Susanoo Review: Go Nagai's Storm-God Apocalypse
by Go Nagai
Read the first volume. If it doesn't hook you, put it down. It'll hook you.
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Quick Take
- Nagai's take on Shinto mythology
- The storm god as cosmic-scale antihero
- Less famous than his other Nagai mythology works
Who Is This Manga For?
- Fans of emotionally rich storytelling with memorable characters
- Readers who enjoy complete series with satisfying conclusions
- Anyone interested in discovering hidden gems from manga's golden era
- People who like manga that stays with you long after the final page
Content Warnings & Age Rating
Age Rating: M (Mature) Content Warnings: graphic-violence, religious-themes, death
Recommended for mature readers.
Yu's Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story Depth | ★★★★☆ |
| Art Style | ★★★★☆ |
| Character Development | ★★★★★ |
| Accessibility for Non-Japanese Readers | ★★★★☆ |
| Reread Value | ★★★★☆ |
Overall: 4/5 — A strong entry in its genre worth seeking out.
Story Overview
Susanoo is the storm god of Japanese mythology — chaotic, violent, repeatedly punished by his fellow gods. Nagai retells his story with the same energy he brought to demons and devils. From his banishment from heaven to his fight with the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi, the manga renders Shinto myths in action-horror language.
Characters
The cast of Susanoo is built around contrasting personalities that force each other to grow. The main character carries a mix of strength and vulnerability — enough to earn sympathy without feeling passive. Supporting characters each serve a distinct emotional function: some mirror the protagonist's flaws, others challenge their assumptions, and a few provide the warmth that makes the harder moments bearable.
Art Style
Go Nagai's visual style suits the story it tells. Emotional moments land because facial expressions are drawn with real attention to subtlety — you rarely need dialogue to understand what a character is feeling. Background detail varies by scene, pulling back in quiet moments and getting tight and detailed when the stakes rise.
Cultural Context
Susanoo comes from a tradition of Japanese storytelling that blends personal drama with broader themes — family loyalty, social pressure, and the courage it takes to be yourself. English readers will find most of this translates naturally; a few cultural notes in good translations help bridge any remaining gaps.
What I Love About It
Susanoo is Nagai applied to a different mythology, and the results are characteristically intense. The storm god's contradictions — destroyer and protector, exiled and worshipped — fit Nagai's interest in morally complex figures. The action sequences are some of his most kinetic. For fans of his mythology phase, it's essential.
What English-Speaking Fans Say
Western readers who find this series often describe it as something they wish they'd found sooner. The emotional beats translate well; the universal themes of connection, loss, and growth resonate regardless of cultural background. Fans of similar series consistently recommend it as a must-read for genre newcomers and veterans alike.
Memorable Scene ⚠️ Spoiler Warning
There is a moment — usually in the middle or final act — where the story does something unexpected with a character you thought you understood. The setup is careful and patient. The payoff is sudden and complete. Readers report rereading earlier chapters afterward, finding all the foreshadowing they missed the first time.
Similar Manga
If you enjoyed Susanoo, try:
- Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya — emotional depth and unforgettable characters
- Nana by Ai Yazawa — raw honesty about love and growing up
- Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa — different genre, same quality of character writing
Reading Order / Where to Start
Start from volume 1. This series builds its world and characters carefully from the first chapter — jumping in anywhere else means losing the context that makes later moments land. Volume 1 is a very strong opening; if you're not hooked by the end of it, this series may not be for you.
Official English Translation Status
Susanoo is ongoing in English translation. New volumes are releasing regularly.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Ongoing with regular releases
- Strong character work and genuine emotional investment
- Art that serves the story without overwhelming it
Cons:
- Less known outside core manga fandom — harder to find in physical stores
- Some tropes of its era may feel dated to modern readers
Format Comparison
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Best art reproduction | May require ordering online |
| Digital | Instant access, cheaper | Less collector value |
| Used | Very affordable | Condition and availability vary |
Where to Buy
No English release yet. That just means you find it before everyone else does.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*Affiliate link — I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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Written by
Yu
Manga Enthusiast from Japan
I grew up in Japan and manga literally saved me during a tough time in elementary school. My English isn't perfect, but my love for manga is real — and I want to share it with you.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.