After God Vol. 3 raises the stakes in a post-apocalyptic Japan where divine beings known as gods have ravaged the world and rewritten the rules of existence. The story centers on Waka Kamikura, a high school student affiliated with the Anti-God Research Institute, who finds herself in the middle of a philosophical and spiritual battlefield. The volume wastes no time throwing readers into the chaos with a violent, large-scale attack by a serpent-like god that leaves the Institute in shambles. The moment is not just physically devastating—it triggers a chain of revelations that redefine everything Waka thought she knew.
Waka’s abduction by the disciples of the serpent god marks a pivotal moment in the series. While captured, she learns a disturbing truth—there is a god living inside of her. This internal presence isn’t just metaphorical; it’s a literal, uncontrollable entity whose power could determine the fate of everything. The narrative carefully explores this revelation as more than just a plot twist. It opens up a deeper examination of what it means to harbor power beyond understanding, and the fear that such power might come with a cost too high to bear.
Meanwhile, Sachiyuki Tokinaga, one of the lead researchers, is overcome with guilt over his perceived failures during the assault. His emotional arc adds an introspective layer to the action-heavy plot. Through his interactions with housemate and fellow Institute member Obikawa Kiyoshi, the manga addresses questions about the cost of resistance, moral compromise, and the blurry line between protecting people and using them as tools. Their dynamic gives the story grounding in reality amidst the mythological chaos.
The pacing of this volume is deliberate and tightly controlled. It shifts between quiet, emotional introspection and moments of intense divine chaos, creating a rhythmic flow that keeps readers fully engaged. The moments of calm aren’t fillers—they’re where the story breathes, where characters confront their inner turmoil and make sense of the violent world around them. Waka’s internal conflict, Sachiyuki’s remorse, and the growing tension between the Institute and the gods form a complex, interwoven emotional core.
The artwork continues to be a standout element in the series. The design of the snake god is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, illustrating the divine in a way that feels alien and ancient. Panel composition during action scenes is dynamic without being chaotic, and there’s a real weight to the destruction and fear that these gods bring. The character expressions, particularly Waka’s evolving sense of dread and discovery, are rendered with nuance that enhances the emotional depth of the narrative.
What truly sets this volume apart is how it merges mythological themes with deeply human ones. Waka’s discovery about the god within her isn’t just a fantasy trope—it’s a metaphor for self-discovery, identity, and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes our greatest strength is also our greatest burden. The gods in this story are not simply enemies to defeat; they represent existential questions that force each character to reckon with their beliefs, their history, and their role in a world that no longer operates on human terms.
The supporting cast also continues to grow into their roles. Obikawa, though often reserved, provides a necessary counterbalance to Sachiyuki’s guilt-driven actions. Their conversations illuminate the personal costs of war in a way that gives emotional heft to the larger narrative. There’s also a sense of something bigger brewing in the background—a growing war of ideologies, not just strength, that’s setting the tone for what’s to come.
I absolutely loved this volume and can’t wait to see how the series continues. After God Vol. 3 combines explosive action, thoughtful character work, and mythic intensity into a beautifully crafted installment. The emotional and philosophical weight of the story hits harder than ever, and the cliffhanger ending promises even more tension and transformation in the volumes ahead. If this is where the story is headed, count me in for the long run.
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