#IReadsYou Review: THE PROMISED NEVERLAND Volume 16

 

THE PROMISED NEVERLAND, VOL. 16

VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: Kaiu Shirai
ART: Posuka Demizu
TRANSLATION: Satsuki Yamashita
LETTERS: Mark McMurray
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1701-9; paperback (August 2020); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
208pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £7.99 U.K.

The Promised Neverland is a Japanese manga series written by Kaiu Shirai and illustrated by Posuka Demizu.  It was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from August 2016 to June 2020.  VIZ Media published an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint from December 2017 to August 2021.

The Promised Neverland opens at Grace Field House, an orphanage where the children have a wonderful life... or so it seems.  The orphanage's three brightest children are Emma, Norman, and Ray, all 11-years-old as the story begins.  Like the other orphans, they enjoy the daily studying and exams, and also the delicious food and plentiful playtime.  However, the children's loving, but stern caretaker, “Mom,” hides the fact that everything is not what it seems, a fact these three bright children will discover upon turning 12.

As The Promised Neverland, Vol. 16 (Chapters 134 to 143; entitled “Lost Boy”) opens, Emma and Ray attempt to find the “Seven Walls,” and find themselves trapped in a mysterious, twisty world.  Can they escape this labyrinth and make their way to the human world?  And are they willing to pay the price required?  Elsewhere, Don, Gilda, and Hayato continue their quest to find their old demon friends, Mujika and Sonju, but betrayal is afoot.

Meanwhile, Norman has his own plans to end the human-demon conflict...

THE LOWDOWN:  In Japan, The Promised Neverland manga ended its serialization in the Japanese edition of Weekly Shonen Jump last summer.  In North America, the final volume (Vol. 20) of VIZ Media's English-language collection of the manga as a graphic novel series for young adult readers will arrive in about two weeks as of this writing.

The Promised Neverland Graphic Novel Volume 16 is the first volume of the series that I have read in almost a year.  I still find this manga to be a riveting read, but I realized, early in reading this volume, that I wasn't as into reading the series as I had been a year or so ago.  That changed and I got back into the series, full-on, when I realized that Vol. 16 was a symphony of backstabbing and betrayal.  Much of it deals with the history of Julius Ratri, essentially the human who helped to create the current status quo between humans and demons.

Satsuki Yamashita creates the translation that makes Vol. 16 deliver power via its shocks and surprises, while Mark McMurray's lettering hits all the dark and edgy notes.  They help to make Vol. 16 both an exceptional and a pivotal volume.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers of dark fantasy graphic novels will find a terrifying story in Shonen Jump's The Promised Neverland.

A
9 out of 10

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


https://www.viz.com/
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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: BLACK CLOVER Volume 20

BLACK CLOVER, VOL. 20
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yuki Tabata
TRANSLATION: Taylor Engel, HC Language Solutions, Inc.
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1017-1; paperback (March 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Black Clover is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Tabata.  It has been serialized in the manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, since February 2015.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since 2016.

Black Clover focuses on a boy named Asta.  He and his friend, Yuno, are found abandoned in the village of Hage of the Clover Kingdom.  Both Asta and Yuno dream of one day being the “Wizard King,” the greatest mage in the land.  Asta has one big problem; he can't use magic.  When he is 15-years-old, Asta receives the rare “five-leaf-clover grimoire” (a book of magic), which gives him the power of anti-magic.  Can Asta become the Wizard King without being able to use magic?  Is he worthy of being in the “Magic Knights” squad, “the Black Bulls?”

As Black Clover, Vol. 20 (Chapters 184 to 194; entitled “Why I Lived So Long”) opens, that battle between the Magic Knights and the reincarnated elves rages on.  The souls of vengeful elves that claim to have been killed long ago by humans have taken over the bodies of members of the Magic Knights.  Now, these elves are going to use their new bodies and enhanced powers to kill humans and then, to reclaim the Clover Kingdom as their own.

The Black Bulls find themselves trapped in the magical dream world created by Dorothy Unsworth, the captain of the Magic Knights brigade known as “The Coral Peacocks.”  Dorothy is currently possessed by an elf, and she has complete control over the space she has created.  Escape is impossible, and once the trapped Black Bulls fall asleep, they will never awaken again!

Meanwhile, Asta has fallen under the “mirror magic” of a former ally.  Can outcast Black Bulls member, Henry Legolant, save the day?

[This volume includes bonus material:  “The Blank Page Brigade;” an “Afterword;” and sketches.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Black Clover manga is certainly one of the best shonen battle manga available to English-speaking audiences.  Because I have read ten volumes so far this year, I believe that I have read enough to say that.

Black Clover Graphic Novel Volume 20 continues the push into this shocking and edgy elves-possession story arc.  Nearly five volumes and 40+ chapters in, creator Yuki Tabata focuses on intense battle manga to settle this war.  Tabata has also been using this story arc to showcase the prowess of Black Bulls members other than Asta.  They are all actually quite talented, and Tabata surprises readers by giving these characters interesting backgrounds and personal stories.

It is Taylor Engel's English-language translation that captures the interpersonal character drama that Tabata squeezes into the battle scenes.  It is Annaliese Christman and her lettering that pumps up the volume on the volatile magical battles.  That is more than enough reason to keep reading.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the top Weekly Shonen Jump manga will definitely want to try the “Shonen Jump” series, Black Clover.

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
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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: BLACK CLOVER Volume 19

BLACK CLOVER, VOL. 19
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yuki Tabata
TRANSLATION: Taylor Engel, HC Language Solutions, Inc.
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0878-9; paperback (January 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Black Clover is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Tabata.  It has been serialized in the manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, since February 2015.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since 2016.

Black Clover focuses on a boy named Asta.  He and his friend, Yuno, are found abandoned in the village of Hage of the Clover Kingdom.  Both Asta and Yuno dream of one day being the “Wizard King,” the greatest mage in the land.  Asta has one big problem; he can't use magic.  When he is 15-years-old, Asta receives the rare “five-leaf-clover grimoire” (a book of magic), which gives him the power of anti-magic.  Can Asta become the Wizard King without being able to use magic?  Is he worthy of being in the “Magic Knights” squad, “the Black Bulls?”

As Black Clover, Vol. 19 (Chapters 173 to 183; entitled “Siblings”) opens, that battle between the Magic Knights and the reincarnated elves rages on.  The souls of vengeful elves that claim to have been killed long ago by humans have taken over the bodies of members of the Magic Knights.  Now, these elves are going to use their new bodies and enhanced powers to kill humans and then, to reclaim the Clover Kingdom as their own.

Now, at Clover Castle, Black Bulls captain, Yami Sukehiro; Black Bulls playboy, Finral Roulacase; and Black Bulls weirdo, Zora Idcalc take on the possessed Langris Vaude in a bid to save the King of the Clover Kingdom.  At the same time, Black Bulls member, Noelle Silva, is determined to prove to her brother, the snobby Nozel Silva of the The Silver Eagles brigade, that she can show prowess in battle.  Elsewhere, the elves plan to cast their ultimate spell that will overwhelm the remaining humans.  So where are Asta and the rest of the Black Bulls?

[This volume includes bonus material:  “The Blank Page Brigade;” an “Afterword;” and sketches.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Black Clover manga, with every volume, proves to be one of the best shonen battle manga available to English-speaking audiences.  Because I have read nine volumes so far this year, it has become one of my favorite titles.

Black Clover Graphic Novel Volume 19 continues the push into this shocking and edgy elves-possession story arc.  In Vol. 19, creator Yuki Tabata focuses on intense battle manga, showcasing the prowess of Black Bulls members other than Asta.  These veteran Magic Knights have to throw all their talents and skills at the powerful elves, so this volume is packed with big fights full of explosive magic.

Taylor Engel's English-language translation captures the interpersonal character drama that Tabata squeezes into the battles, especially that of the Silva family.  Also, Annaliese Christman lettering in this volume of volatile magic is simply impressive

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the top Weekly Shonen Jump manga will definitely want to try the “Shonen Jump” series, Black Clover.

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
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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: BLACK CLOVER: Volume 18

BLACK CLOVER, VOL. 18
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yuki Tabata
TRANSLATION: Taylor Engel, HC Language Solutions, Inc.
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0741-6; paperback (November 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Black Clover is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Tabata.  It has been serialized in the manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, since February 2015.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since 2016.

Black Clover focuses on a boy named Asta.  He and his friend, Yuno, are found abandoned in the village of Hage of the Clover Kingdom.  Both Asta and Yuno dream of one day being the “Wizard King,” the greatest mage in the land.  Asta has one big problem; he can't use magic.  When he is 15-years-old, Asta receives the rare “five-leaf-clover grimoire” (a book of magic), which gives him the power of anti-magic.  Can Asta become the Wizard King without being able to use magic?  Is he worthy of being in the “Magic Knights” squad, “the Black Bulls?”

As Black Clover, Vol. 18 (Chapters 161 to 172; entitled “The Black Bulls Charge”) opens, the disaster that struck the Magic Knights continues.  The souls of vengeful elves who claim to have been killed by humans have taken over the bodies of members of the Magic Knights.  Now, these elves are going to use their new bodies and enhanced powers to kill humans.  

Asta, Magna Swing, and Vanessa Enotcca battle their colleague, Luck Voltia, whose body is being controlled by an elf, in order to save a village to which Luck is laying waste.  Can the three of them stop a very powerful Luck without killing him?  And will the trio accept a new ally, a member of the “Eye of the Midnight Sun, who was only recently possessed?

Meanwhile, in the capital, Black Bulls captain, Yami Sukehiro, battles three transformed Magic Knights.  As more Knights recover from the possession, the most powerful elves gather in the capital and give their movement a name, as they prepare to wipe out humanity in the Clover Kingdom.

[This volume includes bonus material:  “The Blank Page Brigade;” an “Afterword;” sketches, and the illustrated poll: “The Results of the Second Mage General Election”.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Black Clover manga, one of the best shonen battle manga available to English-speaking audiences, has become one of my favorite manga.  I have read eight volumes so far this year, and every time I read a new volume, it is like rediscovering how amazing this series is.

Black Clover Graphic Novel Volume 18 continues to push the narrative ever deeper into this shocking and edgy elves-possession story arc.  Yuki Tabata has fashioned a super-addictive story arc, probably the best thus far in this series.  Tabata has even managed to make the elves seem somewhat sympathetic and totally frickin' evil at the same time.  A concept – vengeful elf spirits – that could have been wonky has turned out to be a sign of this shonen action-fantasy's inventiveness and strength.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the top Weekly Shonen Jump manga will definitely want to try the “Shonen Jump” series, Black Clover.

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: BLACK CLOVER Volume 17

BLACK CLOVER, VOL. 17
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yuki Tabata
TRANSLATION: Taylor Engel, HC Language Solutions, Inc.
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0616-7; paperback (September 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Black Clover is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Tabata.  It has been serialized in the manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, since February 2015.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since 2016.

Black Clover focuses on a hopeful boy named Asta.  He and his friend, Yuno, are found abandoned in the village of Hage of the Clover Kingdom.  Both Asta and Yuno dream of one day being the “Wizard King,” the greatest mage in the land.  Asta has one big problem; he can't use magic.  When he is 15-years-old, Asta receives the rare “five-leaf-clover grimoire” (a book of magic), which gives him the power of anti-magic.  Can Asta become the Wizard King without being able to use magic?  Is he worthy of being in the “Magic Knights” squad, “the Black Bulls?”

As Black Clover, Vol. 17 (Chapters 151 to 160; entitled “Fall, Or Save the Kingdom”) opens, disaster has struck the Magic Knights.  The souls of elves who claim to have been killed by humans have taken over the bodies of members of the Magic Knights.  Now, these elves are going to use their new bodies and enhanced powers to kill humans.  Asta and the Magic Knights are in trouble, but that doesn't mean that Asta is going to give up?  But which side is Yuno on?

[This volume includes bonus material:  “The Blank Page Brigade;” an “Afterword;” and sketches.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Black Clover manga is one of the best shonen battle manga available to English-speaking audiences.  I have read seven volumes so far this year, and every time I read one it is like rediscovering how amazing this series is.

Black Clover Graphic Novel Volume 17 moves deeper into this shocking elves-possession story line.  It just came out of nowhere, and truthfully, it could have turned out to be a disaster.  Elvish ghosts; elvish genocide; possession; revenge: yeah, that could have been a disaster.  Instead, Vol. 17 is the latest volume in a really fun to read graphic novel series.  I practically tore through this volume.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the top Weekly Shonen Jump manga will definitely want to try the “Shonen Jump” series, Black Clover.

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
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: BLACK CLOVER Volume 16

BLACK CLOVER, VOL. 16
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yuki Tabata
TRANSLATION: Sarah Neufeld, HC Language Solutions, Inc.
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0513-9; paperback (July 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Black Clover is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Tabata.  It has been serialized in the manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, since February 2015.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since 2016.

Black Clover focuses on a hopeful boy named Asta.  He and his friend, Yuno, are found abandoned in the village of Hage of the Clover Kingdom.  Asta dreams of one day being the “Wizard King,” the greatest mage in the land.  He has one big problem; he can't use magic.  When he is 15-years-old, Asta receives the rare “five-leaf-clover grimoire” (a book of magic), which gives him the power of anti-magic.  Can Asta become the Wizard King without being able to use magic, and is he worthy of being in the “Magic Knights” squad, “the Black Bulls?”

As Black Clover, Vol. 16 (Chapters 141 to 150; entitled “And End and a Beginning”) opens, both Asta and Yuno are members of the newly formed and elite “Royal Knights” brigade.  Both are now on their first mission, storming the based of the “Eye of the Midnight Sun,” which conspires against the Clover Kingdom.  Also, the Black Bulls base of operations is under attack, but a mysterious young guy named Henry is helping defend the base.

Meanwhile, at the top of “the Golden Dawn Magic Knights” headquarters, the current Wizard King, Lord Julius Novachrono, is meeting William Vangeance, a member of the Golden Dawn.  It is an encounter that will change everything.

[This volume includes bonus material:  “The Blank Page Brigade;” an “Afterword;” and sketches.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Black Clover manga continues to be one of the best shonen battle manga available to English-speaking audiences.  I have read six volumes so far this year, and I can't get enough of this exciting series.

Black Clover Graphic Novel Volume 16 moves away from the Royal Knights tournament story which has dominated much of the recent volumes.  Vol. 16 is a game-changer, and the revelations are too shocking for me to risk spoiling anything.  I can say that this blood-chilling volume contains ten chapters that are ready to rock your world.  This volume epitomizes why Black Clover is both a popular manga and an internationally beloved anime series.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the top Weekly Shonen Jump manga will definitely want to try the “Shonen Jump” series, Black Clover.

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: THE PROMISED NEVERLAND Volume 15

THE PROMISED NEVERLAND, VOL. 15
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: Kaiu Shirai
ART: Posuka Demizu
TRANSLATION: Satsuki Yamashita
LETTERS: Mark McMurray
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1499-5; paperback (June 2020); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

The Promised Neverland is a Japanese manga series written by Kaiu Shirai and illustrated by Posuka Demizu.  It was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from August 2016 to June 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 December 2017.

The Promised Neverland opens at Grace Field House, an orphanage where the children have a wonderful life... or so it seems.  The orphanage's three brightest children are Emma, Norman, and Ray, all 11-years-old as the story begins.  Like the other orphans, they enjoy the daily studying and exams, and also the delicious food and plentiful playtime.  However, the children's loving, but stern caretaker, “Mom,” hides the fact that everything is not what it seems, a fact these three bright children will discover upon turning 12.

As The Promised Neverland, Vol. 15 (Chapters 125 to 133; entitled “Welcome to the Entrance”) opens,  Norman prepares to make a deal with the dissident demon, Lord Geelan.  Their union would form a conspiracy to take down both the demons' royal house and their five “Regent Houses.”  As Norman and his group prepare their plan to eradicate all demons, Emma searches for her own path, and it does not involve the destruction of all demons.  Ray and Emma decide to travel to the “Seven Walls” in a bid to reach the human world.

Meanwhile, the demon Queen Legravalima meets with the demon regents:  Duke Yverk, Lord Bayon, Lord Dozza, Lady Noum, and Lord Pupo.  They gather to discuss the destruction and the chaos that plagues the demons.  While, they plot, however, the real threat advances.

THE LOWDOWN:  In Japan, The Promised Neverland manga has come an end via its serialization in the Japanese edition of Weekly Shonen Jump.  In North America, the collection of the manga continues to be one of the best graphic novels series for young adult readers.

The Promised Neverland Graphic Novel Volume 15 is a riveting read, although it is not one of the graphic novel series' best entries.  Still, I quickly read through this volume so that I could experience the surprises and the shocking reveals.  Vol. 15 is one of those volumes that prepares readers for the fireworks to come.  It is not the beginning of a paradigm shift for this series the way Vol. 14 was.

Translator Satsuki Yamashita does a good job with the heavy dialogue of this volume, and Mark McMurray's lettering paces the off-beat rhythm.  Both contributors seem to be preparing for the fireworks to come.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers of dark fantasy graphic novels will find a terrifying story in Shonen Jump's The Promised Neverland.

A
8.5 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: BLACK CLOVER Volume 14

BLACK CLOVER, VOL. 14
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yuki Tabata
TRANSLATION: Taylor Engel, HC Language Solutions, Inc.
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0221-3; paperback (February 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Black Clover is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yūki Tabata.  The manga has been serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine since February 2015.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since 2016.

Black Clover focuses on a hopeful boy named Asta.  He and his friend, Yuno, are found abandoned in the village of Hage of the Clover Kingdom.  Asta dreams of one day being the “Wizard King,” the greatest mage in the land.  He has one big problem; he can't use magic.  When he is 15-years-old, Asta receives the rare “five-leaf-clover grimoire” (a book of magic), which gives him the power of anti-magic.  Can Asta become the Wizard King without being able to use magic, and is he worthy of being in the “Magic Knights” squad, “the Black Bulls?”

As Black Clover, Vol. 14 (Chapters 121 to 130; entitled “Black and Gold Sparks”) opens, the “Royal Knights Selection Test” continues.  The Wizard King has announced the formation of the “Royal Knights” brigade, an assemblage of the best Magic Knights.  The purpose of this “ultimate brigade” is to put down the threat of the “Eye of the Midnight Sun,” conspiracy that threatens the Clover Kingdom.  Forty-eight Magic Knights, including Asta and Yuno, have been divided into 16 three-person teams.

Asta and his teammates –  Mimosa Vermillion (royalty) and the mysterious jerk, Xerx Lugner – have made it into the second round.  Now, they must fight to make the second round, and their opponent is led by none other than Mimosa's brother, Kirsch Vermillion, a snobby rich guy.  Speaking of royalty and snobbery, the saga of brothers Finral Roulacase and Langris Vaude causes this selection tournament to take a dark turn.

[This volume includes bonus material:  “The Blank Page Brigade;” an “Afterword;” and sketches.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Black Clover manga is one of the best shonen battle manga available to English-speaking audiences.  I have read five volumes so far this year, and I can't get enough.

Black Clover Graphic Novel Volume 14, like Vol. 13, offers intense battle manga.  However, creator Yuki Tabata delves deeply into one of this series' themes – the idea of the Magic Knights as a group of warriors that encompasses members from all walks of life.  While this theme has arisen in past volumes, it is in Vol. 14 that that class strife rears its most ugly head.

First, we see it in the gentle and humorous interplay between the Vermillion siblings, but the battle of brothers makes class and social differences explode in readers' faces near the end of this volume.  It also makes for a helluva cliffhanger, I promise.

Taylor Engel does some of his best translation work in Vol. 14, which is important because the subtleties of dialogue, especially in arguments, reveal the personalities and the true faces of particular characters.  Annaliese Christman keeps her lettering leaping off the page to grab the reader with exhilarating competition and the ugliness of pride and hate.  Yeah, Black Clover shows its best side in this fourteenth volume.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the top Weekly Shonen Jump manga will definitely want to try the “Shonen Jump” series, Black Clover.

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: BORUTO: Naruto Next Generations: Volume 8

BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS, VOL. 8
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CREATOR/SUPERVISOR: Masashi Kishimoto
ART: Mikio Ikemoto
SCRIPT: Ukyo Kodachi
TRANSLATION: Mari Morimoto
LETTERS: Snir Aharon
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0879-6; paperback (April 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
176pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a Japanese manga series written by Ukyo Kodachi and illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto.  Boruto is a spin-off and a sequel to the shonen manga, Naruto, which was written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto.  Boruto was first serialized in Shueisha's shonen manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, beginning in May 2016, and then serialized in Shueisha's monthly magazine, V Jump, in July 2019.  VIZ Media began publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint beginning in April 2017.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations follows the exploits of Naruto Uzumaki's son, Boruto Uzumaki.  Naruto was once a young shinobi (ninja) who lived in the shinobi Village of Konohagakure.  Naruto went on to become the world’s greatest ninja and the Hokage, leader of his village.  But this is not Naruto's story.  This is the story of Boruto and his ninja team:  leader, Konohamaru Sarutobi (Naruto's protégé ); and teammates Sarada Uchiha (the daughter of Sasuke and Sakura Uchiha) and and Mitsuki (Orochimaru's artificial son).

As Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Vol. 8 (Chapters 28 to 31; “Flowers”) opens, the mysterious boy, Kawaki, slowly begins to open up to both Naruto and Boruto.  He joins the Hokage and Sarada for a visit to Yamanaka Flower Shop, but on the way, Kawaki, reveals a little of his dark side.  Kawaki is burdened by a traumatic past, and it is about to return to him.   Kashin Koji and “Delta,” two leaders in the the mysterious Ohtsutuski-connected organization, Kara, attempt to retrieve what was once their cargo, Kawaki.

[This volume includes bonus manga, “The X Cards' Dark Side” and “The X Cards' Dark Side 2.”]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Boruto: Naruto Next Generations manga has turned out to be a great replacement for and sequel to the classic shonen manga, Naruto, which is one of my all-time favorite comics.  Boruto's creative team of artist Mikio Ikemoto and script writer Ukyo Kodachi are making their own way with this manga, although Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto supervises this series.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Graphic Novel Volume 8 focuses on Kawaki.  The creators use a drip-drip approach to revealing his past, but in revealing his personality, they move quickly – sometimes in spurts.  Vol. 8 also gives readers some Boruto vs. Kawaki sparring and training, and if that were not enough, readers see Naruto the Seventh Hokage in a really intense and violent battle against a most formidable opponent.  That alone is worth the cover price of Vol. 8.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Naruto will want the Shonen Jump title, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.

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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.



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#IReadsYou Review: PLATINUM END: Volume 10

PLATINUM END, VOL. 10
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: Tsugumi Ohba
ARTIST: Takeshi Obata
TRANSLATION: Stephen Paul
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1054-6; paperback (December 2019); Rated “M” for “Mature”
208pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Platinum End is a Japanese manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata.  It has been serialized in the manga magazine, Jump SQ, since November 2015.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since late 2016.

Platinum End focuses on Mirai Kakehashi.  He attempts suicide by jumping from the roof of a building simply because he is tired of living.  Instead of dying, however, Mirai is saved by an angel named “Nasse.”  Through her, Mirai learns that 13 humans have been chosen as candidates to replace God, who plans to retire in 999 days.  Each candidate has a guardian angel, and Nasse is Mirai's, and the two have befriend another candidate/angel duo, Saki Hanakago and “Revel.”

As Platinum End, Vol. 10 (Chapters 32 to 36) opens, Kakehashi, Saki, and Minamikawa continue to search for other god candidates.  In a suburban house, they meet Shuji Nakaumi and Ogaro, the Angel of Darkness.  All Shuji wants to talk about, however, is committing suicide!  Plus, Minamikawa has a big announcement!

Meanwhile, police agent, Mr. Hoshi, and his subordinate, Ms. Yumiki, who are both secretly working with the god candidates, are at the center of a plan to gather all the remaining living candidates.  But no one knows who the sixth remaining candidate is.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Platinum End manga is another odd and alluring and oddly alluring manga from the mangaka super duo of writer Tsugumi Ohba and artist Takeshi Obata.  Their previous work includes the controversial Death Note and the illuminating industry insider manga, Bakuman。.

Platinum End Graphic Novel Volume 10, like Vol. 9, somewhat eschews the darkness and edginess of Vols. 7 and 8.  Ohba and Obata move the series away from the homicidal machinations of the murderous mastermind, Metropoliman.  They also offer a shocker when one of the angels reveals some information to the candidates that they need to know, but perhaps, should not know.  The creators also tease the sixth candidate, which is an example of why the more I read, the more I feel I have to keep reading

As usual, readers get another excellent translation by Stephen Paul that is filled with engaging dialogue that clearly conveys the new secrets revealed.  Also, the lettering by James Gaubatz deftly establishes conversational tone, and tone, as usual, turns out to be quite important here.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers looking for good comic books will want to read Ohba and Obata's latest “Shonen Jump” title, Platinum End.

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.



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#IReadsYou Review: SAMURAI 8: The Tale of Hachimaru Volume 1

SAMURAI 8: THE TALE OF HACHIMARU, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CREATOR/STORY: Masashi Kishimoto
ART: Akira Okubo
TRANSLATION: Stephen Paul
LETTERS: Snir Aharon
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1502-2; paperback (March 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru is a shonen manga series created and written by Masashi Kishimoto (of Naruto fame) and illustrated by Akira Okubo.  Samurai 8 has been serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, since May 2019.  VIZ Media is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a graphic novel series, released under its “Shonen Jump” imprint.

Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru, Vol. 1 (entitled “The First Key” – Chapters 1 to 6) introduces Hachimaru.  He has always dreamed of becoming a samurai.  Samurai carry special souls within themselves and can travel through space as easily as they walk the earth.  Only the most powerful warriors are able to transcend their human bodies and become something even greater – samurai!

Hachimaru, however, is as weak as they come, and he is so sickly that he can’t even eat solid foods.  Being too weak to leave his house has turned Hachimaru into an expert at video games, so at least he gets to play samurai video games, at which he is very good.  But one day, his father's secrets and the arrival of a samurai cat named “Daruma” combine to give Hachimaru a chance to live his dream.  With enough heart, could Hachimaru become a true samurai?

The Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru manga is creator Masashi Kishimoto's follow-up to his legendary, smash hit manga, Naruto.  [The Naruto sequel, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, is written and drawn by a new writer-artist team.]  Kishimoto created Samurai 8 and writes the story and produces the storyboards.  Newcomer artist Akira Okubo draws Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru.

Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru Graphic Novel Volume 1 is quite a read.  Kishimoto packs the six chapters that comprise Vol. 1 with internal mythology, although the cast, as yet, is not large.  The lead character, Hachimaru, seems like a blank slate.  What he does share with Naruto is a sense of determination, but Naruto was a more fully formed character in his first volume than Hachimaru is in his first volume.  However, Hachimaru's innocence is endearing, and that is the thing that draws me (at least) to him.

I don't know how much of Akira Okubo's work in these first six chapters is drawn with the aid of assistants, but Okubo's graphical style is gorgeous.  Okubo draws like the late Moebius, but the younger artist's compositions are not as streamlined as Moebius'.  In this first volume, the illustrations are so cluttered that they sometimes fill the graphical storytelling with the kind of static that comes between the artist/storyteller and his audience.

I don't want to make it sound like I have reservations about Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru.  I am excited about this series, and like Naruto and Boruto, I am eager for more.

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 reprint and  syndication rights and fees.


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

Review: THE PROMISED NEVERLAND Volume 1

THE PROMISED NEVERLAND, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: Kaiu Shirai
ART: Posuka Demizu
TRANSLATION: Satsuki Yamashita
LETTERS: Mark McMurray
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9712-6; paperback (December 2017); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

The Promised Neverland is a new graphic novel series published by VIZ Media.  This is the English-language publication of Yakusoku No Neverland, a shonen manga (comics for teens) from writer Kaiu Shirai and artist Posuka Demizu that is published in Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump.

The Promised Neverland, Vol. 1 (entitled Grace Field House; Chapters 1 to 7) is set at the Grace Field House orphanage.  We meet the orphanage's three brightest children who are all 11-years-old.  They are Emma, Norman, and Ray.

Under the care of “Mom,” the children enjoy a comfortable life:  good food, clean white clothes, and the perfect environment in which children can learn and also play.  One night, however, Emma and Norman uncover the dark truth about the outside world that they have been forbidden from seeing.

Because of its title, The Promised Neverland manga does not seem to be anything more than a children's fantasy story.  The word, Neverland, will always summon images of the children's paradise that is the home of Peter Pan.  However, even Peter Pan and Neverland has a dark undercurrent, an obvious truth, that broaches an uncomfortable and taboo topic.

The Promised Neverland Graphic Novel Volume 1 reveals its heart of darkness in a sudden burst in the last 20 pages of Chapter 1.  From that point on, the narrative takes a sinister tone that never changes after the first part of the horrifying truth is revealed.  Beginning with Chapter 2, The Promised Neverland reads like a summer potboiler novel that you will have to force yourself to stop reading.

This first volume of The Promised Neverland makes it clear that the series will appeal to both teenage and adult readers; perhaps, it will be appropriate for some middle school readers.  The creative team of writer Kaiu Shirai and artist Posuka Demizu are one in the storytelling – a seamless blend of story and graphics.  The result is a sinister, dark fantasy, and mystery thriller, and The Promised Neverland may be the second best new graphic novel series of the year, after the superb Children of the Whales, which is also from VIZ Media.

A
9 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: NARUTO: Chibi Sasuke's Sharingan Legend Volume 1

NARUTO: CHIBI SASUKE'S SHARINGAN LEGEND, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Kenji Taira
TRANSLATION: Amanda Haley
LETTERS: Thea Willis, Snir Aharon
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9710-2; paperback (September 2017); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Once there was a young shinobi (ninja) named Uzumaki Naruto, and he had an incorrigible knack for mischief.  He had a teammate, Uchiha Sasuke, a brooding loner who eventually left the Ninja Academy in the shinobi Village of Konohagakure.  Sasuke set off to find and kill his brother, Uchiha Itachi, who had slaughtered the Uchiha clan.  This is the story of Sasuke's mission of revenge... but now, with a humorous chibi twist.

As Naruto: Chibi Sasuke's Sharingan Legend, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 5; entitled Uchiha Sasuke) opens, Sasuke leaves Konohagakure to find and kill his brother, Itachi.  He gathers three shinobi:  Karin, Suigetsu, and Jugo, and the four of them become “Team Taka.”  They travel the land, looking for a brother to kill, and they also have wacky adventures.

[This volume includes five “mini manga chapter” bonus short stories – Mini Manga 1: “Sasuke vs. the Vending Machine!!” 2: “Sasuke vs. the Massage Chair!!” 3:  “Let's Go to the Naruto Art Exhibit” 4: “Let's Go to the Naruto Art Exhibit” Part 2; 5: “Jump Festa 2015 Rules and Guidelines.”]

Wow.  The Naruto: Chibi Sasuke's Sharingan Legend manga.  Wow.  In the “real” Naruto manga, Sasuke's actions were involved in his brother's death, but after Itachi told his younger sibling the reason why he slaughtered the Uchiha clan.  That led Sasuke to take up with some pretty despicable and evil characters and then, lead a deadly invasion of Konohagakure.

Well, Naruto: Chibi Sasuke's Sharingan Legend Volume 1 offers a massively altered version of Sasuke's dark quest.  It's all sh*ts and giggles.  I don't know how to feel about this.  It's cute.  I like Naruto.  Although Naruto creator, Masashi Kishimoto, is not the writer or artist here, this manga is expertly produced by Kenji Taira (Kishimoto's assistant) ... in a chibi mangaka sort of way.  I guess every Naruto fan should try it, if for no other reason than to be shocked, amused, or bemused.

B
6 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: BORUTO: Naruto Next Generations Volume 1

BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CREATOR/SUPERVISOR: Masashi Kishimoto
ART: Mikio Ikemoto
SCRIPT: Ukyo Kodachi
TRANSLATION: Mari Morimoto
LETTERS: Snir Aharon
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9211-4; paperback (April 2017); Rated “T” for “Teen”
208pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

The long-running manga series, Naruto, was the story of Uzumaki Naruto, a young shinobi (ninja) who lived in the shinobi Village of Konohagakure.  Naruto had an incorrigible knack for mischief and was the biggest troublemaker at the Ninja Academy.  However, Naruto was serious about his quest to become the world’s greatest ninja and the Hokage, leader of his village.

Under the supervision of Naruto creator, Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto and script writer Ukyo Kodachi present Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.  This is the sequel to Naruto and focuses on Naruto's son, Uzumaki Boruto.  Naruto did achieve his dream and his face sits atop the Hokage monument, but this is not Naruto's story.  A new generation of ninja wants to take the stage, including Boruto, who wants to topple his father's face from the Hokage monument.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Vol. 1 (entitled Uzumaki Boruto!! – Chapters 1 to 3) finds young Boruto making his way through the life of a ninja-in-training.  He lacks patience and wants to be powerful now, so he is just like his father once was.  The Chunin Exams are coming up, and Boruto sees this as his chance to shine... even if has to take help from the Scientific Ninja Tool Corps.

[This volume includes the bonus story, “NARUTO: The Path Lit by the Full Moon.”]

As a Shonen Jump manga reader, I am glad to be back in the world of my favorite Shonen Jump title, Naruto.  I have been waiting for the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations manga, and while it is not the manga that Naruto was, Boruto is off to a good start.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Volume 1 contains three chapters (and an extra story starring a big-time Naruto villain), and those three chapters quickly go about the job of establishing this next generation of shinobi.  Although Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto is no longer the lead writer and artist on Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, he is supervising a creative team, artist Mikio Ikemoto and script writer Ukyo Kodachi, that is thus far hitting all the familiar Naruto notes, while adding some beats of their own by defining new personalities.

The truth is Boruto is a good Naruto substitute.  It may also end up being a good manga all on its own.

A-

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: PLATINUM END Volume 1

PLATINUM END, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: Tsugumi Ohba
ARTIST: Takeshi Obata
TRANSLATION: Stephen Paul
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9063-9; paperback (October 2016); Rated “M” for “Mature”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Platinum End is the new manga from the mangaka team of writer Tsugumi Ohba and artist Takeshi Obata.  They are best known for their bestselling and controversial manga, Death Note, and also for the insider manga, Bakuman。.

Platinum End, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 3) introduces orphan Mirai Kakehashi.  He is tired of life and attempts suicide by jumping from the roof of a building.  Instead of dying, Mirai is saved by an angel named Nasse.  Through her, Mirai learns that 13 humans have been chosen as candidates to replace God.  Each has a guardian angel, and Nasse is Mirai's.

Nasse gives Mirai the “angel's arrow” which can make anyone, male or female, hit with that arrow love Mirai for 33 days.  She gives him wings that allow him the freedom to go anywhere he wants.  The problem is that these new powers and this God candidate contest both have a dark side.

The Platinum End manga, like the Death Note manga, is shockingly edgy.  It is obvious from the beginning that this new manga by the Ohba-Obata team will be dark, but by the end of this volume's three chapters (which are rather longish), events reveal a sinister mood that is beyond the obvious.

Platinum End Volume 1 is the kind of first volume that practically forces the reader to return for more.  And I love this sinister.  Dear reader, I should admit that I am a huge fan of Ohba and Obata's Bakuman。and plan to read it again.  I think that Obata certainly deserves his nickname, “the god of drawing;” he is that good.  Trust me, however; Platinum End is going to be a helluva manga, and it has a heckuva first volume.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: JACO the Galactic Patrolman

JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Akira Toriyama
TRANSLATION: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-4215-6630-6; paperback (January 2015); Rated “A” for “All Ages”
248pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Jaco the Galactic Patrolman is a shonen manga comedy from Akira Toriyama, best known as the creator of his breakout and breakthrough hit manga, Dragon Ball (published in the U.S. as Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z).  Jaco was originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan from July to September 2013.  Jaco the Galactic Patrolman focuses on the unlikely friendship between a stranded alien cop and a reclusive, island-dwelling scientist.

VIZ Media recently published Jaco the Galactic Patrolman as a paperback graphic novel, with the story being complete in one volume.  This stand-alone book is published under VIZ Media's Shonen Jump imprint, and is rated “‘A’ for All Ages.”  The printed edition of Jaco the Galactic Patrolman has a MSRP of $9.99 in the U.S. And $12.99 CAN.

The digital version of Jaco the Galactic Patrolman, which is also currently available, is $6.99 (USD/CAN) from VIZManga.com and through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, Android-powered smart phones.  The digital volume of Jaco the Galactic Patrolman can also be purchased through the Nook, Kobo, ComiXology, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores.

As Jaco the Galactic Patrolman opens, we meet Jaco Teirimentenpibosshi (or Jaco the Galactic Patrolman), an interstellar cop.  He crashed his ship on the moon, which forces him to make a crash-landing on a small island on Earth.  There, he meets retired scientist and engineer, Omori Tokunoshin.  A widower, Omori lives alone on this deserted island, while continuing his research into time-travel.

Omori is perturbed that his quiet life is interrupted by Jaco, who decides to move in with Omori.  A member of the Galactic Patrol (which protects the peace of the galaxy), Jaco claims to be “Super Elite,” but he is quite clumsy and always gets into trouble, which aggravates Omori.  Can Jaco get along with old man Omori long enough to save the earth from a dangerous threat... and also to save Tights, the 17-year-old girl about to embark on a dangerous rocket ride?

[This volume includes the bonus story, “Dragon Ball Minus: Departure of the Fated Child.”]

Akira Toriyama seems to have a magic touch when it comes to creating manga for young readers, from the Halloween-appropriate COWA! to the beloved Dragon Ball.  Jaco the Galactic Patrolman is perfect for young readers.  It is cute and fun, but it isn't simple-minded.  Like Toriyama's other manga, it is quirky, delightful, and especially inventive and imaginative.

The other cool thing about Jaco the Galactic Patrolman is that it is tied to Dragon Ball, with Jaco and Omori's adventures mostly taking place just as the beginnings of Dragon Ball come together.  I have to admit, with some embarrassment, that I was quite happy to discover this connection – like a little kid.  In fact, this volume's bonus story is a kind of prequel to Dragon Ball, as it tells the story of how Goku's journey to Earth began.  If you need a reason to buy Jaco the Galactic Patrolman, this is it.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

Naruto: Hashirama and Madara

I read Naruto: Hashirama and Madara, Vol. 65

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (and follow me on Twitter and please, visit my Indiegogo campaign).

Bleach: Everything But the Rain

I read Bleach, Vol. 60

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.

Bleach: The Battle

I read Bleach, Vol. 59

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.

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).