Broken Blade [Manga] – Info, Plot, Main Characters
Japanese Title: ブレイク ブレイド (Bureiku Bureido); lit. “Break Blade“
Year of Release: 2006 – 2022 (20 volumes)
Writer: Yunosuke Yoshinaga
Original Publisher: Flex Comix (Eng.: CMX)
TV: Broken Blade Anime Series 2014 (12 episodes)
Anime Movies: –
Facts: Broken Blade (also known as Break Blade) is a good read in the mecha category and has gained decent recognition.
Setting
Broken Blade is situated in a fictional world named Cruzon, where the majority of inhabitants possess the innate ability to manipulate quartz, a power they term “magic.” This aptitude enables them to operate machinery and command colossal mecha known as “Golems.” The narrative primarily unfolds across two distinct kingdoms:
Commonwealth of Athens: This adjacent kingdom represents a significant threat to Krisna, intending to invade and seize its valuable quartz resources.
Kingdom of Krisna: The central protagonist, Rygart Arrow, hails from this kingdom.
Plot
The story chronicles the journey of Rygart Arrow, an anomaly in this world as an “un-sorcerer”—an individual incapable of using quartz. This deficiency renders him an outcast in a society fundamentally reliant on magic.
Key Events
- Rygart is summoned to Krisna’s capital by King Hodr and Queen Sigyn amidst plans by Athens to launch an invasion.
- Rygart reconnects with his childhood friends, Hodr and Sigyn, only to discover that Zess, another friend, is commanding the invading forces for Athens.
- Rygart unearths an ancient Golem uniquely capable of being piloted by someone without magical abilities. This Golem possesses advanced functionalities that could dramatically alter the course of the war.
- Despite his initial hesitation, Rygart becomes entangled in the conflict, driven by a desire to protect his friends and prevent his kingdom’s destruction.
The series delves into themes of duty, camaraderie, and the struggle against formidable challenges, as Rygart gradually accepts his distinctive position in a world dominated by magic.
Main Characters
Protagonists
- Rygart Arrow — The 25-year-old central figure, Rygart is an “un-sorcerer” who cannot manipulate quartz like others, marking him an outsider; his unexpected ability to pilot a dormant ancient Golem thrusts him into the heart of the conflict.
- Zess — A proud and skilled soldier from Athens, Zess is renowned for his combat and piloting prowess; his history with Rygart is complicated, having once defended him in youth and now standing as both rival and ally.
Supporting Characters
- Hodr — The king of Krisna whose leadership and decisions are pivotal to the clash with Athens; his role shapes the political and military stakes.
- Sigyn — A royal family member of Krisna closely entwined with the story’s key events, whose presence influences both personal and national conflicts.
These characters propel Broken Blade’s exploration of war, loyalty, and the tensions between individual identity and societal expectation.
