I Reads You Review: NEGIMA, VOL. 28

Creator: Ken Akamatsu; Alethea Nibley and Athena Nibley (translation and adaptation)

Publishing Information: Del Rey Manga, paperback, 186 pages, $10.99 (US), $11.99 CAN

Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-0-345-52160-6 (ISBN-13)

Rating “OT for Ages 16+”

Negi Springfield is a ten-year-old wizard who dreams of becoming a Magister Magi (a “Master of Magic” or “Master Mage”), a special wizard who uses his powers to help normal people. Negi’s primary reason for becoming a Magister Magi is to find his father, Nagi Springfield, the legendary mage also known as the “Thousand Master,” who is believed to be dead. After graduating from the Merdiana Magic Academy in Wales, Negi becomes an English teacher at Mahora Academy in Japan, where he deals with 31 older girls, each very special in her own way.

Negima!, Vol. 28 opens post-Ostia Festival. Negi has managed to free his enslaved friends. As Negi and company prepare to leave Magical World for their homeworld (Earth), they discover that they have been branded as outlaws. That is when Negi encounters Kurt Goedel, the Governor-General of Ostia, who plans to arrest all of them.

This sinister man also claims to be well-acquainted with Negi’s parents, especially Negi’s mother, Arika Anarchia Entheufushiaa, the Queen of Calamity. Goedel offers to pardon Negi and company if they attend his party, the Governor’s Ball. Also, Negi and his friends make a shocking discovery about Magical World and its location.

I always find Negima a difficult read whenever I receive a copy for review, as I have with Vol. 28. There are so many characters, and the story seems (at least to me) to be too busy. Still, I’m a sucker for team books, and this is essentially a team book or the shonen manga equivalent of one. Such a large cast is always bound to yield many interesting and engaging characters, and out of all those sub-plots, surely some of them will capture the imagination.

This time around, Negima offers something to keep readers interested and me coming back – at least for a while. Negi’s parents, their connection to Ostia, Goedel’s part in these mysteries, and the truth about Magical World are the kind of storylines that grab you. I must also admit to enjoying the dynamic of Negi and all those girls – some with romantic feelings for him. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving.