Goblin Slayer Side Story II: Dai Katana (Volume 1) – The Fortress City

A group of rookie adventurers arrive in the fortress city that stands at the gates of the Dungeon of Death. A plague is slowly consuming the world and the source is believed to be at the bottom. Let’s find out!

Goblin Slayer Side Story II: Dai Katana (Volume 1) – The Fortress City

What happened?

Two adventurers left their home town together on a quest to stop the plague of death that is consuming the world. One is a warrior and the other a caster. On their travels, they recruited a scout to their group and now as they enter the fortress city, they hope to add three more before entering the dungeon. Of course, they have been travelling for some time and are in need of refreshments. In a tavern, they find a promising new member. She is a bishop who serves the Supreme God. However, her first party abandoned her because she was defeated by goblins, losing most of her sight. They add her to the party without any objections.

They visit the temple to set up an account for future needs and meet another warrior. She has just returned from a trip to the dungeon along with the bodies of the five she had accompanied. Even a miracle wouldn’t bring them back. After testing their metal, she too joins the party. They need but one more – another caster. They find a monk at a gladiatorial venue. He was put off by their inexperience but changed his mind upon learning of their intentions. They prepare themselves for the adventure and make their way to the Dungeon of Death!

Goblin Slayer Dai Katana Volume 1 To the Dungeon of the Dead

What did you think?

I’ve read several of the Goblin Slayer light novels, and seen the anime and the movie, so it’s safe to say that I’m a big fan of the series. Of course, as I devour countless manga, it occurred to me that I had not yet read any of the Goblin Slayer books. When I saw the cover of this one, I knew that I needed to try it out. A group of adventurers head into the Dungeon of Death… sign me up!

The world of Goblin Slayer has its own style of storytelling and this book fits perfectly into that mould. So, if you like the others, you will most likely enjoy this one. It is a very slow start to the story as it focuses on building a party with lots of little segments telling us about the world and how it works. It’s fascinating, but it’s nothing like the opening of the anime where you are thrown head-first into the fire. I get the sense that’s coming in the next volume.

As with the other stories, we know nobody’s names and they will no doubt continue to refer to each other using honorifics and relationship statuses rather than names. It can get annoying not knowing who is who, but at least in the manga, it’s less confusing. It’s a slow start, but I’m optimistic that it’s going to get pretty crazy. Oh, and if it wasn’t clear, this is the backstory of the Sword Maiden.