Title

Golden Kamuy

Also known as: ゴールデンカムイ, Golden Kamui, 黃金神威, 골든 카무이

by Satoru Noda

Score from AniList: 86/100finished31 volumes314 chapters

Action Adventure Comedy Drama More like Golden Kamuy

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In the early twentieth century, Russo-Japanese War veteran Saichi “Immortal” Sugimoto scratches out a meager existence during the postwar gold rush in the wilderness of Hokkaido. When he stumbles across a map to a fortune in hidden Ainu gold, he sets off on a treacherous quest to find it. But Sugimoto is not the only interested party, and everyone who knows about the gold will kill to possess it! Faced with the harsh conditions of the northern wilderness, ruthless criminals and rogue Japanese soldiers, Sugimoto will need all his skills and luck—and the help of an Ainu girl named Asirpa—to survive. (Source: VIZ Media) Note: Won the 9th Manga Taisho Award in 2016 and the 22nd Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2018. Nominated for the 20th and 21st Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize and the 40th Kodansha Manga Awards in 2016.

Chapters available: 314
Type: Manga

Hoard Verdict

The StoryHoard editorial verdict

★ 4/5

A gritty, colourful historical adventure set in the Hokkaido wilderness, with a treasure hunt that never stops being exciting.

Pros

Vivid, carefully researched historical detail
A strong ensemble with distinct, memorable characters
Action and comedy balanced well

Cons

The very long run can feel sprawling
The violence is brutal at times

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Read the full take

Golden Kamuy is a historical adventure that feels both sprawling and tightly focused. A war veteran scrapes by in the Hokkaido wilderness after the Russo-Japanese War, and when he stumbles across a map to hidden gold, the race is on. The series works because the setting is treated with real care. The landscapes, customs and survival details feel grounded, and the Ainu culture is handled with attention. The cast is a delight, a rogues' gallery of characters who each bring their own strengths and secrets. The action is strong and the comedy lands often. The honest cons are length, which can make the story feel sprawling, and violence that can be brutal at times. Some arcs pile on new factions quickly, which dilutes the focus. Still, it is one of the more engaging adventure series around. If you like treasure hunts with real stakes and a strong sense of place, this is a clear pick. Settle in for a long journey.