#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 13

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 13
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1113-0; paperback (June 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

Demon Slayer is set in Japan's Taisho era (1912 to 1926).  It focuses on Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy who sells charcoal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest and finds his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.  Tanjiro becomes a Demon Slayer in order to find and destroy that demon, Muzan Kibutsuji.

As Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 13 (Chapters 107 to 115; entitled “Transitions”) opens, Tanjiro is up to his … neck in demons.  While recovering from injuries he sustained in battle, Tanjiro traveled to the mysterious and hidden “village of the sword-smiths.”  There, he would get his damaged katana repaired by Haganezuka, the man who forged the sword.  But once Tanjiro arrived, he started having strange experiences.

Now, Tanjiro is in a battle with the strange, shape-shifting demons, Upper Rank 4: Hantengu and Upper Rank 5: Gyokko.  Joining him in battle is the “Mist Hashira,” Muichiro Tokito, who struggles against these demons even with all his power.  Suddenly, only Tanjiro and another Demon Slayer, Genya Shinazugawa, stand against seemingly unbeatable demons.  Can the two Slayers handle a demon that can split itself into four separate bodies and regenerate almost instantly?

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga has become one of my favorite graphic novel series.  It is, however, hard to keep up with the series as VIZ is currently publishing it on a monthly basis, for which I don't blame them.  Demon Slayer is a huge bestseller on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel Volume 13 joins Vols. 7 to 12 to create a fantastic run of superb shonen dark fantasy action-adventure storytelling.  Creator Koyoharu Gotouge ended a long and intense story arc in Vol. 11, but he put his readers right back into the thick of things with another demonic mystery.  Simply put, Demon Slayer is great because Tanjiro's struggles and battles are hard to ignore once you start reading, dear readers.

John Werry's translation and Steve “Stan!” Brown's English-language adaptation deliver an engaging read, as always.  In Volume 13, their work captures Genya Shinazugawa's conflicts and internal battle in all their full dark and bitter glory.  And since that is the case, why stop reading now?

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 4

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 4
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0055-4; paperback (January 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

The Taisho era Japan (1912 to 1926).  Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy, sells coal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest and finds his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.  He becomes a Demon Slayer to find and destroy that demon.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 4 (Chapters 26 to 34) opens in the wake of Tanjiro and company's battle inside a house full of demons.  Now, Tanjiro finds himself fighting Inosuke Hashibira, a young man who wears a boar's head and who may be a Demon Slayer.  Tanjiro sees him as an ally, but what an ally they will need him to be as they face demons that turn Demon Slayers into marionettes.  Plus, Zenitsu Agatsuma, a demon slayer who seems to be a coward, discovers the existence of Nezuko.

[This volume includes four-panel comics and bonus text and art.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga was one of 2018's best new graphic novel series.  It is still kickin' in the two-oh-one-nine.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel 4 focuses on the characters outside of Tanjiro.  Creator Koyoharu Gotouge has offered new intriguing characters, especially Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira, both with interesting pasts and both possessing personalities that clash with the sweet-natured Tanjiro.  More characters are showing layers and textures in their personalities, an element that makes Demon Slayer a manga deserving to be read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia

The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

---------------------

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#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 3

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 3
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0054-7; paperback (November 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

It is Taisho era Japan (1912 to 1926).  Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy, sells coal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest to find his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.  He became a Demon Slayer to find that demon.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 3 (Chapters 17 to 25) opens as Tanjiro continues his battle with the servants of Muzan Kibutsuji, the demon master.  Susamaru (balls) and Yahaba (arrows) prove to be quite formidable, and Tanjiro will need help from an unexpected place to defeat them.  If defeated, will these members of the “Twelve Kizuki” (demons that serve Kibutsuji) reveal secrets about their master?

Then, Tanjiro and Nezuko meet Zenitsu Agatsuma, a demon slayer who seems to be a coward.  He proves to be little to no help when they find an unusual house that is full of demons.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga is one of 2018's best new graphic novel series.  It is one of a group of excellent titles released by VIZ Media in 2018.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel 3 takes readers into the grit and determination of series hero, Tanjiro Kamado.  However, creator Koyoharu Gotouge makes sure that readers how kind and considerate Tanjiro is.  That complicates a narrative that is quite gruesome at times.  At the same time, other characters begin to show layers and textures in their personalities, another element that makes Demon Slayer a manga to read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia

The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------

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#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 2

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0053-0; paperback (September 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

Demon Slayer is set in Taisho era Japan (1912 to 1926).  Tanjiro Kamado is a kindhearted boy who sells coal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest to find his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 2 (Chapters 8 to 16) opens as Tanjiro battles a demon as part of the final selection for the Demon Slayer Corps.  Next, he must choose the kasugai crow that he will use for mission communication with the corps.  Tanjiro must also choose the ore from which his sword will be made, but after his sword is made, something unusual happens.

Tanjiro's begins to walk the path of the Demon Slayer by heading north to a town where young girls are disappearing.  Plus, Tanjiro learns of the name of the demon he must eventually confront, Muzan Kibutsuji.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga is the latest in a line of excellent titles that VIZ Media has released in the last year.  A supernatural fantasy and revenge drama, Demon Slayer is demonic treat.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel 2 takes reader into the beginning of Tanjiro's quest and of his profession.  Creator Koyoharu Gotouge does not make things easy for his young hero.  I don't get the feeling that he will be defeated, but that he will undergo a learning process that we readers will get to experience with him.  I think that makes for a fun read.

I also like that Gotouge is not leaving Tanjiro's sister, Nezuko, as a mere victim or as nothing more than a liability.  When Gotouge gives her something to do, the cursed sister becomes a wild card character, engaging and appealing.  I almost want her to have her own manga; in the meantime, she makes Demon Slayer twice the fun to read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

--------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: ONE-PUNCH MAN Volume 19

ONE-PUNCH MAN, VOL. 19
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: ONE
ART: Yusuke Murata
TRANSLATION: John Werry
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
EDITORS: Jennifer LeBlanc; John Bae
ISBN: 978-1-9745-1170-3; paperback (March 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
232pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

One-Punch Man is a Japanese superhero franchise that began as a webcomic created by the writer-artist ONE.  Later, ONE joined artist Yusuke Murata to create a digital manga remake of One-Punch Man, and it began publication on Shueisha's Tonari no Young Jump website in 2012.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the digital manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint, beginning in 2015.

One-Punch Man focuses on Saitama, who wants to be a hero.  Beginning his superhero training when he is 22-years-old, he becomes a hero when he is 25.  He really does not look like a superhero, with his lifeless facial expression, bald head, and unimpressive physique.  But he beats the snot out of super-villains with one punch, and he even has his own disciple, the young cyborg, Genos (who really does not need any training).

As One-Punch Man, Vol. 19 (Chapters 91 to 94; entitled “All My Cabbage”) opens, the Hero Association gathers its forces before it launches its most important mission.  The Monster Association has kidnapped Waganma, the son of Mr. Nakiri, a man who has some kind of influence over the Hero Association.  Nakiri has already seen his “Nakiri Private Force” torn apart during its mission to rescue his son.  “Class S” heroes will lead the mission, with Class A and B acting as back-up, but some previously respected Class A heroes are not wanted on this mission... including a familiar face.

Elsewhere, Garo, the so-called “Hero Hunter,” invades the Monster Association's underground lair in order to rescue another kidnapped child, the sniveling, always-in-the-way, Tareo.  The boy, however, has already been chosen for some torture fun and games.  And Garo's rescue mission will bring him face to face with the most powerful monsters, including the top two monsters.

Meanwhile, Saitama is at home wondering why he has to share his hot pot with uninvited guests.  And it seems as if they are going to eat all the cabbage in the hot pot.

[This volume includes the bonus manga story, entitled “Reality Punch.”]

THE LOWDOWN:  As the year 2020 approaches its end, I can say that I have dedicated myself to the One-Punch Man manga.  It is my favorite superhero comic, and I have read at least seven volumes this year.

One-Punch Man Graphic Novel Volume 19 offers the usual battle manga.  However, of late, creators, writer ONE and artist Yusuke Murata, have focused on the half-human/half-monster, Garo, who is known as the “Hero Hunter.”  He is a great character, and I dare say as good as Saitama.  It pains me to write that because I really like Saitama, and I always look forward to him punching out a giant monster.  Still, Garo is quite the unstoppable force himself, and I find him to be as attractive an anti-hero as Marvel Comics' Wolverine once was (before Marvel Comics overexposed the character via a flood of comic book publications).  So I am recommending One-Punch Man because it has two great characters, and I wouldn't be surprised if ONE and Murata gave us a third great character sometime soon.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of shonen battle manga and of superhero comic books will want to try the “Shonen Jump” title, One-Punch Man.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

------------------------------

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#IReadsYou Review: HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER Volume 35

HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER, VOL. 35
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Kenjiro Hata
TRANSLATION: John Werry
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Shaenon K. Garrity
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0567-2; paperback (February 2020); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Hayate the Combat Butler is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kenjiro Hata.  It was serialized in Shogakukan's Weekly Shōnen Sunday magazine from October 2004 to April 2017.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Sunday” imprint since November 2006.

Hayate the Combat Butler focuses on Hayate Ayasaki.  He begins working to pay off his degenerate parents' gambling debts when he is nine.  Before they disappear, his parents sell their son’s organs to the yakuza to cover their debts.  Hayate is working various part-time jobs to pay off the debts when fate brings Hayate to teenage heiress, Nagi Sanzenin a/k/a “Ojô-sama.”  She is the frequent target of kidnapping plots and of various schemes by people trying to get her money.  Hayate becomes Ojô-sama’s butler, zealously protecting her, while she falls in love with him.

Hayate the Combat Butler, Vol. 35 finds pop idol, Ruka Suirenji, ready to reveal to Hayate that she has a crush on him, but should she?  Ruka asks Ishizawa for advice, but Ishizawa also has a crush on Hayate?  So will Ishizawa help a love rival, and if she does, what form will the help take?

When the housemates discover that Katsura Hinagiku was once an aspiring guitarist and singer, how will they get the dispirited talent to take up her dreams again?  Then, Maria-san decides to take Nagi to a family restaurant … because it is the perfect place for Nagi to work on her manga.  Or is it?  Finally, everyone is worried that Ruka is too stressed, which is manifesting via physical ailments.  But she isn't the only one in need of a break from work.  So is Hayate.  When they find themselves alone, what will they do to relieve the stress?

[This volume includes a bonus manga, four-panel comics, and art.]

THE LOWDOWN:  I have managed to read the Hayate the Combat Butler manga four times this calendar year.  I am always happy to return to this manga and anime parody series.

Hayate the Combat Butler Graphic Novel Volume 35 is the reason I keep coming back, just as Vol. 34 was.  Vol. 35 is one of the series' best entries, making the previous two-volumes a dynamic duo, and the final story page of this volume surprised me.  I noticed the theme of “in love with Hayate.”  After all, creator Kenjiro Hata has made just about every female character in this manga in love with Hayate.  So everything goes along as normal, with each chapter being, more or less, self-contained.  Then, BAM! goes the shocker, and it is something that Hata does so well when he does present it – the Hayate the Combat Butler cliffhanger.  Dear readers, we gotta come back for more.

Also, I must mention John Werry, who provides a sparkling translation that captures the freshness of Vol. 34.  Then, there is letterer John Hunt's spry fonts that capture the romantic fun and games.  So, let's get to the next volume.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers looking for comedy can find laughs in the “Shonen Sunday” manga, Hayate the Combat Butler.

A
9.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------------------

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#IReadsYou Review: Blue Exorcist Volume 23

BLUE EXORCIST, VOL. 23
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Kazue Kato
TRANSLATION & ENGLISH ADAPTATION: John Werry
LETTERS: John Hunt, Primary Graphix
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1172-4; paperback (February 2020); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
202pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Blue Exorcist is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kazue Kato.  The manga has been serialized in Shueisha's Jump Square magazine since April 2009.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump Advanced” and “Shonen Jump” imprints since April 2011

Blue Exorcist focuses on Rin Okumura.  He has an argument with his foster father, the famous exorcist, Father Shiro Fujimoto.  That is how he learns that the Demon Lord Satan is his father!  Even after Satan suddenly appears and tries to drag him to hell, Rin is still determined to reject his demonic blood line.  He enrolls at True Cross Academy Private High School in order to train to become an exorcist.  Rin’s twin brother, Yukio Okumura, already an exorcist, is one of his instructors.

As Blue Exorcist, Vol. 23 (Chapters 104 to 108) opens, Lord Mephisto Pheles continues to take Rin on a journey into his and his brother's past.  Mephisto is more than delighted to use his time-traveling powers to show Rin what happened all those years ago.  Rin sees his mother, Yuri Egin, as a girl and watches her grow into a young woman.  He also sees his foster father, Shiro Fujimoto, who has a dark and troubled past.

Yuri has revealed her feelings about Shuri to him, but she is soon reunited with her “friend,” Rinka.  Rinka moves to the secret “Section 13.”  There, the exorcists are involved in the research of elixirs for immortality and in developing clones to house the spirits of demons.  Now, the most powerful demon of all is moving into a clone body.  Mephisto warns Rin, this story can only end in tragedy, and the tragic part may be about to begin.

[This volume contains bonus comics, art, text, etc.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Blue Exorcist manga has been one of the manga that I have read the most in 2020.  This calendar year, I have read six volume volumes.

Blue Exorcist Graphic Novel Volume 23 continues what has been an excellent run of volumes in this series, beginning with Vol. 20.  In Vol. 23, creator Kazue Kato balances a love story of sorts with the depiction of the conniving and abominations committed by the Knights of the True Cross.  For long time readers, it will all pay off in a tragic origin story that is about to reach its climax.

John Werry's usually excellent translation continues to reveal the story in delicate strokes with occasional intimate details.  John Hunt's lettering continues to convey the constant shifts in tone, especially in regards to Shiro Fujimoto's anger and bitterness.  These two contributors are preparing us for big things ahead in this series.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers looking for dark magic and action comics will want to try the “Shonen Jump Advanced” title, Blue Exorcist.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------

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#IReadsYou Review: ONE-PUNCH MAN Volume 18

ONE-PUNCH MAN, VOL. 18
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: ONE
ART: Yusuke Murata
TRANSLATION: John Werry
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
EDITORS: Jennifer LeBlanc; John Bae
ISBN: 978-1-9745-0946-5; paperback (December 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

One-Punch Man is a Japanese superhero franchise that began as a webcomic created by the writer-artist ONE.  Later, ONE joined artist Yusuke Murata to create a digital manga remake of One-Punch Man, and it began publication on Shueisha's Tonari no Young Jump website in 2012.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the digital manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint, beginning in 2015.

One-Punch Man focuses on Saitama, who wants to be a hero.  Beginning his superhero training when he is 22-years-old, he becomes a hero when he is 25.  He really does not look like a superhero, with his lifeless facial expression, bald head, and unimpressive physique.  But he beats the snot out of super-villains with one punch, and he even has his own disciple, the young cyborg, Genos (who really does not need any training).

As One-Punch Man, Vol. 18 (Chapters 88 to 90; entitled “Limiter”) opens, the civilians clash.  Some humans want to give in to the Monster Association.  They have formed the “Worship Party,” and plan on regularly offering human sacrifices to the monsters as a way to regulate monster predation of humans and perhaps, to stave off human extinction.  Meanwhile, human criminality rages on as there is an increase in crimes like robberies and break-ins.

Elsewhere, members of the Hero Association continue to search for Garo, the so-called “Hero Hunter.”  Garo, however, continues his bid to prove himself to the Monster Association as a potential member.  To that end, monster boss, Gyoro-Gyoro, sends two heavy-hitter monsters, “Insect God” and “King the Ripper,” to test him.  Now, Garo must fight these powerful, homicidal monsters and protect that sniveling brat, Tareo.

Plus, Saitama finds himself in the most awful predicament.  He might have to dine-and-dash!

[This volume includes bonus illustrations and bonus comics, entitled “Oops.”]

THE LOWDOWN:  Yes, dear readers, One-Punch Man manga continues to be my favorite superhero comic book.  Like the shonen manga, My Hero Academia, it is a Japanese take on the American superhero comic book.  And both are superior to American superhero comic books in many ways.

One-Punch Man Graphic Novel Volume 18 offers battle manga, but not to the extent that the two previous editions, Vols.16 and 17, did.  The Garo vs. Insect God and King the Ripper battle is quite exciting.  The rest of Vol. 18 is comprised of Saitama's humorous troubles and also plenty of theory on what makes a monster and on the concept of the “Limiter.”  This isn't one of the better recent volumes, but it does reveal Garo to be an increasingly superb character.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of shonen battle manga and of superhero comic books will want to try the “Shonen Jump” title, One-Punch Man.

A
8.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

 

#IReadsYou Review: HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER Volume 34

HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER, VOL. 34
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Kenjiro Hata
TRANSLATION: John Werry
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Shaenon K. Garrity
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0566-5; paperback (September 2019); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Hayate the Combat Butler is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kenjiro Hata.  It was serialized in Shogakukan's Weekly Shōnen Sunday magazine from October 2004 to April 2017.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Sunday” imprint since November 2006.

Hayate the Combat Butler focuses on Hayate Ayasaki.  He begins working to pay off his degenerate parents' gambling debts when he is nine.  Before they disappear, his parents sell their son’s organs to the yakuza to cover their debts.  Hayate is working various part-time jobs to pay off the debts when fate brings Hayate to teenage heiress, Nagi Sanzenin a/k/a “Ojô-sama.”  She is the frequent target of kidnapping plots and of various schemes by people trying to get her money.  Hayate becomes Ojô-sama’s butler, zealously protecting her, while she falls in love with him.

Hayate the Combat Butler, Vol. 34 finds Nagi declaring that her dedicated maid, Maria Kyobashi a.k.a. Maria-san, is being a nag.  Nagi is determined to find some dirt on Maria-san – something she can use against her, so she sends Hayate to do her dirty work.  But does Maria have a dark side, and can Hayate find it even if she does?

Next, there is a wave of new residents at the old mansion that Hayate and company have turned into a boarding house.  First, learn the story of pop idol, Ruka Suirenji, who wants to be a manga creator.  However, her management agency practically owns her, and they don't want their pop star drawing manga as a new career.  So to escape them, Ruka moves in with Hayate and friends.  That makes Ayumu Nishizawa, who loves Hayate, jealous, as she sees Ruka as a rival.  Now, Ayumu wants to move into the boarding house, but can this financially-strapped high school girl afford $400 a month rent?

The need for more rooms leads Hayate and company to a possible “mystery room.”  What is this mystery room, and why is it protected by a magical barrier?

[This volume includes a bonus manga, four-panel comics, and art.]

THE LOWDOWN:  I have managed to read the Hayate the Combat Butler manga three times this calendar year.  There are usually several months or even a year-long gap in my readings of the series, but I am always happy to return.

Hayate the Combat Butler Graphic Novel Volume 34 is the reason I keep coming back.  Vol. 34 is one of the series' best entries, and it exemplifies creator Kenjiro Hata's deft touch with magical elements.  The “Mystery Room” story arc takes up eight of this volume's 11 chapters.  It brings elements of magic and mystery to the narrative, which are a break from the sameness of recent volumes.  There are also some allusions to a previous story arc in which regular readers may find delight.

As usual, John Werry provides a sparkling translation which captures the freshness of Vol. 34.  Letterer John Hunt's spry fonts capture the fun of magical powers and supernatural characters that abound in this volume.  So, let's get to the next volume.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers looking for comedy can find laughs in the “Shonen Sunday” manga, Hayate the Combat Butler.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
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#IReadsYou Review: BLUE EXORCIST Volume 22

BLUE EXORCIST, VOL. 22
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Kazue Kato
TRANSLATION & ENGLISH ADAPTATION: John Werry
LETTERS: John Hunt, Primary Graphix
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0873-4; paperback (September 2019); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
210pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Blue Exorcist is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kazue Kato.  The manga has been serialized in Shueisha's Jump Square magazine since April 2009.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump Advanced” and “Shonen Jump” imprints since April 2011

Blue Exorcist focuses on Rin Okumura.  He has an argument with his foster father, the famous exorcist, Father Shiro Fujimoto.  That is how he learns that the Demon Lord Satan is his father!  Even after Satan suddenly appears and tries to drag him to hell, Rin is still determined to reject his demonic blood line.  He enrolls at True Cross Academy Private High School in order to train to become an exorcist.  Rin’s twin brother, Yukio Okumura, already an exorcist, is one of his instructors.

As Blue Exorcist, Vol. 22 (Chapters 99 to 103) opens, the seals binding the artificial “Gehenna Gate” are broken, and the world is beset by an invasion of demons.  The “Exwires” must fight without brothers, Rin and Yukio Okumara, the latter being under arrest.  Rin, meanwhile, has demanded that Mephisto Pheles, his and his brother's guardian, reveal the Okumara family's past to him.

Mephisto is more than delighted to use his time-traveling powers to show Rin what happened all those years ago.  Rin will meet his mother, Yuri Egin, as a girl and watch her grow, and he will meet his foster father, Shiro Fujimoto, who has a dark and troubled past.  But, Mephisto warns Rin, this story can only end in tragedy.

[This volume contains bonus comics, art, text, etc.]

THE LOWDOWN:  Once a year, I get around to reading the Blue Exorcist manga.  This calendar year, I have read five volumes.

Blue Exorcist Graphic Novel Volume 22 can be joined with Vols. 20 and 21 to form what is one of the series best three-volume runs that I have read.  At this point, creator Kazue Kato brings a turning point to the narrative, but Vol. 22 has a laser focus and is almost intimate in the way Kato unveils the past of the Okumara brothers.

John Werry's usually excellent translation reveals the story in delicate strokes with occasional intimate details.  John Hunt's lettering conveys the constant shifts in tone, especially in regards to Shiro Fujimoto's anger and bitterness.  If you are a manga reader not reading Blue Exorcist, dear readers, you are missing a tremendous read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers looking for dark magic and action comics will want to try the “Shonen Jump Advanced” title, Blue Exorcist.

A+
10 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
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The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: MUJIRUSHI: The Sign of Dreams

MUJIRUSHI: THE SIGN OF DREAMS
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Naoki Urasawa
TRANSLATION/ENGLISH ADAPTATION: John Werry
LETTERS: Steve Dutro
EDITOR: Karla Clark
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1523-7; paperback with French flaps (July 2020); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
272pp, B&W with some color, $19.99 U.S., $26.99 CAN, £15.99 U.K.

Located in Paris, the Louvre is the world's largest art museum (and perhaps it most famous).  Did you know, dear reader, that the Louvre also publishes comics?  Yes, the most famous art museum in the world has been commissioning French and international comics artists to write their own original stories inspired by the Louvre and its collection for about a decade.  The comics are published via a joint venture between the Louvre (under the imprint, “Louvre éditions”) and the French publisher known as “Futuropolis.”

One of the comics creators approached to produce a Louvre-inspired comic book is legendary “mangaka” (creator of manga), Naoki Urasawa, who is known for variety of titles, including Pineapple ARMY, Monster, and 20th Century Boys.  For the Louvre, Urasawa produced the manga, Mujirushi: The Sign of Dreams, known in French as Mujirushi – Le signe des rêves.

Mujirushi was serialized in the Japanese seinen manga magazine, Big Comic Original, from October 20, 2017 to February 20, 2018.  The nine-chapter serial was eventually collected in a single volume (in both a standard and a deluxe edition) by Japanese publisher, Shogakukan.  Louvre éditions and Futuropolis first published Mujirushi in French in a single paperback volume in June 2018; then, as a two-volume manga set in August and October 2018, and finally, in a slipcase edition in November 2018.  VIZ Media published an English-language edition of Mujirushi as single-volume, paperback graphic novel under its “VIZ Signature” imprint in July 2020.

Mujirushi: The Sign of Dreams features an ensemble cast of characters.  The first is Takashi Kamoda, a failed businessman and tax cheat, who finds himself abandoned by his wife, hounded by creditors, and facing incarceration.  All Kamoda has left is his daughter, Kasumi, and now, he is considering suicide.

Fate brings Kamoda and Kasumi to the France Institute for Research (also known as the “La France Institute for Research”) and its odd director.  “The Director” wears a bow tie and his top front teeth are large and stick out his mouth, making his look like 1960s Japanese pop culture figure, “Iyami.”  A francophone, the Director tells Kamoda that he has a plan that will free him of his debts.  All Kamoda has to do is travel to France and abscond with “The Lacemaker,” a 17th century painting by the Dutch “Old Master” painter, Johannes Vermeer!

The plot also involves several other players.  Their is Michel, a French firefighter, and his singing grandmother, Madame Bardot.  “Kyoko” is the name of a mysterious Japanese woman from Michel and his grandmother's past.  There are French and Japanese police detectives.  Finally, there is Beverly Duncan, a billionaire businesswoman and celebrity who is running for President of the United States.  Oh, Beverly looks like a female Donald Trump!

THE LOWDOWN:  The Mujirushi: The Sign of Dreams manga is the first work by Naoki Urasawa that I have read since I read the last volume of VIZ Media's edition of Master Keaton back in September 2017.  Urasawa is one of my favorite manga writer-artists, and I consider him to be one of the very best creators working in the comics medium over the last three decades.

Mujirushi: The Sign of Dreams Graphic Novel is my least favorite work of his to date.  A very short work compared to Urasawa's best known manga, Mujirushi is basically a handy graphic novel package composed of Urasawa's familiar storytelling tropes.  First, it is a conspiracy wrapped inside a mystery that begins with a very important or pivotal origin story or back story that occurs decades earlier.

Second, the cast is a collection of odd and eccentric characters who are menacing or are at least behaving suspiciously.  The difference is that none of Mujirushi's characters have the depth and richness of the characters in Urasawa's best work.  Third, the art is trademark Urasawa, but there is nothing to really distinguish it from any other Urasawa graphical storytelling.

Still, even standard Naoki Urasawa is superior to most other mangaka and comics creators' best work.  John Werry's translation and English adaptation result in a story that is hard to stop reading.  Werry has fashioned something that your imagination can't stop chasing until it finds some kind of resolution... any kind of resolution.  Letterer Steve Dutro offers lettering, fonts, and effects that deftly capture the spirit of an Urasawa manga.  So while Mujirushi: The Sign of Dreams isn't perfect, it is, to quote singer Grace Jones, perfect for you, dear Urasawa fans.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Naoki Urasawa will want the VIZ Signature graphic novel, Mujirushi: The Sign of Dreams.

7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: ONE-PUNCH MAN Volume 17

ONE-PUNCH MAN, VOL. 17
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: ONE
ART: Yusuke Murata
TRANSLATION: John Werry
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
EDITORS: Jennifer LeBlanc; John Bae
ISBN: 978-1-9745-0461-4; paperback (August 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
216pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

One-Punch Man is a Japanese superhero franchise that began as a webcomic created by the writer-artist ONE.  Later, ONE joined artist Yusuke Murata to create a digital manga remake of One-Punch Man, and it began publication on Shueisha's Tonari no Young Jump website in 2012.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the digital manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint, beginning in 2015.

One-Punch Man focuses on Saitama, who wants to be a hero.  Beginning his superhero training when he is 22-years-old, he becomes a hero when he is 25.  He really does not look like a superhero, with his lifeless facial expression, bald head, and unimpressive physique.  But he beats the snot out of super-villains with one punch, and he even has his own disciple, the young cyborg, Genos (who really does not need any training).

As One-Punch Man, Vol. 17 (Chapters 88 to 88; entitled “Because I'm the Bald Cape?”) opens, Gara, the so-called “Hero Hunter,” has recovered from the beating he got from the heroes, “Bang” and “Bomb.”  Still, Gara's wounds are life-threatening, so he is in need of a rescue.  Enter the centipede mega-monster, “Centichoro!”  Bang and Bomb are powerless against this kaiju, and even Genos struggles against the creature.  Enter the legendary hero, “King,” with his pal, Saitama.  Which one will stop Centichoro's unstoppable rampage?

Meanwhile, at Hero Association headquarters, Mr. Nakiri rages that his son, Waganma, the child kidnapped by the Monster Association, remains a captive.  But can his “Nakiri Private Force” do more to free his son than the heroes have done?

[This volume includes a bonus manga chapter, “Confidence,” and also bonus illustrations and bonus comics.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The One-Punch Man manga remains my favorite superhero comic book.  Like the shonen manga, My Hero Academia, it is a Japanese take on the American superhero comic book.  As much as I like My Hero Academia, I am crazy in love with One-Punch Man.

One-Punch Man Graphic Novel Volume 17, like Vol. 16, is pure battle manga.  However, Vol. 17 contains one of the most exhilarating sequences featuring Saitama in action that this series has ever had.  The ten-page “Se-Ri-Ous Punch!” sequence exemplifies artist Yusuke Murata's impressive skill.  I'm not sure anyone is as good at drawing fight comics as he is right now.

John Werry's translation for the chapters contained in Vol. 17 reveal the complicated nature of the relationships on both sides of this hero-monster battle.  No one is pure to his cause, and many cannot be trusted.  Some characters may be more neutral than anything, and Werry brings out the increasingly gray nature of this group of flawed characters.  So, yes, this is a joy to read, as both a superhero comic and as a shonen character melodrama.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of shonen battle manga and of superhero comic books will love the “Shonen Jump” title, One-Punch Man.

A
9.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.



----------------------------

#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 12

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 12
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1112-3; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

Demon Slayer is set in Japan's Taisho era (1912 to 1926).  It focuses on Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy who sells charcoal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest and finds his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.  Tanjiro becomes a Demon Slayer in order to find and destroy that demon, Muzan Kibutsuji.

As Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 12 (Chapters 98 to 106; entitled “The Upper Ranks Gather”) opens, there is trouble in the demon world.  With the death of the “Upper-Rank 6” demon, Gyutaro, and his younger demon-sister, Daki, for the first time in 100 years, the upper ranks of Muzan Kibutsuji's “Twelve Kizuki” are not full.  So Kibutsuji sends the remaining upper-rank demons on a mission, but what is that mission?

Meanwhile, Tanjiro has regained consciousness after being unconscious for two months because of the injuries he sustained in the battle against Gyutaro.  While he recovers, Tanjiro travels to the mysterious and hidden “village of the sword-smiths” in order to get his damaged katana repaired by Haganezuka, the man who forged the sword.  But once Tanjiro is there, he has strange experiences.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga has become one of my favorite graphic novel series.  It is, however, hard to keep up with the series as VIZ is currently publishing it on a monthly basis.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel Volume 12, like Vols. 7 to 11, is among the series' best entries.  Creator Koyoharu Gotouge ended a long and intense story arc in Vol. 11, but readers will find themselves right back at the beginnings of another mystery.  Simply, put Demon Slayer is a joy to read because Tanjiro's struggle continues in a way that makes for great reading.

John Werry's translation and Steve “Stan!” Brown's English-language adaptation deliver an engaging read, as always, that brings out all that is alluring about Demon Slayer's characters.  With this new mystery, the allure is as strong as ever.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

A+
10 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.



-----------------------------

#IReadsYou Review: ONE-PUNCH MAN Volume 16

ONE-PUNCH MAN, VOL. 16
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: ONE
ART: Yusuke Murata
TRANSLATION: John Werry
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
EDITORS: Jennifer LeBlanc; John Bae
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0461-3; paperback (May 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
216pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

One-Punch Man is a Japanese superhero franchise that began as a webcomic created by the writer-artist ONE.  Later, ONE joined artist Yusuke Murata to create a digital manga remake of One-Punch Man, and it began publication on Shueisha's Tonari no Young Jump website in 2012.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the digital manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint, beginning in 2015.

One-Punch Man focuses on Saitama, who wants to be a hero.  Beginning his superhero training when he is 22-years-old, he becomes one when he is 25.  He really does not look like a superhero, with his lifeless facial expression, bald head, and unimpressive physique.  But he beats the snot out of super-villains with one punch, and he even has his own disciple, the young cyborg, Genos (who really needs no training).

As One-Punch Man, Vol. 16 (Chapters 81 to 84; entitled “Depleted”) opens, Gara, the so-called “Hero Hunter,” has a man-to-boy talk with Waganma, the child kidnapped by the Monster Association.  It seems that the boy has the latest edition of the “Hero Guide,” the publication that offers information on members of the Hero Association, including their rankings within the association and a detailed explanation of their powers and how they work.  Gara needs that because outside of that hideout is a group of eight heroes looking to take him down.

But Gara thinks that even by himself he can defeat this group of mostly “Class B” and low-rank “Class A” heroes.  What will happen, however, when Genos comes racing in...?  Or what happens when a powerful duo that is familiar with Gara visits?  Plus, Saitama fights his toughest battle to date – trying to beat King at video games.

[This volume includes the bonus manga, “Growth Process,” and also bonus illustrations.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The One-Punch Man manga is my favorite superhero comic book, right now.  Like the shonen manga, My Hero Academia, it is a Japanese take on the American superhero comic book.  As much as I like My Hero Academia, I am crazy in love with One-Punch Man.

One-Punch Man Graphic Novel Volume 16 is pure battle manga.  Vols. 14 and 15 were sheer joys to read, but Vol. 16 just wants to pound your face with page after page of fight comics.  The narrative does not move forward with this volume, but we can enjoy Yusuke Murata's amazing battle manga art.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of shonen battle manga and of superhero comic books will love the “Shonen Jump” title, One-Punch Man.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.



-----------------------------

#IReadsYou Review: HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER Volume 33

HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER, VOL. 33
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Kenjiro Hata
TRANSLATION: John Werry
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Shaenon K. Garrity
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9866-6; paperback (January 2019); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Hayate the Combat Butler is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kenjiro Hata.  It was serialized in Shogakukan's Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine from October 2004 to April 2017.  VIZ Media is currently publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Sunday” imprint.

The star of the series is a young man named Hayate Ayasaki.  He begins working to pay off his degenerate parents' gambling debts when he is nine.  Before they disappear, his parents sell their son’s organs to the yakuza to cover their debts.  Hayate is working various part-time jobs to pay off the debts when fate brings him to teenage heiress, Nagi Sanzenin a/k/a “Ojô-sama.”  She is the frequent target of kidnapping plots and of various schemes by people trying to get her money.  Hayate becomes Ojô-sama’s butler, zealously protecting her, while she falls in love with him.

As Hayate the Combat Butler, Vol. 33 opens, Hayate gives a tour of the surrounding area to their newest resident, Kayura Tsurugino, the homeless girl who was living in a tent in the park.  How will she adjust to her first day in a new school?  Can she adjust?  Then, its the seventeenth birthday of Izumi Segawa, the girl who really (and secretly) loves Hayate.  When he makes her a large birthday cake for her birthday, he also suggests that they share it with their housemates.  But Izumi does not want to share her cake or Hayate.

Then, after a six-week break (as the Hayate the Combat manga took a six-week break from publication), it is time to head back to school... and to a big test!  But the four girls sharing the house with him all have a cold.  Can Hayate take care of them without getting sick himself... so that he can stay healthy to take a test that he cannot fail?!

[This volume includes bonus manga and four-panel comics, a preview of Vol. 34, and more.]

THE LOWDOWN:  I read the Hayate the Combat Butler manga a few times a year.  Now, I have finally moved into the first volume released in 2019.

Hayate the Combat Butler Graphic Novel Volume 33 is more of the same-old, same-old, and that's a good thing.  Its 11 chapters break the fourth wall, and creator Kenjiro Hata gives us more antics from Hayate and company.  Hayate the Combat Butler is like the cozy anime-manga parody equivalent of a cozy mystery.  It gives readers what they expect, and because they are wedded to a “cozy” genre, it gives them what they need.

As usual, John Werry's translation sparkles and allows for reader contentment.  Letterer John Hunt's spry fonts maintain the amiable mood.  They are both good on “Episode 9,” which finds Hayate attempting to teach one of his female charges to ride a bike.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers looking for otaku comedy can find laughs in the “Shonen Sunday” manga, Hayate the Combat Butler.

A-
7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.



--------------------------

#IReadsYou Review: ONE-PUNCH MAN Volume 15

ONE-PUNCH MAN, VOL. 15
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: ONE
ART: Yusuke Murata
TRANSLATION: John Werry
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
EDITORS: Jennifer LeBlanc; John Bae
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0223-7; paperback (January 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
216pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

One-Punch Man is a Japanese superhero franchise that began as a webcomic created by the writer-artist ONE.  Later, ONE joined artist Yusuke Murata to create a digital manga remake of One-Punch Man that began publication on Shueisha's Tonari no Young Jump website in 2012.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the digital manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint beginning in 2015.

One-Punch Man focuses on Saitama, who wants to be a hero.  He begins his superhero training when he is 22-years-old, and he becomes one when he is 25.  He really does not look like a superhero, with his lifeless facial expression, bald head, and unimpressive physique.  But he beats the snot out of super-villains with one punch, and he even has his own disciple, the young cyborg, Genos (who really needs no training).

One-Punch Man, Vol. 15 (Chapters 76 to 80; entitled “Pulling the Strings”) finds Saitama in a funk.  Despite just finishing a martial arts tournament and then, obliterating the supposedly unbeatable monster, “Goketsu,” Saitama feels empty inside.  He believes that he is simply too strong, so can the hero known as “King” help lift Saitama's spirits... by whuppin' his ass at video games?!

Meanwhile, the Monster Association makes its boldest move against the Hero Association to date.  They have not only kidnapped Waganma, the son of Narinki, an esteemed supporter of the Hero Association, but a monster has also infiltrated Hero Association with a message.  Is it a message about an armistice or a message of death... or both?

[This volume includes the bonus manga stories, “Threat Level” and “Sighting,” and also bonus illustrations.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The One-Punch Man manga is, like the shonen manga, My Hero Academia, a Japanese take on the American superhero comic book.  As much as I like My Hero Academia, I am crazy in love with One-Punch Man.

One-Punch Man Graphic Novel Volume 15 is a sheer joy to read, as was Vol. 14.  I must admit to being onboard with ONE and Yusuke Murata's take on Saitama's boredom.  If the One-Punch Man is really unbeatable because of his mega one-punch, bring on the bad guys or, in this case, the Monster Association.  Other than that, Vol. 15 is filled with one of this series' signature elements, and that is inventive and imaginative characters.  And, as usual, I can't wait for the next volume.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of shonen battle manga and of superhero comic books will love the “Shonen Jump” title, One-Punch Man.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.


------------------------------

#IReadsYou Review: A TROPICAL FISH YEARNS FOR SNOW Volume 2

A TROPICAL FISH YEARNS FOR SNOW, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Makoto Hagino
TRANSLATION & ENGLISH ADAPTATION: John Werry
LETTERS: Eva Grandt
EDITOR: Pancha Diaz
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1059-1; paperback (January 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
172pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

High school student, Konatsu Amano, learns that her father has gotten a job overseas.  Konatsu has to leave Tokyo and the life she’s always known and relocate to a small seaside town, Nagahama, to stay with her aunt.  On her first trip to her new school, Nanahama High School, Konatsu arrives at the open house for the school's “Aquarium Club,” where she meets a like-minded teen girl, Koyuki Honami.  She might be the one to bring the introverted Konatsu out of her shell.

A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow, Vol. 2 (Chapters 5 to 8) opens with Konatsu and Koyuki in an embrace that Koyuki initiated.  They suddenly part, embarrassed by the moment.  Now, it seems that Koyuki is avoiding Konatsu, but luckily, Koyuki's father, Mr. Honami, a teacher at the high school, has a way to fix what ails them.  So what's next for the Konatsu and Koyuki after this bonding experience.  Plus, Konatsu's father returns to Japan for a visit.

[This volume includes an illustrated “Afterword” and bonus manga.]

The A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow manga is a light-hearted, LGBTQ-themed manga from VIZ Media.  It is similar in tone and spirit to That Blue Sky Feeling, a manga about a straight teen boy who has a very close relationship with a gay teen boy.

A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow Graphic Novel Volume 2 depicts the first complications in Konatsu and Koyuki's still new relationship – the first bumps in the road on their journey of love.  In fact, Vol. 2 is thematically about complications and obstacles, but not too complicated or obstacles too weighty.  A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow is rated “T” (for “Teen”), so this is a gentle romance in which “getting physical” means hugs and holding hands.

John Werry's translation and English adaptation is gentle and sweet and appropriate for the tone of the narrative.  Eva Grandt's lettering plays the dialogue like soft melodies, and that's okay.  A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow is something different, and I am curious to see where this story goes.

A-
7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: LEVIUS/est: Volume 1

LEVIUS/EST, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTONIST: Haruhisa Nakata
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Jason A. Hurley
LETTERS: Joanna Estep
EDITOR: Joel Enos
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0639-6; paperback (November 2019); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
212pp, B&W with some color, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 UK

Levius/est is a sequel to the manga, Levius, with both manga being the creation of manga artist, Haruhisa Nakata.  A currently ongoing series, Levius/est is published in the Japanese manga magazine, Ultra Jump.  VIZ Media is publishing an English-language edition of Levius/est as a series of graphic novels, and also published Levius in English as a single-volume hardcover omnibus edition.

Levius/est, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 5) opens in the 19th century.  The world has entered the “Era of Rebirth,” as it recovers  from a devastating war.  Seventeen-year-old Levius Cromwell, who lost his parents to war, is a fighter in the sport of mechanical martial arts (M.M.A.), which has galvanized the nations of the world.  Cybernetically augmented fighters turn their blood into steam and their bodies into brutal and sometimes monstrous fighting and killing machines.

Levius managed to become one of the “Grand Thirteen,” the 13 M.M.A. fighters in the sport's top level, “Grade I.”  However, Levius is currently in a coma, and his gravely injured uncle, Zack Cromell (his father's brother), is determined to save him.  To do so means engaging a dangerous young woman named A.J. Langdon, the fighter who caused Levius' injuries.

The Levius/est manga is a necessary sequel to the Levius manga.  After reading Levius, dear readers, it was clear to me that there was more story to be told.

Levius/est Graphic Novel Volume 1 is appropriate for high school age readers, as was the original, although both are classified with the adult seinen manga label.  Creator Haruhisa Nakata depicts some shockingly brutal fights in the original series, but here, he focuses on back story, flashbacks, and character relationships.  For instance, Nakata offers us the first look at the events that led to Levius' mother's grievous injuries, and he shows us a more detailed and different side of A.J. Langdon.

Nakata's art reminds me of the work of Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira), and I expect this series will sometimes seem like a steampunk spin on Ghost in the Shell.  Nakata's art makes for effective graphical storytelling and is also eye-candy.

John Werry and Jason A. Hurley's work on the English script for Levius/est won't fail us, and Joanna Estep's lovely lettering is perfect for this series.  That is why I am recommending Levius/est.  There is so much potential here, both in terms of action and in terms of character drama.  Levius/est may be a sequel, but I don't think it will be a retread.

8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: A TROPICAL FISH YEARNS FOR SNOW Volume 1

A TROPICAL FISH YEARNS FOR SNOW, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Makoto Hagino
TRANSLATION & ENGLISH ADAPTATION: John Werry
LETTERS: Eva Grandt
EDITOR: Pancha Diaz
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1043-0; paperback (November 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
172pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Nettaigyo wa Yuki ni Kogareru is a manga from Makoto Hagino.  It is currently being serialized in the Japanese magazine, Dengeki Maoh, where it began in June 2017.  VIZ Media is publishing an English language edition of the manga as a graphic novel series, entitled A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow.

A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 4) introduces high school student, Konatsu Amano.  When her father gets a job overseas, Konatsu has to leave Tokyo and the life she’s always known.  She relocates to a small seaside town to stay with her aunt.

The move also means starting at a new school surrounded by complete strangers, and that is a lot to handle for a girl who has trouble with change.  On her first trip to Nanahama High School, Konatsu arrives at the open house for the school's “Aquarium Club,”  There, she meets Koyuki Honami, an older girl who is the sole member of the Aquarium Club.  Konatsu has introverted tendencies that are hard for her to overcome, but she finds herself drawn to Koyuki.  Maybe, she has found something and someone worth coming out of her shell for?

[This volume includes an “Afterword.”]

The A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow manga seems to be the latest LGBTQ-themed manga from VIZ Media.  That it arrives shortly after the conclusion of VIZ's release of That Blue Sky Feeling, a manga about a teen boy who has a very close relationship with a gay teen boy, does not feel like a coincidence.

A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow Graphic Novel Volume 1 introduces two high school girls who are obviously drawn to one another.  They may even be smitten with one another.  Creator Makoto Hagino has an anime-inspired drawing style that features girls with big, emotive eyes, which conveys the narrative's highly emotional tone.

John Werry's translation and English adaptation is gentle and sweet, and the best thing about it is that it captures both the awkwardness of the girls and their desire to be connected with one another.  Eva Grandt's lettering presents sound effects as melodic tones that indicate important moments in the development of Konatsu and Koyuki's relationship.

There is something about A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow that firmly holds my attention.  It is as if I have to follow whatever romance may or may not be happening.

7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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