Digital Comics: Digital new releases available from your local comic book shop are marked below. [DIG] = Digital version available. [DIG/P+] = Print-Plus digital/print combo pack available. For more information, go to www.digitalcomicsreader.com.
COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
NOV131306 07 GHOST GN VOL 08 $9.99
NOV130873 3 GUNS #6 [DIG] $3.99
NOV130913 ADVENTURE TIME #24 MAIN CVRS $3.99
NOV130912 ADVENTURE TIME MATHEMATICAL ED HC VOL 03 $34.99
OCT131277 ANNOYING ORANGE GN VOL 04 TALES FROM CRISPER $7.99
OCT131278 ANNOYING ORANGE HC VOL 04 TALES FROM CRISPER $11.99
NOV131290 ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #17 REG HENRY $3.99
OCT130865 BETTY & VERONICA #269 REG CVR [DIG/P+] $2.99
NOV131304 CASE CLOSED GN VOL 49 $9.99
SEP130995 CLIVE BARKER NEXT TESTAMENT #7 (MR) [DIG] $3.99
NOV130863 CURSE #1 [DIG] $3.99
NOV138111 DAY MEN #2 (2ND PTG) $3.99
NOV131223 DEPARTMENT OF MONSTEROLOGY #4 $3.99
JUN131103 DF SUPERIOR CARNAGE #1 SHINICK SGN ED $16.99
NOV131305 EXCEL SAGA TP VOL 27 $9.99
OCT131239 FAIRY TALES OF OSCAR WILDE SC VOL 03 $8.99
NOV130917 GARFIELD TP VOL 03 $13.99
NOV131323 GFT DARK QUEEN A CVR SEJIC (AOFD) (MR) $5.99
NOV131324 GFT DARK QUEEN B CVR QUALANO (AOFD) (MR) $5.99
NOV131325 GFT DARK QUEEN C CVR EHNOT (AOFD) (MR) $5.99
NOV131326 GFT DARK QUEEN D CVR EHNOT BIKINI (AOFD) (MR) $5.99
OCT131430 GFT NO TOMORROW #5 A CVR TOLIBAO (MR) $2.99
OCT131431 GFT NO TOMORROW #5 B CVR ERIC J (MR) $2.99
OCT131432 GFT NO TOMORROW #5 C CVR MASSAFERA (MR) $2.99
NOV130843 GOD IS DEAD #5 (MR) $3.99
NOV130844 GOD IS DEAD #5 END OF DAYS CVR (MR) $3.99
NOV130845 GOD IS DEAD #5 ICONIC CVR (MR) $4.99
OCT130791 GOLDEN AGE GREATS SPOTLIGHT VOL 14 $29.95
NOV130814 GRAVEL COMBAT MAGICIAN #0 (MR) $4.99
NOV130816 GRAVEL COMBAT MAGICIAN #0 HORROR CVR (MR) $4.99
NOV130815 GRAVEL COMBAT MAGICIAN #0 WRAP CVR (MR) $4.99
NOV131000 GRIMM #9 $3.99
NOV131277 HARBINGER #20 PULLBOX MONTOYA $3.99
NOV131276 HARBINGER #20 REG HENRY $3.99
NOV131243 HEARTS TOON BOOKS YR HC GN $12.95
NOV130876 HELLRAISER DARK WATCH #12 (MR) [DIG] $3.99
NOV131235 HIS FAVORITE GN VOL 06 (MR) $12.99
NOV130878 HYPERNATURALS TP VOL 03 $16.99
NOV130867 IMAGINE AGENTS #4 [DIG] $3.99
NOV131024 JENNIFER BLOOD #35 (MR) $3.99
OCT130869 JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #199 [DIG/P+] $3.99
SEP131322 LENORE VOLUME II #9 $3.99
NOV130959 LIL BATTLESTAR GALACTICA #1 $3.99
NOV130960 LIL BATTLESTAR GALACTICA #1 EXC SUBSCRIPTION CVR $3.99
OCT130872 MEGA MAN #33 REG CVR [DIG/P+] $2.99
SEP131093 MISS FURY #8 CVR A TAN $3.99
SEP131094 MISS FURY #8 CVR B SYAF $3.99
SEP131095 MISS FURY #8 CVR C WORLEY $3.99
SEP131096 MISS FURY #8 CVR D EVELY $3.99
NOV131279 MUST READ VALIANT GREATEST HITS #1 $5.99
NOV131236 NIGHTS GN (MR) $12.99
NOV130993 NOIR #3 $3.99
OCT130795 PRINCELESS ENCORE ED #2 $2.99
SEP131015 REGULAR SHOW #8 MAIN CVRS [DIG] $3.99
NOV130827 ROVER RED CHARLIE #2 (MR) $3.99
NOV130828 ROVER RED CHARLIE #2 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99
OCT131291 ROY THOMAS PRESENTS CLASSIC PHANTOM LADY TP VOL 03 $24.99
SEP131284 ROY THOMAS PRESENTS PLANET COMICS SLIPCASE ED VOL 02 $64.99
NOV130979 SHADOW NOW #4 $3.99
NOV130858 SIMPSONS COMICS #208 $2.99
NOV131169 SIXTH GUN #37 $3.99
OCT130874 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #256 REG CVR [P+] $2.99
OCT130923 STITCHED #18 (MR) $3.99
OCT130925 STITCHED #18 GORE CVR (MR) $3.99
OCT130924 STITCHED #18 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99
NOV131284 UNITY #3 ORDERALL JG JONES $3.99
NOV131283 UNITY #3 REG BRAITHWAITE $3.99
MAY131059 WARLORD OF MARS #32 (MR) $3.99
MAGAZINES
NOV131444 COMIC SHOP NEWS #1387 PI
OCT131516 DC BATMAN AUTOMOBILIA FIG COLL MAG #24 CLASSIC TV SERIES BOA $20.00
SEP131524 DC SUPERHERO CHESS FIG COLL MAG #47 MARTIAN MANHUNTER WHITE $16.00
NOV131464 STAR TREK MAGAZINE #48 NEWSSTAND ED $9.99
NOV131465 STAR TREK MAGAZINE #48 PX ED $9.99
BOOKS
OCT131440 100 ILLUSTRATORS SLIPCASE ED $59.99
MAY131486 CAPTAIN FUTURE COLL ED HC VOL 03 $40.00
OCT131299 CARTOON ART MIKE DEODATO JR HC $24.95
OCT131298 CARTOON ART MIKE DEODATO JR SC $14.95
NOV131360 CONTEMPORARY ILLUSTRATED PIN-UP HC $34.99
NOV131382 DC SUPER HEROES SUPERMAN YR TP COSMIC BOUNTY HUNTER $4.95
NOV131380 DC SUPER HEROES SUPERMAN YR TP PRANKSTER PRIME TIME $4.95
NOV131381 DC SUPER HEROES SUPERMAN YR TP SHADOW MASTERS $4.95
NOV131385 DC SUPER HEROES WONDER WOMAN YR TP RUMBLE IN RAINFOREST $4.95
NOV131383 DC SUPER HEROES WONDER WOMAN YR TP SWORD OF DRAGON $4.95
MAY131489 EDMOND HAMILTON COLL ED HC VOL 04 $40.00
NOV131387 MARVEL SPIDER-MAN LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK FAVORITES $6.99
OCT132371 WARHAMMER 40K THERE IS ONLY WAR SC $17.50
AUG131597 WHOS WHO OF DOCTOR WHO GT FRIENDS FOES COMPANIONS SC $27.99
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Monday, January 13, 2014
Naruto: Ten Tails
I read Naruto, Vol. 64: Ten Tails
I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free smart phones apps and comics).
I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free smart phones apps and comics).
Sunday, January 12, 2014
I Reads You Review: THE SANDMAN: OVERTURE #1
DC COMICS/VERTIGO – @DCComics and @vertigo_comics
WRITER: Neil Gaiman
ART: J.H. Williams, III
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Todd Klein
EDITORS: Karen Berger and Shelly Bond
COVERS: J.H. Williams, III (Cover A); Dave McKean (Cover B)
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2013)
“Suggested for Mature Readers”
Chapter One
The Sandman was a comic book series written by Neil Gaiman and drawn by numerous artists, including Sam Kieth, Mike Dringenberg, Jill Thompson, and Shawn McManus, among many. The Sandman chronicled the adventures of a character called Dream (or Morpheus) that was created by Gaiman and artists, Sam Kieth and Mike Dringenberg. Dream was one of “The Endless,” and he ruled over the world of dreams.
Published by DC Comics, the series ran for 75 issues (cover dates: January 1989 to March 1996). For 29 issues (beginning with #47), The Sandman was published under the banner of Vertigo, a DC Comics’ imprint.
The Sandman returns in a new six-issue comic book miniseries, The Sandman: Overture. Written by Neil Gaiman and drawn by artist J.H. Williams III, The Sandman: Overture will explore Morpheus’ world before he was captured, which is how readers found him way back in The Sandman #1.
“This is the one story that we never got to tell,” Neil Gaiman told The New York Times in an interview last year. “In Sandman #1, Morpheus is captured somehow. Later on in the series, you learn he was returning from somewhere far, far away – but we never got to the story of what he was doing and what had happened. This is our chance to tell that story, and J.H. Williams III is drawing it. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world.”
The Sandman: Overture #1 takes place in different time periods and on multiple planes of existence/reality. Chapter One introduces Ian Stuart, a young tradesman in 1915 London; he seems destined to fall prey to The Corinthian. The Endless make an appearance, and their sibling Dream is the subject of much discussion. Meanwhile, Dream receives a “call” that he cannot deny.
Being that The Sandman: Overture is a six-issue miniseries, I expected Neil Gaiman to do more introducing than revealing in the first issue. He does, but they are such intriguing introductions. If you are familiar with and like Gaiman’s work, especially The Sandman, I don’t have to sell you on this comic book, dear reader. Still, I must say that if #1 is any indication, The Sandman: Overture is going to be really, really good.
What I can deliver a verdict on is the fantastic art by artist J.H. Williams III and colorist Dave Stewart. It is some of the best comic book art of 2013, if not the best. J.H. Williams III is a visionary, and although many exceptional artists have drawn Sandman comics, Williams seems born to draw The Sandman. It is as if Gaiman has been waiting for the perfect artist to draw his Sandman stories, and Williams is that artist.
Williams brings every reality to life, and that his drawings are the perfect incarnation of what Gaiman has created with this new comic book seems like a plain and simply fact. Dave Stewart gives the art character and makes the ethereal nature of the story solid – like a dream brought to life.
The Sandman: Overture does not come across as some nostalgia publication, struggling to make a connection with a classic, nearly two decades after the original ended. It is as if the dream never ended.
A+
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
Review BEN 10: Omniverse Volume 2 - Joyrides
VIZ MEDIA/Perfect Square/Cartoon Network – @VIZMedia and @cartoonnetwork
STORY: B. Clay Moore, Joel Enos
ART: Alan Brown, Albert Carreres
COLORS: Alejandro Torres
LETTERS: Zack Turner
EDITOR: Joel Enos, Elizabeth Kawasaki
ISBN: 978-1-4215-5742-7; paperback (January 2014), Rated “A” for “All Ages”
64pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. $9.99 CAN
Starting in Fall 2013, VIZ Media began producing a brand new series of original graphic novels inspired by the Cartoon Network animated series, "Ben 10: Omniverse." Debuting in 2012, it is the fourth installment in the “Ben 10” cartoon series. The previous series are Ben 10 (2005-08), Ben 10: Alien Force (2008-10), and Ben 10: Ultimate Alien (2010-12).
In December of 2005, the pilot episode of a new animated series, Ben 10, aired on Cartoon Network. It introduced viewers to Benjamin Kirby “Ben” Tennyson, a typical 10-year-old boy. Ben’s life changes when he finds a mysterious, watch-like, alien device called the Omnimatrix (Omnitrix for short). It becomes permanently attached to Ben’s wrist, but allows him to transform into 10 alien life forms or species. Ben uses the device to become a superhero, fighting both alien and criminal menaces.
Ben 10: Omniverse finds Ben Tennyson as a solo superhero with a brand new Omnitrix that allows him to change into different kinds of aliens. However, Maxwell “Max” Tennyson, Ben’s very own Grandpa Max, is not ready to allow his grandson to go solo. He assigns Ben a new partner, Rook, who is one of the Plumbers (an intergalactic policing/counter-terrorist/black-ops organization). Rook is highly skilled with his Proto-Tool, but lacks any field experience, in general and especially on Earth.
Ben 10: Omniverse Volume 2 – Joyrides is a 64-page full-color graphic novel that offers two original Ben 10: Omniverse stories. In “Tim 10,” Ben is shocked to learn that the aliens generated by his Omnitrix are raising hell around Undertown. But Ben doesn’t remembering doing any of it or even changing into the aliens. He is running out of time to discover the truth and save his reputation.
In “Down in the Dumps,” Ben is teaching a class of Plumber recruits at a Plumber Academy. He regales them with tales of his superhero derring-do, but they aren’t impressed. He decides to show them how much fun being a hero can be and ends up putting them all in danger.
If you don’t like “Ben 10” cartoons, will you like VIZ Media’s Ben 10: Omniverse original graphic novels? I don’t know, as I’ve barely watched “Ben 10” anything in the eight years of the franchise’s existence. But I like this comic book. Why?
The writers of the two stories herein, B. Clay Moore and Joel Enos, don’t treat Ben Tennyson as if he were a goody-two-shoes or a saint. He’s a kid. Sure, he’s a superhero, but he’s a kid. For all his experience as superhero, he is still so young that he’s bound to make mistakes, or be an immature kid, sometimes. Moore and Enos offer stories in which Ben’s position and decisions imperil him in some fashion. Each story is a minefield of obstacles for Ben to overcome. I found myself enjoying the stories and wondering how Ben would get out of each mess.
The artists and colorists of these stories show the kind of fidelity to the animation of Ben 10 that would make even the most devoted spouse envious. I did find a few moments in “Down in the Dumps” to be confusing in the storytelling, but not enough to hurt the story. I want more Ben 10: Omniverse, and I might even try the cartoon again.
A-
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Dark Horse Galloping Towards 2014 Wizard World Portland Comic Con
Award-Winning Publisher Dark Horse Will Have Big Presence At Wizard World Portland Comic Con, January 24-26
The Premier Publisher Will Create Giveaways For Attendees, Host Booth And Programming Panels At Oregon Convention Center
PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dark Horse, bridging the gap between the best licensed and original comics work from the industry’s top talent, will make their debut at Wizard World Portland Comic Con, January 24-26 at the Oregon Convention Center. The Oregon-based Premier Publisher, which produces such notable titles as Tomb Raider, Mass Effect, Halo, Terminator, Serenity, Star Wars, Hellboy, and Conan, will be appearing at Portland Comic Con for the first time.
Located in nearby Milwaukie, Ore., Dark Horse will feature several of its top creators signing at its booth including Christos Gage (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Eric Powell (The Goon) and more! Dark Horse will host three panels throughout the show, with details to be announced shortly!
Additionally, fans will enjoy special exclusive items produced by Dark Horse and available for the first time at Wizard World Portland Comic Con! Visitors to the Dark Horse booth (#201) can check out new and classic offerings as well as giveaways throughout the event.
“Dark Horse is one of the premier publishers in the industry today,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “What makes them unique is many of their properties, including Hellboy, have been seen on the big screen. And knowing that Hellboy's Ron Perlman is attending, and Dark Horse is located in Portland, there are so many synergies that make this work. It is exciting for the fans, vendors, and everyone involved.”
“After Wizard World's impressive first year in Portland, we knew Dark Horse would enthusiastically join the 2014 line up of exhibitors," said Dark Horse president and publisher, Mike Richardson. "We've got one of our biggest years yet coming in 2014, and what better place to kick it off than right here in our own backyard.”
Norman Reedus of “The Walking Dead,” “Star Trek's” “Captain Kirk” William Shatner, WWE® Superstar CM Punk® and Eisner Award Hall of Famer Stan Lee are among the top celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World Portland Comic Con. The standout roster will also include Ron Perlman of Hellboy, Robert Englund (“Freddy Kruger” of A Nightmare on Elm Street), Bruce Campbell of Evil Dead, pop culture icons Billy Dee Williams (The Empire Strikes Back, Brian's Song) and Adam West (“Batman”) Nicholas Brendan (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and many others.
It is the first of 16 events currently scheduled in the 2014 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions. Wizard World Portland Comic Con show hours are Friday, Jan. 24, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For more on the 2014 Wizard World Portland Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-portland.html.
About Dark Horse
Founded by Mike Richardson in 1986, behind the concept of establishing an ideal atmosphere for creative professionals, Dark Horse Comics (www.darkhorse.com) has grown to become the third-largest comics publisher in the United States and is acclaimed internationally for the quality and diversity of its line. By attracting the top talent in the field, Dark Horse Comics continues to change the shape of the industry and grow its brand throughout the world.
About Wizard World:
Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.
The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.
Wizard World 2014 Schedule
January 24-26 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
March 7-9 – Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con
March 28-30 – Wizard World Louisville Comic Con
April 4-6 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 2-4 – Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con
May 30-June 1 – Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con
June 19-22 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 1-3 – Wizard World San Antonio Comic Con
August 21-24 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond Comic Con
September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con
November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Comic Con
The Premier Publisher Will Create Giveaways For Attendees, Host Booth And Programming Panels At Oregon Convention Center
PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dark Horse, bridging the gap between the best licensed and original comics work from the industry’s top talent, will make their debut at Wizard World Portland Comic Con, January 24-26 at the Oregon Convention Center. The Oregon-based Premier Publisher, which produces such notable titles as Tomb Raider, Mass Effect, Halo, Terminator, Serenity, Star Wars, Hellboy, and Conan, will be appearing at Portland Comic Con for the first time.
Located in nearby Milwaukie, Ore., Dark Horse will feature several of its top creators signing at its booth including Christos Gage (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Eric Powell (The Goon) and more! Dark Horse will host three panels throughout the show, with details to be announced shortly!
Additionally, fans will enjoy special exclusive items produced by Dark Horse and available for the first time at Wizard World Portland Comic Con! Visitors to the Dark Horse booth (#201) can check out new and classic offerings as well as giveaways throughout the event.
“Dark Horse is one of the premier publishers in the industry today,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO. “What makes them unique is many of their properties, including Hellboy, have been seen on the big screen. And knowing that Hellboy's Ron Perlman is attending, and Dark Horse is located in Portland, there are so many synergies that make this work. It is exciting for the fans, vendors, and everyone involved.”
“After Wizard World's impressive first year in Portland, we knew Dark Horse would enthusiastically join the 2014 line up of exhibitors," said Dark Horse president and publisher, Mike Richardson. "We've got one of our biggest years yet coming in 2014, and what better place to kick it off than right here in our own backyard.”
Norman Reedus of “The Walking Dead,” “Star Trek's” “Captain Kirk” William Shatner, WWE® Superstar CM Punk® and Eisner Award Hall of Famer Stan Lee are among the top celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World Portland Comic Con. The standout roster will also include Ron Perlman of Hellboy, Robert Englund (“Freddy Kruger” of A Nightmare on Elm Street), Bruce Campbell of Evil Dead, pop culture icons Billy Dee Williams (The Empire Strikes Back, Brian's Song) and Adam West (“Batman”) Nicholas Brendan (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and many others.
It is the first of 16 events currently scheduled in the 2014 series produced by Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) and will also feature a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions. Wizard World Portland Comic Con show hours are Friday, Jan. 24, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For more on the 2014 Wizard World Portland Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-portland.html.
About Dark Horse
Founded by Mike Richardson in 1986, behind the concept of establishing an ideal atmosphere for creative professionals, Dark Horse Comics (www.darkhorse.com) has grown to become the third-largest comics publisher in the United States and is acclaimed internationally for the quality and diversity of its line. By attracting the top talent in the field, Dark Horse Comics continues to change the shape of the industry and grow its brand throughout the world.
About Wizard World:
Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.
The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.
Wizard World 2014 Schedule
January 24-26 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
March 7-9 – Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con
March 28-30 – Wizard World Louisville Comic Con
April 4-6 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con
May 2-4 – Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con
May 30-June 1 – Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con
June 19-22 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
August 1-3 – Wizard World San Antonio Comic Con
August 21-24 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond Comic Con
September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con
November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Comic Con
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Review: NISEKOI: False Love Volume 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia
CARTOONIST: Naoshi Komi
TRANSLATION: Camellia Nieh
LETTERS: Stephen Dutro
ISBN: 978-1-4215-5799-1; paperback (January 2014), Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S. $12.99 CAN
Double Arts was the first title manga creator Naoshi Komi had serialized in Japan’s manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump. His current Weekly Shonen Jump series is Nisekoi, which also appears in North America in VIZ Media’s Weekly Shonen Jump digital manga magazine.
Nisekoi: False Love focuses on Raku Ichijo. There are two things to know about him that are important. Raku was born into a yakuza family, and he is searching for his childhood sweetheart. Ten years ago, he met a girl, and they declared that they would meet as adults and marry. The sign of their promise is a pendant lock around his neck as a memento, for which the girl has the key. Years later, Raku can’t even remember the girl’s name or face, and now, a new relationship threatens Raku’s promise.
As Nisekoi: False Love, Vol. 1 (subtitled The Promise – Chapters 1 to 7) opens, Raku is getting ready for school and dealing with the yakuza members that crowd his life at home. Today, however, there is going to be a surprise when Raku meets his newest classmate, Chitoge Kirisaki. It is hate at first sight (and a knee-to-the-head at first sight) when the two meet, but they are more alike than not. Both their fathers are yakuza!
Unfortunately for the new rivals, Raku’s gangster father has made a shocking arrangement with Chitoge’s criminal father, Adelt Kirisaki Wagner. In order to maintain peace between their fathers’ warring yakuza factions, Raku and Chitoge enter into a false love match. The problem is that Raku and Chitoge can barely stand each other.
When I first heard of the Nisekoi: False Love manga, I did not realize that it was supposed to be a comedy. When VIZ Media sent me a copy of Nisekoi: False Love Volume 1 for review, I was pleased to discover that it is indeed funny.
The leads, Raku Ichijo and Chitoge Kirisaki, are funny not just because of their predicament, forced to date each other to avert a gang war, but also because of their personalities. Raku knows what he wants, but he’s a simpering coward when it comes to being honest about his romantic feelings; it would be too simple if he were merely shy – and not as funny. Chitoge is stubborn and too proud; both make her lash out at everyone, and so she has a hard time making friends. She is full of fury and mostly impotent.
Their different goals and personalities mean the two characters clash, but creator Naoshi Komi offers his readers a treat. The two teens have something in common, but Komi is going to have fun making the good part of them shine through the crass and selfish exteriors. Nisekoi: False Love has potential. Readers looking for romance in a shonen vein will want to try Nisekoi: False Love.
B+
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux
The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.
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