Danica Davidson
August 8, 2024 
Search and Destroy describes itself as “based on Dororo by Osamu Tezuka,” but a more accurate description might be “inspired by Dororo.” That’s because mangaka Atsushi Kaneko didn’t simply remake Tezuka’s classic work. Instead, he is bringing out a new story with many parallels to the original.
The first Dororo is a historical work where a young thief known as Dororo is with Hyakkimaru, a ronin who has many prostheses because he was born lacking numerous body parts. Search and Destroy is a dystopian future story involving a civil war where a young thief known as Dororo is with Hyaku, a young woman with prostheses to make up for body parts she lost for a different — and very morbid and sci-fi — reason.
This world is divided up between hyoo and kreach, or humans and creatures. The first volume is setting the stage. It lets us get to know various characters, and introduces us to the very new world it takes place in. A twist near the end sets things in motion for future volumes and gives Hyaku a reason to rage and fight back.
Just as the manga’s story creates its own world, its artwork does a good job of that, as well. The linework is very detailed, the people expressive. Kaneko’s designs also help make the creatures “real.”
Search and Destroy is a gritty science fiction work with quite a bit of action, some violence, and promises of plenty more action and violence in the future. The series is three volumes. That feels like a good length for it with how it’s portrayed in this first book. In other words, it feels tightly plotted, and going on too long could change that, whereas being too short wouldn’t get across all that Kaneko wants to do with this ambitious story.
Search and Destroy Preview
Search and Destroy is published by Fantagaphics in collaboration with MSX: Mangasplaining Extra.
Story & Art: Atsushi Kaneko
Publisher: Fantagraphics
Translator: Ben Applegate
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
