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Levius/est #1
Levius/est, Vol. 1
As society rises from the ashes of war, cybernetically augmented arena fighters battle for fame and fortune…or die trying.
It’s the 19th century, and the world has entered the Era of Rebirth, recovering from the devastating flames of war. The sport of Mechanical Martial Arts has galvanized the nations. Cybernetically augmented fighters turn their blood into steam and their bodies into brutal fighting—and killing—machines.
Young Levius is one of those arena battlers, hell-bent on winning so he can simply survive.
Having fought his way into the top grade of Mechanical Martial Arts, Levius faces an ever-changing world that grows more threatening by the day. The shadowy megacorporation Amethyst wields its military might across the world through advancements in the arena. Can Levius be the fighter who changes the course of the world’s fate?
It’s the 19th century, and the world has entered the Era of Rebirth, recovering from the devastating flames of war. The sport of Mechanical Martial Arts has galvanized the nations. Cybernetically augmented fighters turn their blood into steam and their bodies into brutal fighting—and killing—machines.
Young Levius is one of those arena battlers, hell-bent on winning so he can simply survive.
Having fought his way into the top grade of Mechanical Martial Arts, Levius faces an ever-changing world that grows more threatening by the day. The shadowy megacorporation Amethyst wields its military might across the world through advancements in the arena. Can Levius be the fighter who changes the course of the world’s fate?
212 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2015
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209 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 26, 2019
Levius is a war orphan MMA arena boxer who's been cybernetically augmented with a special arm. In this case MMA means the sport of mechanical martial arts. Set right after World World I in a sort of alternate history that developed advanced science and medicine. Levius has been taken in by his uncle Zach, with a mysterious past of his own. Together with Bill, a brilliant engineer who keeps Levius' augments working, they hit the MMA federation and get to the highest ranks... but not without opposition. All because the economics of war are too advantageous to certain organizations and they want to use the MMA to ignite the flames of a new war! Levius/est is the next part of the story as Levius deals with the fallout from winning his world altering MMA battle.
Things didn’t end happily just because Levius won his battle. However, we see that hope is not lost. Particularly A.J.’s circumstances have changed. The underground facility was quite shocking visually. Zach and Bill have Levius’ future in their hands. I loved how their personalities dictated how they responded, both understanding the other. It’s a beautiful friendship!
We meet a new character that rivals Hugo for most extreme personality! It’s a girl from a Levius and Zach’s past. She makes for a crazy addition to everything going on. A.J. Is like a calm storm to this new girl, I really appreciated their contrast. We also learn more about the new head of Levius’ new gym. They are mega benefitting from that battle of Levius.
A.J. is quite important now with Amethyst starting a new war. I really appreciate how she put everything together. She really suits Levius, for this not being a romance story I love the two of them together. I feel like they could be happy eventually. I really want to see that happen.
Levius/est vol 1 establishes this theme of sheer willpower. We learn more about the steam power that runs everything in this alternate history. And how Levius and A.J.’s pasts fueled their willpower. It’s also a part of the other characters pasts too. I really love how persevering through the difficulties life brings her is the focus of this series, it’s so true to life. Now I’m anxious how Levius and A.J.’s willpower will play out in this war. Onto the next volume!
Things didn’t end happily just because Levius won his battle. However, we see that hope is not lost. Particularly A.J.’s circumstances have changed. The underground facility was quite shocking visually. Zach and Bill have Levius’ future in their hands. I loved how their personalities dictated how they responded, both understanding the other. It’s a beautiful friendship!
We meet a new character that rivals Hugo for most extreme personality! It’s a girl from a Levius and Zach’s past. She makes for a crazy addition to everything going on. A.J. Is like a calm storm to this new girl, I really appreciated their contrast. We also learn more about the new head of Levius’ new gym. They are mega benefitting from that battle of Levius.
A.J. is quite important now with Amethyst starting a new war. I really appreciate how she put everything together. She really suits Levius, for this not being a romance story I love the two of them together. I feel like they could be happy eventually. I really want to see that happen.
Levius/est vol 1 establishes this theme of sheer willpower. We learn more about the steam power that runs everything in this alternate history. And how Levius and A.J.’s pasts fueled their willpower. It’s also a part of the other characters pasts too. I really love how persevering through the difficulties life brings her is the focus of this series, it’s so true to life. Now I’m anxious how Levius and A.J.’s willpower will play out in this war. Onto the next volume!
December 22, 2019
An utterly incomprehensible steampunk mess about cyborg M.M.A. fighters (Mechanical Martial Arts, in this case) with occasionally striking art. The dialogue and plot feel as if they were being dictated by an eight-year-old, you know, like Axe Cop, Vol. 1 but without the humor. Apparently this is the restart of an earlier series that I have not read and will certainly not seek out.
Also, it was weird to read a manga from left to right. I assume it has been flipped for English audiences, but why would Viz do that after so many years of printing their books in the Japanese right-to-left style?
Side note: For those keeping track, this is now the 15th book I've read this year to prominently feature an amputee. The unexpected trend continues.
Also, it was weird to read a manga from left to right. I assume it has been flipped for English audiences, but why would Viz do that after so many years of printing their books in the Japanese right-to-left style?
Side note: For those keeping track, this is now the 15th book I've read this year to prominently feature an amputee. The unexpected trend continues.
August 9, 2021
I picked this one up on a whim. While I didn't love it, the story was quite interesting. I recommend Levius/est to sci fi fans!
December 22, 2019
All I really know is that the art was nice, don’t ask me anything else because idk bro
March 1, 2021
Honestly what really drew me into this book was the description. It depicted an epic arena battle between mechanically enhanced humans, and so that's what I thought I was getting. What this book really was, however, was a kind of prequel to that, which don't get me wrong was interesting, but I found it really hard to follow. You ever feel overstimulated? Because that's how this book made me feel. It just had so much going on all at the same time that I couldn't really follow any of it.
Check out my full review here!
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Check out my full review here!
https://radioactivebookreviews.wordpr...
December 26, 2020
Up until about page 100 I was so confused. I was sure that I wouldn’t want to buy the second volume because I felt like the writing was awful. The art is beautiful but the plot was all over the place. Maybe it also got lost in translation.
Anyway, in the last two chapters everything got kinda captivating, and I have a few questions, and I might be slightly in love with the character that got introduced right at the end.
So, if I get a chance to put my hand on the second volume, I’ll probably get it. But I won’t actively seek it.
Anyway, in the last two chapters everything got kinda captivating, and I have a few questions, and I might be slightly in love with the character that got introduced right at the end.
So, if I get a chance to put my hand on the second volume, I’ll probably get it. But I won’t actively seek it.
July 28, 2024
(Zero spoiler review)
A complete and utter narrative mess that spurns the amazing artwork. I've actually borrowed this from my library tice now. I forgot the first time I did and was once again suckered in by the artwork. Both times I quickly realised the error of my ways and stopped reading. There won't be a third time. 2/5
OmniBen.
A complete and utter narrative mess that spurns the amazing artwork. I've actually borrowed this from my library tice now. I forgot the first time I did and was once again suckered in by the artwork. Both times I quickly realised the error of my ways and stopped reading. There won't be a third time. 2/5
OmniBen.
May 26, 2021
In the process of binge reading this series, well the volumes that are out already and I may or may not be emotionally invested in a few characters.
Also noticed some people have read this before reading the Levius hardback, like do yourself a favour and read that first then read these.
You'll thank me later and you won't be confused.
Also noticed some people have read this before reading the Levius hardback, like do yourself a favour and read that first then read these.
You'll thank me later and you won't be confused.
October 13, 2022
i thought the cover looked interesting but reading it was a nightmare. it’s poorly written and hard to follow.
July 16, 2020
I'm so confused....
I feel like I barely know what is going on. No, you know what. I felt like I started reading this series smack dab in the middle. Like I should already know the characters and what's going on and how they got into these situations. Also I hated the fact that they flipped this manga around. I read a solid five pages before I was like wait this makes no sense (not that it made sense reading it the correct way either).
more like 2.5 stars rounded up to 3
I feel like I barely know what is going on. No, you know what. I felt like I started reading this series smack dab in the middle. Like I should already know the characters and what's going on and how they got into these situations. Also I hated the fact that they flipped this manga around. I read a solid five pages before I was like wait this makes no sense (not that it made sense reading it the correct way either).
more like 2.5 stars rounded up to 3
December 26, 2023
borrowed this from my coworker bc it looked really good and i think it would’ve been really good had it not like just jump you right into it and took the time to explain things more deeply with much more detail and backstory? couldn’t connect to any of the characters because of that.
January 26, 2020
Review to come
July 27, 2022
DNF at 73 pages. This book is all over the place and simply just dramatic for no reason whatsoever.
August 24, 2020
Levius.. help... my little brother. — A.J. Langdon
So I'm reading Levius/est without reading Levius and I don't know if that is a problem. I vaguely think it might be. Either way, the opening makes enough sense that it could almost be a catch up (seriously I can't tell). It's a boxing story set against a steampunk punk background. This volume is a lot of scene-setting, introductions and background. We meet Levius as not much more than a child at the end of the world as he knows it in 1837. Within pages we see his mother disappear and waking up in the safety of his uncle's house. By the end of the chapter he's made the decision to start fighting in Mechanical Martial Arts and we meet A.J. a weapon.
For a title character and a volume in Levius is a bit of a mystery. He has a traumatic past but is caring for others. But there s a piece of the puzzle missing, I can't figure out what it is. Zack is fantastic, larger than life and funny. A.J. is a loyal, deadly angel and I'll hear nothing bad about her. Natalia is crazy. I'm pretty sure that is going somewhere bad for her and everyone else. I like relationships between the four.
I have the second volume of this on hold at the library. We'll see if I keep going after that. It's not my usual thing but I do like it, it has an impressive lore behind it blood is power. There is an anime too (thank you Netflix) which I may look at.
The crucial attribute is willpower. That's why you and Levius are so so strong despite your slim forms. One reason the M.M.A. is so influential... is that past trauma and future hopes... add to a fighters strength in the ring! — Bill Weinberg
A representative gif:
August 2, 2024
At first, the story didn't grasp me as much, but it did towards the end of the volume. The concept was interesting, but I think the story's world gave out a vibe that didn't attract me very much.
A big part of it was how the artwork showcased that universe. It takes place in the mid to late 1800s, and instead of looking like an alternate modern 1800s era, with technology like screens, cars and futuristic elements like M.M.A. (mechanical martial arts - something that has yet to be invented), it looks like a shabbier one with the technology mentioned above. Usually when I read a manga, I'll think of how I would feel living in that world, and if I'd like it or not.
BUT, it was still interesting seeing a mix of time periods and the artist still did a great job with the artwork! Even if it wasn't really my cup of tea, that series has a great concept. Will I continue Levius/est? Maybe, maybe not. I have many other mangas to read, but I may come back to this one eventually.
Do I still recommend it? Absolutely! It's still well worth checking out! As mentioned above, the story did grasp me towards the end of the volume, so I would probably get more into it as I read other volumes.
A big part of it was how the artwork showcased that universe. It takes place in the mid to late 1800s, and instead of looking like an alternate modern 1800s era, with technology like screens, cars and futuristic elements like M.M.A. (mechanical martial arts - something that has yet to be invented), it looks like a shabbier one with the technology mentioned above. Usually when I read a manga, I'll think of how I would feel living in that world, and if I'd like it or not.
BUT, it was still interesting seeing a mix of time periods and the artist still did a great job with the artwork! Even if it wasn't really my cup of tea, that series has a great concept. Will I continue Levius/est? Maybe, maybe not. I have many other mangas to read, but I may come back to this one eventually.
Do I still recommend it? Absolutely! It's still well worth checking out! As mentioned above, the story did grasp me towards the end of the volume, so I would probably get more into it as I read other volumes.
September 30, 2024
This whole thing read like the montage version of a story that had already been going despite it carrying the number 1 on it.
Then I found out that is exactly what this is. This is the first volume of the SECOND series in this franchise. No wonder I didn’t understand anything.
Unfortunately this one didn’t do much to win me over to its side with it characters, I can’t see myself picking any more volumes up from this franchise.
It wasn’t boring and the art was rather pretty, but it was so unengaging.
Then I found out that is exactly what this is. This is the first volume of the SECOND series in this franchise. No wonder I didn’t understand anything.
Unfortunately this one didn’t do much to win me over to its side with it characters, I can’t see myself picking any more volumes up from this franchise.
It wasn’t boring and the art was rather pretty, but it was so unengaging.
December 8, 2024
Menos mal que al leer los comentarios de los demás lectores, he encontrado a gente que comparte la misma visión que yo sobre el manga. Estéticamente me parece algo chulísimo y muy atrayente, pero argumentalmente falla muchísimo.
Es decir, no paraba de tener la sensación constante de que me había perdido algún capítulo, o mi edición estaba mal o algo. Pero bueno, me hizo la esperaba más amena en el aeropuerto de Barcelona. Gracias, supongo.
Es decir, no paraba de tener la sensación constante de que me había perdido algún capítulo, o mi edición estaba mal o algo. Pero bueno, me hizo la esperaba más amena en el aeropuerto de Barcelona. Gracias, supongo.
February 28, 2020
This was so good !
It's a steampunk 19th century alternate history manga set in Europe. I honestly adored the historical elements and the interactions between characters. This is a sequel to the original series LEVIUS but I adored this on its own. It gives a good recap and then sets up for where the rest of the series is going to go. I'm excited to see where it moves to!
It's a steampunk 19th century alternate history manga set in Europe. I honestly adored the historical elements and the interactions between characters. This is a sequel to the original series LEVIUS but I adored this on its own. It gives a good recap and then sets up for where the rest of the series is going to go. I'm excited to see where it moves to!
January 2, 2021
I thought it was ok, but maybe it is more than good, because I made the mistake to read it without realize that this was a second series LOL. I thought it was a disconnected and confusing story, so it's probably really good because I enjoyed it even though I couldn't understand many of the details in the story :P
January 17, 2022
It was really confusing and the book didn’t explain anything that was happening or who certain characters are. They kinda just appeared and you are expected to care. Overall I would recommend only if you have exhausted every other options. The second book does explain more though and it does get better.
September 9, 2020
Continues the story begun in the hardback collection. Even though this is a volume 1, this continues the previous story. There is a recap but if you didn't know it was a recap it would be fairly confusing.
January 18, 2022
Could be an interesting premise, just wasn't doing it for me today. The beginning was really hard to follow, and I think they tried to do too much heavy exposition in the first half of the book. I didn't find myself caring about the characters.
October 28, 2019
Natalia may just ruin everything...
January 15, 2020
Fantastic art but bland story, and the first volume is a recap of the prequel.
January 22, 2020
Two words: steampunk boxing.
April 4, 2020
Good star, but I found the beginning a little confusing.
July 9, 2020
Wasn't bad I think I'll read more
July 18, 2020
Amazing art, but the plot lacks clarity
December 1, 2020
3.5 stars.
February 24, 2021
This is definitely what the first Levius book was missing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews