Magi: The Magic of the Labyrinth Volume 29 manga review

Magi Graphic Novel Volume 29 cover image

Magi is set on a world that is an alternate version and recreation of the ancient Old World (similar to ancient Persia).  About 14 years before the story begins, several magic castles (of various architectural styles) begin to appear in this world.  These mysterious ruins are known as “Dungeons,” and they are full of treasures and traps.  Aladdin, who is a Magi (a sorcerer of creation), and his friend, King Alibaba Saluja, embark on dangerous and deadly adventures into those Dungeons to find fortune and glory and more adventure.

As Magi, Vol. 29 (Chapters 279 to 288) opens, the civil war of the Kou Empire has ended.  Now, the victor, Hakuryu (the Eastern Empire), must decide the fate of the vanquished, Koen Ren (the Western Empire).  However, the end of this civil war came about because of the intervention of Sinbad's “Seven Seas Coalition.”  With terrible losses on both sides and the punishments to come, this may be a hollow victory.  Thus, ends the “Kou Empire Arc.”

Meanwhile, the Primeval Dragon has returned Judar to the world and has reunited Alibaba with his body.  Whenever Alibaba visits those who knew him, they freak out because they believed that he was dead.  Three years after his supposed death, Alibaba has returned to a world that he barely recognizes.  It is a world of great wealth and of technological advancement, but there is also widespread inequality and despair.

[This volume includes bonus manga.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Magi manga (subtitled The Labyrinth of Magic) has offered so much adventure and so many subplots in its previous 28 graphic novels.  Some volumes stand out more than others, as we move into the last nine volumes of the series.

Magi Graphic Novel Volume 29 brings a sudden end to the Kou Empire story arc.  However, creator Shinobu Ohtaka dives deeply and quickly into the return of Alibaba.  I had forgotten what a delightful character he is, and I get the feeling that he is bringing us into the best this series has to offer.  Vol. 29 is a volume that pays off the efforts of readers who stayed with Magi.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers, especially young manga readers, looking for adventure stories will want to read the “Shonen Sunday” title, Magi.

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8.5 out of 10