Levius

In the grim, steam-powered world of a 19th-century-style alternate history, Levius follows the titular young fighter in the brutal sport of "mechanical martial arts," where combatants are augmented with metal prosthetics. Published by Dargaud across three issues from 2015 to 2016, this compact series is most strongly associated with writer and artist Haruhisa Nakata, whose dynamic, detailed artwork brings the visceral ring action and intricate machinery to life. A taut, atmospheric introduction to a world of body horror and determined ambition, Levius stands out for its fusion of steampunk aesthetics with the emotional weight of a fighter's journey.