JUNE MANGA/DMP BOOKS
[NOTE: A Strange and Mystifying Story is now published by VIZ Media boys' love imprint, SuBLime Manga.]
CARTOONIST: Tsuta Suzuki
TRANSLATION: Sachiko Sato
ISBN: 978-1-56970-717-3; paperback w/dust jacket; Rated “M” for “Mature Audiences 18+”
216pp., B&W, $12.95 US
In the two-part tale, “A Strange and Mystifying Story,” Akio Yamane has fallen ill to the same mysterious disease that has killed his family bloodline. He’s determined not to fall victim to this tragic family curse, but then he suddenly turns ill and is coughing blood. He makes a desperate wish and inadvertently summons the spirit of a strange man-beast. With the tail and ears of a wolf, Setsu has protected Akio’s family in the past. Now, Akio learns that with a kiss, Setsu can draw the disease from his body. He’s repulsed by Setsu’s probing tongue and fiery touches… or is he?
In other stories: a young teacher finds himself drawn to a sullen pupil who cleans the school map room in “Nylon Vinyl.” A master tool smith arrives home to find that a stray has wandered into his shabby one-room dwelling. When he learns that the kid has a way with sharpening and polishing tools, he takes a liking to him in “Is There No God or Buddha?”
THE LOWDOWN: In his yaoi manga (a genre that features love between two male characters, often explicitly), A Strange and Mystifying Story, Vol. 1, manga-ka Tsuta Suzuki masters the slow burn. He makes unrequited love and the anticipation of consummation entrancing. Suzuki casts a spell with these love stories, but the fantasy infused title story would challenge Danielle Steel on the prose fiction bestseller list.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Yaoi fans who like stories featuring love between humans and fantastic creatures will clutch this to their bosoms.
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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