Title: Battle Angel Alita.
Series: Holy Night and Other Stories.
Author(s): Yukito Kishiro.
Publisher: Kodansha Comics.
Format: Hardcover.
Release Date: November 20th 2018.
Pages: 300.
Genre(s): Manga, Science Fiction.
ISBN13: 9781632367105.
My Overall Rating: ★★★★☆.
Previously on Battle Angel Alita:
Battle Angel Alita Deluxe Edition Vol. 1 by Yukito Kishiro.
Battle Angel Alita Deluxe Edition Vol. 2 by Yukito Kishiro.
Battle Angel Alita Deluxe Edition Vol. 3 by Yukito Kishiro.
Battle Angel Alita Deluxe Edition Vol. 4 by Yukito Kishiro.
Battle Angel Alita Deluxe Edition Vol. 5 by Yukito Kishiro.
To encapsulate the classic cyberpunk series, Kodansha Comics has been releasing the original Battle Angel Alita story line in five beautiful hardcover deluxe editions throughout the year. The latest volume brings joy to fans with a special edition that comes complete their collection with four short stories that have never been published in English before, all set at different moments within the original series’ universe. Offering fans the opportunity to explore various characters and events, these stories procure a very nostalgic and comforting experience into a beloved series.
“Holy Night” is an origin story of cyberphysician Daisuke Ido before he meets Alita in the Scrapyard. While having difficulties doing operations on cyborgs, he finds himself on an identity quest to understand what he wants to do in his life. As if destiny had already set him on a course towards answers, he finds himself in a touching and tragic tale with a peculiar young lady who will lead him to find his way in life. “Sonic Finger” is an action-packed adventure that introduces a new threat to Alita in the midst of her story arc regarding her Motor ball fame. With the initial intention to draw attention to her fine combat skills in an ancient forgotten style, the story also looks to showcase the limitless possibilities in the Battle Angel Alita universe and its cybernetic world.
“Hometown” is a much more experimental story as it follows a character that has rarely ever interested anyone and looks into Alita’s darker times as a tune agent. This dialogue-less story delivers a sad story regarding Machine and their ability to be empathetic. While it is the shortest story in this collection, it is also one that hits you hard emotionally with Alita seen as a danger to society. “Barjack Rhapsody” expands on the Barjack revolution story arc by putting the young photographer Koyomi in the spotlight. This tale explores the young girl’s transformation into adulthood but also delves into her search for purpose and passion. With a very quirky humour integrated subtlety into the story, it also gives a very sarcastic take on the whole Padawan trope.
While these stories aren’t crucial to the original series, they accomplish their goal in giving fans of Alita extra content to savour, especially the more minute details that make this series so special to them. With solid artwork reminiscent of Yukito Kishiro’s original artwork, the stories all vary in quality and length, but deliver quick and fun snippets of the universe. From action sequences to reflections on love and life, each story allows fans to rejoice with satisfaction at the cyberpunk world that will soon be adapted onto the big screen. The volume also contains exclusive bonus material, especially background information and private thoughts by the creator himself on each short story, but also on the tough period of his life that coincided with the end of the original series.
Battle Angel Alita: Holy Night and Other Stories is a beautiful collection of short stories that will surge a nostalgic feeling in fans of the series without introducing ground-breaking stories.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a copy for review!
The final trailer for the live-action adaptation is out! Mark your calendars. Alita is coming to theaters on February 14th 2019!
Roars and Echoes 
Watched that trailer. Man, if it weren’t for the eyes, that would look totally awesome. But those eyes make it look like it just one of those 3d movies like the Final Fantasy movies that look just a little “off”…
Back to the book. From your review, I was expecting closer to 5stars, but I see it was only 3. What dropped it?
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I got to admit too that it does look like it’ll assure us a good time. It takes some of the more action-packed elements of the series and looks to condense it for the better. In fact, in this case, condensing it would be a good thing, but the movie has a lot of potential depending on what kind of story they aim for (with the potential of sequels of course).
Actually a mistake from my part. I didn’t bother to edit the stars hahah (thanks for pointing it out, willingly or not). 😀 It was supposed to be 4. And 4 stars simply because it explores a bunch of random ideas, nothing too complex, just enough to be a nice “extra” for any fan to dive back into this universe again.
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Yeah, an action/adventure movie with this idea would be cool.
Glad that star issue got straightened out. I was wondering what was going on 🙂
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I like that style and have seen the trailer… might have to do the reading just so I can damn the film as being a poor substitute for the book!
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It definitely has a unique manga style that easily reminds us of it and no other series! Hahaha I do think this series could translate pretty well on the big screen and appeal to more people than the manga can though. We’ll find out soon enough! 😁
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These sound exactly like what my daughter reads. Thanks.
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Ohhh, sweet! Thanks for reading, Jen! 🙂
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Always
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I have to say I’m not familiar with Alita but you sure made it sound interesting! Cyberpunk is always pretty cool in my experience, and the art looks super neat. (I can’t get into anything when art sucks, even if everything else is awesome)
I love that there’s subtle humour to it and it’s not all serious and deep, which can be nice but sometimes does get a bit too overwhelming and dull.
Amazing review, Lashaan! 🙂
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Hi Sophie! Ahhh, but soon enough everyone will be either raving or bashing Alita based on how well the movie will be done. Glad to help you acquaint yourself to the manga, and it definitely has a nice clean style that’s easy to follow and enjoy. The series in itself is actually filled with humour, sometimes not very adequate for all ages, and it also has some pretty gory moments too. You’ve been warned. 😀
Thanks for reading! 🙂
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Oh, this movie looks good! 🙂
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Yep. It does. 🙂
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Sounds like an interesting mix- shame it was of varying quality. Great review!
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Yep. A nice volume to complete a collection, that’s for sure. 😀 Thanks!
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