Ala Alba


References and Similarities in UQ Holder:

Listed below are the various references and similarities to other forms of media found in UQ Holder's manga. While there are far less than in its prequel, there's still some interesting shout-outs hidden in the pages.

Keep in mind, there will be spoilers to both UQ Holder and other pieces of media.

In chapter 13, Karin and Touta encounter a cyborg whose design is based off Sundowner from the Metalgear Solid video game series. Besides the bald head and mechanical body parts, though in opposite directions, barcodes can be seen on both of the character's heads.


​Another cyborg from the MGS series inspired a design for another bounty hunter. The hair and weapon choice are inspired by Jetstream Sam. Ironically, unlike Same, who only has a mechanical right arm, the bounty hunter has mechanical limbs for everything but the right arm.

Kirie's Save Point power is a clear reference to the way a player saves in the popular game series, Dark Souls, completely with the fire and praying position.


Starbooks makes a return from Negima while at Mahora Academy


In chapter 52, when UQ Holder is at Mahora, when the zombie portion of the arc starts, one of the teens can be seen sporting a Nirvana shirt.


When working on a finishing pose, Touta "attempts" to mock a type of pose from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. 

The shout-out here is clear and even stated,. After Touta breaks through Afro's barrier, he slices through his hair, making it look striking similar to the popular gaming mascot, Pac-Man.


When Kirie and Touta accidentally stop time, the panel above is nearly identical to the one from Dio's flashback from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. Touta references it even further by mentioning it wasn't limited to 5 seconds, the same amount of time Dio originally was limited to.

Mizore Yukihiro has a similar design to Street Fighter's Karin Kanzuki, especially the SFV version. Both girls share the iconic "ojou" laugh and the attack Mizore displays on Touta looks strikingly similar to Karin's Critical Art move.