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Record of Ragnarok pits gods and human heroes against each other in 13 rounds of a once in millennium fight for humanity’s survival. Last volume, Lü Bu fell to Thor, leaving Adam fighting up against the father of gods himself, Zeus. Now in Record of Ragnarok Volume 3, we see the heart-stopping conclusion to their battle and a new champion for humanity enter the ring against Poseidon.
Record of Ragnarok Volume 3 features art by Azychika, a story by Shinya Umemura, and a script by Takyumi Fukui. The series is published and localized in English by VIZ Media through their VIZ Signature imprint. Additionally, its translated into English by Jo Yamakazi and features touch-up art & lettering by Mark McMurray.
With humanity already down by one loss, the second round of the Ragnarok tournament is an unbelievable contest between Zeus, the father of all the Greek gods, and Adam, the very first human being. Seemingly outmatched in every aspect, Adam reveals the resiliency of humanity, and the ability to keep standing. Can he possibly take down the boss of Mount Olympus? While we’re only three volumes in, this fight is the best that has been illustrated. While Adam mimics every single powerful punch that Zeus throws his way, the fight is more than mirroring as we see both of their pasts. And while I won’t ruin it for you here, if you haven’t seen the anime, it has a climactic conclusion that ends with respect.
Next up is Poseidon, the god of the seas, versus one of the greatest Japanese swordsmen ever, Sasaki Kojiro. That said unlike the champions before him Kojiro isn’t the most revered, in fact, he’s remembered as a loser. This allows for complexity to begin to develop in the idea of who gets to be remembered as a hero and more specifically what continual training can do for even history’s most noted loser. While we only see the introduction of this next fight, the build-up is sure to be stunning. Not just because of the match itself, which Fukui makes very certain to point out is no more than mere minutes, but because of the stories about to unfold.
With Record of Ragnarok Volume 3, I have one thing to say: If you’ve seen the anime, I’m here to tell you that the manga is worlds better. Record of Ragnarok seals this deal with its stunning art, sharp wit, and an emotional core that dives deep into the champions on display. While the hyper-stylized bodies may not be for everyone, it is an absolute blast, and something I’m sure fans of series like Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is sure to love.
Record of Ragnarok Volume 3 is available now wherever books are sold.
Record of Ragnarok Volume 3
TL;DR
With Record of Ragnarok Volume 3, I have one thing to say: If you’ve seen the anime, I’m here to tell you that the manga is worlds better. Record of Ragnarok seals this deal with its stunning art, sharp wit, and an emotional core that dives deep into the champions on display.
Kate Sánchez is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of But Why Tho? A Geek Community. There, she coordinates film, television, anime, and manga coverage. Kate is also a freelance journalist writing features on video games, anime, and film. Her focus as a critic is championing animation and international films and television series for inclusion in awards cycles.