“Don’t look down on the power of otakus” is a line to go down in history, mainly because it’s said by an intimidating man who used to be a hitman who has just beaten the ever-living hell out of another hitman. The Geek Ex-Hitman brings this juxtaposition of action and otaku joy with art that’s fit for the most gritty and dark seinen. And it works.
Written by Ko-dai, the series is localized and published in English by Yen Press, translated by Giuseppe di Martino and lettered by Erin Hickman. The series is all about a tall dark and handsome Italian killer for hire named Marco. Known as “The Oracle of Florence,” Marco isn’t just dangerous but he’s never missed a kill. With a 100% mission success rate, this quick, silent, and cold killer leaves it all when one day he finds a figurine from “Hadea Girl Eurydice” and decides to pursue a life of otaku bliss.
Having left Italy behind to immerse himself in the world of anime, manga, and games, the mafia and the Italian government hasn’t forgotten him. While TO changes from The Oracle to Top Otaku with his friends, the danger doesn’t let up when Viviana and Andre close in on him and take him off the board for good.
The Geek Ex-Hitman manages to bring some dynamic action sequences and stellar illustrations that portray a serious action story. At the same time though, we also get the humor of watching an extremely dangerous man become a number one fan completely captured “Hades Girl Euripice” and its moe. That said, the series also manages to introduce two other dangerous characters that start off as antagonists before transitioning into really great secondary characters.
Viviana is a deadly assassin who loves “Hades Girl Eurydice” and BL. A proud fujo, she finds herself swayed by Marco’s dedication and comes to the Top Otaku side. On the other hand, there is Andre. A man who is also a killer but completely disinterested in anime and manga. However, his gift of being a pretty great artist helps complete the trio of future doujinshi mangaka on their way to a comic convention. Yes, that’s where The Geek Ex-Hitman Volume 1 ends and damn is it great.
Entirely wholesome and humorous, The Geek Ex-Hitman has some of my favorite art of the year and offers a story that will speak any and all otaku. It pokes fun at fans without humiliating them and captures an innocence in it all, even if the cover is Marco holding a body pillow and Viviana has a shelf of censored material.
The Geek Ex-Hitman is available now, wherever books are sold both digitally and physically.
The Geek Ex-Hitman Volume 1
TL;DR
Entirely wholesome and humorous, The Geek Ex-Hitman has some of my favorite art of the year and offers a story that will speak any and all otaku. It pokes fun at fans without humiliating them and captures an innocence in it all, even if the cover is Marco holding a body pillow and Viviana has a shelf of censored material.
