![](https://www.grimoireofhorror.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Geungsi-Gangster-cover.jpg)
Geungsi Gangster is an action thriller manga, written and illustrated by Singaporean artist Sean Lam, with additional writing from Junzi. The manga is part of Sean’s Geungsi series, working as a prequel to the previous two issues, Geungsi Vol. 1 & 2.
Meng and Violet are both descendants of a bloodline trained to hunt down an ancient undead called Geungsi. A trail of homicides and illegal businesses in the streets of Hong Kong leads the siblings into the den of a Triad underworld, where the slaughterhouse awaits.
Expanding on the backstory of one of our protagonists from the manga, Meng, Geungsi Gangster certainly utilises this opportunity to develop a deeper introspection of both the protagonist and the geungsi’s grasp over society. While Meng is presented as a character of strength in the first two volumes, this prequel displays a less-experienced version of the slayer and the tribulation he has had to endure in this ongoing war. Moreover, a whole host of new characters are introduced, such as Meng’s sister, Violet, their uncle, Tat, and Mike, a contact of theirs within Hong Kong’s police force, who aids in covering their tracks from the law.
Additionally, the geungsi, whilst introduced as hiding in the shadows of humanity in the previous volumes, are at the top of the food chain in Geungsi Gangster, cornering the illegal organ transplant market in Hong Kong’s savage underground. Opening up a market for these abhorrent creatures to sell the blood of their victims to sustain their population, whilst making huge profits from harvesting and selling the organs.
As the story deals with Hong Kong’s infamous criminal underbelly, the story certainly takes influence from the country’s vast crime thriller cinema of the 80s and 90s. The likes of Johnny To, Ringo Lam, John Woo, and many others have undoubtedly influenced both the manga’s narrative and artwork. The blending of cat-and-mouse investigative work, high-octane shootouts, and insight into the societal hierarchy of the Triads are certain to resonate with fans of the genre.
However, one problem with the manga is its short length, being noticeably briefer than the previous entries. While an exemplary effort has been made to make this volume immensely action-orientated, the narrative would have greatly benefited from exploring the family dynamic between Meng and the rest of the geungsi-hunting Golden Blood Clan. Despite this, the manga still makes an admirable attempt at exploring these aspects in its story and still successfully relays more plot details than were previously divulged in the last issues.
Another fantastic display of Sean’s distinct artwork, Geungsi Gangster expertly captures the distinct change of locale from Singapore to Hong Kong. From the tight back alleys to the busy teahouses, the backdrops in scenes feel unequivocal in their representation of a new setting. Furthermore, the art, once again, truly shines when portraying the more audacious scenes. Whilst the first two volumes had an even mix of narrative and action, the prequel seems to emphasise these high-octane scenes more—culminating in impressively fluid, adrenaline-fueled confrontations.
An intrepid, supernatural adventure into Hong Kong’s gangland underworld, Geungsi Gangster is a fantastic expansion of the universe created within volumes one and two. With its heavier focus on fast-paced action, references to the greats of Hong Kong crime thriller cinema, and deeper expansion of our main character, the manga is a must-read for fans of Sean’s superb supernatural manga series and the perfect initiation point for those interested in starting.
Geungsi Gangster is available to purchase from G&B Comics here or purchase directly from the artist’s Geungsi Facebook page here.
More Manga Reviews
The Drifting Classroom (aka Hyouryuu Kyoushitsu) is a horror manga series released all the way back in 1972 by Weekly Shonen Sunday. This piece of art is written and illustrated… Hello, spookies! Today I’m going to review Hellstar Remina from VIZ. You can purchase it at Amazon. I get no kickbacks from links, but I want to encourage people to get published… This was way, way back in the Before Times when JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure wasn’t a weird looking Adventure Shonen filled with Stands, memes, and confusing masculinity. It actually started out… True crime has become a popular sub-genre that has reached a wide audience of those looking for shock or to better understand the lowest depths of humanity. However, the genre… Trigger warnings for virtually everything, from child ab*se to r*pe, torture, animal ab*se, mutilation, and repeated mentions of c*ck vore. Yes, c*ck vore. And probably whatever you’re thinking, that too…. Horror manga has seen a steady surge in popularity with the likes of Junji Ito, making it to international recognition and closing the gap of mainstream versus the underground. To…Drifting Classroom Manga Review – Don’t Look a Drift Horse in the Mouth
Remina by Junji Ito Manga Review – The Stars Are Hungry
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and Its Origins in Horror
God’s Child Manga Review – Nishioka Kyoudai Create a Serial Killer
Vitiators (2022) Comic Review: One Hell of a Manga
Obscure Horror Manga – The Disturbed Visions of Noroi Michiru
![Jim Cox Profile Pic](https://www.grimoireofhorror.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/new.jpg)
Hey there, I’m Jim and I’m located in London, UK. I am a Writer and Managing Director here at Grimoire of Horror. A lifelong love of horror and writing has led me down this rabbit hole, allowing me to meet many amazing people and experience some truly original artwork. I specialise in world cinema, manga/graphic novels, and video games but will sometime traverse into the unknown in search of adventure.