#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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I Reads You Juniors January 2020 - Update #85

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From BleedingCool: The 2020 winner of the most prestigious award in all of comic books, "the Grand Prix d’Angoulême" is 56-year-old Emmanuel Guibert ("Brune," "The Photographer")

COMICS TO FILM - From Newsarama:  An actress is organizing a short film based on Terry Moore's comic book, "Strangers in Paradise," as a tryout for a feature film.

MANGA-TV - From Deadline:   Netflix has given the greenlight to a live-action TV series based on the worldwide smash hit manga, "One Piece."  The 10-episode series will be produced by Tomorrow Studios and the Shueisha, the publisher of "One Piece."

From THR:  POW! Entertainment, a company co-founded by the late Marvel Comics icon, Stan Lee, has asked a California federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought against them by Lee's daughter, JC Lee.

THE BATMAN - From YahooFinance:  Filming is underway on Matt Reeves' "The Batman."

From Newsarama:  The full cast for Matt Reeves' "The Batman" has been confirmed.
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From Newsarama:  Jerry Craft's "New Kid" graphic novel has won the prestigious "John Newbery Medal" for the most outstanding contribution to children's literatur in 2020.  This is the first time a comic book has won this honor.

From BleedingCool:  "The Beat" has separated from publisher, Lion Forge, and is once again an independent new source.

MARVEL TV - From TheWrap:  The animated Marvel series, "Howard the Duck" and "Tigra & Dazzler," are not moving forward at Hulu.  The decision was apparently Marvel Studios'.

COMICS-TO-TV - From THR:  Amazon has picked up the rights to Rick Remender's comic book, "Fear Agent" (Image Comics).  Meanwhile, Remender and his production company, Giant Generator, has signed a deal with Sony Pictures Television.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Actress Rosario Dawson has snagged the lead in HBO Max's pilot for "DMZ," the TV adaptation of Brian Wood's comic book that was published by DC Comics.  Oscar-nominee Ava Duvernay is directing the pilot.

From BleedingCool:  Comic book artist Dan Fraga will relaunch his 1990s comic book, "Black Flag," by launching a crowdfunding campaign in April 2020. Fraga is generally known for his association with Rob Liefeld.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  J.J. Abrams' "Bad Robot" production company is apparently developing film and TV ideas based on DC Comics' "Justice League Dark."

From CBSNewYork:  The Schomburg Center’s 8th annual Black Comic Book Festival is a black comic book festival that celebrates the art of science fiction, fantasy, and storytelling.  The event was held Fri., Jan 17th to Sat., Jan 18th, 2020.

MARVEL-HULU - From Newsarama:  Marvel reveals voice cast members for its animated series, "M.O.D.O.K." which will stream on Hulu.

From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing will publish a new comic book miniseries based on the late TV series, "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."  "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Too Long a Sacrifice" begins in April 2020.

From JerusalemPost:  The Israeli team of Guy Lenman and Nimrod Frydman won the 13th Japan International Manga Awards.

DC CINEMA - From CheatSheet:  Zoe Kravitz will play Catwoman in Matt Reeves "The Batman," but she also provided Catwoman's voice in 2017's "The LEGO Batman Movie."

SONY MARVEL U - From GamesRadar:  Maybe you are intrigued by the recent teaser trailers for Sony's summer release," Morbius," based on the Marvel Comics character.  This articles tells you who Morbius is, what his powers are, and looks at his comic book history.

COMICS TO STREAMING - From BloodyDisgusting:  Netflix has released a behind-the-scenes video featurette for its upcoming series, "Locke & Key," which is based on the long-running IDW Publishing comic book by writer Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez.

From BleedingCool:  For what its worth, the site "Cash Lady" says that "Black Panther" is the most popular superhero in the United States.

From BleedingCool:  The 100 most ordered comics ("Doomsday Clock #12) and grapic novels ("House of X'/"Powers of X" hardcover collection) of December 2019.

From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics' upcoming series, "Children of the Atom," introduces a new class of teen mutants.

COMICS TO TV - From Deadline:  "The Walking Dead: World Beyond," the second spin-off of "The Walking Dead," is scheduled to debut April 12, 2020.

From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics will republish its classic and seminal graphic novel, "God Loves, Man Kills" ("Marvel Graphic Novel #5), as a two-issue miniseries, beginning April 2020.  The original storytellers, writer Chris Claremont and artist Brent Anderson, will create a new story for the miniseries, which will act as a modern day framing device.

From Newsarama:   Former "Saturday Night Live" performer, Taran Killam, will writer the three-issue comic book miniseries, "Empyre: Spider-Man."

FILM TO COMICS - From THR:  Dark Horse Comics will adapt the late Dan O'Bannon's original screenplay for the film, "Alien" (1979) as a five-issue comic book miniseries.  They will use O'Bannon's original work, not the screenplay heavily rewritten by producers Walter Hill and David Giler.

COMICS TO TV - From Newsarama:  TNT has released a teaser trailer for its upcoming TV series, "Snowpiercer," which is based on the French comic, "The Escape," which was also adapted into an acclaimed 2013 from director Bong Joon-Ho.  "Snowpiercer" is scheduled to premiere May 31, 2020.

DC TV - From USAToday:  Daniel Lindelof has made it official that he will not work on a second seaxon of his critically acclaimed HBO series, "Watchmen."  And HBO seems unlikely to do a second season with him.

From Newsarama:  Image Comics publisher, Eric Stephenson, says that there are too many comic books being published for comic book stores to handle...

From 2000AD:  Rebellion Publishing has launched a line that will reprint important and popular Judge Dredd comics.  "Essential Judge Dredd" will launch September 2020.

MEMORIAM - From 2000AD:   Longtime British comic book letterer, Ellie deVille, died at the age of 72, Tuesday, December 24, 2019.  She was working up to the time of her death and was one of the longest serving and most prolific letterers for the venerable British comics magazine, "2000 AD."

From CBR:   2015's "Star Wars #1" was the top selling comic book of the last decade.

TRAILER - From Newsarama:  There is a new international trailer for Columbia Pictures' "Bloodshot," which based on the Valiant Comics' character.  The film is due March 13, 2020.

From TVO:  Canadian indie comics publisher, Koyama Press, is closing, so what will that mean to Canadian indie comics artists?

From FastCompany:  Manga artist are among the artists that produced poster art for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

From BleedingCool:  Leah Williams and David Baldeon will revive "X-Factor" for the second wave of "Dawn of X" comic books.

TRAILER - From YouTube:  Here is the first trailer for Sony's "Morbius," which is based on the Marvel Comics character.  The film is due July 31, 2020.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Wildstorm's acclaimed comic book, "Ex Machina," is headed to the big screen, but reportedly under a new title, "The Great Machine."

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  "Joker" becomes the second film based on a comic book to earned a best picture Oscar nomination.  That it was of 11 nominations for the film, which include best director (Todd Phillips) and best actor (Joaquin Phoenix).  Last year, Marvel Studios' "Black Panther" earned the first best picture Oscar nomination for a comic book film.

From BleedingCool:  Popular artist David Finch may be preppring an original graphic novel that will be published by Image Comics.

DC CINEMA - From EsquireUK:  The run time on "Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)" will be 108 minutes, making it the shortest "Worlds of DC" film to date.

From Newsarama:  DC Comics Publisher, Dan DiDio, said that the company will not solicit any new "DC Black Label" titles until they are sure that the material will come out as scheduled.

MANGA TO STREAMING - From Summary:  An animated version of the manga, "Beastars," is apparently headed to Netflix this year.

From BRProud:  In Livingston Parish, a rural Louisiana parish (county), the Denham Springs-Walker branch of the Livingston Parish Library system is having its own "comic-con" on Sat., Feb. 15th, 2020.

G.I. JOE - From Newsarama:  The upcoming film, "Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins," is a reboot of the "G.I. Joe" film franchise and not a prequel to the previous two films.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  FX's "Y: The Last Man" TV series has gotten a reboot with new showrunners.  The show has not, however, gone into production.

From THR:  Marvel Comics had seven of the top ten comic book releases in the American comic book Direct Market in 2019.  DC Comics had five of the top ten collected edition and graphic novel releases.

From Newsarama:  The nominations for the 2020 / 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards  have been announced.  One of the categories is "Outstanding Comic Book."  The winners will be announced March 19, 2020.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Director Andy Muschietti says that his movie based on DC Comics' character, "Flash," will be based on the comic book miniseries, "Flashpoint." but not the way fans might expect.

From THR:  BOOM! Studios will publish Ryan North and Albert Monteys' comic book adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's novel, Slaughterhouse-Five.  The first issue is due September 2020.

From ComicBook:  The creators of the infamous "Death Note manga, "Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, are working on a one-shot chapter to the series.  The 87-page story will appear in the Feb. 4th issues of "SQ Jump" in Japan.

From BleedingCool:  The first looks at DC Comics upcoming "5G" event and the new timeline will appear in the first three months of 2020.

DC TV - From EW:  Actor Dennis Haysbert will provide the voice of "God" in the fifth and final season of "Lucifer," which moved from Fox to streaming on Netflix.  Author and comic book writer, Neil Gaiman, provided the voice of God in Season 3 of "Lucifer."

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Todd Phillip's "Joker" won two awards at the 77th Golden Globes.  One was for "actor in motion picture-drama" (Joaquin Phoenix) and the other was for "score-motion picture" (Hildur Guðnadóttir).

FOX X-MEN UNIVERSE - From YouTube:  A new "official" trailer for "The New Mutants" has arrived.  The film is due April 3, 2020.

DC CINEMA - From CBR:  Take a look at the first set photos from director Matt Reeves' "The Batman."

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Laura Hudson, the former editor-in-chief of "Comics Alliance," has joined the staff of the HBO Max TV adaptation of the comic book series, "DMZ."

From Newsarama:  Rob Liefeld says that he will revive his "Prophet" comic book in time for a milestone issue, "Prophet #20."

COMICS TO FILM - From TheStage:  Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal is producing a film version of the award-winning graphic novel, "Fun Home."  Alison's Bechdel's original graphic novel has already been turned into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.

DC CINEMA - From DigitalSpy:  Director Zack Snyder says that his version of the 2016 film, "Justice League," may have more than one "Green Lantern."  Will fans ever see Snyder's version of "Justice League," after the public release of Joss Whedon's version of the film.

DC CINEMA - From YahooEntertainment:  Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson confirms that he has started training for his DC Comics film, "Black Adam."

From BleedingCool:  Mark Millar says that he has begun writing the third series in his "Jupiter's Legacy" series, "Jupiter's Requiem."

TOY NEWS - From Newsarama:  Todd McFarlane unveils the first wave of McFarlane Toys' line of "DC Multiverse" collector figures.

From Newsarama:  Ms. Marvel has a new "living costume."

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Director Todd Phillips says that he and actor Joaquin Phoenix "haven't really decided" on doing a sequel to their smash hit film, "Joker."

MANGA TO GAMES - From SyFyWire:   A prototype has emerged for SEGA Genesis' cancelled game based on the legendary manga, "Akira."  The movie was originally scheduled for a 1995 debut.

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JANUARY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  January 2020 comics solicitations from 26 publishers
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Black Box for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for January 2020
From Newsarama:  HarperCollins for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Seven Seas Entertainment for January 2020
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Titans Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Vertical Comics solicitations for January 2020
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for January 2020

FEBRUARY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  February 2020 comics solicitations for 25 publishers
From Newsarama:  01: First Second for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybook for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for February 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for February 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for February 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Random House for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for February 2020

MARCH 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  March 2020 comics solicitations for 23 publishers
From Newsarama:  :01 First Second for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Artists, Writer and Artisans for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Book for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for March 2020

APRIL 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Media for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Devil's Due for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for April 2020


MAY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS
From Newsarama:  A full-list of titles available for "Free Comic Book Day 2020" on May 2, 2020.

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I Reads You Juniors July 2019 - Update #92

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

My "Spider-Man: Far From Home" review is here.

From Newsarama:  Director Ava DuVernay confirms that Darkseid and "the Furies" will appear in her "New Gods" film.

From ComicBook:  Hiram Garcia, producer of the "Black Adam" movie, offers updates on the development of the film featuring the Shazam villain.

From ComicBook:  "Batman" film producer talks about the impact of Stan Lee on the franchise.

From BleedingCool:  Jonah Weiland, the founder of ComicBookResources (CBR), is reportedly going to be the Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services for DC Comics...

From BleedingCool:  Joe and Anthony Russo of "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame" will apparently adapt 1980s, First Comics title, "Grimjack," (writer John Ostrander and artist Tim Truman) for the screen.

From Newsarama:  Netflix has ordered more episodes of "Lucifer" (based on the DC Comics series).  Season 5 will run 16 episodes instead of 10.

From Deadline:  Executive producer Daniel Lindelof says that his HBO "Watchmen" series confronts White Supremacy but offers no grandiose solutions.  He also says "Fuck you" to Alan Moore.

From Newsarama:  Here is a "first-look" preview of all four issues of "Chrononauts: Futureshock."

From ScreenRant:  Guillermo del Toro wanted to turn his script for the unproduced "Hellboy 3" into a comic book, but Mike Mignola said no because...

From BloodyDisgusting:  Acclaimed horror movie director, Alexandre Aja ("Crawl") has signed on to diret and executive produce a TV series adaptation of Junji Ito's legendary horror manga, "Tomie," for the Quibi streaming service.

From ComicsBeat:  Who do comic book editors do?  Well, at Comic-Con International 2019, editors explained.

From Newsarama:  All four issues of the upcoming miniseries, "Chrononauts: Futureshock" (Image/Netflix), the sequel to Mark Millar's hit, "Chrononauts," will be released simultaneously on October 30th, 2019.

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From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing will collect Steve Ditko's complete "Mr. A" comics in hardcover volumes beginning in 2020.  This article also includes a fascinating question and answer session with IDW editor Scott Dunbier and one of Ditko's nephews, Mark Ditko.

From BleedingCool:  More about IDW's artist editions and art book releases via editor Scott Dunbier, including more on Steve Ditko's estate.
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From BleedingCool:  DC Comics will collect Garth Ennis' run on "Hellblazer" in one omnibus edition in April 2020.

From Newsarama:  Tom King, Mitch Gerads, and Evan Shaner will producer a "Strange Adventures" comic book starring Adam Strange.

From TheGuardian:  Apparently, it is official.  Alan Moore has retired from comic books.

SDCC - From Newsarama:  The "Harley Quinn" animated series for "DC Universe" has a first trailer.

SDCC - From Newsarama:  Two-time, Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali has been cast as Marvel Studios' vampire-hunting character, Blade.

SDCC - From THR:  Marvel Comics announces the relaunch of the X-Men franchise with six new titles: "X-Men," "Excalibur," "Marauders," "New Mutants," "Fallen Angels," and "X-Force."

SDCC - From THR:  The 2019 Will Eisner Award winners have been announced.  Writer Tom King wins in four of the five categories in which he was nominated.

SDCC - From Newsarama:  Miracleman returns in "Marvel Comics #1000" in a one-page story by Neil Gaiman and Mark Buckingham.

SDCC - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has aligned its imprints... again... adding a new one, "DC Graphic Novels for Young Adults" (which will encompass the former "DC Ink" line).  So the revised line of imprints are as follows:  "DC Graphic Novels for Kids," "DC Graphic Novels for Young Adults," "DC" (also known as DC Universe), and "DC Black Label."

SDCC - From THR:   Brandon Routh, how played Superman in the 2006 film, "Superman Returns," will reprise that role in The CW's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover in December 2019 and January 2020.

SDCC - From BleedingCool:  Jonathan Hickman talks X-Men at Comic-Con 2019 via video

SDCC - From CBR:  Announced at a Comic-Con press event, comiXology has announced another of its "Originals" program, "Afterlift" by writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Jason Loo.

From Deadline:  Ed Brubaker has signed a multi-year deal with Legendary Entertainment Television to develop his creator-owned comic book series for television.

From Deadline:  The upcoming seventh season will be the final season for the ABC TV series, "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

From Newsarama:  Random House reveals its 2020 releases under its graphic novel imprint, "Random House Graphic."

From EW:  Jonathan Hickman says that Marvel Comics should not be taking its storytelling cues from Marvel Studios.

From Newsarama:  DC will launch a new Birds of Prey ongoing series this October from writer Brian Azzarello and artists Emanuela Lupacchino, Ray McCarthy, and Trish Mulhivill.

From Newsarama:  Bill Jemas and Axel Alonso have hired ReedPOP's Gabe Yocum as its Sales Director for their new comic publishing start-up Artists, Writers, and Artisans (AWA)

From Newsarama:  "The Authority" creators, writer Warren Ellis and artist Bryan Hitch, are reuniting for a 12-issue Batman comic books series, "The Batman's Grave."

From HypeBeast:  13 years after it ended, the infamous manga, "Death Note" is coming back for a one-off, reuniting the manga’s original author and illustrator, Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.  Now, they are giving fans a look at a storyboard for the upcoming 87-page story.

From TheGeekHerald:  The latest "My Hero Academia" spinoff manga debuts this month in Japan.  "My Hero Academia: Team Up Mission" will debut in "Saiko Jump" on or around July 25th.

From CincyJungle:  NFL running back, Rodney Anderson (Cincinnati Bengals), is openly a fan of comic books and science fiction.  He is apparently part of a wave of young NFL players willing to be open.

From Wired:  Former Marvel EiC and current CCO, Joe Quesada, will be the star of "Storyboards," which will pair him with "visionary" people to find out how they do their best work.  Hugh Jackman of the "Wolverine" and "X-Men" movies will be the guest on the debut episode of this Disney+ streaming service series.

From Deadline:  WTG Enterprises is producing an animated series based on the long-running Underground Comix titles, "The Faburlous Furry Freak Brothers," created by Gilbert Shelton.  The plan is for eight 22-minute episodes to debut early in 2020, but there is currently no distributor.

From FlickeringMyth:  Actress Olivia Munn, who played Psylocke in the film, "X-Men: Apocalypse" (2016), said that she found director Bryan Singer and writer Simon Kinberg's lack of knowledge of the X-Men mythos very frustrating.

From ComicBookMovie:  There are new characater posters for the film, "The Kitchen," which is based on the 2014 DC Comics/Vertigo miniseries.

From ComicBookMovie:  Producer Amy Pascal says that there is no timetable for the sequel to 2018's hit film, "Venom."

From TheBeat:  An analysis of June 2019 comic book and graphic novel sales.

From Newsarama:  John Carpenter will help the Joker get his swagger back in "The Joker: The Year of the Villain #1."

From Newsarama:  What is known about the return of Marvel's "Ultimate Universe."

From Newsarama:  Here is the first trailer for the new "Lupin III" film.

From Newsarama:  Mike Allred previews his David Bowie biographical original graphic novel, "Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Daydreams," produced with writer Steve Horton and colorist Laura Allred.

From PW:  HarperCollins is announcing a new graphic novel imprint, HarperAlley, which will be headed by Andrew Arnold, formerly of FirstSecond.

From io9:  Jeff Lemire is writing two "DC Black Label."  The first is "Joker: Killer Smile," which will be drawn by Andrea Sorrentino.  The next is "The Question: The Deaths of Vic Sage," which will be drawn by Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz.

From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing announces its plans for San Diego Comic Con 2019.

From BleedingCool:  If you like Ed Piskor's "X-Men: Grand Design," prepare for Tom Scoli's "Fantastic Four: Grand Design."

From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics announces a new comic book from writer Peter Milligan and artist Mike Allred, the creators of X-Statix.  "X-Cellent" debuts in 2020.

From Newsarama:  John Costantine/Hellblazer gets another relaunch with "The Sandman Universe Presents Hellblazer #1" in October.

From Newsarama:  Todd Phillips says that the Joker's origin in his upcoming film, "The Joker," is not from the comic books.

From Seibertron:  Someone found an Amazon listing for VIZ Media's "Transformers: The Manga" collection.

From TimesofSanDiego:  The evolution of San Diego Comic Con International.

From CBR:  DC Comics has apparently made a deal to produce original comic books based upon two anime films from American-anime studio, Rooster Teeth.  Expect (mediocre) RWBY and gen:LOCK comic books beginning in August 2019.

From BleedingCool:  It's Alive! next project is an omnibus collecting the work of cartoonist and comic book creator, Jeff Nicholson.  Nicholson's "Father & Son Omnibus: Reality Soldiers" is set to be released on September 25th and currently available for preorder now.

From Madison:  Anne Elizabeth Moore, former writer for "The Onion," is writing a book about alternative and indie cartoonist and comic book creator, Julie Ducet.

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From ThePlaylist:  While throwing shade at Warner Bros., Oscar-winning screenwriter turned film director, Christopher McQuarrie, says that he wanted to make interconnected "Green Lantern Corps" and "Superman" movies.

From Newsarama:  In the wake of news that MAD Magazines will no longer feature new content comes word that DC Comics has laid off MAD senior editor Dan Telfer has been laid off.

From BleedingCool:  William Messner-Loebs contributes to "Kiss: The End #3."  Loebs, a popular comic book creator, artist, and writer doing the 1980s and 1990s, has struggled to find work most of this century and has been in financial dire straits several times.

From THR:  Katsuhiro Otomo announced at Anime Expo that he will direct a third anime project that will continue the universe of his legendary Akira, which he began as manga before turning into an animated feature film.  He also announced that there will be a "Complete Works" collection of his manga.

From CBR:  Why isn't there a Stan Lee cameo in "Spider-Man: Far From Home?"   The filmmakers were concerned about his health.

From TheComicsBeat:  MAD Magazine #9 will be the last one distributed to newstands.  #10 will be the last one to feature new content.  With #10, MAD will only be available through the direct comics market and digitally.

From TheComicsBeat:   Matt Groening is launching a new company, Babber Books.  Groening was one of the founders of Bongo Comics.  Bongo primarily published comic books based on Fox's "The Simpsons," animated TV series, which Groening created.

From Newsarama:   The classic Italian comics, "Diabolik," is about to get another film adaptation.  The previous film adaptation appeared in 1968, six years after "Diabolik" debuted in Italy.

From Newsarama:  AMC reassures fans that "The Walking Dead" TV series and films are not ending although the comic book, the inspired them, is.

From Newsarama:  Warner Bros.' proposed "Flash" film will have a new director and writer.

From Deadline:  The Syfy TV series, "Wynonna Earp," which is based on a comic book, is seeing its fourth season delayed until 2020, due to financing issues.

From Newsarama:  "Marvel Zombies" will return in October.

From Newsarama:  "The Walking Dead" comic book series is to end with issue #193, which is due in stores, Wed., July 3rd,2019

From ComicBook:   George Perez talks about what he did not like about working on The New 52 "Superman" comic books series.

From Newsarama:  Netflix orders TV series based on "The Sandman" comic book.

From YahooNews:  Canadian cartoonist Michael de Adder says he was fired from his freelance contract for a Donald Trump political cartoon he drew.

From BookRiot:  Seven comic books written by novelists you love.

From THR:   "Daphne Byrne" is a new comic book, part of DC Comics and Joe Hill's recently announced "Hill House Comics." It is the work of comics newcomer and playwright Laura Marks and veteran artist Kelley Jones.


JULY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  July 2019 comics solicitations for all publishers on one page.
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for July 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybooks for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  American Mythology for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for July 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Nobrow Press for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Papercutz for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for July 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZMedia for July 2019

AUGUST 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  August 2019 comics solicitations for all publishers on one page.
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for August 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Avatar Press for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for August 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for August 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for August 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for August 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  September 2019 comics solicitations for 24 publishers on one page
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Drawn & Quarterly for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for September 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Insight for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for September 2019

OCTOBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Albatross Funnybooks for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for October 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for October 2019 
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  A Wave Blue World for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for October 2019

HALLOWEEN COMICFEST 2019:
From Newsarama:  28 comic book titles for the industry's fall event taking place Saturday, October 26, 2019 at participating comic shops worldwide.

DC's HILL HOUSE COMICS Debut Solicitations:
From Newsarama:  These are the solicitations for DC Comics' "Hill House Comics" group overseen by Joe Hill.  The line is scheduled to kick off October 30, 2019 with "Basketful of Heads #1."

NOVEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  DC Comics advanced solicitations for November 2019 ( for acetate covers)

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Review: BLANC ET NOIR: Takeshi Obata Illustrations

BLANC ET NOIR: TAKESHI OBATA ILLUSTRATIONS
VIZ MEDIA– @VIZMedia

ARTIST: Takeshi Obata
EDITOR (JAPAN): Masahiko Ibaraki
TRANSLATION: Tersuichiro Miyaki
DESIGNER: Yukiko Whitley
EDITOR: Hope Donovan
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8627-4; hardcover-slipcase, (May 2016)
132pp, Color, $99.99 U.S., $119.99 CAN, £65.99 UK

Takeshi Obata is a Japanese manga artist known for his work as the illustrator in collaboration with a writer.  He first gained attention and acclaim for drawing the manga, Hikaru no Go (1998–2003), which was written by Yumi Hotta.  Obata also drew the manga adaptation of Hiroshi Sakurazaka's science fiction novel, All You Need Is Kill, with Ryōsuke Takeuchi writing and providing storyboards.

Obata's best known collaborations are with writer, Tsugumi Ohba.  This duo produced two manga, Death Note (2003–2006) and Bakuman (2008–2012).  Death Note is hugely controversial and notorious.  Originally published in Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump, Death Note follows Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook belonging to Ryuk, a Shinigami (a death god).  The notebook grants its user the ability to kill anyone whose name and face Yagami knows.

VIZ Media, which has published English-language editions of several manga drawn by Obata, is releasing a limited edition art book focusing on his work.  Entitled Blanc Et Noir: Takeshi Obata Illustrations, it is part of the “Art of Shonen Jump” line and is limited to a print run of only 10,000 copies.  Blanc Et Noir is a hardcover book with dimensions of 10.25” width and 14.75 in length (like a folio edition).

This over-sized art book is encased in a silver-stamped slipcase and is stuffed with 132 pages of full-color art, all printed on deluxe paper stock.  The book contains several massive foldout posters and 12 pages of artist commentary, including a “how to draw” section.  Blanc Et Noir also includes three large, double-sided laminated posters.  One of the posters with Death Note as its subject acts as the slipcase's “cover” image, because it can be viewed through the cameo oval of the slipcase.

Blanc Et Noir focuses on Obata's work from 2001 to 2006.  That includes cover art for magazines and comics, chapter title illustrations, poster art, centerfold galleries, and other color illustrations.  Blanc Et Noir features definitive illustrations from the manga, Death Note and Hikaru No Go.  Surprises include video game design (for Yoshitsune-ki), original works created for this book (including Death Note and Hikaru No Go pieces), and rare novel illustrations (for Kowloon).

Writer Nobuaki Enoki, Takeshi Obata's collaborator on the manga, School Judgment, refers to Obata as the “God of Drawing” and “Walking Artistic Skill.”  Blanc Et Noir: Takeshi Obata Illustrations makes an overwhelmingly strong argument that Enoki is right.

Obata's black and white manga art, which I assume is done with the aid of assistants, is a symphony of precision graphical storytelling.  Blanc Et Noir shows the purity of Obata's art, showcasing his skill as a color artist, character designer, costume designer, and master illustrator.  Obata's elegant crisp style is set afire with a kaleidoscope of colors that he uses like fuel.

I cannot imagine that any fan of Obata will want to be without this book.  The price, $99.99, is prohibitive (Amazon.com offers it for a little under $68), and if you can afford it, this is the art book book/collector's set to get.  The book, with its use of several different kinds of high-end paper stock, laminated posters, and, of course, lovely contents, is worthy of fans who love manga and the art of their favorite mangaka.

Yeah, my VIZ Media rep provided me with a copy for review.  If he had not, I was not above turning a few tricks for the extra cash I needed to buy this.  Seriously, Blanc Et Noir: Takeshi Obata Illustrations is the real deal.

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: 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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Manga Review: SCHOOL JUDGMENT Volume 3

SCHOOL JUDGMENT, VOL. 3
VIZ MEDIA– @VIZMedia

STORY: Nobuaki Enoki
ART: Takeshi Obata
TRANSLATION: Mari Morimoto
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8568-0; paperback, (June 2016); Rated “T” for “Teen”
216pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

School Judgment: Gakkyu Hottei is a shonen manga / courtroom drama set in an elementary school classroom.  This manga was published in the pages of Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump and was written by Nobuaki Enoki and drawn by Takeshi Obata (Death Note).

School Judgment focuses on the two new transfer students who enroll at Tenbin Elementary School in Himawari City.  Both students become members of Class 6-3, and both are lawyers.  The first is Pine Hanzuki, and while she may be cute, she is a ruthless prosecutor.  The next is Abaku Inugami; he is a superb defense attorney, and his hobby is “ronpa.”  Here, all quarrels bypass the teachers and are settled by some of the best lawyers in the country, who just so happen to be elementary school students.

As School Judgment: Gakkyu Hottei, Vol. 3 (entitled Civil Trial Arc; Chapters 17 to 21 to Finale) opens, Tento Nanahoshi is in trouble again.  He was Abaku's first defense client at Tenbin.  Now, Tento is charged with the attempted murder of fellow classmate, Reiko Shiratori, and ultimate student prosecutor, Yui Kijima, is determined to put Tento away for a long time.

Abaku, however, believes that this case involves more than what initially seems obvious.  This trial, or classroom session, could solve the mystery of the “Red Ogre.”  Now, Tento, Kotaro Sarutobi (fellow attorney), and Yui can learn who killed their classmates at their old school.

[This volume includes two School Judgment one-shots.]

The School Judgment: Gakkyu Hottei manga has come to an end.  On a few occasions, I found the series a bit tedious, but I thought the series could run for awhile.  After all, kids are always up to no-good.  Besides this series is drawn by Takeshi Obata, an artist known for some truly unique manga, especially Bakuman。and Death Note, and I always want more of him.

School Judgment: Gakkyu Hottei Volume 3 offers a satisfying conclusion, in so much as it answers questions about the characters' pasts.  I have to say that I am impressed at how writer Nobuaki Enoki and artist Takeshi Obata can draw out the suspense, making several characters seem like bad guys when they really are not.  It's a red herring holiday.  It is a shame though, that Pine Hanzuki is pushed into the background these final chapters.

The final volume also gives readers a chance to see the early manga from which this series was born.  Still, School Judgment could have judged at least a few more volumes.

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.

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

Manga Review: SCHOOL JUDGMENT Volume 1

SCHOOL JUDGMENT, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA– @VIZMedia

STORY: Nobuaki Enoki
ART: Takeshi Obata
TRANSLATION: Mari Morimoto
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8566-6; paperback, (February 2016); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

School Judgment: Gakkyu Hottei is a manga published in Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump.  This shonen manga series is written by Nobuaki Enoki and drawn by Takeshi Obata.  The series is a comedic courtroom drama set in an elementary school classroom.

School Judgment: Gakkyu Hottei, Vol. 1 (entitled The Suzuki Murder and Dismemberment Case; Chapters 1 to 7) opens at Tenbin Elementary School in Himawari City.  Class 6-3 has two new transfer students and both are lawyers.  The first is Pine Hanzuki, and while she may be cute, she is a ruthless prosecutor.  The next is Abaku Inugami; he is a superb defense attorney, and his hobby is “ronpa.”

Now, “Pine-Chan” and Inugami will face off in a “Classroom Arbitration Session,” which is essentially a court session.  Fellow sixth grader, Tento Nanahoshi, has been accused of killing and dismembering a beloved 6-3 class pet, Suzuki the mackerel.  There is damning evidence that Tento is guilty, but Inugami knows there is more to the evidence than is obvious.

Takeshi Obata is known as the artist of some truly unique manga, especially Bakuman。and Death Note, his collaborations with writer, Tsugumi Ohba.  Apparently, Obata is hugely respected and Nobuaki Enoki refers to him as the “God of Drawing” and “Walking Artistic Skill,” which may also be how others refer to Obata.

School Judgment: Gakkyu Hottei Volume 1 is a little weird, but it is surprisingly entertaining.  There are three trials or “Classroom Arbitration Sessions” and the start of a fourth, and while they are entertaining, they all seem a bit contrived.  I think that that the strength of the series will be in the secrets that many of the character hide.  The trials will be the hook, but the characters' personalities and motivations may be what make the trials seem less contrived as the series goes on.  I am curious to see where this goes.

Story concerns aside, Takeshi Obata proves to be a “God of Drawing,” as usual.  His page layouts, character designs, and compositions are impressive, inspiring, and beautiful.  I'd submit to School Judgment just for him.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Manga Review: ALL YOU NEED IS KILL

ALL YOU NEED IS KILL 2-in-1 Edition (MANGA)
VIZ MEDIA/Haikasoru – @VIZMedia

STORY: Hiroshi Sakurazaka
STORYBOARD: Ryosuke Takeuchi
ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS: yoshitoshi ABe
ART: Takeshi Obata
TRANSLATION: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
LETTERS: Evan Waldinger
ISBN: 978-1-4215-7601-5; paperback, (November 2014); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
430pp, B&W, $14.99 U.S., $16.99 CAN, £9.99 UK

All You Need is Kill is a Japanese science fiction novel written by author Hiroshi Sakurazaka, and first published in 2004.  Bestselling author John Scalzi (Old Man’s War), called All You Need is Kill “science fiction for the adrenaline junkie.”  The novel is also the source material for the 2014 film, Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.

Back in July 2009, All You Need is Kill was first published in English by Haikasoru, the science fiction imprint of VIZ Media, the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America.  VIZ Media also produced an original comic book adaptation of Sakurazaka's novel, All You Need is Kill: Official Graphic Novel Adaptation, created by Nick Mamatas (script adaptation of the novel), Lee Ferguson (artist), Fajar Buana (colors), and Zack Turner (letters).

There is a manga adaptation of All You Need is Kill, produced by artist Takeshi Obata with writer Ryosuke Takeuchi (storyboards) and yoshitoshi Abe (original illustrations).  VIZ Media originally premiered the manga in its Weekly Shonen Jump digital manga anthology.  Under its “Shonen Jump Advanced” imprint, VIZ recently published an omnibus print edition (5.5” x 8.25”and 430 pages) of All You Need is Kill the manga, which is black and white with several color pages.

All You Need is Kill opens sometime after Earth has been invaded by the alien Mimics.  In Japan, the United Defense Force (UDF) was created to fight the Mimics, which are difficult to defeat.  In the 17th Company of the UDF, Keiji Kiriya is a “Jacket soldier,” named because of the armor he and other soldier wear, called a “Jacket.”  One morning, Keiji awakens after a strange dream in which he died in battle.  He spends the rest of the day with a sense of deja vu.

Then, the U.S. Special Forces, which is basically the only military that is successful against the Mimics, arrives.  Keiji sees Rita Vrataski, the leader of the U.S. Special Forces, known as “the Valkyrie,” and also as the “Full Metal Bitch.”  Keiji knows that he has seen her... on the battlefield... before he died.  Keiji has been dying in battle, only to be reborn the next morning, to fight and die again and again.  Is the Full Metal Bitch the key to Keiji escaping the cycle or the catalyst to meeting his final death?

Takeshi Obata is one of my favorite manga creators, so I was excited when VIZ Media gave me a copy of the All You Need is Kill manga for review.  It truly deserves to be called a “graphic novel,” not only because of its length of 430 pages, but also because of the epic scope of its narrative.

All You Need is Kill is rousing military science fiction, and it offers the thrill of a frenetic action movie.  It is also the manga adaptation of a light novel reborn as a genuine shonen battle manga, because this feels less like an transfer of mediums and more like something first born as a manga.

Ultimately, what makes the manga All You Need is Kill successful is the attention to character drama and personal details.  Readers will buy the idea that Keiji and Rita are imperiled because the creators of this manga go to the emotional center and into internal conflicts of the characters.  The world seems at risk because the readers see it through characters in which they can believe, so the risk feels real.

Takeshi Obata deserves to be called “great” because his storytelling is always potent, regardless of genre, and he gives texture and life to drawings on paper.  All you need is talented manga creators who can deliver and you get high-quality science fiction manga like All You Need is Kill.

A

www.VIZ.com
www.shonenjump.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.