#IReadsYou Review: TWIN STAR EXORCIST Volume 17

TWIN STAR EXORCISTS, VOL. 17
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yoshiaki Sukeno
TRANSLATION: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Bryant Turnage
LETTERS: Stephen Dutro
EDITOR: Annette Roman
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0949-6; paperback (February 202); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Sōsei no Onmyōji is a shonen manga series written and illustrated by Yoshiaki Sukeno.  The manga has been serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Jump Square, since October 2013. VIZ Media is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a series of paperback graphic novels, entitled Twin Star Exorcists.  VIZ released the series first under its “Shonen Jump Advanced” imprint, and then, under its “Shonen Jump” imprint, beginning July 2015.

Twin Star Exorcists focuses on Rokuro Enmado.  He did not want to be an exorcist, but he met a mysterious girl named Benio Adashino.  This 14-year-old was serious about being an exorcist, and she wanted to fight the monstrous creatures called Kegare.  Because their destinies are intertwined, Rokuro and Benio are called the “Twin Star Exorcists.”  They are fated to marry... and to conceive the “Prophesied Child.”

As Twin Star Exorcists, Vol. 17 (Chapters 61 to 64) opens, the “Yuto Punitive Expedition” into Magano continues... going badly.  Rokuro has led his Enmado family into battle against the vicious “Basara,” Hijirimaru.  Now, Arima Tsuchimado, the chief exorcist of the Associated Exorcists, attempts to stop two powerful Kegare from entering the human world.  But can he be in several places at one time once he has to rescue Rokuro and company?  And just what were the Kegare really plotting when they struck out at the expeditionary force?

[This volume includes bonus drawings.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Twin Star Exorcists manga continues to deliver on this really intense current story arc.  This series is in a constant state of flux … until it focuses in on a singular moment in time, which is what it is doing now.

Twin Star Exorcists Graphic Novel Volume 17 is a scary read.  Creator Yoshiaki Sukeno has practically not only put the series' leads in mortal danger, but he has also put the entire good-guy paradigm at risk of annihilation.  For long time readers, this current arc is an excellent payoff for sticking with the series.  Actually, it is easy to keep reading Twin Star Exorcist because it is so good.

Tetsuichiro Miyaki's translation and Bryant Turnage's English-language adaptation are yeoman's work because of all the spell-casting featured in these chapters.  Kudos to Stephen Dutro for lettering those many, many spells in the perfectly-sized word balloons.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of action-fantasy, shonen manga will want to try the “Shonen Jump” manga, Twin Star Exorcists.

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.

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

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: TWIN STAR EXORCISTS: Volume 16

TWIN STAR EXORCISTS, VOL. 16
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yoshiaki Sukeno
TRANSLATION: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Bryant Turnage
LETTERS: Stephen Dutro
EDITOR: Annette Roman
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0776-8; paperback (September 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Sōsei no Onmyōji is a shonen manga series written and illustrated by Yoshiaki Sukeno.  The manga has been serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Jump Square, since October 2013. VIZ Media is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a series of paperback graphic novels, entitled Twin Star Exorcists.  VIZ released the series first under its “Shonen Jump Advanced” imprint, and then, under its “Shonen Jump” imprint, beginning July 2015.

Twin Star Exorcists focuses on Rokuro Enmado.  He did not want to be an exorcist, but he met a mysterious girl named Benio Adashino.  This 14-year-old was serious about being an exorcist, and she wanted to fight the monstrous creatures called Kegare.  Because their destinies are intertwined, Rokuro and Benio are called the “Twin Star Exorcists.”  They are fated to marry... and to conceive the “Prophesied Child.”

As Twin Star Exorcists, Vol. 16 (Chapters 57 to 60) opens, the “Yuto Punitive Expedition” into Magano, the realm of the Kegare, has turned into a disaster.  This was to be a minor mission, but the exorcists were met by four risk-level, “SS,” Basara (a Kegare that can speak and is more powerful).  Two of the Twelve Guardians have been killed, but before passing on, they have passed on their spiritual guides.  Meanwhile, what is Rokuro up to?

[This volume includes bonus drawings.]

THE LOWDOWN:  As I've said in previous reviews, the Twin Star Exorcists manga is usually in a constant state of flux, as creator Yoshiaki Sukeno introduces new characters and new subplots at a steady rate.  There are other times when the narrative goes still and focuses intensely on violence and combat, a state in which it currently... rests.

Twin Star Exorcists Graphic Novel Volume 16 focuses on the Yuto Punitive Expedition.  Creator Yoshiaki Sukeno is using the story arc to introduce the next generation of the Twelve Guardians.  The histories, origins, and back stories of these characters are poignant, and Sukeno has provided the material to make them exceptional characters for an exceptional manga.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of action-fantasy, shonen manga will want to try the “Shonen Jump” manga, Twin Star Exorcists.

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.

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

#IReadsYou Review: TWIN STAR EXORCISTS Volume 15

TWIN STAR EXORCISTS, VOL. 15
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yoshiaki Sukeno
TRANSLATION: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Bryant Turnage
LETTERS: Stephen Dutro
EDITOR: Annette Roman
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0522-1; paperback (May 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
208pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Sōsei no Onmyōji is a shonen manga series written and illustrated by Yoshiaki Sukeno.  The manga has been serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Jump Square (Shueisha, Inc.), since October 2013. VIZ Media is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a series of graphic novels, entitled Twin Star Exorcists.  VIZ released the series first under its “Shonen Jump Advanced” imprint, and then, under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2015.

Twin Star Exorcists focuses on Rokuro Enmado.  He did not want to be an exorcist, but he met a mysterious girl named Benio Adashino.  This 14-year-old was serious about being an exorcist, and she wanted to fight the monstrous creatures called Kegare.  Because their destinies are intertwined, Rokuro and Benio are called the “Twin Star Exorcists.”  They are fated to marry... and to conceive the “Prophesied Child.”

As Twin Star Exorcists, Vol. 15 (Chapters 53 to 56) opens, Benio is in Magano, the realm of the Kegare.  She must begin the ritual to claim her spiritual powers... and her true form – that of a Kegare.  When she is attacked, however, who in Magano will help her?

Meanwhile, on Tsuchimikado Island, Rokuro and his recently formed “Enmado Family,” prepare for their first mission into Magano.  This is the “Yuto Punitive Expedition.”  Rokuro hopes to get revenge for the killing of his friends long ago, but he and his family are really just support for the expedition.  Well, that is until everything goes... unexpected.

[This volume includes bonus concept art and comics, “Shueisha Jump SQ: “Airweave Collaborator Project, Special Chapter!”]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Twin Star Exorcists manga is usually in a constant state of flux, as creator Yoshiaki Sukeno introduces new characters and new subplots at a steady rate.  Sometimes, however, the narrative goes still and focuses intensely on violence and combat.

Twin Star Exorcists Graphic Novel Volume 15 focuses on the stars, Rokuro and Benio.  Each is entering one of the most intense states of their struggle, and Vol. 15 is the payoff for longtime readers.  I can only say that this is a not-to-be-missed volume, as it introduces some great things to come.

Once again, Tetsuichiro Miyaki (translation) and Bryant Turnage (English adaptation) deliver a strong English adaptation with another ending that will force readers to come back for more.  And Stephen Dutro's lettering is perfect for this volume of utter surprises and loud shocks.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of action-fantasy, shonen manga will want to try the “Shonen Jump” manga, Twin Star Exorcists.

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: TWIN STAR EXORCISTS Volume 14

TWIN STAR EXORCISTS, VOL. 14
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yoshiaki Sukeno
TRANSLATION: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Bryant Turnage
LETTERS: Stephen Dutro
EDITOR: Annette Roman
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0394-4; paperback (January 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
208pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Sōsei no Onmyōji is a shonen manga series written and illustrated by Yoshiaki Sukeno.  The manga has been serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Jump Square (Shueisha, Inc.), since October 2013. VIZ Media is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a series of graphic novels, entitled Twin Star Exorcists.  VIZ has released the series first under its “Shonen Jump Advanced” imprint, and then, under its “Shonen Jump” imprint twice a year since July 2015.

Twin Star Exorcists focuses on Rokuro Enmado.  He did not want to be an exorcist, but he met a mysterious girl named Benio Adashino.  This 14-year-old was serious about being an exorcist, and she wanted to fight the monstrous creatures called Kegare.  Because their destinies are intertwined, Rokuro and Benio are called the “Twin Star Exorcists.”  They are fated to marry... and to conceive the “Prophesied Child.”

As Twin Star Exorcists, Vol. 14 (Chapters 49 to 52) opens, “the Hadare Castle Imperial Tournament” continues.  The match between Shimon Ikuraga, “the Twelve Guardian Vermillion Bird,” and Unomiya Family head, Tenma Unomiya, takes a sudden, shocking, and ugly turn, so the tournament ends.  Later, Rokuro's performance in the tournament impresses many, and more people, including entire families, request to join his recently formed “Enmado Family.”

Meanwhile, Benio continues her quest to regain her spiritual power, and it seems the only one who can help her make real headway is Kamui... the kegare that killed her parents!  Kamui will lead Benio to Chinu, reputed to be the oldest and most powerful kegare, the one who can tell Benio how to restore her spiritual powers.  However, collaborating with kegare could not only get her expelled as an exorcist, but it could also get her executed as a traitor.  Plus, Chinu, of course, has so many shocking and unbelievable things to tell the young exorcist.

[This volume includes bonus comics, text, and concept art (on exorcist “hunting gear”).]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Twin Star Exorcists manga is usually in a constant state of flux, as creator Yoshiaki Sukeno introduces new characters and new subplots at a steady rate.  Then, there are times when the constant state of change is one big change.

Twin Star Exorcists Graphic Novel Volume 14, if what we learn within these chapters is true, will be one of the series' game-changing entries.  Yoshiaki Sukeno never lets readers feel comfortable with this series.  True, it is a battle manga, but it is also a dark fantasy story replete with elements of gruesome horror and gory monster fiction, and Vol. 14 gives us an origin of that gruesome and gore.  Sukeno also offers a pivotal moment in Benio Adashino's development.  What does she really want?, this volume seems to ask.

Once again, Tetsuichiro Miyaki (translation) and Bryant Turnage (English adaptation) deliver a strong English adaptation with an ending that will force readers to come back for more.  And Stephen Dutro's lettering is perfect for this volume of utter surprises.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of action-fantasy, shonen manga will want to try the “Shonen Jump” manga, Twin Star Exorcists.

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.


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

Review: ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM Volume 21

ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM, VOL. 21
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yusei Matsui
TRANSLATION: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Bryant Turnage
LETTERS: Stephen Dutro
EDITOR: Annette Roman
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9339-5; paperback (April 2018); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
216pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Assassination Classroom is a science fiction, comedy, and shonen manga from creator Yusei Matsui.  The series was originally serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, from 2012 to 2016.  VIZ Media published an English-language adaptation of the series in graphic novel, beginning in December 2014 and recently ending in April 2018.

Assassination Classroom focuses on the so-called “End Class.”  These are the outcast students of Class 3-E at Kunugigaoka Junior High.  They are trying to kill their teacher, and they have the perfect excuse.  Their teacher is the monstrous, alien-like octopus that recently destroyed 70% of the moon.  This creature becomes Class 3-E's teacher, whom the student name, “Koro Sensei,” and he promises to destroy the Earth after the 3-E students graduate.  Thus, it is up to these students to kill their teacher in order to save the world.  They are the “Assassination Classroom.”

As Assassination Classroom, Vol. 21 (Chapters 178 to 179 to Final Chapter; entitled Time to Say Thank You) opens, Koro-sensei is dead.  The students of the Assassination Classroom killed their teacher, but there are extenuating circumstances.  Now, the class prepares to graduate, but what does the future hold and how will the legacy of Koro-sensei affect them?

[This manga contains bonus manga, “Time to Come Home,” “Time to Go to the Izakaya,” “Time to Reveal Identities,” “Time to Say Thank You,” and “Tokyo Department Store War Journal.”]

The Assassination Classroom manga has reached the end of its run.  The series is often variations of the same, although the usual is usually quite entertaining.  It is like a sitcom about students learning to become assassins while trying to kill their other-worldly teacher, and creator Yusei Matsui finds comedy in characters as well as in situations.

Assassination Classroom Graphic Novel Volume 21 is the final volume of the series, but it is not so much a finale as it is a coda.  Vol. 20, in which the teacher is killed, is really the final volume.  With Vol. 21, Matsui offers a bit of sweetness to his readers.  There are some extra stories that Matsui produced to accompany the anime based on Assassination Classroom, and this volume also reprints the manga Matsui produced before this series.  I hope this series stays in print, and it probably will digitally.  Assassination Classroom deserves to find new readers for years to come.

A
8 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Assassination Classroom: Time for an Oppurtunity

I read Assassination Classroom, Vol. 8

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter and Tumblr or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Assassination Classroom: On Island Time

I read Assassination Classroom, Vol. 7

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter and Tumblr or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Assassination Classroom: Swim Time

I reads Assassination Classroom, Vol. 6

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter or Tumblr and at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Twin Star Exorcists: Into Magano

I read Twin Star Exorcists, Vol. 2: Onmyoji

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter and Tumblr or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Review: QQ SWEEPER Volume 1

QQ SWEEPER, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Kyousuke Motomi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Bryant Turnage
LETTERS: Eric Erbes
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8214-6; paperback (April 2015); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Kyousuke Motomi is a mangaka (creator) known for her two manga series that were published in North America, Dengeki Daisy and Beast Master.  Her latest manga is the supernatural high school drama and romance, QQ Sweeper.

The series focuses on two characters.  First is the tall, dark, and handsome, Kyutaro Horikita, the cleaning expert of Kurokado Private High School.  One day, he finds a maiden sleeping in an old room on campus.  She is the second character, transfer student Fumi Nishioka, and like Kyutaro, she has a talent for cleaning.

Early in QQ Sweeper, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 5), Kyutaro discovers Fumi sleeping in the “Old School Building.”  To her, the place is dirty... but alluring and mysterious.  Kyutaro, considered a weirdo by the other students, keeps the building clean, but he is a cleaner both in the physical world and in the spiritual realm.  When fellow student, Junya Sakaguchi, gets dirty and infested, Kyutaro will discover that Fumi may have a surprising talent for getting rid of dirty things.

The QQ Sweeper manga is unusual simply because so much of it focuses on cleaning services and janitorial duties.  Creator Kyousuke Motomi depicts the cleaning as more than just drudgery.  There is a technique to getting it right and to taking a dirty room or object and cleaning it down to the tiny details.

QQ Sweeper Volume 1 introduces quite a bit about the series' magic and its internal mythology, but not so much that the series loses its sense of mystery.  The unknown will be important to this series, as nearly all the main characters are incomplete, especially when it comes to their pasts.  QQ Sweeper is different, especially when compared to Motomi's previous series, Dengeki Daisy, but like this earlier manga, QQ Sweeper is filled with thrills.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Assassination Classroom: Time to Show Off a Hidden Talent

I read Assassination Classroom, Vol. 5

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Assassination Classroom: Time to Face the Unbelievable

I read Assassination Classroom, Vol. 4

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Assassination Classroom: Time for a Transfer Student

I read Assassination Classroom, Vol. 3

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter and at Grumble.

Assassination Classroom: Time for Grown-Ups

I read Assassination Classroom, Vol. 2

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter or Grumble.

Review: ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM Volume 1

ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Yusei Matsui
TRANSLATION: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Bryant Turnage
LETTERS: Stephen Dutro
EDITOR: Annette Roman
ISBN: 978-1-4215-7607-7; paperback (December 2014); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Assassination Classroom is a shonen manga that made its debut in Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan in 2012.  The series is created by Yusei Matsui, who was an assistant to manga artist Yoshio Sawai, the creator of such popular manga as Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo and the long-running JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

Assassination Classroom is a humor and sci-fi manga about a classroom full of misfits who take on their teacher who has bizarre powers and super strength.  The teacher, whom the students name “Koro Sensei,” is the alien octopus that destroyed 70% of the moon.  He becomes a teacher at Kunugigaoka Junior High, where he teaches the outcasts of Class 3-E and he promises to destroy the Earth after they graduate.  Now, it's up to these students to kill their teacher to save the world.  They are the “Assassination Classroom.”

Assassination Classroom, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 7; entitled Time for Assassination) finds the students of the Assassination Classroom ready to pop a cap to save the world.  Besides saving the Earth, the other incentive is a 10 million dollar/yen reward, offered by Tadaomi Karasuma of the Ministry of Defense.  It's up to Karasuma to train these students to kill... even if he has to become their new P.E. teacher.  Plus, a juvenile delinquent skilled in battle tactics returns to school.

The Assassination Classroom manga is weird, with its mixture of comedy and menace.  It can be disconcerting to go from poignant teacher-student relationship to classroom violence in the space of a few pages or even a few panels.  At least, it would really be disconcerting if Assassination Classroom were not a shonen manga – a genre or class of manga where comedy and comic violence meld in imaginative and even volatile ways.

I like the science fiction and fantasy sub-genre that brings aliens, humans, and schools together.  I am still a fan of the 1980s animated series, "Galaxy High School," and I have even sampled some of the manga that influenced it, Urusei Yatsura (or Lum).  Assassination Classroom Volume 1 makes me curious to see where this goes.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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