#IReadsYou Review: ULTRAMAN Volume 4

ULTRAMAN, VOL. 4
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: Eiichi Shimizu
ART: Tomohiro Shimoguchi
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamazaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Stan!
LETTERING: Evan Waldinger
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8185-9; paperback (May 2016); Rated “T” for “Teen”
188pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $14.99 CAN, £8.99 UK

Ultraman is a character that appeared in Japanese sci-fi/fantasy films and television, beginning in the 1960s.  Ultraman was an alien entity that merged with a human host, creating a superhero that fought aliens trying to invade Earth.  Ultraman (stylized as ULTRAMAN) the manga, written and drawn by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi, is a sequel to the television series, “Ultraman” (1966).

The new Ultraman is 17-year-old Shinjiro Hayata.  He is the son of Shin Hayata, the man who first merged with Ultraman 20 years earlier.  A new threat is growing, and that kind of danger requires a new kind of Ultraman.

As Ultraman, Vol. 4 (Chapter 21 to 26) opens, Shinjiro struggles with what it means to be Ultraman.  The alien enemies of Earth are brutal and unforgiving, and Dan Moroboshi, who wears an updated Ultraman suit, does not hesitate to kill them.  Shinjiro is struggling to come to terms with Dan's use of violence, especially after a battle leaves Dan's suit covered in blood.

Is Shinjiro or Dan the new kind of Ultraman for the danger the Earth now faces?  Well, there is a secret plan to force Shinjiro to take the next step in his development as the Ultraman.  Plus, The Rena Sayama 2018 Live Tour begins, but someone plans to kill Rena, an Ultraman fangirl.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Ultraman manga is an easy and enjoyable read, something that I can say about every volume.  And yes, it is such an easy read that I find myself finishing too quickly and wishing that there were more.  I really enjoy this manga, and I think its fan base should grow.  Ultraman is something like a blend of Marvel's Iron Man and Neon Genesis Evangelion, a blend I think that others can enjoy.

Ultraman Volume 4 focuses on the existential crisis Shinjiro undergoes as he deals with the realities of being the hero everyone expects to protect the Earth.  Killing and destroying the enemy seems the obvious solution, except that it may not be.  Creators Shimizu and Shimoguchi are gradually delving into complex issues, even as they continue to produce a delightfully breezy read.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of Ultraman and readers looking for superheroes from another land will want to try the VIZ Signature title, Ultraman.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: TOKYO GHOUL: re Volume16

TOKYO GHOUL: RE, VOL. 16
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Sui Ishida
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamazaki
LETTERING: Vanessa Satone
EDITOR: Pancha Diaz
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0742-3; paperback (April 2020); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
338pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 UK

Tokyo Ghoul is a dark fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Sui Ishida.  It was serialized in the Japanese seinen manga magazine, Weekly Young Jump (Shueisha, Inc.), between September 2011 and September 2014.  It was later collected in fourteen tankōbon (graphic novels).  It had a sequel series, Tokyo Ghoul:re, which also was serialized in Weekly Young Jump – between October 2014 and July 2018.  It was collected into sixteen tankōbon volumes.

VIZ Media published Tokyo Ghoul as a 14-volume graphic novel series from June 2015 to August 2017, under its VIZ Signature imprint.  It published Tokyo Ghoul: re as a 16-volume graphic novel series, bimonthly, beginning in October 2017, under its “VIZ Signature” imprint.  VIZ published the sixteenth and final volume this past month, April 2020,

Tokyo Ghouls is about “Ghouls.”  They look like humans and live among humans, but Ghouls crave human flesh.  The Commission of Counter Ghouls (CCG) is the only organization in the world fighting and exterminating Ghouls and investigating Ghoul-related crimes.  Haise Sasaki was in charge of an unruly CCG squad, “Quinx Squad” (or “Qs Squad”), but among the secrets of his forgotten past was the truth that he was Ken Kaneki, a half-human and half-Ghoul.

As Tokyo Ghoul: re, Vol. 16 (Chapters 165 to 179) opens, the Ghoul-CCG alliance has rescued Kaneki from his “Dragon” form, the monster within which he was entombed.  However, the creature continues to spew forth mutant Ghouls, and some of these things to which the Dragon has given birth are infecting humans with a horrific form of “Ghoulism.”

The only way to stop this is to go deep inside the creature, and who will go into the belly of the beast to find a cure?  It is Kaneki, of course.  There, he will face the ultimate conspirator, Nimura Furuta, and also, someone who was very important in his life.  Will Kaneki's ultimate act of bravery be the final strike that will end the Ghoul-human war or will it be his and everyone, Ghoul and human's, last stand?

[This volume includes an illustrated “Afterward” by Sui Ishida.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Tokyo Ghoul: re manga has come to an end.  When Tokyo Ghoul began, it was a dark fantasy series that took readers into a mysterious new world that seemed horrifying on the surface.  The truth was that this new world was more complicated beneath that surface.

Tokyo Ghoul: re Graphic Novel Volume 16 is a wrap-up of what the narrative became in the second series – a tale of racial conflict and of the conspiracy that created that conflict.  Without spoiling this final volume, I can say that creator Sui Ishida has not only ended the narrative, but he has also revealed that life goes on.

To the end, Joe Yamazaki's translation captures the intensity and mania and the ebb and flow of the action.  Vanessa Satone's lettering conveys the chaotic nature of that action, while she finds a way to cherish the end of the series while suggesting the continuation of the story.  Whatever happens beyond the pages that we can only imagine is not as important as the fact that between Tokyo Ghoul and Tokyo Ghoul: re we have thirty volumes of imaginative, inventive, and unique manga.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Tokyo Ghoul will want to dine on the “VIZ Signature” title, Tokyo Ghoul: re.

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: BLACK LAGOON Volume 11

BLACK LAGOON, VOL. 11
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Rei Hiroe
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Joe Yamazaki
LETTERS: John Hunt, Primary Graphix
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1119-2; paperback (January 2020); Rated “M” for “Mature”
224pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 U.K.

While on a business trip in Southeast Asia, Japanese “salaryman,” Rokuro Okajima, is kidnapped by a band of smugglers.  Abandoned by his company, Rokuro takes on the name, “Rock,” and joins his abductors.  They are Vietnam vet, Dutch the Boss; Benny the Mechanic, who handles the boat’s complicated high tech electronics, and Revy Two Hand, the ultra-lethal, gunslinger.  With Rock, this now-quartet is the baddest band of mercenaries on the high seas of Southeast Asia, sailing aboard the vessel, “the Black Lagoon,” a modified, World War II torpedo boat.  Through Dutch’s company, “Lagoon Traders,” this quartet operates a maritime courier service out of Roanapur, Thailand, a dangerous city that is rotten with military, ex-military, gangsters, drug dealers, and more of the worse people in the world.

As Black Lagoon, Vol. 11 (Chapter 77: “The Wired Red Wild Card”) opens, Rock and Revy are trying to help Feng Yifei, a former spy for the Chinese Liberation Army.  Feng's failures have led to her being disavowed by the government she once served, and now she is being hunted by the Chinese government's hired killers.

Rock and Revy have accompanied Feng to an Internet cafe where she tries to burn data that will help buy her protection (hopefully) from some organization that will want the information she has.  However, a Chinese operative has hired a group of “mixed-race” brothers to assassinate Feng, and they have caught up with her at the cafe.  The ensuing shootout will leave Revy and one of the brothers in police custody, forcing the former salaryman into action.  Now, Rock has to come up with a plan that will both save Revy and appease whoever wants to save Feng from the People's Republic of China.

The Black Lagoon manga was a burning hot property and was eventually adapted into an anime series.  However, after the ninth volume of the graphic novel (tankobon) series was published in North America in 2010, the tenth volume did not appear until 2015.  Creator Rei Hiroe insisted, in an “afterword” published in Vol. 10, that the series had not been on hiatus between the ninth and tenth volumes... no matter what anyone else said.

Black Lagoon Graphic Novel Volume 11 is arriving in North America nearly five years after the arrival of Vol. 10.  I am a big fan of this series, but I had to read one hundred pages into Vol. 11 before I found myself back in the groove of its narrative.  Of course, it was a big shootout scene that reminded me of why I like this high-flying, balls-to-wall, bullet-blasting, adult-action manga.

So my final analysis is that Black Lagoon remains the same.  There are character dynamics, deal-making, and interpersonal relationships involving various kinds of obligation.  But the best of Black Lagoon is still its explosive action, and that is still here.  Hopefully, we will not have to wait another five years for Vol. 12...

B+
7 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.

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Manga Review: NO GUNS LIFE: Volume 1

NO GUNS LIFE, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Tasuku Karasuma
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamazaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Stan!
LETTERS: Evan Waldinger
EDITOR: Mike Montessa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1045-4; paperback (September 2019); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
248pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 U.K.

No Guns Life is a seinen manga (comics for adult men) series by Tasuku Karasuma.  It has been serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Ultra Jump, since August 2014.  VIZ Media is publishing the manga in English as a series of graphic novels under its “VIZ Signature” imprint.

No Guns Life, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 6) is set in an indeterminate future, after the end of a “Great War.”  One group of fighters in that war was known as the “Extended.”  The Extended are cyborg soldiers whose bodies were transformed via “physical function extension,” also known as “Extended surgery.”

After the war, the Extended were discharged.  One of them is Juzo Inui, a man whose body was transformed, and his head was replaced with a giant gun.  He has no memory of his previous life or knowledge of who specifically replaced his head or why.  Inui now scratches out a living in the dark streets of the city as a “Resolver,” one who resolves issues or takes on cases involving the Extended.  Now, Inui finds himself protecting, Tetsuro Arahabaki, a child with very powerful connections, but also possessing technology that has made him the biggest target in the city.

The No Guns Life manga is intriguing simply because of its title.  The striking cover art of the first volume – featuring Juzo Inui's gun head – is enough to encourage a reader to try, at least, the first volume.

No Guns Life Graphic Novel Volume 1, however, does not live up to the intensity that Inui's physical appearance suggests.  The six chapters contained in Vol. 1 depict violence, but not enough to earn the book a “mature” rating; it is rated for “older teens.”  There is, of course, nothing wrong with a teen-friendly rating, but, once again, that character design...  The truth of the matter is that Inui and Tetsuro are intriguing and probably have wonderful back stories, but in this first volume, creator Tasuku Karasuma focuses mainly on introducing concepts, characters, and conflicts.

If I had to compare No Guns Life, Vol. 1 to an American comic book, I would say that it has passing similarities to Marvel's The Punisher and to DC Comics' Deathstroke.  The difference is that Frank Castle/The Punisher and Slade Wilson/Deathstroke wield big guns, but neither has a big gun for a head.  Although if they did, that would make for some cool one-off stories.  Meanwhile, I really think the best of No Guns Life is yet to come.

7 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: RWBY Official Manga Anthology, Volume 3 - From Shadows

RWBY OFFICIAL MANGA ANTHOLOGY, VOL. 3 – FROM SHADOWS
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONISTS:  Ritsu Hayami; Tsutanoha; Sumiwo; monorobu; Rojine Kio; Natsutaro; Mochiyama; mojojoj; Sun Hiura; Kaogeimoai; Mugupo; Ogurapan; Sora; Siguma Koko; Sorappane; Mikanuji; Ohtsuki; Umiya
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamasaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Jason A. Hurley
LETTERS: Evan Waldinger
EDITOR: Joel Enos
MISC. ART: mojojoj, Mugupo, ryuga, Sai Izumi
COVER: Ein Lee and Meteo
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0281-7; paperback (November 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
168pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 U.K.

Based on the animation from Rooster Teeth Productions; RWBY created by Monty Oum

Streamed over the Internet, “RWBY” is an American animated series.  The late Monty Oum created the series for Rooster Teeth Productions (an American company), which is known for its streaming and web animated series.  “RWBY” is produced in a Japanese anime style, although some consider it to be an actual anime series.  It is the first western-produced anime series to be distributed to Japanese television.

“RWBY” is set on the world of Remnant, which is beset by “Grimm,” horrific monsters bent on the destruction of humanity.  The kingdoms of Remnant have risen to combat these monsters by training powerful Huntsmen and Huntresses at academies around the planet. “RWBY” focuses on Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long, four such Huntresses-in-training who are collectively known as “Team RWBY.”

RWBY The Official Manga Anthology collects original short manga and comics set in the world of RWBY.  Each graphic novel in the series showcases a particular member of Team RWBY.  RWBY The Official Manga Anthology, Vol. 3 is subtitled “From Shadows.”  It focuses on Blake Belladonna, the RWBY member who belongs to a race known as the “Faunus.”

The stories reveal how Blake initially worries about how she will fit in with her human teammates, who are also her roommates.  A few of the stories reveal that Blake uses her hair ribbons to hide the most obvious sign of being a Faunus, her cat-like ears.  In the story, “Curiosity Killed the Cat,” Blake tackles a school legend about a cursed mirror – with help of her teammate, Yang Xiao Long's dog, Zwei.  In the story, “Proof of a Black Cat,” an early period story, Blake learns to trust a new teammate when it comes to helping with her sword work.

[This volume contains commentary one-panel cartoons from the cartoonists that contributed to this volume.  It also includes “Message from Ein Lee.”]

As I have stated in previous RWBY manga reviews, I had not heard of “RWBY” until I received a VIZ Media press release that it was going to collect Shirow Miwa's 2015-2017 manga adaptation of the anime.  My VIZ Media press rep has sent me all three volumes of the RWBY The Official Manga Anthology manga published to date.

RWBY The Official Manga Anthology Graphic Novel Volume 3 is, thus far, my favorite volume of the series.  Why?  For one thing, I think the manga/comics contained within this volume, short as they are, seem the most focused.  Many of them have a plot or solid concept, and only a few of them seem to be nothing more than a gathering of girl friends having a chat and a laugh.

I think another element that makes Vol. 3 strong is that Black Belladonna belongs to a persecuted minority.  Thus, the cartoonists can take various aspects of Blake's character or life and create conflict or drama about her fitting in at the academy or learning to trust her fellow RWBY teammates.  Even something as simple as Blake's hair ribbons can yield interesting moment and vignettes.  I would actually enjoy more Belladonna stories like this.

A-
7.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: RWBY Official Manga Anthology Volume 4 - Burn

RWBY OFFICIAL MANGA ANTHOLOGY, VOL. 4 – BURN
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONISTS:  Ohtsuki; Ritsu Hayami; mojojoj; Xily; Mochiyama; Mugupo; Moromoimaru; Mikanuji; Meteo; Sun Hiura; Natsutaro; Sora; Tsutanoha; Kaogeimoai; Rojine Kio; EMO; monorobu; Umiya
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamasaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Jason A. Hurley
LETTERS: Evan Waldinger
EDITOR: Joel Enos
MISC. ART: monorobu; Ritsu Hayami; Ohitashi; Honojirotowoji
COVER: Ein Lee and Meteo
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0282-4; paperback (February 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
168pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 U.K.

Based on the animation from Rooster Teeth Productions; RWBY created by Monty Oum

Streamed over the Internet, “RWBY” is an American animated series.  The late Monty Oum created the series for Rooster Teeth Productions (an American company), which is known for its web animated series.  “RWBY” is produced in a Japanese anime style, although some consider it to be an actual anime series.  It is the first western-produced anime series to be distributed to Japanese television.

“RWBY” is set on the world of Remnant, which is beset by “Grimm,” horrific monsters bent on the destruction of humanity.  The kingdoms of Remnant have risen to combat these monsters by training powerful Huntsmen and Huntresses at academies around the planet. “RWBY” focuses on Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long, four such Huntresses-in-training who are collectively known as “Team RWBY.”

RWBY The Official Manga Anthology collects original short manga and comics set in the world of RWBY.  Each graphic novel in the series showcases a particular member of Team RWBY.  RWBY The Official Manga Anthology, Vol. 4 is subtitled “Burn.”  This volume focuses on Yang Xiao Long, the RWBY member who is also the older half-sister of Ruby Rose.

The stories offered in “Burn” reveal how hard Yang works at her warrior skills, at being a sister to Ruby, and at being a good teammate.  Sometimes, she finds herself walking the dog, Zwei.  Other times, she fights with two sisters over a teddy bear.  Yang worries about her weight and tries to plan a party.  Often, she has to play make up to her sister, when the entire team isn't fighting demons.

[This volume contains commentary one-panel cartoons from the cartoonists that contributed to this volume.  It also includes “Message from Ein Lee” and “Message from Barbara Dunkelman.”]

As I have stated in previous RWBY manga reviews, I had not heard of “RWBY” until I received a VIZ Media press release that it was going to collect Shirow Miwa's 2015-2017 manga adaptation of the anime.  My VIZ Media press rep has sent me all four volumes of the RWBY The Official Manga Anthology manga published to date.

RWBY The Official Manga Anthology Graphic Novel Volume 4 is a nice read, although it is not as good as Vol. 3, the best volume of the series, thus far.  Yang Xiao Long is not a particularly strong character in these stories, as she seems one note.

The stories here are written by new, emerging, and amateur manga creators.  Some the stories are pleasant, but nothing is standout material here.  I do like the work of some of the artists, for instance EMO, who offers a particularly strong panel featuring only a pair of eyes.  Beyond that, I think Vol. 4 is especially for RWBY fans.

B
6 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: BLEACH Volume 74

BLEACH, VOL. 74
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Tite Kubo
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamazaki
LETTERS: Mark McMurray
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9602-0; paperback (October 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
208pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Bleach is a shonen manga (comics for teen boys) series written and illustrated by Tite Kubo.  Bleach was serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, from August 2001 to August 2016 over 686 chapters.  The series became a media franchise, spawning a long running anime television series, four feature films, OVA (original video anime) episodes, video games, stage musicals, light novels, and merchandise.

In Japan, the 686 chapters of the Bleach manga were collected in 74 tankobon (book) volumes.  VIZ Media has been publishing the Bleach manga in English in a series of graphic novels since 2004.  The first week of of October 2018, VIZ will publish the 74th and final graphic novel volume of their publication of Bleach.

Bleach focuses on Ichigo “Strawberry” Kurosaki.  He is born with the gift that is the ability to see ghosts, a gift he does not want.  However, this ability introduces Ichigo to the world of the Soul Society.  After his family is attacked by a Hollow, a malevolent lost soul, Ichigo became a Soul Reaper.  He dedicates himself to protecting the innocent from tortured spirits and to helping those spirits find peace.

Bleach, Vol. 74 (entitled The Death and the Strawberry – Chapters 675 to 686) is the conclusion of the final story arc.  Yhwach, the leader of the Quincies, is the most powerful adversary in the series.  Also known as “The Almighty,” Yhwach wants to unite the Soul Society and the living world into one entity, which apparently will cause the end of death.  Now, it is up to Ichigo to engage and to defeat Yhwach in a final battle, but he will need the help of some surprising allies, which includes the unexpected return of a number of infamous figures.

The Bleach manga is a visually striking graphic narrative.  Although it can seem repetitive, both visually and graphically, at times, Bleach was and is a fantastic and invigorating read.

I don't know what to make of Bleach Graphic Novel Volume 74.  The graphical storytelling is not as explosive and as kinetic as it was during peak periods of the series.  The storytelling is almost impressionistic, whereas creator Tite Kubo, in the past, drew as if he were trying to capture lightning in a bottle.

The last two chapters of this volume are about cleaning up and about the next generations, and in some ways, Kubo is sweeping up the last swaths of energy.  A few classic characters even make a cameo to do their last things and to say their goodbyes.  Kubo gives us a happy ending, but the truth is that Bleach was at its best when it was in battle royale mode.  And that will always be its best.  We had to say goodbye sometime, but we can go back and revisit the good, the bad and the peak strawberry of Bleach.

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 syndication rights and fees.

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Review: RWBY Official Manga Anthology Volume 2

RWBY OFFICIAL MANGA ANTHOLOGY, VOL. 2 – MIRROR, MIRROR
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONISTS: KaTe; monorobu; Kuma; Mate; Ritsu Hayami; Amechan; Rojine Kio; mojojoj, EMO; Mochiyama; Mikanuji; Tsutanoha; Amaya; Sora; Kaogeimoai; ryuga; Uri; Assa; Sun Hiura; Umiya
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamasaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley
LETTERS: Evan Waldinger
EDITOR: Joel Enos
MISC. ART: shihou; Kuma; BUZZ; Ecru
COVER: Ein Lee and Meteo
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0158-2; paperback (August 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
184pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 U.K.

Based on the animation from Rooster Teeth Productions; RWBY created by Monty Oum

“RWBY” is an American animated series that is streamed on the World Wide Web.  “RWBY” was created by the late Monty Oum for Rooster Teeth Productions (an American company), which is known for its streaming and web animated series.  “RWBY” is produced in a Japanese anime style, although some consider it to be an actual anime series.  It is the first western-produced anime series to be distributed to Japanese television.

“RWBY” is set on the world of Remnant, which is beset by “Grimm,” horrific monsters bent on the destruction of humanity.  The kingdoms of Remnant have risen to combat these monsters by training powerful Huntsmen and Huntresses at academies around the planet. “RWBY” focuses on Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long, four such Huntresses-in-training who are collectively known as “Team RWBY.”

RWBY The Official Manga Anthology collects original short manga and comics set in the world of RWBY.  Each graphic novel in the series showcases a particular member of Team RWBY.  RWBY The Official Manga Anthology, Vol. 2 is subtitled “Mirror, Mirror” and focuses on Weiss Schnee, sometimes called “the Ice Princess.”

The stories reveal how Weiss initially struggles to work in a team, and how she comes to think of her teammates as friends, although she still sometimes feels out of place.  The stories also reveal how close she is to her older sister, Winter, and how the dynamics of her powerful family affects her as a child and still do.  Most of all the stories are about how Weiss becomes a part of the family known as Team RWBY.

[This volume contains commentary one-panel cartoons from the cartoonists that contributed to this volume.  It also includes “Message from Ein Lee” and “Message from Kara Eberle.”]

I had not heard of “RWBY” until I received a VIZ Media press release that it was going to collect Shirow Miwa's 2015-2017 manga adaptation of the anime.  My VIZ Media press rep has sent me both volumes of the RWBY The Official Manga Anthology manga published to date.

RWBY The Official Manga Anthology Graphic Novel Volume 2 is, in tone and style, similar to the first volume of the anthology.  The stories are mostly humorous, and they are lighthearted vignettes that focus on the relationships between the members of Team RWBY.

RWBY The Official Manga Anthology Volume 2 – Mirror, Mirror is a good way to let readers see various aspects of the character of Weiss Schnee.   According to the press release that accompanied the first volume's release, the mangaka (creators) that contribute to this anthology are new artists.  That shows in the fact that these stories feel like amateur press comics or “dōjinshi.”  The stories in “Mirror, Mirror,” are about relationships and friendship, but very few are about RWBY's continuity or about the series' internal mythology.

B
6 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.

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

Review: RWBY: The Official Manga Anthology Volume 1

RWBY OFFICIAL MANGA ANTHOLOGY, VOL. 1 – RED LIKE ROSES
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONISTS: monorobu; Ritsu Hayami; Kuma; KaTe; Xily; Uri; Sora; Amaya; Mikanuji; Moromoimaru; Koogeimoai; Siguma Koko; Mate; mojojoj; Amechan; Shiki Miou; Sorappane; Rojine Kio; Sun Hiura; Umiyo
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamasaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley
LETTERS: Evan Waldinger
EDITOR: Joel Enos
MISC. ART: Sai Izumi; Esu; Shiki Miou; Tsukasa; Omutatsu
COVER: Ein Lee and Meteo
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0157-5; paperback (May 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
184pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 U.K.

Based on the animation from Rooster Teeth Productions; RWBY created by Monty Oum

“RWBY” is an American animated series that is streamed on the World Wide Web.  “RWBY” was created by the late Monty Oum for Rooster Teeth Productions (an American company), which is known for its streaming and web animated series.  “RWBY” is produced in a Japanese anime style, although some consider it to be an actual anime series.  It is the first western-produced anime series to be distributed to Japanese television.

“RWBY” is set on the world of Remnant, which is beset by “Grimm,” horrific monsters bent on the destruction of humanity.  The kingdoms of Remnant have risen to combat these monsters by training powerful Huntsmen and Huntresses at academies around the planet. “RWBY” focuses on Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long, four such Huntresses-in-training who are collectively known as “Team RWBY.”

Shiwa Miwa, the creator of the manga Dogs and Dogs: Bullets & Carnage, produced a manga based on “RWBY” and entitled RWBY.  It was published in graphic novel form by VIZ Media in January 2018.  Now, VIZ is introducing RWBY The Official Manga Anthology, which will publish original short manga and comics set in the world of RWBY that showcase the members of Team RWBY

RWBY The Official Manga Anthology, Vol. 1 is subtitled “Red Like Roses” and focuses on Team RWBY leader, Ruby Rose.  The stories reveal that Ruby has insecurities just like everyone else, although she is a Huntress team leader.  While her worries run deep, Ruby is determined to overcome her shortcomings in order to be a true hero.  From working with other teams to taking on evil clones, Ruby is driven to be the best... even if it means she has to change her hair color.

[This volume contains commentary one-panel cartoons from the cartoonists that contributed to this volume.  It also includes “Message from Ein Lee” and “Message from Lindsay Jones.”]

I had not heard of “RWBY” until I received a VIZ Media press release that it was going to publish Shirow Miwa's 2015-2017 manga adaptation of the anime.  As I wrote in a previous review, I was not interested in reading it, but my VIZ Media rep gave me a copy.  However, I was looking forward to the RWBY The Official Manga Anthology manga, VIZ Media came through.

RWBY The Official Manga Anthology Graphic Novel Volume 1 is a little more entertaining than the first RWBY graphic novel.  That is mainly because the stories are mostly humorous.  They are lighthearted vignettes that focus on the relationships between the members of Team RWBY.  Ruby Rose is the emphasis in these tales, but her teammates star in most of the stories here and are featured almost as much as she is.

RWBY The Official Manga Anthology Volume 1 – Red Like Roses is a good way to let readers learn more about the characters via comedy and teamwork.  Most of these stories are about 10-pages in length.  According to the press release that accompanies this first volume's release, the mangaka (creators) that contribute to this anthology are new artists, and it shows in the fact that these stories feel like amateur press comics or “dōjinshi.”  These stories are fun, but I miss the fantasy-horror-action mix of the previous RWBY manga.  Still, I think Red Like Roses will serve to make new RWBY fans just because of the friendly nature of these stories.

B+
7 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.

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

Review: RWBY

RWBY
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Shirow Miwa
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamasaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley
LETTERS: Evan Waldinger and Walden Wong
EDITOR: Joel Enos
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9512-2; paperback (January 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
250pp, B&W, $14.99 U.S., $19.99 CAN, £9.99 U.K.

“RWBY” is an American animated series that is streamed on the World Wide Web (or simply “web”).  The series was created by the late Monty Oum for Rooster Teeth Productions (an American company), which is known for its animated streaming or web series.  “RWBY” is produced in a Japanese anime style, although some consider it an actual anime series.  It was the first western-produced anime series to be distributed to Japanese television.

“RWBY” is set on the world of Remnant, which is beset by “Grimm,” horrific monsters bent on the destruction of humanity.  The kingdoms of Remnant have risen to combat these monsters by training powerful Huntsmen and Huntresses at academies around the planet. “RWBY” focuses on Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long, four such Huntresses-in-training.

Shiwa Miwa, the creator of the manga Dogs and Dogs: Bullets & Carnage, produced a manga based on “RWBY.”  Miwa's story was based on the initial four trailers that were released to promote the “RWBY” anime shortly before it release.  Miwa's manga debuted in the November 2015 issue of the manga magazine, Ultra Jump, and concluded in the same magazine in January 2017.  VIZ Media collected Miwa's RWBY manga in a single-volume, paperback graphic novel in January 2018 (and my VIZ Media rep gave me a copy for review).

RWBY (Chapters 1 to 12) introduces Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long.  They are four Huntresses-in-training at Beacon Academy, one of four academies that train Hunters who subdue the monstrous Grimm and maintain peace.  Together Ruby, Weiss, Black, and Yang are Team RWBY.

We see a unique side of each member of Team RWBY.  Later, the quartet is put through a grueling training test that forces them to work with RWBY's rival, Team JNPR.  Their adversary is a giant, multi-headed serpent that seems impossible to defeat.

I had not heard of “RWBY” until I received a VIZ Media press release that it was going to publish Shirow Miwa's 2015-2017 manga adaptation of the anime.  I must be honest with you, dear reader; I was not interested in reading it.  Then, VIZ Media came calling with a way to force me to read the RWBY manga.

RWBY Graphic Novel is actually fairly entertaining.  My experience with Shirwo Miwa is mixed.  He can produce visually striking manga action art, but sometimes his narrative is shallow or even dull.  RWBY has a slow start, but then, it really takes off when Miwa starts using separate chapters to delve into the mysteries of each of the series' four stars:  Ruby, Weiss, Black, and Yang.  The giant snake battle is a blast to read and makes me ready for more RWBY manga.  [VIZ Media will start publishing an RWBY manga anthology this coming summer.]

Fans of the “RWBY” anime and fans of the manga of Shirow Miwa will want VIZ Signature's single-volume RWBY graphic novel.

A-
7.5 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.

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

Review: TOKYO GHOUL: re Volume 1

TOKYO GHOUL: RE, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Sui Ishida
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamazaki
LETTERING: Vanessa Satone
EDITOR: Pancha Diaz
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9496-5; paperback (October 2017); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
224pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 UK

Tokyo Ghoul: re is the sequel to the manga, Tokyo Ghoul; both are the creation of writer-artist, Sui Ishida, and both were originally published in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Young Jump.  Both series take place in a world where there are Ghouls.  They look like humans and live among us, but Ghouls crave human flesh.  The Commission of Counter Ghouls (CCG) is the only organization in the world fighting and exterminating Ghouls and investigating Ghoul-related crimes.

Tokyo Ghoul: re, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 9) introduces the CCG's “Quinx Squad.”  This is 22-year-old Haise Sasaki's squad; he is a Rank 1 investigator.  Kuki Urie, 19, is the squad leader, and, jealous of Sasaki, he wants to do better than him.  Toru Mutsuki, a 19 young woman, is close to Sasaki.  Ginshi Shirazu, 19, is the oddball.  When they join the hunt for the wily Ghoul, known as “the Torso,” Quinx Squad does not realize that the case will reveal something shocking about one of its members.

I described reading the Tokyo Ghoul manga as like entering an actual world of mystery.  Tokyo Ghoul: re shifts into a more familiar world; you might say that it is something like a police procedural.

Tokyo Ghoul: re Volume 1 focuses on the CCG.  The Ghoul investigators do not interest me as much as the Ghouls themselves do.  I find the early chapters of this opening graphic novel to be dry, even a bit dull.  By the second half of this volume, the narrative gets a big bump when Sui Ishida puts his characters on the Ghoul hunt.  Honestly, Tokyo Ghoul: re will be at its best the more Ghouls are on the pages being Ghoul-ish.  I do not think the investigators will be as interesting... unless there are some shocking developments...

A-
7.5 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.

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

Review: TOKYO GHOUL Volume 14

TOKYO GHOUL, VOL. 14
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Sui Ishida
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamazaki
LETTERING: Vanessa Satone
EDITOR: Joel Enos
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9043-1; paperback (August 2017); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
224pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 UK

Tokyo Ghoul is a dark fantasy, seinen manga (comics for older teen males and adult males) by creator Sui Ishida.  The series was serialized in the Japanese seinen manga magazine Weekly Young Jump from September 2011 and September 2014.  VIZ Media gained the license to produce an English language translation of the series, which the company published as a 14-volume graphic novel series under its “VIZ Signature” imprint.  VIZ published its final graphic novel in the series this past August.

Tokyo Ghoul focuses on Ken Kaneki.  He was a shy, ordinary college student.  He studied Japanese literature at Kamii University.  This book-loving freshman was excited to go on a date with the beautiful Rize Kamishiro, but he did not know that she was a Ghoul.  They look like humans and live among us, but Ghouls crave human flesh.  Soon, Kaneki found himself a hybrid, trapped between the worlds of Ghouls and humans.

Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 14 (Chapters 133 to 142) opens as the forces of the Commission of Counter Ghouls (CCG) makes its biggest move against Ghouls.  Kaneki and Arima, the fiercest fighter of the CCG, finally face off, and Arima has the power to destroy Kaneki.

As I have written before, visiting the Tokyo Ghoul manga is like entering an actual world of mystery.  Of late, reading the series is like entering the world of an action movie.  It is time for those proverbial final battles.

Tokyo Ghoul Volume 14 is the final volume of the current series.  Tokyo Ghoul: re is about to drop into readers' laps.  Make sure it does not bite you.  In the meantime, the end comes with many bangs.  I prefer the mystery and suspense, so I would not call this one of the better volumes.  Still, it wraps up things to prepare for the next stage of the world of Tokyo Ghoul.  This was a series about a character, Ken Kaneki, trying to navigate two worlds, neither of which he seemed to fit completely.  That is indeed something upon which to build.

B+
7 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.

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

Manga Review: Mobile Suit Gundam: THUNDERBOLT Volume 1

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM THUNDERBOLT, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY/ART: Yasuo Ohtagaki
ORIGINAL CONCEPT: Hajime Yatate and Yoshiyuki Tomino
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamazaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Stan!
LETTERS: Evan Waldinger
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9055-4; paperback (November 2016); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
248pp, B&W, $14.99 U.S., $19.99 CAN, £9.99 UK

Mobile Suit Gundam was an anime series that was first broadcast in 1979 and 1980.  It is set in the year 2079, also known as “Universal Century year 0079,” according to the “Gundam Calendar.”  The series chronicled a conflict between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon, which declared independence from the Earth Federation.  The result is Zeon's war of independence, the “One Year War,” which affects every continent on Earth and nearly every space colony and lunar settlement.  The smaller Zeon has a tactical advantage through its use of a new type of humanoid weapon called the “mobile suit.”

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt is a manga set in this classic science fiction universe and apparently takes place simultaneously with the events depicted in the original Mobile Suit Gundam anime.  Created by mangaka Yasuo Ohtagaki, this manga focuses on two rival mobile suit pilots bent on destroying each other.

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 9) opens to find the Earth Federation trying to retake the Thunderbolt Sector, an area of space that is scarred by the wreckage of destroyed colonies.  However, Federation mobile suits are being picked off by a deadly Zeon sniper, Chief Petty Officer Daryl Lorenz.  Someone has to stop Lorenz and Federation ace, Io Fleming, is the man.  When he gets the latest in Federation tech, a Gundam, Io succeeds where other Federation pilots have failed.

I am vaguely familiar with Mobile Suit Gundam, mostly from seeing images and art related to it has a media and merchandising franchise.  I was a little reluctant to read the Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt manga when I received a copy-for-review of the first volume from VIZ Media.  Now, I can say that the manga has made me interested in learning more about Mobile Suit Gundam.

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt Volume 1 offers classic mecha action that is as good as any mecha comics that I have read in the past.  Yasuo Ohtagaki puts the reader right into the action with battle and local space area maps.  He shoves the reader inside the mobile suits and all over the debris field that is Thunderbolt Sector.  Troop movement and mobile suit simulations make it easier to understand the position and status of chaotic battles.

Readers do not have to worry about shallow characters.  I am surprised at how deep Ohtagaki gets into the characters' relationships and especially their pasts.  So, especially because this is the beginning, I heartily recommend that readers enter Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt now.  I am willing to say that I think the series is worthy even after only one 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.

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

Bleach: Sorry I Am Strong

I read Bleach, Vol. 66

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

#IReadsYou Review: ULTRAMAN Volume 3

ULTRAMAN, VOL. 3
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: Eiichi Shimizu
ART: Tomohiro Shimoguchi
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamazaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Stan!
LETTERING: Evan Waldinger
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8184-2; paperback (February 2016); Rated “T” for “Teen”
188pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $14.99 CAN, £8.99 UK

The character, Ultraman, appeared in Japanese sci-fi/fantasy films and television, beginning in the 1960s.  Ultraman was an alien entity that merged with a human host, creating a superhero that fought aliens trying to invade Earth.  Ultraman (stylized as ULTRAMAN) the manga, written and drawn by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi, is a sequel to the television series, “Ultraman” (1966).

The new Ultraman is 17-year-old Shinjiro Hayata.  He is the son of Shin Hayata, the man who first merged with Ultraman 20 years earlier.  A new threat is growing, and that kind of danger requires a new kind of Ultraman.

As Ultraman, Vol. 3 (Chapter 15 to 20) opens, the Science Special Search Party (SSSP) goes deeper into a sinister investigation to learn the identity of a mysterious new serial killer.  The victims are human, but the killer may not be human.  Meanwhile, Dan Moroboshi takes Shinjiro to a mysterious alien city, but the location of that city shocks Shinjiro.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Ultraman manga is an easy and enjoyable read.  In fact, it is such an easy read that I find myself finishing too quickly and wishing that there were more.  Ultraman is something like an American superhero, and I think of Iron Man with a touch of Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Ultraman Graphic Novel Volume 3 continues to expand the world of this new Ultraman character.  At the same time, the creative team continues to tease the ghosts of the past, which might entertain readers already familiar with earlier incarnations of the character.  I'm invested in this series, and being unfamiliar with old Ultraman only makes me even more interested in getting answers.  I won't act as if this is an instant classic, but the mixture of science fiction action and mystery really work for this new Ultraman.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of Ultraman and readers looking for superheroes from another land will want to try the VIZ Signature title, Ultraman.

A-

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


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Tokyo Ghoul: Vs. The Gourmet

I read Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 5

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

Review: DEADMAN WONDERLAND Volume 13

DEADMAN WONDERLAND, VOL. 13
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: Jinsei Kataoka
ART: Kazuma Kondou
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamazaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Stan!
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
ISBN: 978-1-4215-6419-7; paperback (February 2016); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
212pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Deadman Wonderland is a science fiction manga written by Jinsei Kataoka and drawn by Kazuma Kondou.  It began publication in the Japanese manga magazine, Shonen Ace, in 2008.  TOKYOPOP began publishing an English-language edition of the series, releasing five volumes before shutting its North American publishing division in 2011.  Then, VIZ Media picked up the Deadman Wonderland license and publishing the series in English.

Deadman Wonderland focuses on 14-year-old Ganta Igarashi.  He is framed for the brutal murders of his classmates; then, he is sentenced to death.  Ganta is imprisoned in Deadman Wonderland (DW), a privately run, carnival-like penitentiary built on the ruins of Tokyo.  This bizarre and fatal theme park is a place where the prison bosses force the inmates to perform in notorious gladiatorial fights to the death.  This is the near-future, ten years after the Great Tokyo Earthquake put 70% of Japan underwater.

As Deadman Wonderland, Vol. 13 (Chapters 53 to 57) opens, the notorious prison begins to collapse and sink beneath the waves.  Meanwhile, Ganta faces off against Shiro, as she begins to reveal her past.  It is intimately connected to Ganta's and is the reason that Shiro wants Ganta to kill her.

Now, learn the origin of the Great Tokyo Earthquake.  Why did Ganta's mother conceive him?  Who bought Shiro?  What is the source of Ganta's powers and why does he have them?  Can either Ganta or Shiro have a happy ending?  Can both their wishes come true in the end?

The English-language publication of the Deadman Wonderland manga has finally been completed.  VIZ Media published the entire series in a graphic novel format over the course of 13 volumes on a bimonthly basis.

Deadman Wonderland Volume 13 offers a satisfactory ending, in a battle manga fashion.  Still, this dark series does not push aside its cautionary tale side, as to the end, it warns about the dangers of ruthlessly ambitious scientists and savagely opportunistic politicians.  Like many sci-fi shonen manga, Deadman Wonderland offers a finale that is merely the end of one part of the story.  The theme park and prison Deadman Wonderland has legacy, and the part that creators, Jinsei Kataoka and Kazuma Kondou, revealed to us was a darn good read.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Tokyo Ghoul: You're for Dinner

I read Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 4

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

Deadman Wonderland: What Ganta Learned About Ganta

I read Deadman Wonderland, Vol. 12

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

Deadman Wonderland: The Big Go-Back

I read Deadman Wonderland, Vol. 10

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