Manga Review: Ookami no Kuchi: Wolfsmund

Hello everyone, I'm back for day 2 of 3 of my marathon posting weekend.  Today's manga of interest is Ookami no Kuchi: Wolfsmund which tells the story of a border fortress guarding Switzerland during the 14th century.  During this time period the fortress guards the only access in or out of Switzerland and is controlled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire.  Needless to say the populace does not appreciate this and is attempting to free themselves.  This manga chronicles the attempts by various people to pass through the border and their experiences with the head of the fortress Wolfram.



First of all the most important thing about this manga is realism,  no punches are pulled and death is a common fate for those who try to sneak across the border.  The first several chapters introduce the major players including Wolfram, the dictator of the region, and the son of William Tell, the hero of the story.

Basically each arc consists of presenting a civilian and their reason for crossing the border, their attempt at decieving their way through the fort, and their exposure by Wolfram.  Wolfram is a terrifying character, with an intelligence comparable to that of Light Yagami of Death Note and no qualms about fulfilling his duty to oversee border traffic.  He is opposed by Walter Tell, the son of Wilhelm(of the famed apple shooting contest) who is the champion of the people.

Overall the series is a very dark game of wits between Wolfram and the Swiss people.  The art is very realistic and the storytelling keeps tension very well with each move swiftly following the last.  If you have the stomach for it this is a great story and well worth reading but otherwise I would recommend lighter fare.