Dai Dark, Vol. 4

大ダーク [Dai Dark] #4

by Q. Hayashida

A FISTFUL OF BONES

Zaha Sanko is the most wanted man in the universe. They say that if you claim his bones, you’ll receive anything your heart desires. Having the entire galaxy trying to kill you all the time is kind of a drag when you’re just fourteen years old, but Sanko has the mysterious power of darkness on his side, not to mention a talking spaceship and three horribly powerful space weirdos. Together, they’ve stayed one step ahead of the interstellar megacorporation Photosfere and an ancient cult that calls itself the Lighthead Order. But now, those two organizations are about to join forces to create a brand-new secret weapon!

Genres: Manga, Horror, Science Fiction, Comics, Fantasy, Comics Manga, Japan

214 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2021

About the author

Q Hayashida (林田球, Hayashida Kyu) is a manga author from Tokyo.
Hayashida studied oil painting at Tokyo University of the Arts. She has discussed her childhood and artistic inspirations in interviews but maintains a high level of privacy about her personal life, to the point that her true name and face are unknown.
Hayashida's first major manga was Maken X Another (1999-2001), a comic book adaptation of a video game.
Her most famous work is the 23-volumes long Dorohedoro (2000-2018). It was originally serialised in the alternative manga magazine 'Monthly Ikki', but it was later moved to 'Hibana' when Ikki ceased publication, and finally transferred to 'Monthly Shōnen Sunday'. Dorohedoro has been partially adapted into an anime on Netflix in 2018.
Hayashida's most recent manga series Dai Dark began serialisation in 2019 in the pages of Monthly Shōnen Sunday.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

The running "Oh my god, they killed Kenny!" gag is sort of amusing, but the rest of the book is just a dull fight with no tension whatsoever because all the characters are so overpowered or have instant access to overpowered weaponry.

And the main characters need to find a purpose beyond bone collection and reacting to outside forces trying to kill them.

I have two more volumes on hand from the library right now, but this series is going on probation.


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: Bone 19. Made in Shining -- Bone 20. The Core --Bone 21. Earth, Sky, and the Photonuclear Man-- Bone 22. Gee Hee Hee! The Pool's Open -- Bone 23. Forehead of Light -- Bone 24. My Fair Paggy -- Bonus Bone: A world so silent it makes your ears hurt. Of course you're gonna want some music!

[Matty Dub · Rating 5 out of 5]

How this metal as fuck book filled with some of the darkest themes and tropes you can imagine ends up being a light and wholesome read is something I can’t begin to explain. The terminology sometimes gets a little confusing and the story dips into stream of consciousness territory in some sequences too but it always comes back to its fun, fast, shoot from the hips style of narrative. It feels like Q Hayashida is having a ton of fun with this and I am having a blast reading it!

[Iqra M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW/CW:strong language, body horror, violence , bullying, gore

I didn’t think space necromancy would be interesting, but here I am, 4 volumes in. The dark and crude humour is chef’s kiss. I enjoyed the fighting scenes too. The previous volume didn't have that much substance, so this was a treat. This series is ridiculous, so it’s definitely an acquired taste. I understand why some do not enjoy it. I’m kinda on the fence about it too.

There’s an introduction to an emperor and a cult of some sort. Of course, his name is Big Sparkles. Gah, I love the world-building and character designs. The plot is building up nicely yet slowly. However, Dai Dark is harder to follow than Dorohedoro. The names of the planets or locations , the tools, and the characters are so complicated. My brain hurts. Gotta love Hayashida sensei and her big brain though.

Also, I can’t comprehend that Damemaru is 16 years old and DON’T TELL ME Shimada Death is Noi???

Well, see you next year. /sobs

[marcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vol. 1 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 2 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 3 ★★★☆☆

At this point, I know this series doesn't have a plot and is full of aimless wandering that never amounts to much. Still, I expect it to be fun. This volume is a drag. The fight has no stakes, because you know Sanko is gonna make it out alive due to some wacky antics. The bonus story is fun, but that's really it.

[HJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s just… so much fun😂

[Tika Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very fun series

[Zehra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indon't know why this manga works but it does and is super funny

[Agarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yipiii 10/10 todos, seguimos amándoles a mis chikillos, que risa el Jaime es graciosísimo

[Josh J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good series. Introduces The Photonuclear man! Sparkle

[Luke Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

See Vol. 8 review...

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably already mentioned in other reviews but I finally pegged what the is comic reminds me of: Adventure Time but a little darker, violent, and in space. Goofy and funny with a distinct art style.

[Sophia Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

wait ... pause... introducing REAL villain and villain group ... now shit is REALLY getting interesting

[Alex Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doesn't have as many laugh out loud funny moments as the earlier volumes - we're getting into capital L Lore - which is fine. Still entertaining, and the world is still as weird and goofy and fucked as ever. The best part was actually the little short joke comic where they have mp3 players that are knives that you listen to by stabbing yourself in the head.

[Jeremy Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The lack of a central plot is making this harder and harder to get through

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read volume 1, 2, or/and 3, it’s more of the crazy goodness. On to part 5

[Nick H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very fun volume, though I must say I really don’t find the main cult villains very interesting, despite this volume trying its damnedest to make them formidable. In my opinion, this comic’s strong point lies in the interactions of its main characters, not battles or intergalactic chases. But as always I’m very excited to read another one!

もう一回楽しいコミック。けど実は教団の話があまり好きじゃない。いつも主人公の色んな冒険と会話が1番面白い

[Lexyloowoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost forgot how good the series is. There is something about the creativity that the mangka uses in art that makes me laugh. The artwork is so unique and the storyline is so funny. And just a slightly immature way. But everyone understands. I love this series and I can’t wait to continue it. Because the flashbacks are so nice but the present is also very interesting. And I get excited every time a new member joins them.

[Estibaliz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

Still fun. Still repetitive. Still not a lot of plot, except for the big picture scheming of the corporation trying to get rid of the four little shits...

Actually, I think my favorite part was the bonus material?

I have volume 5 at home, so I'll continue the series, but kind of losing interest a bit.

[Craig Schorling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume was a bit slow but the art was fantastic. The humor also hit. We get more character building with Damemaru which was nice. He is becoming one of my favorite characters. This series is goofy, violent, and over the top in the right ways.

[Mak Hoeksema · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I have to read the word sparkle one more time Im gonna scream. I’m really loving this no plot, but random adventure formatting. Normally I don’t enjoy it unless it’s childrens/teens cartoons, but it works really well here.

[Jason Holtzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This continues to be an odd little series I enjoy reading from time-to-time. Sometimes funny, sometimes a bit of a drag, this volume accomplishes some world building and presents a nice way to pass the time.

I know some call Hayashida's art messy, but I like her style.

[MaKayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite volume thus far! Story line is advancing and character relationships are continuing to develop. Now time for the long wait until the next one 😭

[Brandon Levasseur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes me smile and chuckle every time.

[Slavo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well... it's ok-ish, but it is not Dorohedoro

[♡planetmary♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Il y a pas de plot principal ce qui fait que ce tome était particulièrement long à mon goût

[Brittany Manga · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

The South Park reference...

[Emily]

things:
-a man is cooked up (amounts needed depend on the size of the urn), sparkle
-a mememe-kit (meat-meat-meat-biscuit sandwich) is cooked up
-knife head mp3 player

bye

[Cyrus · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0
Not bad, kinda got distracted after a while but the whole addition of the light people and thier society is cool. Aldo more baby sanko

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars