Baccano!
By narita ryohgo, 成田良悟
22 volumes
2002
Description
“Baccano”, which Narita translates as “s*upid commotion”, is Italian for “ruckus”. Each of the stories in the series involves several unrelated plots intersecting and crossing each other as events spiral farther and farther out of control. Immortal alchemists, mafia operated speakeasies, and many other elements of pulp fiction mashed together for a world straight out of the movies. It all started 300 years ago on a boat where the alchemists summoned the “demon” in order to obtain the method of immortality. The demon gave the alchemists the liquor of immortality, the only way to die is to pass down the way to produce the liquor. But the following night, one of the alchemist started to devour his companions. To escape the threat, the alchemists scattered all over the world. In America during the temperance movement, centering around the liquor of immortality, the “s*upid commotion” starts!
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- ascii media works
- English Publisher
- yen press
- Original Language
- japanese
- Type
- Light Novel
Baccano! Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on Baccano!
Alright, buckle up, because diving into "Baccano!" is like hopping onto a runaway train – in the best possible way. This light novel series is a wild ride through time, gangsters, alchemy, and a whole lot of immortality. I've been meaning to check this out for a while now, and I'm glad I finally did.
First Impressions
My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and slight overwhelm. The sheer scope of the story, spanning decades and involving a massive cast of characters, is definitely ambitious. We're talking about a narrative that jumps from 1705 to the 2000s, which initially felt like a lot to take in. The first arc, "The Rolling Bootlegs (1930)," throws you right into the thick of things with Firo, a young member of the Camorra, and from there, the connections and plot threads just keep multiplying.
What Works Well
What really grabbed me was the way the author, Narita-sensei, plays with perspective. The "Grand Punk Railroad" arc is a prime example of this, where the same events are shown from different viewpoints, completely changing your understanding of what's happening. It’s a masterful way to keep you guessing and engaged. I really loved the ensemble cast, each character is unique and memorable, and I quickly became invested in their intertwined fates. The blend of action, comedy, mystery, and supernatural elements is also expertly handled, creating a truly unique and captivating reading experience.
Areas of Concern
Honestly, the sheer complexity of the plot and the number of characters can be a bit daunting. It definitely requires your full attention, and I occasionally found myself having to backtrack to keep track of everyone and everything. I can imagine that those new to the series might feel like they're drowning in information at first.
Final Verdict
Despite the initial learning curve, "Baccano!" is an incredibly rewarding read. The intricate plot, memorable characters, and unique storytelling style make it a standout in the light novel world. It's a series that keeps you on your toes, constantly challenging your expectations and leaving you wanting more. If you're looking for a complex, engaging, and utterly bonkers story, then I highly recommend giving "Baccano!" a try.
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