​”In the days that followed the end of the world, few could have predicted the Rust Wind, a phenomenon that swept across Japan like a plague, choking the life from the land and its people and corroding flesh into brittle, iron sand. No one knows how the Rust began, but one mushroom-wielding renegade known as Bisco Akaboshi, the Man-Eating Redcap, is determined to bring about its end. He's the latest in a long line of Mushroom Keepers, and together with the dashing young doctor Milo Nekoyanagi, the two will brave the horrors and wonders of the Iron Desert in search of the Rust-Eater: a mythical mushroom rumored to have the ability to cure the ailment once and for all.” (Yen Press)
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The measure of a memorable light novel often comes from the writer's ability to work within similar tropes to either carve a slightly new path that will intrigue readers or excel within the format and just draw people in, with their storytelling ability. While this may seem like common sense, the dominance of genres like ‘iseaki' shows how difficult it can be for a work to stand out among a plethora of similar content. That said, originality is somewhat of a luxury for the ‘light novel' reader so when a series like Sabikui Bisco comes out, it is reason to rejoice.
What really drives the series is its worldbuilding, creating a unique post-apocalyptic Japan where disease plagues the last remnant of forgotten cultures, and warfare is now a peculiar mix of alchemy, engineering, and giant creatures. Imagery such as ‘war sand-hippos' may seem like cheesy nonsense, but every odd corner of the world, the people, and culture is approached with confidence in crafting the ravished, lawless landscape. Consequently, the book offers a really immersive experience making it a quick and engrossing read — every chapter is filled with fascinating imagery.
The relationship between the titular Sabikui Bisco and his traveling partner Milo is utterly endearing. At first at opposite ends of personality, brash vs mild, the two develop a strong camaraderie through trials and tribulations that show them learn from each other's strengths. Honestly, it is one of the best ‘bromances' committed to the light novel format — ideal for a ‘shipping'. Joking aside, it is really promising to see two strong characters develop together in such a manner that will give readers even more reason to keep following the series.
The art pages that are included from K Akagish are ultra-stylish, drawing influence from a desert-punk aesthetic. Furthermore, the style is wonderfully expressive and captures the hot-blooded Bisco in various action sequences. Often art that is included in the light novel format is serviceable at best, but the few illustrations included really add value — would be wonderful to see mini-posters included in subsequent releases.
“Sabikui Bisco” is a unique title that captures some familiar tropes of the genre to not make it isolating to readers. The worldbuilding, character development, and action are all impeccably presented. For fans of Light novels, “Sabikui Bisco” will be a refreshing treat, arguably the best release of 2022 thus far.
