Labyrinth Security: 4 Guards Take Charge - New Manga Release Analysis
There is some really great news for manga fans today as Volume 1 of Nao Mizusawa's latest work, titled Around Four Security Guard's Labyrinth Security - Surviving the Whiz Dungeon Era with the Power of [Abilities], was released today, March 27th. This new series is being published by Tokuma Shoten's Ryu Comics Unicorn and it is actually a comic adaptation based on the popular novel by Yoshi Hinami. It is quite interesting to see how these light novel stories are getting such detailed manga versions lately.
The Setting: A World Overrun by Dungeons
The story takes place in a modern society that has been completely turned upside down because dungeons have suddenly started appearing all over the world. This is not just a small problem, but it has become an urgent national issue in Japan. Because the police and even the Self-Defense Forces are totally overwhelmed, the government has started trusting private security companies with the heavy task of dungeon management. It really shows a unique take on the "dungeon crawler" genre by mixing it with real-world corporate and security elements.
Our main protagonist is Watari Takasaka, who is a security guard around 40 years of age. Being an "around four" (someone in their 40s), he feels the pressure of the changing times. Seeing how the world is moving, he finally decides to get himself an explorer qualification. However, during a course where everyone is supposed to receive standard skills, Takasaka ends up gaining a very strange ability instead of a regular skill. This "Ability" is something no one has ever heard of before, making his journey quite unpredictable.
Why You Should Follow This Manga
If you are looking for a story that combines middle-age struggles with high-fantasy action, then why Around Four Security Guard's Labyrinth Security is the next must-read fantasy manga becomes very clear. The way it handles the protagonist's age and his transition into a dangerous new career is very relatable for older readers while still being exciting for the younger crowd.
Here are some key points that make this series stand out:
- Relatable Protagonist: Unlike many series with teenage heroes, Watari Takasaka brings a mature perspective to the dungeon setting.
- Unique Power System: The distinction between "skills" and his unique "ability" adds a lot of mystery to the plot.
- World Building: The idea of private security firms managing monsters and dungeons is a fresh concept in the genre.
- High-Quality Art: Nao Mizusawa has done a brilliant job bringing Yoshi Hinami's world to life with very clean and impactful illustrations.
Final Thoughts on Volume 1
The first volume sets up the stakes perfectly, showing us both the dangerous life inside the dungeons and the bureaucratic struggles outside. For fans who enjoy deep lore and strategic battles, understanding why Around Four Security Guard's Labyrinth Security is the next must-read fantasy manga is essential. It’s definitely not your typical isekai or fantasy story. With the release of this first volume by Ryu Comics Unicorn, we are expecting the story to pick up pace and show us more of Takasaka's mysterious powers. It is really a solid start to what looks like a very promising long-term series.
