protector is very peculiar, indeed. I think Brunhild the Dragonslayer utilizes various themes within its plot to craft an alternative take on what we consider the present age and it reminds me of a series called To Your Eternity where societies evolve and are altered in numerous ways.

What I feel even more bizarre about Brunhild the Dragonslayer is the relationship between the dragon and his young “daughter” he raises as his own despite her being a human. As we learn midway through volume 1, our young girl doesn’t love the dragon as a father/daughter but as a woman to a man creating an awkward scenario for the dragon himself.

The dragon goes as far as to say it’s a sin to love one another and while they aren’t related (we learn of her true origins near the end of volume 1), I was still shocked they decided to go this route. It isn’t incestuous or trying to be a taboo-toned series but aims to show that love wasn’t the same between the dragon and girl but, is still there nonetheless.

I liked this element of Brunhild the Dragonslayer and am curious if the series will approach other concepts similarly.

Conclusion

After reading that incredible first volume, I am dying for volume 2 and now, I might check out the light novel! Our young dragon girl is now set on revenge after the death of her love and that last panel made me eager to know how she will obtain such vengeance!

I can certainly see Brunhild the Dragonslayer getting popular and eventually, getting an anime adaptation but, if it stays as a manga, I think it has the potential to be a great series! If I can I’ll check out volume 2 when it releases but dragon fans out there who need a good new manga to read, check out Brunhild the Dragonslayer volume 1!

ーAaron