Underground, vol. 1 | Review

Underground, vol. 1

Story and art by JR De Bard

Saturday AM, released 5/16/2023

Age rating: Older Teen 16+

When I heard that Underground by JR De Bard won the Bronze at the International Manga Awards in Japan, you couldn’t even imagine how happy I was. To hear about a manga written by a BIPOC mangaka, who is also a fellow New Yorker, not only made me so proud to be a part of this industry, but this accomplishment showed all the doubters that there is room for BIPOC mangakas in the field. 

Especially Black mangakas.

So what is the appeal of Underground? 

For starters, the story. Underground centers on a biracial martial artist named Karim Yum, who’s seeking revenge against a violent gang who attacked him, and derailed his Olympic dreams. While it does sound like your typical revenge story, there’s an added twist. Due to the severity of the attack, Karim is afflicted with an illness that can become fatal if Karim becomes too reckless. While Karim is dead set to get his revenge, he has a nurse (and potential love interest) by his side who reminds him of his conscience and mortality.

So what better way to stop this illness than to go into the world of underground fighting to seek vengeance against those who put you in this situation? 

Insane, yes. Compelling with action and some of the best artistry that flows with the story? Absolutely. 

Each page is blessed with crisp illustration that matches the edginess of the story. While Underground is rated older teen due to the violence and language (f-bombs galore), it’s still a manga that everyone should give a chance. Using his martial arts background, De Bard gives us a realistic taste of mixed martial arts with a story that will keep the reader’s attention. In addition, Underground gives readers like me that are now taking shape: representation of those outside of Japan. For those who love manga but still feel a disconnect, it’s refreshing to see a character that represents the BIPOC community without stereotypes. We’re seeing more of it now, and I hope we get to see more in years to come. 

We do belong in this beautiful world of manga. Underground, its publisher Saturday AM, and other BIPOC mangakas out there are proof of that. 

Now onward to Underground, volume two because how it ended only shows that we’re only just getting started.

Happy Black History month, everyone!

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Manga, Reviews, Young Adult