The Climber, Vol. 3

孤高の人 [Kokō no Hito] #5-6

by Shin'ichi Sakamoto (Illustrator), Jirō Nitta, Yoshio Nabeta

Despite the tragedy and notoriety that marked Mori’s introduction to climbing, he’s still obsessed with the allure of the mountains. Determination alone can’t fund an expedition, though, so when a rich adventurer offers him a spot on his climbing team, Mori accepts. But Mori’s joy at being in the mountains again is tempered by his knowledge that humans are always more treacherous than the peaks.

Genres: Manga, Comics, Sports

424 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Sakamoto Shin'ichi (坂本眞一) is a Japanese mangaka.
He is mostly famous for his series Innocent and Innocent Rouge.
He is currently working on #DRCL midnight children based on the classic by Bram Stoker.

Reviews

[Jiro Dreams of Suchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man so singularly focused on his goal of climbing K2 that he dismisses the rest of his life, everything revolves around that goal. It’s a beautiful story about obsession and being singularly focused on a goal. I wish I had the tenacity shown here, there is really nothing I can honestly say i have dedicated myself to in my entire life. I see how all these men can be seen as fools but I can also see how they’re inspiring.

The art in this volume is peak (lol)

[Thomass G.R. Bürger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this one kicks it back up a notch. First volume was great, second one was alright, but the third one is also great. This is really where we see Mori's story really start to unfold. This is where we see his struggles and temptations and where he decides he wants to fight them and be disciplined.

This is also where he has to learn to work with others regardless of their personalities. And the introduction to different characters, including Mori's rival, is super interesting.

[Noah Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Mori gets offered to join a K2 climbing team, he joins after he has lost all his money. Now a loner having to cooperate with humans as they traverse the Japanese Alps, what will become of this team as they all climb together?

Another great addition to The Climber! The introduction of Nimi and his backstory was very compelling, and I'm very interested in seeing how his obsessive behavior will clash with Mori's in the next installment.

The art in this volume takes it up to a whole level, I mean some panels are simply spectacular, and it's being used to convey the deeper emotions within the characters which brings such a unique experience to reading it, and I'm just loving every second of it.

[Nicholas Dehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story balances two conflicts; man vs nature and man vs society. While the thrills and perils of mountain climbing are the core of this story, this volume in particular really dives into Mori’s psyche and his struggles with other people. Figuring out what he needs to do to get along with his teammates and what decisions will make them happy is far more difficult for him than summiting the alps in a blizzard. He is a really interesting character. The Kobori plotline was genuinely frightening and stressful, this volume felt like a horror manga at times. I am excited to see Mori grow as he begins to find himself. And of course, the art is unbelievable throughout.

[Aaron Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mori has it rough being as much a loner as he is. Too many people take advantage of him and it is good to see him starting to have a sliver of a voice for himself. There are a lot of pieces in this volume that are absolutely breathtaking, in fact throughout this series. I am already jonesing for the next volume lol

[blueygurl2016 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Mori. When it ended though, I was like, that’s it? I’m hoping that there’s another volume. Wikipedia acts like this is an ongoing series so maybe there is more to come? This was just very recently published in America I believe so maybe there is more to come. I just hate waiting to find out what happens next lol. 😂

[Joshua Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduced to some great characters in this volume. Thought it has been absolutely amazing. Seeing mori grow as a character and introduced to komatsu (great old man) and niimi. Can’t wait for volume 4!

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

its gooood!!!!!!!!

[Vin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy artwork. Literally goosebumps. I also think mori is such a well portrayed character I love this manga so far and I need vol 4 right now!!!!

[leo · Rating 3 out of 5]

i love him so much i just wish he would speak up more😭

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

it gets so real from here.

[Hale Burckin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing art, but the story lacks a bit from the first volume.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mori becomes obsessed with climbing and begins his K2 training with the team.

[Henry Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series rules and the art rocks!

[Luke Downing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banging art just like the previous 2 volumes