GUNKA NO BALTZAR

A refreshing mix of politics, school life, and warfare, with some fantastic attention to detail, largely realistic universe, and a capable MC.

This manga follows the story of a young, prestigious and able officer, Bernd Balzer, who has quickly risen through the ranks of his country's (Weiben's) military. For his latest task, he is assigned to a neighboring country who has recently formed a pact with his own as a military instructor. This is not only done to aid their ally, but also increase his home country's influence through political means. The MC soon becomes involved in a series of political intrigues and actual conflict as well as his normal teaching duties, gradually introducing progressive ideas in a country with many conservative and traditional customs.

The late 19th century pseudo-fictional setting was executed brilliantly by the mangaka, as you'll find out yourself if you read the additional notes ranging from military tactics and specifics of equipment to a description of a traditional kind of bread consumed at the time. These details, which mirror the actual history of late 19th century (largely inspired by Prussia), are incorporated seamlessly in this fictional world. The ranges of rifles of the era, advantages and disadvantages of certain formations and more, are all taken into account in military decisions and teachings, as expected of competent military leaders.

The politics and intrigue are also rather interesting and well-written. As well as dealing with the country's leaders, Balzar also needs to consider the general populace's opinions of Weiben. Not only that, we are often reminded that these two countries are but a small part of the global theatre, and Balzer also needs to consider the international response to Weiben's actions.

Balzer himself is a logical and capable individual, who ultimately acts in Weiben's and his own best interests. As a distinguished member of his home country's military, Balzar has an intelligent mind and a wealth of information, especially regarding the art of war. Although he is usually friendly and enthusiastic, he will quickly become calm and rational in a political and diplomatic setting or during a battle. I found Balzer's intelligence and rationality to be very welcome in the largely realistic and historical setting.

Other main characters all act rationally and according to their believable mindsets, for example the conservative views of a crown prince in a feudal system. However, the capable characters occasionally pull off some physical moves or quick-thinking decisions a bit better than you'd think they could, and a few light-hearted moments in the academy are perhaps a bit too expressive. This will probably only be an annoyance for those looking for the most serious and gritty of manga.

The art feels more detailed but also slightly messier than the popular modern style. Not too different from what you'd be used to, but also not many shortcuts were taken in the areas that detail was required the most, such as the different parts when a rifle was dismantled.

Overall, this manga is a fantastic mix of politics and military, and brings forth a lot of logical theory and ideas reminiscent of Maouyuu Maou Yuusha. It's not overly focused on battles, so if you're looking for some really action-heavy manga, you should probably look elsewhere. However, the few battles that have occurred so far show off Balzer's smart decisions yet remain largely realistic, and the additional historical details and theory add a great flavour on top of both the military and the political aspects of the story.

You know how Legend of the Galactic Heroes is Napoleonic Wars but in space? Well, Gunka no Balzar is the Franco-Prussian War but in the Franco-Prussian War. And it's not the only parallel. GnB is pretty much the manga version of LoGH. Absolutely sublime.

From a historical and political point of view, Baltzar is incredibly fascinating, because lesser stories would try to shoehorn in modern day ideas and morality, but instead it shows even Great War -era thinking as futuristic dreaming. Actually, it's so authentic, I'm even wondering if the author is a bit of a relic himself, heh. Not that I would mind, that would only make him someone after my own heart.

Anyway, how the characters behave like healthy 19th centurymen makes pretty much all of them likable regardless of whether they are technically protagonists or antagonists. In those days, autocracy, wars of conquest, revolutions, executions, corporal punishment, etc. were everyday, accepted things and thankfully, the story totally reflects that without more than a whiff of authorsplaining. The story builds up and you have to jump onboard at your own pace. Not that it moves quickly, you have plenty of time for that. Baltzar is a very slow story. Everything happens at a very relaxed pace, just perfect for a crypto-historical drama.

One thing that I especially adore is how uncharacteristically realistic the portrayal of military life is. You tend to either get a high school or salaryman office with army trappings, or something like Full Metal Jacket. But in reality, the military in a conscription country, especially military schools of different types, is regular life for the people in it. The garrison is your home. Your regiment is your family. Your comrades are your brothers. And the story reflects that in a beautiful way. An old reserve NCO like me gets all nostalgic about it all. If I had to describe GnB with a single word, I would use "cozy". Incredibly cozy. Reading about the students grappling with change and conflict and different backgrounds and worldviews is really just a damn joy. It's amazing how a historical and fictional story, a political drama, has more normal and relatable characters than almost anything that is a modern day personal story, specifically written to be as relatable to a reader as possible. Even though for Baltzar's genre, the people are technically speaking just there for the background, playing the roles of mooks to be expended to make the story go forward, literally everyone is soulful and full of character. In a world of death and war, marching in files and ranks, mechanically reloading muskets and cannons, everyone feels somehow totally irreplaceable. I can't put across just how goddamn full of SOUL this story is.

Little things I don't like is that the drawing is a bit shaky, especially in the beginning. Some parts are really good on the other hand, especially a certain cavalry fight between former students... you'll get there. Then there are some annoying anachronisms. Possibly since Prussia entered the Franco-Prussian war with the fast antiquated Dreyse, and the author had to show Weiβen (fictional Prussia) as a modern power, he chose to replace the musket-like arms with Kar-98k -lookalikes, which never stops looking dumb. He should have used the 1888 commission rifle instead. Or at least a long Mauser. Perhaps one faraway future year, some heroic fan will redraw them and save a million sore butts. Oh, and Bernd Baltzar (I mean, "Bernd", really?) himself is even a bit too good at his job, kind of bordering on being a male Mary Sue. And his hair makes him look like Phoenix Wright.

Anyway, f'ing read it.

Here is an interesting manga about what seems to be a time around the end of the 19th century in europe. It's not an historical manga and it's not our world either, but the main character, the Major Balzer, seems to an officier in a german like country ( name of towns, and others characters). The weaponery is that of the armies around 1870, so if you like this era, this manga is for you!

Major Balzer, promising young officer of the glorious Weiben army, is sent to improve the army of their new ally and neighboor, Baselland. Even if he isn't satisfied with this order, he still do is utmost to upgrade the rusty army of baselland, bearing in mind that having good relationship and military coordination could be a good thing for Weiben's future.

I like the art and the precision in the drawing of the differents armies, weaponery, and scenery, the mix between political and militay intrigues make the manga really entertaining. Balzer is a good officier, nor good nor evil, just thinking in what could be Weiben best interest. He is intelligent and have what it takes to be a really good officer. The other mains characters are mostly young trainee officer from Baselland, learning the arts of war.

For now, there aren't much battles where our protagonists are involved, but as the manga continues, I have great expectations for it.

Story - Set in what I presume is the 19th century, somewhere in Central Europe. The fictional country of Weißen is looking to expand its borders and sees Baselland as a target to incorporate. An aspiring major Balzer has been ordered to push forward with military reform in Baselland, but he has to overcome many obstacles in fulfilling his mission. An exciting story full of the potential to change the balance of power and influence every aspect of life.

Art - The characters are a bit cartoony but the backgrounds and weapons are all very detailed. I liked the clean look.

Character - Balzer is an enthusiastic, lively, and cheerful guy, eager to carry out his mission and does not let feelings get in the way of his duties, the kind of character I find to my liking. The manga hasn't gone far enough to flesh out the other characters yet so I don't know what they're really like at the moment.

Enjoyment - From what I've read, I felt a genuine sense of excitement that the military reforms were really going ahead, and that Weißen was going to spread its superior military doctrines to neighbouring states. I especially enjoyed the discussion on the inaccuracy caused by the bore being much larger than the ball that's fired through it.

Overall - Outstanding manga so far, I just hope that it maintains focus.