#IReadsYou Review: TWIN STAR EXORCIST Volume 17

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

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

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

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

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

[This volume includes bonus drawings.]

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

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

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

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

A
9 out of 10

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


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The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: TWIN STAR EXORCISTS: Volume 16

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

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

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

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

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

[This volume includes bonus drawings.]

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

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

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

A
9 out of 10

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

https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

#IReadsYou Review: TWIN STAR EXORCISTS Volume 15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A
9 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.



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#IReadsYou Review: TWIN STAR EXORCISTS Volume 14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A
9.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and  syndication rights and fees.


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Twin Star Exorcists: Into Magano

I read Twin Star Exorcists, Vol. 2: Onmyoji

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

Review: TWIN STAR EXORCISTS Volume 1

TWIN STAR EXORCISTS, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Yoshiaki Sukeno
TRANSLATION: Tetsuichiro Miyaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Bryant Turnage
LETTERS: Stephen Dutro
EDITOR: Annette Roman
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8174-3; paperback (July 2015); Rated “T” for “Teen”
208pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Created by Yoshiaki Sukeno, Twin Star Exorcists is a new supernatural action manga series about rivals who may have to become lovers.  VIZ Media is publishing the series in English under its “Shonen Jump” imprint.  The series is currently ongoing in Japan, and VIZ will release Twin Star Exorcists English-language graphic novels twice a year, both in print and in digital editions.

Twin Star Exorcists focuses on a pair of mystical warriors with intertwined destinies.  Rokuro Enmado wants to be anything but an exorcist.  Then, he meets a mysterious girl named Benio Adashino, a 14-year-old who is serious about being an exorcist.

Twin Star Exorcists, Vol. 1 (Entitled Exorcisms; Chapters 1 to 3) opens with an exorcism.  We learn that an evil realm known as “Magano,” is a place where monsters called “Kegare” dwell.  The Kegare come to this world to kill and to kidnap humans, so exorcists must purify them.

Talented exorcist, Rokuro, is currently trying to be a teen idol, a pursuit destined to end in failure.  However, a trauma that Rokuro experienced in the recent past has turned him against being an exorcist.  Then, Benio falls out of the sky...

[This volume contains the bonus story “Benio in Kyoto” and also some “Extra Manga.”]

The Twin Star Exorcists manga is like most action-fantasy manga published under the “Shonen Jump” and “Shonen Jump Advanced” imprints.  It is filled with a complex back story and an internal mythology riddled with terminology, techniques, processes, etc., that is all built around the supernatural.  But it is a good read.

Twin Star Exorcists Volume 1 is hugely engaging.  I think readers will be drawn into its world.  The monsters are awesome and scary, and the stakes for the heroes are high and definitely involve life and death.  Rokuro and Benio's predicament is funny, and is along the lines of that found in the manga, Nisekoi: False Love.  Like Nisekoi, Twin Star Exorcists is funny and edgy, and sometimes the comedy is quite edgy.

Right now, I find the supporting characters to be soft and not well-developed.  Of course, I'm a sucker for the battles, fights, and explosive magic, so I think Twin Star Exorcists has potential.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux (Support Leroy on Patreon.)


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