If you loved the gripping art and story of Gunnm then you will equally love the graphic novel Ashen Victor (Haisha in Japanese). Yukito Kishiro once again delivers with his mix of punk, sci-fi, and fantasy that vividly takes readers places no average mind could conjure. Ashen Victor is dark and dreary like Gunnm, but the artwork is more abstract and less concrete giving it a dream sequence look.

     Ashen Victor takes place in the future, but many years before we meet Gally (Alita). Again readers revisit the Motorball circuit, and our lead character this time is a heel Snev, whom the fans love for his fantastic crash and burns.

     The story opens with Snev, despite his fame, being let go by his sponsors because he cannot seem to win a race. Snev's recent losses are due in part to a phantom runner Snev encounters near the end of every competition. The runner unseen by everyone else, comes at Snev full speed with a look joy on his face, and before Snev can stop racing he obliterates the man, and subsequently crashes and burns. For this two page spread alone this graphic novel should be purchased. It is just phenomenal, blood, spine, brains, you name it...full frontal vision.

     Snev, saddened by the loss of his job, goes to visit one of his few friends, a prostitute named Beretta. Beretta is mysteriously murdered after she reveals to Snev a secret that Snev's former boss told her. According to Beretta this secret will not only save his career but change or possibly destroy many in the Motorball Business.

     Like Gunnm, Ashen Victor, relies more on pictures to tell the story than words, and once again the formula works. Those who are fans of Gunnm will love Ashen Victor. If you have yet to join the Gun Dream club then Ashen Victor is a perfect introduction!

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