Verbellum: Word Wars

Verbellum - War of Words is a manga where battles unfold through the clever use of verbs. Its premise is remarkably innovative—this may be the only manga that weaponizes verbs themselves. The protagonist wields a seemingly weak verb: "Open." However, despite its apparent simplicity, this single verb can be applied creatively to various combat scenarios, resulting in incredibly engaging battle scenes. Although some verb usages are deeply rooted in nuances of Japanese, the manga carefully explains these meanings, ensuring readers of the translated version can fully grasp the storyline and mechanics without issue. Though the setup differs significantly, Verbellum shares some intriguing parallels with Death Note, notably its inventive concept ("writing someone's name in a notebook causes death") and its intense psychological battles. The manga also lays out compelling mysteries from the beginning, such as the purpose behind the game and the identity of its organizer, keeping readers eager to learn more. Elements reminiscent of survival thrillers like Squid Game and Tomodachi Game are also present, adding extra layers of suspense. Fans of Death Note and Tomodachi Game will undoubtedly enjoy exploring the world of Verbellum.

July 1, 2025