The Essential Gunsmith Cats Omnibus Volume 3
Dark Horse Comics' release of Gunsmith Cats Omnibus Volume 3 marks a significant moment for fans, presenting the concluding chapters of Kenichi Sonoda's original series alongside invaluable historical content. This collection is arguably the most crucial for long-term enthusiasts, bringing together pivotal storylines and rare early works that shed light on the series' origins. For thirty dollars, this 650-page volume offers exceptional value, packed with Sonoda's signature blend of high-octane action, intricate gunplay, and memorable characters. It is a fantastic deal for largely superb manga.
The Climax: Mister V Arc
At the heart of this omnibus lies the "Mister V" storyline, a powerful arc that serves as a de facto climax for the entire Gunsmith Cats series. This arc kicks off with explosive intensity, gravely injuring Rally's detective ally, Roy Coleman, and maintaining a relentless pace thereafter. "Mister V" delves deep into Rally Vincent's past, finally providing answers about her conspicuously absent parents and the motivations behind her chosen profession. It is a tragic and bloody narrative, exploring the emotional core of our protagonist in a way no previous arc had. The revelations are impactful, making it the most potent storyline in the entire series and alone worth the price of admission.
The Return of Goldie
Adding to the dramatic intensity of "Mister V" is the return of the iconic antagonist, Goldie. She is presented as an improbably formidable foe, capable of holding off multiple armed men not only through mind-control drugs but also by sheer physical prowess. Goldie's nature as a larger-than-life threat makes her a worthy adversary for the hyper-competent Rally. Her motivations are intriguing, driven by a twisted form of love rather than simple hate. However, Goldie remains a deeply problematic character, an archetypal predatory lesbian who keeps drugged young sex slave girls as "pets" and treats them as disposable. She ruthlessly exploits Rally's human empathy. A flashback attempting to humanize Goldie is deemed unsuccessful by the reviewer, as her monstrous actions persist, culminating in deeply uncomfortable scenes of sexual coercion intentionally depicted as horrid. The themes of violence, self-harm, physical child abuse, sexual coercion and abuse, psychological abuse, and frequent nudity are prevalent and serve as a crucial content warning for readers.
Riding Bean: A Glimpse into the Past
A standout feature of this omnibus is the inclusion of four rare Riding Bean manga chapters, a significant bonus previously only available in a highly scarce edition. These chapters offer a fascinating look at Kenichi Sonoda's precursor work to Gunsmith Cats. While the Riding Bean manga ends abruptly, it establishes the no-nonsense attitude and unexpected soft spot for kids that define the practically unkillable courier, Bean Bandit. The early art style is described as charmingly rougher, possessing a distinct 1980s vibe, yet already featuring Sonoda's core elements: gunplay, car chases, powerful men, and capable women. Interestingly, a prototypical blonde version of Rally Vincent makes a brief cameo. The omnibus also includes gag manga pages about the making of the Riding Bean OVA, further enriching this historical dive. These Bean-related extras are compelling curiosities for completists now readily available.
Additional Arcs: Kidnapped and Misty's Run
The omnibus also includes the conclusion of the "Kidnapped" story arc, which starts in an awkward spot due to the volume's division. This arc is a decent, twisty drama, though perhaps less explosive than other narratives. Following the intense "Mister V," the series transitions into the "Misty's Run" arc. This final storyline serves as a lighter, daft epilogue, providing Rally and Bean an opportunity to bond, hinting at a closer relationship reminiscent of the Riding Bean OVA. Misty Brown causes considerable chaos, leading Rally and Bean on a chase. This arc marks a significant tonal shift, moving from high drama to a more light-hearted and humorous approach. The final chapter acts as a coda, featuring brief cameos, leaving some plot threads from "Mister V" unresolved.
Art and Themes
Kenichi Sonoda's art throughout this volume maintains its peerless sharpness, with action scenes that are intense and generally easy to follow. The character designs are iconic. The review addresses Sonoda's frequent use of nudity, noting that while it appears often for "cheesecake" or "eye candy," it rarely occurs in explicitly sexual scenes. Instead, nudity is often employed for comedic effect or to enhance a female character's vulnerability, rather than being overtly titillating. This stylistic choice is a consistent element of Sonoda's work.
Final Thoughts
Gunsmith Cats Omnibus Volume 3 is an essential purchase for fans of the series and a fantastic conclusion to the original run. Despite the slightly awkward start to the "Kidnapped" arc and the somewhat insubstantial "Misty's Run" as a finale, the sheer power of "Mister V" and the historical significance of the Riding Bean chapters elevate this volume. The anticipation for the upcoming Gunsmith Cats Burst omnibus releases from Dark Horse Comics is high, promising further adventures and resolutions to lingering plot threads. More Gunsmith Cats is always welcome, and this omnibus delivers a comprehensive and satisfying experience.
