One of my most talked about issues with hero stories of any kind is the age of most heroes. Whether they are super heroes or heroes in a fantasy story, most tend to be teens and very rarely anything over the age of 21. That’s why when I read the synopsis of One Peace Books’ soon-to-be released series, The Ossan Newbie Adventurer, Trained to Death by the Most Powerful Party, Became Invincible, my head tilted in curiosity. Aside from yet another lengthy title—I’m getting used to it by now—Volume 1 follows a man who isn’t a teen nor even a young man but an adult of the age of 32! This fantasy gives hope to me, who is also in his thirties, that maybe I could train to be a hero too! Nah, all jokes aside, the story seems to be a different type of fantasy tale and I couldn’t pass up on reading the first volume. Yet, should you read it as well? Time to find out in our review of Volume 1 by Ken Ogino and designed by Tea! Thank you to One Peace Books for this early review copy!

Art Style

After having read so many fantasy manga and watched them as well, my vision of a typical male protagonist is almost always the same. Thin, lean, cool spiky hair and young features that hide their inner strength. That’s what threw me off about The Ossan Newbie Adventurer Volume 1. Rick Gladiatol—though some places have his name as Gladiator—isn’t that young male protagonist but one that is older, looks worn out from his previous job and should be advising new warriors/adventurers, not becoming one. This different look for an MC though is why I did like the art in this manga.

I won’t say the art blew me away, but there’s a decent amount of detail in character designs that make them look unique even if their personalities aren’t, which I’ll explain later. The magical attacks and action sequences did catch my eye though as they are very stroke heavy and full of flair. Where I lost some interest is in the backgrounds—muted and lacking the same punch. Still, the art here is refreshing for the fantasy manga world.

Story and Characters

Here’s where I’m split on The Ossan Newbie Adventurer. The characters are…kind of mid. Rick is relatable, as he’s someone I think many of us can see ourselves in—seeking goals later in life and struggling to make them happen. That element worked well and kept me curious about what would happen next. Where things went astray is in Rick’s personality and the side characters introduced in Volume 1.

We’re introduced to quite a few characters—maybe too many for a first volume—from the “prodigy” magician/rich boy Freed Diarmuit to his knight sister Angelica, who obviously loses to Rick. Add in the busty maid-like dark elf Reanette and more, and it gets cluttered. I won’t say I dislike them, but none left a strong impression either. Rick’s growth also feels frustrating. He survives level 5 magic, breaks a powerful training bag, and beats stronger foes, yet constantly writes it off as a fluke. The clueless MC trope can work, but here it’s a bit aggravating.

Pacing

For the most part, Volume 1 moves at a brisk pace. We see Rick’s exam to become an adventurer, some backstory, and glimpses of what makes him so overpowered. Thankfully, not everything is explained immediately, leaving room for future development. The pace feels right for a first volume and avoids dragging.

Panel Layout and Flow

The panel layout and flow work well, which is a good thing. Fantasy manga often fall into chaotic layouts, especially during action, but that’s avoided here. Each panel transitions smoothly, though some do get cluttered during big action moments, especially near the end.

Themes and Tones

What saves Volume 1 from being average and elevates it slightly are the themes. I love the concept of an older man becoming an adventurer, not as a seasoned veteran but as someone starting late in life. The message—that it’s never too late to begin something new—is both inspiring and unique for a fantasy manga. This makes the series feel fresh even if other elements remain familiar.

Manga vs Anime

I was surprised to learn there’s already an anime adaptation of The Ossan Newbie Adventurer by Yumeta Company, released in 2024. After checking out a few episodes, I’d say the anime captures the themes well but personally, I prefer the manga. The art style is stronger and the humor feels subtler. For example, the “chest scene” with Reanette feels casual in the manga but exaggerated in the anime. Overall, I recommend reading the manga first, then watching the anime if you’re curious.

Conclusion

The Ossan Newbie Adventurer, Trained to Death by the Most Powerful Party, Became Invincible Volume 1 was a fun read that, despite its flaws, remains entertaining. I hope Rick gains more confidence and the supporting cast gets fleshed out in future volumes. Still, the positive message of starting fresh later in life and the refreshing perspective make this series worth checking out. Add it to your fantasy collection when it releases this September! Big thanks again to One Peace Books for the review copy and best of luck on its release!

ーAaron