This is obviously a very preliminary review (only three chapters translated into English so far), but Doushi Shoujo yo, Teki wo Ute has already established itself as a sharp, steely, and remarkably well-researched manga following a young woman suddenly thrust into the horrors of war and a mission of vengeance. Like a lot of manga, this one has a brutal first chapter. But unlike so many stories that rely on cheap shock value to carry an otherwise poorly written story filled with bland, lifeless protagonists, Doushi Shoujo yo, Teki wo Ute emerges from the opening with a clear narrative direction, strong writing, and an engaging castof characters. Particularly impressive is how the author simultaneously balances charm and grit while establishing high-pressure stakes that make the reader feel invested in the eventual outcomes.

The art readily compliments the story's tone: mature and graceful during moments of tranquility, feverish and intense when emotions crack or danger strikes. I have no criticisms regarding the paneling, though I am curious for future chapters and how the author plans on maintaining tension around an activity that mostly involves staying still, quiet, and in one spot.

A quick side-note: while the manga provides adequate historical context, as well as explanations for historical terms (at least on the version I'm reading from), it may also be helpful to brush up on the Russian Revolution and the finer details of the German–Soviet War (i.e. the Eastern Front) in order to make the critical moving pieces easier to follow.

Overall, a fantastic debut with plenty of forward momentum! 8/10