Title: All You Need Is Kill

Release Date: 2004

Original story by: Hiroshi Sakyrazaka

Storyboards by: Ryosuke Takeuchi

Original illustrations by: Yoshitoshi ABe

Art by: Takeshi Obata

Positives:

• Great characters
• Interesting story
• Great writing
• Great action
• Great art style

Negatives:

• n/a

Plot:  Keiji Kiriya gets recruited into the war against the invading alien menace called Mimics.  However, he dies on the battlefield only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again.  However, he forms an alliance with a female soldier, Rita Vrataski, who could be the key to his salvation.  The story is interesting and does take its time to gradually reveal the events of the story.  the mimic creatures have a very strong air of mystery about them. The ending was a sad but a good conclusion. (4 out of 5)

Characters:  Keiji is the main protagonist of the story and is a likable character.  He does show himself to be extremely smart and resourceful.  Rita is a strong female character who initially comes off as cold and flat but does reveal a more deep character. What makes these two characters stand out is the fact that their regular people. (4 out of 5)

Art Style:  The art style has a high level of depth that makes the manga highly appealing especially when it comes to the horror based aspects as well as the comedy.  The character designs look good.  The Mimic designs look like a cross between a whopper, a sticker burr, and a pencil sharpener. It’s an unique look. The Jacket armor looks cool but not really unique.  Looks more like the  MJONIR armor in Halo. The action and death sequences are really brutal with a decent amount of gore. And honestly, let’s take a look at the cover art which looks awesome.  The faces of both protagonists, Keiji with a blue theme and Rita with a red.  It also shows how pissed off Keiji is compared to Rita who seems extremely cool. (5 out of 5)

Writing:  Sakyrazaka does a pretty good job when it comes to the writing. It does have the psychological element to it that balances the horror, action, and humor. Between the plot and the characters the story is pretty complex and game into account the political aspect.  The dialogue is really good and helps to emphasize the intensity and the level of description is to be commended. (5 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, All You Need Is Kill is a very entertaining read.  Honestly, there weren’t really any significant negatives.  Keiji and Rita are actually pretty good characters, the action is intense, the story is well written, and appealing art style.  All You Need Is Kill gets 5 out of 5.