#IReadsYou Review: IM: Great Priest Imhotep Volume 3

IM: GREAT PRIEST IMHOTEP VOL. 3
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGA-KA: Makoto Morishita
TRANSLATION: Amanda Haley
LETTERS: Rochelle Gancio
ISBN: 978-1-9753-1144-5; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
176pp, B&W, $15.00 U.S., $19.50 CAN

Im: Great Priest Imhotep is a fantasy manga written and illustrated by Makoto Morishita.  The series was serialized in the manga magazine, Shounen GagGan, from January 2015 and August 2018.  Yen Press is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a series of graphic novels.

Im: Great Priest Imhotep focuses on the “Great Priest” Imohotep a.k.a. “Im.”  Newly resurrected, Im traverses time and space, from the sands of Ancient Egypt to the streets of modern Japan.  Im is on the hunt for the magai, devious beings who impersonate the gods and have an appetite for destruction.  Hinome Hawakata, a lonely girl, crosses paths with Im, and her life changes – for the better and maybe, for the worse.

As Im: Great Priest Imhotep, Vol. 3 (Chapters 8 to 13) opens, the Ennead priesthood has given Im a new objective.  His masters want him to return to Egypt and to use “Damnatio Memoriae” to wipe the record of Prince Djoser clean from the world.  Djoser is the “Pharaoh of the magai,” and now, he has suddenly shown up – in the flesh!  The plan is changed; now, Im must kill Djoser.  But the problem is that Im and Djoser were once the closest of friends.

[This volume includes bonus comics.]

The Im: Great Priest Imhotep manga is new to me.  Still, for some reason, it reminds me of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise.

Im: Great Priest Imhotep Graphic Novel Volume 3 has some interesting moments.  I thought, however, that creator Makoto Morishita spent too much time on battle manga.  There is some potential for more character drama and exploration, and that may have been investigated in the series' first two volumes, which I did not read.  I must admit that Djoser is an intriguing character, so I'd like to see another volume of the series.  And that's all I have to say.

5 out of 10

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


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#IReadsYou Review: Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody Volume 9

DEATH MARCH TO THE PARALLEL WORLD RHAPSODY, VOL. 9
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Ayamegumu
ORIGINAL STORY: Hiro Ainana
CHARACTER DESIGN: Shri
TRANSLATION: Jenny McKeon
LETTERS: Rochelle Gancio
ISBN: 978-1-9753-1112-4; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
194pp, B&W with some color pages, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody is a Japanese light novel series written by Hiro Ainana and illustrated by Shri.  A manga adaptation by Ayamegumu was serialized first, in Age Premium, and then, in Monthly Dragon Age.  Yen Press is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series, and is also publishing an English-language edition of the light novels.

Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody focuses on Ichiro Suzuki, a 29-year old gaming programmer.  Worn out from a “death march-crunch time” (when coders live on caffeine and pull twenty-hour days), Ichiro takes a nap, and later he awakens in a parallel world that resembles some of the fantasy RPG worlds he had worked on.  What looks like the menu screen of the game he was working on before he fell asleep also appears before his inner eye.  Now a 15-year old, Ichiro takes the name, Satou Pendragon.  With no way to return to his world, Ichiro/Satou becomes a high-leveled adventurer, armed with a myriad of different physical, cognitive, and magical abilities and weapons, so he sets out to uncover the secrets of this new world.

Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody, Vol. 9 (Chapters 51 to 57) continues “The Muno Barony” story arc.  Satou has just met Lady Karina Muno, the daughter of Baron Muno, and now, she joins his small family, making them a party of nine.

Needing to deliver a letter from the Witch of the Forest of Illusions, Satou and his party travel to the village of the forest giants.  Satou soon learns some of the villagers, including three children, are still recovering from the poison of the hydra's toxic breath after a series of attacks.  As Satou gets to work on brewing an antidote, Karina ponders how she can enlist the giants' assistance in ridding her hometown, Muno City, of the demonic presence that plagues it.  But the forests giants seem to hold an old grudge against the “Muno” name.

[This volume includes a special Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody prose short story, “The Hungry Prima Donna,” written by Hiro Ainana and illustrated by Ayamegumu.  This volume also includes a special bonus comic, “Karina and Raka.”]

The Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody manga is new to me.  I am also unfamiliar with the light novel series written by Hiro Ainana and illustrated by Shri.

Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody Graphic Novel Volume 9 is easy to read, even for a newcomer like me.  It is also a pleasant read; I would even use the word “neat.”  Mangaka Ayamegumu has fashioned a comic full of endearing and sweet characters who move about a world that is more charming than it is dangerous.

The pacing and rhythm of the story is good, and Jenny McKeon's English-language adaptation makes for a breezy read.  I don't know what the light novel series is like, but the manga Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody seems harmless enough to be appropriate for at least 10 to 12-year-old readers.  And they will probably laugh the “big breast” jokes.

7 out of 10

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


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#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 13

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 13
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1113-0; paperback (June 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

Demon Slayer is set in Japan's Taisho era (1912 to 1926).  It focuses on Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy who sells charcoal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest and finds his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.  Tanjiro becomes a Demon Slayer in order to find and destroy that demon, Muzan Kibutsuji.

As Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 13 (Chapters 107 to 115; entitled “Transitions”) opens, Tanjiro is up to his … neck in demons.  While recovering from injuries he sustained in battle, Tanjiro traveled to the mysterious and hidden “village of the sword-smiths.”  There, he would get his damaged katana repaired by Haganezuka, the man who forged the sword.  But once Tanjiro arrived, he started having strange experiences.

Now, Tanjiro is in a battle with the strange, shape-shifting demons, Upper Rank 4: Hantengu and Upper Rank 5: Gyokko.  Joining him in battle is the “Mist Hashira,” Muichiro Tokito, who struggles against these demons even with all his power.  Suddenly, only Tanjiro and another Demon Slayer, Genya Shinazugawa, stand against seemingly unbeatable demons.  Can the two Slayers handle a demon that can split itself into four separate bodies and regenerate almost instantly?

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga has become one of my favorite graphic novel series.  It is, however, hard to keep up with the series as VIZ is currently publishing it on a monthly basis, for which I don't blame them.  Demon Slayer is a huge bestseller on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel Volume 13 joins Vols. 7 to 12 to create a fantastic run of superb shonen dark fantasy action-adventure storytelling.  Creator Koyoharu Gotouge ended a long and intense story arc in Vol. 11, but he put his readers right back into the thick of things with another demonic mystery.  Simply put, Demon Slayer is great because Tanjiro's struggles and battles are hard to ignore once you start reading, dear readers.

John Werry's translation and Steve “Stan!” Brown's English-language adaptation deliver an engaging read, as always.  In Volume 13, their work captures Genya Shinazugawa's conflicts and internal battle in all their full dark and bitter glory.  And since that is the case, why stop reading now?

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

9 out of 10

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


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#IReadsYou Review: SPY X FAMILY Volume 2

SPY X FAMILY, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Tatsuya Endo
TRANSLATION/ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Casey Loe
LETTERS: Rina Mapa
EDITOR: Amy Yu
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1724-6; paperback (December 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Spy × Family is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo.  It has been serialized biweekly for free on the Shōnen Jump+ application and website since March 25, 2019.  VIZ Media began publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint in June 2020.

Spy × Family focuses on the mysterious master spy, “Twilight,” a man of a hundred faces with extraordinary combat, memory, and information processing skills.  His latest mission takes him from his native Westalis to its neighbor to the east, The People's Republic of Ostania.  To protect a fragile truce between Westalis and Ostania, he must get close to Donovan Desmond, a politician, and spy on his activities.  To do that, Twilight poses as a family man, “Loid Forger,” with a pretend-wife, Yor Briar, and an elementary school-age daughter named “Anya.”  Is Twilight finally in over his head?

Spy × Family, Vol. 2 (Chapters 6 to 11) opens at prestigious Eden Academy on its “Admissions Day.”  Now, Twilight and Yor will learn if Anya has been admitted to the school, which she must if Twilight is to be successful in his mission.  But Twilight may have done something that could cost the child admittance into Eden.

Later, Anya learns about the academy's system of merits (“Stella” or stars) and demerits (“Tonitrus bolts), the hard way.  Plus, Twilight plots “the Friendship Scheme” as a way for Anya to get close to her Eden classmate, Damian Desmond, the second son of Donovan Desmond.  However, the plan goes awry as soon as the two children meet.

[This volume includes the bonus manga, “Extra Mission 1;” “Spy × Family Confidential Files: Franky's Secret Files;” a bonus illustration; and “Anya's Favorite Things.”]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Spy × Family manga (which is apparently pronounced “Spy Family”) is a spy manga with a domestic twist.  The family part of the series is a story of growing love, and the spy part is edgy and filled with suspense.

Spy × Family Graphic Novel Volume 2 does two things.  First, it introduces new characters, including a classroom rival and also a best friend for Anya.  Creator Tatsuya Endo also provides a deeper look at some supporting cast members, including Henry Henderson, Headmaster at Eden Academy.  The second thing is that Endo reveals that the series' world of spies and Twilight's mission are more complicated than the first volume suggested.

Casey Loe's English-language adaptation captures the nuance of the dialogue, character relationships and drama, and the plot.  While Vol. 2 of Spy × Family is not as dialogue heavy as the first volume was, the narrative remains a complexity of different tones, both in drama and comedy.  Once upon a time, it would have been published under VIZ Media's “Shonen Jump Advanced” imprint, which is no longer used.  Spy × Family is no mere shonen manga, nor is it a battle manga.  The drama can be poignant, but the comedy can by seriously edgy.  I think this is a series to keep watching.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of secret agents and of international intrigue will want to spy on the “Shonen Jump” title Spy × Family.

A
8 out of 10

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

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#IReadsYou Review: FOOD WARS!" Shokugeki No Soma Volume 35

FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA, VOL. 35
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

STORY: Yuto Tsukuda
ART: Shun Saeki
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
CONTRIBUTOR: Yuki Morisaki
LETTERS: James Gaubatz; Mara Coman
EDITOR: Jennifer LeBlanc
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1258-8; paperback (April 2020); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma is a shonen manga series written by Yuto Tsukuda and illustrated by Shun Saeki.  Yuki Morisaki also works as a contributor, providing the recipes for the series.  Food Wars! was serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, from November 2012 to June 2019.  VIZ Media published an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series from August 2014 to June 2020 under two imprints:  first, “Shonen Jump Advanced” and then, “Shonen Jump.”

Food Wars! focuses on teenager Soma Yukihira.  He grows up cooking in his father's Yukihira Family Restaurant.  The 15-year-old wants to be a better chef than his father, Joshiro Yukihira (Saiba), so he hones his skills day in and day out.  His father decides to enroll him in a classy culinary school, Totsuki Saryo Culinary Institute, a place that prides itself on a 10 percent graduation rate.  If Soma Yukihira really does not want to attend Totsuki, how can he succeed?

As Food Wars!: Shokugeki No Soma, Vol. 35 (Chapters 300 to 308; entitled “The Divine Tongue's Despair”) opens, the “Blue,” a world-renowned cooking tournament for the best of the best young chefs from around the world, rages on.  This year, for the first time, traditional chefs will clash with the “underground noir” (or “cuisiniers noir”) chefs.  Soma, eager for a rematch with the noir, Asahi Saiba, who defeated him, heads to a certain famous old castle in a famous city where the event will be held.

Totsuki's brightest:  Soma, Megumi Tadokoro, and Takumi Aldini, as well as recent Totsuki graduate, Eishi Tsukasa, have joined the competition, but they are swiftly dispatched – except for Soma.  Now, their classmate, Erina Nakiri, who got to skip the early stages of the “Blue” because of her past achievements, is forced to face off against multiple opponents.  But who is doing the forcing?  Who is “Lady Mana,” and what does she have to do with the “curse of the 'Divine Tongue'”?

Plus, Soma finally has his rematch with Saiba!

[The volume includes recipes and miscellaneous illustrations.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Food Wars! manga races towards its conclusion.  The narrative prepares to answer the question of who is the best?

Food Wars!: Shokugeki No Soma Graphic Novel Volume 35 is the second-to-last (or penultimate) volume of the series.  There are some surprise reveals in regard to Erina Nakiri's past, and one of them is the answer to an obvious question.  Writer Yuto Tsukuda and artist Shun Saeki usually delve into the details of recipes, the processes of cooking, and the skills of the competing chefs.  In Vol. 35, they seem more intent on moving onto the final confrontations, so this volume lacks the full fun of the cooking battles that we have been getting since the very beginning of this series.

However, Adrienne Beck's translation catches the drama and conflict between characters in the raw and with edgy intimacy, so that takes the sting out of having only one cooking battle presented in some detail.  Letterers James Gaubatz and Mara Coman expertly close in on the focus on the dialogue and the exposition that prepares for the grand finale.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers hungry for good manga will want the “Shonen Jump” title, Food Wars!: Shokugeki No Soma.

A
8 out of 10

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


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#IReadsYou Review: The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan Volume 12

THE MELANCHOLY OF SUZUMIYA HARUHI-CHAN, VOL. 12
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Puyo
ORIGINAL STORY: Nagaru Tanigawa
CHARACTER DESIGN: Noizi Ito
TRANSLATION: Paul Starr
LETTERS: Abigail Blackman
MISC. ART: Noizi Ito; Gaku Tsugano
ISBN: 978-1-9753-1079-0; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
166pp, B&W with some color pages, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

Haruhi Suzumiya is a Japanese light novel series written by Nagaru Tanigawa and illustrated by Noizi Ito.  Released in 2003, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was the first novel in a series that saw ten additional volumes published.  Haruhi Suzumiya became a media franchise that included an anime television series adaptation, an animated film, two original net animation series, several video games, and four manga series.

One of those manga series was entitled The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan, the third of the four manga and the series' official parody.  Created by writer-artist, Puyo, The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan was first serialized in Shonen Ace in July 2007 and then, continued in The Sneaker, beginning August 2007.  The series ended in December 2018, and was compiled in twelve tankobon (graphic novel) volumes from May 2008 to May 2019.

Yen Press published an English-language edition of The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan tankobon as a 12-volume, paperback graphic novel series.  The first volume was published in December 2011, and the last was published this past May 2020.

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan begins with Kyon, an ordinary high school freshman who has long given up on his childhood dreams of encountering the fantastic and supernatural... or so he thought.  He meets his new classmate, the beautiful and eccentric Haruhi Suzumiya.  From the first day of class, Haruhi makes it very clear that her only desire is to meet aliens, time travelers, and psychics.  Kyon and Haruhi form the “SOS Brigade,” a school club created for the sole purpose of gathering together fantastic and supernatural beings.  However, Kyon learns that the initial members of their club are actually members of secret futuristic and alien organizations that have the single aim of keeping watch over Haruhi Suzumiya, as she is the pinnacle of some major calamity on the horizon!

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan, Vol. 12 declares that the series is over.  Because she is unbound by the laws of reality, however, Haruhi-chan's antics will never be over.  The gang gets cozy under the “kotatsu” to work out their problems.  There is a trip to a hot springs resort, and summer means the obligatory swimsuit chapter.  Plus, Haruhi-chan is a superhero, but she turns out to be a rather odd one.  This all leads up to the final chapter... or make that final chapters!

[This volume includes bonus art, a short story, “The Reciprocity” by Nagaru Tanigawa, and a color illustration gallery, featuring one illustration each by Noizi Ito and Gaku Tsugano.]

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan manga is new to me, as is the entire media franchise, including its original source, the light novel series.  Still, the concept sounds like loads of fun... and it is yet another Yen Press title that reminds me of the manga, Hayate the Combat Butler.

The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan Graphic Novel Volume 12 brings the series to a close.  This is the volume that will mean the most to fans of Haruhi Suzumiya, especially those that like the franchise enough to want a parody of it.  Writer-artist Puyo, who also produced a non-parody manga adaptation of the franchise, is obviously quite familiar with the series.  Puyo manages to make these humorous vignettes funny even to a newcomer like me.

Half the chapters here are eight pages in length and the rest are four pages long.  Paul Starr's translation conveys the appropriate comic pace for either length.  In the end, The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan has a rather “neat” ending.  Haruhi-chan and company's antics will never end.

7 out of 10

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


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#IReadsYou Review: O-PARTS HUNTER Volume 3

O-PARTS HUNTER, VOL. 3
VIZ MEDIA

CARTOONIST: Seishi Kishimoto
ISBN: 978-1-4215-0857-3; paperback (April 2007); Rated “‘T+’ for Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S.

666 Satan is a Japanese manga series written and drawn by Seishi Kishimoto.  It was originally published in the magazine, Monthly Shōnen Gangan, from 2001 and 2007.  VIZ Media published an English-language edition of the manga as a 19-volume, paperback graphic novel series, entitled O-Parts Hunter, from 2006 to 2009.

The manga series O-Parts Hunter is like a game manga built around treasure hunting.  Drawing from Judeo-Christian angelic and demonic traditions, Japanese folklore, and Kabbalah, it is shonen manga for older teens.  O-Parts also has a striking similarity to Naruto because O-Parts’ manga-ka (creator) Seishi Kishimoto is the twin brother of Naruto’s creator Masashi Kishimoto.

“O-Parts” are artifacts containing mystical powers.  They are all that are left of an unknown ancient civilization and come in the form of everyday objects like rings and amulets to the more unusual such as aircraft and masks.  An O.P.T. or O-Parts Tactician has the ability to release and use the power within an O-Part.  The “Spirit” is the special energy force inside an O.P.T. that allows him to release the power or “effect” of an O-Part.  If an O-Part can create water, then, water is that O-Part’s effect.

O-Parts Hunter, Vol. 3 finds Jio Freed and Ruby Crescent separated in Entotsu City.  Jio and his newfound partner, Ball, a fellow teen and member of the city’s underground resistance movement against Governor Jaga, fight for their lives in Jaga’s throne room against (extra cool character) Wise Yury, a powerful O.P.T. knows as “The Crimson Magician.”

Meanwhile, Ruby languishes in the dungeon, but discovers that fellow cellmate, Amidaba, knew her father.  The old woman has another surprise about the pendant Ruby wears around her neck.  Later, Jio and Ball take on three dangerous tasks in order to pierce the sanctum of a mysterious O-Parts appraiser named Kirin.

THE LOWDOWN:  This volume has less of the esoteric mythology that drives O-Parts Hunter, which is no small matter as this series is heavy with myth, folklore, and symbols.  Vol. 3 is more of a fight comic.  

In O-Parts Hunter Graphic Novel Volume 3 Kishimoto emphasizes wide open battles with lots of action lines and a dash of wuxia.  Other action sequences are elaborate, stunt filled ordeals that are right out of a Hollywood adventure flick like National Treasure or an Indiana Jones movie.  The central conflict and mystery continues to cook at a nice simmer.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  I’m partial to manga built around obtaining objects of power or winning some points formula, such as in Dragon Drive or Yu-Gi-Oh!, but O-Parts Hunter has the added sass and edge of something like Naruto.  All in all, this is a nice improvement over the previous volume.

B+
7 out of 10

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

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#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 4

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 4
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0055-4; paperback (January 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

The Taisho era Japan (1912 to 1926).  Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy, sells coal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest and finds his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.  He becomes a Demon Slayer to find and destroy that demon.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 4 (Chapters 26 to 34) opens in the wake of Tanjiro and company's battle inside a house full of demons.  Now, Tanjiro finds himself fighting Inosuke Hashibira, a young man who wears a boar's head and who may be a Demon Slayer.  Tanjiro sees him as an ally, but what an ally they will need him to be as they face demons that turn Demon Slayers into marionettes.  Plus, Zenitsu Agatsuma, a demon slayer who seems to be a coward, discovers the existence of Nezuko.

[This volume includes four-panel comics and bonus text and art.]

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga was one of 2018's best new graphic novel series.  It is still kickin' in the two-oh-one-nine.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel 4 focuses on the characters outside of Tanjiro.  Creator Koyoharu Gotouge has offered new intriguing characters, especially Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira, both with interesting pasts and both possessing personalities that clash with the sweet-natured Tanjiro.  More characters are showing layers and textures in their personalities, an element that makes Demon Slayer a manga deserving to be read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

A
9 out of 10

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


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#28DaysofBlack Review: ME AND THE DEVIL BLUES Book One

ME AND THE DEVIL BLUES: THE UNREAL LIFE OF ROBERT JOHNSON, BOOK ONE
DEL REY MANGA

CARTOONIST: Akira Hiramoto
TRANSLATION & ADAPTATION: David Ury
LETTERING: North Market Street Graphics
ISBN: 978-0-345-49926-4; paperback; (July 29, 2008); Rated “T Ages 16+”
544pp, B&W, $19.95 U.S.

Me and the Devil Blues is a seinen manga written and drawn by Akira Hiramoto.  It is a fictional biography of legendary blues musician and singer-songwriter, Robert Johnson.  It was first published in Japan in Kodansha's manga magazine, Monthly Afternoon, from 2003 to 2008, before going on hiatus.  When Hiramoto resumed the series in 2015, it moved to Young Magazine the 3rd Magazine.  Del Rey Manga published an English-language edition of the first four book collections of the series in two two-volumes-in-one paperback graphic novels.

[Since the publication of this book, Del Rey Manga ceased operations in 2010.]

Me and the Devil Blues mixes myths and legends and mythological and legendary figures.  Likely because of the stories told by fellow blues legend, Son House, the story of Robert Johnson says that he made a deal with the devil to become an expert blues guitarist and singer, with the cost being his soul.

Me and the Devil Blues: The Unreal Life of Robert Johnson, Book One begins in 1929.  It is set deep in the impoverished Mississippi Delta where a nigga’s life ain’t worth crap and lynching is a community event much like a church social.  This is where we meet Hiramoto’s stand-in for Robert Johnson, RJ, a poor farmer who just doesn’t want to spend his life hoeing a field.  Despite the protestations of his pregnant wife, the former Virginia Travis, her family, and his friends, RJ wants to learn to play the blues.

Fate brings him into contact with the popular traveling bluesman, Son House, and his partner, Willie Brown.  House insists that understanding and playing the blues is about more than a guitar technique, but RJ ain’t hearing it.  As far as RJ is concerned, all he needs is someone to show him how to make his fingers work guitar magic, so his stubbornness leads him to a fateful night at an abandoned church.  [This tale co-stars Clyde Barrow.]

THE LOWDOWN:  There’s some powerful mojo in Me and the Devil Blues manga.  Akira Hiramoto’s manga sparkles with wild magic and sets the imagination afire.  What drives this superb manga is not just the excellent contents of the word balloons (OK, dialogue), but the stunning visuals, which Hiramoto composes using a variety of styles, techniques, and media.

Me and the Devil Blues: The Unreal Life of Robert Johnson, Book One is the story of an individual African-American.  However, it tells the story of the struggles of Jim Crow-era black people in a way that has rarely been told in such passionate and astonishing pictures outside of cinema and fine art.  I would say this manga belongs with the few great comics about black people like Ho Che Anderson’s King, Kyle Baker’s Nat Turner, and Sue Coe’s X, which like Me and the Devil Blues are works by cartoonists or writer/artists.

Imagining a Japanese man drawing such beautiful and beautifully-human African-Americans in a story that captures the Black American experience with such authenticity seems unreal.  It’s not that Hiramoto presents black people as a noble, oppressed people.  It’s simply that he made me believe that these cartoons, these comic book characters really lived.  They haunt me, yet I want to share the trials and tribulations of RJ and his people, as seen in this special work.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  People who read great comics will want to read Del Rey Manga's Me and the Devil Blues.

A+
10 out of 10

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: YONA OF THE DAWN Volume 5

YONA OF THE DAWN, VOL. 5
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Mizuho Kusanagi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Lys Blakeslee
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8786-1; paperback (April 2017); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Yona of the Dawn is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi.  It has been serialized in Hakusensha's shojo manga magazine, Hana to Yume, since August 2009.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series since August 2016 under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Princess Yona is living an ideal life as the only princess in the Kingdom of Kohka.  Her father, King Il, dotes on her, and her faithful guard, Son Hak of the Wind Tribe, protects her.  Yon even cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, her cousin Lord Su-won of the Sky Tribe.  However, everything changes on her 16th birthday when the king is killed and Hak is blamed.  Soon, Yona is on the run with Hak, but she is determined to reclaim her throne by finding the Four Dragon Warriors.

As Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 5 (Chapter 24 to 29) opens, Yona, Hak, Yun, and Gija the White Dragon leave the Village of the Blue Dragon, after they escape from an earthquake.  Yona gives the Blue Dragon a name, but will he leave with Yona and company?  Next, Gija senses the presence of the Green Dragon, which takes the small band to Awa Port in the land of the Earth Tribe.  Although his presence is strong, the Green Dragon proves hard to find.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Yona of the Dawn manga is part Chinese historical romance (or at least a Japanese version of it) and part quest-adventure.  Over the last ten years of reading manga, I have come to enjoy the particular shojo spin on historical fiction/romance/adventure.

Yona of the Dawn Graphic Novel Volume 5 offers more of the elements of this series that have become familiar to readers.  This is, however, not more of the same.  In the six chapters contained in Vol. 5, creator Mizuho Kusanagi shifts the focus away from her star Yona, and delves into the personalities, goals, and trials and tribulations of the rest of her cast, especially focusing on Hak.  This volume might make the reader believe that he is the star, and Hak does have a star quality.  He could be the lead of his own manga, which is one more reason to read Yona of the Dawn.  Yona and Hak give this series two excellent leads.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of historical romantic adventure will want to try the Shojo Beat title, Yona of the Dawn.

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: KARNEVAL Volume 10

KARNEVAL VOL. 10
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Touya Mikanagi
TRANSLATION: Si Mon Han
LETTERS: Phil Christie
ISBN: 978-1-9753-0644-1; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
326pp, B&W with some color, $20.00 U.S., $26.00 CAN

Karneval is a Japanese manga series written and drawn by Touya Mikanagi.  It has been serialized in the manga magazine, Monthly Comic Zero Sum, since August 2007.  Yen Press is currently publishing an English-language edition in of Karneval in a series of extra-large paperback graphic novels.  Each Yen Press graphic novel contains two volumes of the original Japanese “tankobons” (graphic novels) under one paperback that has a larger-than-standard trim size.

Karneval begins with a young man named “Nai” who travels in search of another young man who goes by the name of “Karoku.”  The only lead to Karoku that Nai has is a bracelet.  Nai later meets Gareki, a willful young man who is a thief and a pickpocket.  Eventually Nai and Gareki are hunted as criminals, but they are eventually captured by the “National Supreme Defense Force,” also known as “Circus.”  This changes their lives for the better when they join in the adventures of the crew of Circus' 2nd Ship.

Karneval, Vol. 10 collects the original tankobon editions of Karneval Volume 19 (Chapters 107 to 111) and Karneval Volume 20 (Chapters 112 to 116).  Vol.19 opens in the aftermath of the 2nd Ships' mission in Leberganze.  Now, they must say goodbye to new friend and ally, Manai, who is Mieuxmarie, the former princess of “Rimhakka.”  Manai must rejoin her people in their new home.

The end of Vol. 19 and the main body of Vol. 20 recount the origin story of the connection between Karoku and Nai.  It begins with the story of how Karoku's parents, Nisu and Benié Almerita, took their son and escaped from the clutches of the mysterious research organization, “Kafka.”  The Almerita clan finds safety in the practically impenetrable “Rainbow Forest,” but the treachery of the outside world is always pressing against them.  Then, tragedy leads to the creation of Nai.

[This volume includes the following bonus material:  the bonus four-panel comics and the “Afterword” from Karneval, Vol. 19 and the bonus comics and four-panel comics and the “Afterword” from Karneval, Vol. 20.]

The Karneval manga is entirely new to me.  Even with my Internet research, I found reading it deep into the series, initially, to be “tough sledding.”

Karneval Graphic Novel Volume 10, however, turns out to be a fantastic read, once the origin story takes over Vol. 10.  Most of it involves the story of Karoku and Nai, and it is a powerful story of sudden violence, friendship, grief, terrible scientific research, death, and ultimately betrayal.  It is as if creator Touya Mikanagi is summoning the heart of this narrative.

Si Mon Han's translation is a wonderful and engaging read, and once I started on the tale of Karoku and Nai, I could not stop reading until I finished Vol. 10.  So, even after only reading one volume of the Yen Press edition, I will recommend that readers at least take a look at Karneval.

7.5 out of 10

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


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#IReadsYou Review: O-PARTS HUNTER Volume 2

O-PARTS HUNTER, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA

CARTOONIST: Seishi Kishimoto
ISBN: 978-1-4215-0856-6; paperback; (February 13, 2007) Rated “T+” for Older Teen
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S.

666 Satan is a Japanese manga series written and drawn by Seishi Kishimoto.  It was originally published in the magazine, Monthly Shōnen Gangan, from 2001 and 2007.  VIZ Media published an English-language edition of the manga as a 19-volume, paperback graphic novel series, entitled O-Parts Hunter, from 2006 to 2009.

The manga series O-Parts Hunter is essentially a card-playing or game manga.  “O-Parts” are artifacts containing mystical powers.  They are all that are left of an unknown ancient civilization and come in the form of everyday objects like rings and amulets to the more unusual such as aircraft and arcane technology.

An O.P.T. or O-Parts Tactician has the ability to release and use the power within an O-Part.  The “Spirit” is the special energy force inside an O.P.T. that allows him release the power or “effect” of an O-Part.  If an O-Part can create water, then, water is the O-Part’s effect.

O-Parts Hunter, Vol. 2 (Chapters 4 to 8) continues to follow the adventures of the series’ lead characters: Jio Freed and Ruby Crescent.  Jio, an O.P.T. whose chosen O-Part is a boomerang, wants to dominate the world (really, he does.)  Ruby wants to become the greatest treasure hunter of them all.  Together they travel the world in hopes of getting closer to their dreams.

Their travels take them to the walled metropolis of Entotsu City, where Master Jaga, the governor of the city, has enslaved the populace and uses the citizens to dig for O-Parts.  He also uses the threat of terror and his ability to fight it to keep Entotsu City dependent upon his rule (sound familiar?), but Jio has discovered his dirty big secret.  Will it cost the ambitious O.P.T. his and Ruby’s lives?

THE LOWDOWN:  Although the esoteric mythology that drives O-Parts Hunter can be off-putting (I initially didn’t want to read this.), there is really more to it than just gathering strength points and items of power.  At O-Parts Hunter's core is the quest to be a hero and all the sacrifice and work it takes to become one.  Seishi Kishimoto makes watching Jio face and overcome his obstacles fun to read.  Kishimoto’s art is also quite reminiscent of Masashi Kishimoto’s work on Naruto.  Why?  Seishi and Masashi are twin brothers.

I am partial to manga built around obtaining objects and power.  This includes titles such as Dragon Drive or Yu-Gi-Oh!  Plus, this is similar in tone to my beloved Naruto.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Seishi Kishimoto will want to try O-Parts Hunter.

B
6 out of 10

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


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#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 3

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 3
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0054-7; paperback (November 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

It is Taisho era Japan (1912 to 1926).  Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy, sells coal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest to find his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.  He became a Demon Slayer to find that demon.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 3 (Chapters 17 to 25) opens as Tanjiro continues his battle with the servants of Muzan Kibutsuji, the demon master.  Susamaru (balls) and Yahaba (arrows) prove to be quite formidable, and Tanjiro will need help from an unexpected place to defeat them.  If defeated, will these members of the “Twelve Kizuki” (demons that serve Kibutsuji) reveal secrets about their master?

Then, Tanjiro and Nezuko meet Zenitsu Agatsuma, a demon slayer who seems to be a coward.  He proves to be little to no help when they find an unusual house that is full of demons.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga is one of 2018's best new graphic novel series.  It is one of a group of excellent titles released by VIZ Media in 2018.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel 3 takes readers into the grit and determination of series hero, Tanjiro Kamado.  However, creator Koyoharu Gotouge makes sure that readers how kind and considerate Tanjiro is.  That complicates a narrative that is quite gruesome at times.  At the same time, other characters begin to show layers and textures in their personalities, another element that makes Demon Slayer a manga to read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

A
9 out of 10

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

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#IReadsYou Review: KAKEGURUI TWIN Volume 6

KAKEGURUI TWIN, VOL. 6
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Homura Kawamoto
ART: Kei Saika
TRANSLATION: Kevin Gifford
LETTERS: Anthony Quintessenza
ISBN: 978-1-9753-0343-3; paperback (May 2020); Rated “OT” for “Older Teen”
242pp, B&W, $15.00 U.S., $19.50 CAN

Kakegurui Twin is a manga produced by writer Homura Kawamoto and illustrated by Kei Saika.  It is a spin-off and prequel to Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler, the manga series written by Homura Kawamoto and illustrated by Toru Naomura.  Kakegurui Twin began serialization in Gangan Joker in 2015.  Yen Press is publishing an English-language edition of Kakegurui Twin as a series of paperback graphic novels.

Kakegurui Twin focuses on Mary Saotome (a character from the original series).  As a first-year student of the renowned Hyakkaou Private Academy, Mary knows that her future is assured; it is set for a one-way cruise to the top...  Then, an encounter with an old classmate introduces Mary into the world of gambling.  Can Mary survive in a world where being in debt means that one might have to be a “housepet,” (more or less like a servant) to other students.

As Kakegurui Twin, Vol. 6 (Chapters 23 to 28) opens, Mary is down a whopping five million yen.  She is sent flying into debt and her pride as a gambler is in shambles.  As she resigns herself to being a housepet, however, Mary finds a lifeline in the form of another housepet.  It is Mikura Sado, the housepet of Juraku, who will soon have Mary as a housepet.  And Sado wants to be an only housepet!

So, Mary and Sado take on the ultimate, gambling dream team, the Ougatou sisters, Naoko and Houko, in a card game to earn the money that will keep Mary out of involuntary servitude.  But a fifth player wants to join the game, and Ouri Shimotsukiuri's demeanor should not be taking at face value.

The Kakegurui Twin manga is about students at an elite school who essentially run a gambling ring.  I have to admit that I was initially shocked when I discovered the series' premise, although I have previously read manga featuring all manner of scandalous subject matter.

Kakegurui Twin Graphic Novel Volume 6 is the first volume of the series that I have read (thanks to a review copy).  Even starting at Vol. 6 is not much of a barrier to understanding the narrative.  It is simply, really.  Don't lose.  Don't fall in debt.  Don't end up a housepet.  Writer Homura Kawamoto and artist Kei Saiki make a lot of fun out of their gambling concern.

Translator Kevin Gifford captures the black humor and the naturally cattiness of this concept.  The dialogue sparkles when it has to, and menaces in the moments when that is needed to convey character or mood.  I would like to read more of Kakegurui Twin before I pass some kind of final judgment, but I can say that Vol. 6 does suggest that the entire series is a fun read.

7 out of 10

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


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#IReadsYou Review: YONA OF THE DAWN Volume 4

YONA OF THE DAWN, VOL. 4
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Mizuho Kusanagi
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane
LETTERS: Lys Blakeslee
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8785-1; paperback (February 2017); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Yona of the Dawn is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi.  It has been serialized in Hakusensha's shojo manga magazine, Hana to Yume, since August 2009.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series since August 2016 under its “Shojo Beat” imprint.

Princess Yona lives an ideal life as the only princess in the Kingdom of Kohka.  Her father, King Il, dotes on her, and her faithful guard, Son Hak of the Wind Tribe, protects her.  Yon even cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, her cousin Lord Su-won of the Sky Tribe.  However, everything changes on her 16th birthday when the king is killed and Hak is blamed.  Soon, Yona is on the run with Hak, but she is determined to reclaim her throne by finding the Four Dragon Warriors.

As Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 4 (Chapter 18 to 23) opens, Yona and Hak continue their journey to find the rest of the Four Dragon Warriors, after locating Gija, the White Dragon.  Gija can sense the other warriors, but only slightly when they are at a great distance away.  Luckily, the trio is also accompanied by Jun, pretty-boy genius.  Next up, is the location of the Blue Dragon, but this warrior's village is not a welcoming place.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Yona of the Dawn manga is in my manga fanboy wheelhouse.  Part Chinese historical romance and part quest-adventure, so I cannot help but like it.

In Yona of the Dawn Graphic Novel Volume 4, creator Mizuho Kusanagi further delves into her star quartet's personalities.  She throws a surprise at her readers, by making the place of the Blue Dragon not as friendly or as easy to navigate as the home of the White Dragon.  Her origin story of the Blue Dragon is a poignant and heartbreaking tale, but our heroine Yona is the spoonful of sugar to make it all better.  It should not be so easy to like this series, but the main characters are classic lovable shojo teens.  Yeah, they are quite sugary even in this epic adventure.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of historical romantic adventure will want to try the Shojo Beat title, Yona of the Dawn.

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: 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: TRINITY SEVEN Volume 20

TRINITY SEVEN, VOL. 20
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Kenji Saito
ART: Akinari Nao
TRANSLATION: Christine Dashiell
LETTERS: Anthony Quintessenza
ISBN: 978-1-9753-1041-7; paperback (April 2020); Rated “M” for “Mature”
164pp, B&W with some color, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

Trinity Seven is a fantasy and romantic-comedy manga series from writer Kenji Saito and artist Akinari Nao.  It has been serialized in Fujimi Shobo's shonen manga magazine, Monthly Dragon Age, since 2010.  Yen Press is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a graphic novel series.

Trinity Seven focuses on Arata Kasuga.  He is living an ordinary life with his cousin, Hijiri Kasuga, in a small town.  Everything changes when the “Black Sun” appears and causes something called the “Breakdown Phenomenon” to happen.  This “happening” destroys their small town and makes Hijiri vanish before Arata's very eyes.  Determined to eradicate the Breakdown Phenomenon and get Hijiri back, Arata enrolls at Royal Biblia Academy, a secret school for mages.  This new life is tough, but by Arata's side are seven beautiful girls.  They are known as “Trinity Seven,” and each girl is a master of her own magical art.

As Trinity Seven, Vol. 20 (Chapters 87 to 91) opens, Arata and Hijiri are walking to school when the Black Sun appears.  Now, Arata has to save his cousin again... or maybe, things are not what they seem.  Arata is trapped in a powerful spell, the “Nostalgic Library,” and the allure of it may be too much for him to escape.  Can Trinity Seven help the young “Demon Lord” candidate find the strength he needs to emerge from this dream and confront a powerful enemy?

The Trinity Seven manga is the latest Yen Press manga that is new to me.  Although the series is deep, deep into the narrative, some Internet research will help the reader play catch-up – to an extent.

Trinity Seven Graphic Novel Volume 20 digs deep into the central premise of the series, and that is the fact that Arata Kasuga is really important.  Much of the story here involves magical fantasy battle manga, but there is a lot of exposition and multiple levels of dream worlds to overcome.  The ever versatile Christine Dashiell provides an informative and entertaining English translation, so readers simply need to go along with the story that writer Kenji Saito and artist Akinari Nao are telling.

The ending suggests that there are some big story events ahead.  I have to admit that I am curious, although I had mixed feelings about Vol. 20.

6 out of 10

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


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#IReadsYou Review: NYANKEES Volume 6

NYANKEES VOL. 6
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Atsushi Okada
TRANSLATION: Caleb D. Cook
LETTERS: Rochelle Gancio
ISBN: 978-1-9753-1109-4; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
226pp, B&W, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

Nyankees is a shonen-action manga written and illustrated by Atsuchi Okada.  It was serialized in the manga magazine, Shounen Ace, from July 2016 to August 2019.  Yen Press is publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a six-volume graphic novel series.

Nyankees is the story of stray cats sometimes told as a fable of human street thugs.  The stray cats are mostly male street cats protecting their turf, keeping other guy-cats from pawing at their girl-cats, and showing everyone who is really boss.

Nyankees, Vol. 6 (Chapters 26 to 31) opens with the tale of Madara, a “calico tom” cat, as told to series regular, Ryuusei.  Madara is connected to Ryuusei's former mentor, Gekka, who is also a calico tom.  Humans believe that a calico tom brings good luck, but many cats believe that calico toms bring nothing but bad luck.

Triggered by his tale, Ryuusei strikes out at Madara with a mighty cat punch, but he realizes that there is more to the calico tom than meets the eye.  Now, untold grudges and secrets and lies are laid bare as the strife in Nekonaki draws to a close... hopefully with a happy ending.

[This volume includes bonus art.]

The Nyankees manga is entirely new to me.  I did like how creator Atsushi Okada draws the characters as street cats and then, as human street thugs.  It is a little off-putting, at first, but soon, the allegory kicks in.

Nyankees Graphic Novel Volume 6 is the final volume of the series.  First, I want to say that the English translation by Caleb D. Cook, one of the best translators of Japanese comics, is wonderfully composed.  These final chapters are epic in scope, but intimate in character drama; Vol. 6 is poignant and sad, but also joyous and hopeful.

Okada gives us a closing suite of chapters that is timeless, as the conflicts, plots, and relationships could repeat themselves for an untold amount of time.  Nyankees Vol. 6 does not say that life is what you make of it or even that it is about the choices you make.  Nyankees ends by saying that life is who not what.  With whom do you make your life, now what you do with it.

Vol. 6 is the only volume of this series that I read (thanks to a review copy).  I can say, however, that it makes me interested in the earlier volumes.

7.5 out of 10

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

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#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 2

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0053-0; paperback (September 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

Demon Slayer is set in Taisho era Japan (1912 to 1926).  Tanjiro Kamado is a kindhearted boy who sells coal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest to find his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 2 (Chapters 8 to 16) opens as Tanjiro battles a demon as part of the final selection for the Demon Slayer Corps.  Next, he must choose the kasugai crow that he will use for mission communication with the corps.  Tanjiro must also choose the ore from which his sword will be made, but after his sword is made, something unusual happens.

Tanjiro's begins to walk the path of the Demon Slayer by heading north to a town where young girls are disappearing.  Plus, Tanjiro learns of the name of the demon he must eventually confront, Muzan Kibutsuji.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga is the latest in a line of excellent titles that VIZ Media has released in the last year.  A supernatural fantasy and revenge drama, Demon Slayer is demonic treat.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel 2 takes reader into the beginning of Tanjiro's quest and of his profession.  Creator Koyoharu Gotouge does not make things easy for his young hero.  I don't get the feeling that he will be defeated, but that he will undergo a learning process that we readers will get to experience with him.  I think that makes for a fun read.

I also like that Gotouge is not leaving Tanjiro's sister, Nezuko, as a mere victim or as nothing more than a liability.  When Gotouge gives her something to do, the cursed sister becomes a wild card character, engaging and appealing.  I almost want her to have her own manga; in the meantime, she makes Demon Slayer twice the fun to read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

A
9 out of 10

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


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

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#IReadsYou Review: WOOF WOOF STORY... Volume 2

WOOF WOOF STORY..., VOL. 2
YEN PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGA-KA: Koikuchi Kiki
ORIGINAL STORY: Inumajin
CHARACTER DESIGN: Kochimo
TRANSLATION: Wesley O'Donnell
LETTERS: DK
ISBN: 978-1-9753-0856-8; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
180pp, B&W, $13.00 U.S., $17.00 CAN

Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Pampered Pooch, Not Fenrir! is a Japanese light novel series created by author Inumajin and illustrated by Kochimo.  Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko (an imprint of Kadokawa Shoten) began publishing the series in late 2017.  Artist Koikuchi Kiki produces a manga adaptation of the novel series, which Kadokawa began publishing on its digital manga reading service, ComicWalker, in February 2018.  Yen Press began publishing an English-language adaptation of the manga in 2019.

[In this review, I sometimes shorten the title, Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Pampered Pooch, Not Fenrir!, to Woof Woof Story.]

Woof Woof Story begins with the story of Routa Okami, an office worker and “corporate slave” who is working himself to death.  He has a crazy wish in which he says, “I just want an easy life, even as some rich person's dog...”  One day Routa drops dead in the middle of his busy office.  A goddess heard Routa's wish and brings him back to life as a pampered pooch, a companion for a wealthy young woman named Mary... But Routa isn't just any dog, he is a enormous, white, wolf-like creature, and he has supernatural powers!

As Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Pampered Pooch, Not Fenrir!, Vol. 2 (Chapters 8 to 12) opens, Routa's pampered-pooch life is in jeopardy.  Every year, around the same time, Mary falls gravely ill, and this year, it seems life-threatening.  Doctor Hecate says a rare medicinal flower, “the wyrmnil,” can help Mary, and if they can find fully potent samples of the flower, Hecate believes that she can cure Mary of her ailment for good.

However, “the wyrmnil” is named so because it is guarded by a fearsome dragon, and it falls on Routa to obtain the flower.  To cure Mary and to maintain his lifestyle, Routa will have to do some actual work for a change!  And his partner in the quest for the wyrmnil is non-other than the swords woman, Zenobia, who is looking for an excuse to kill Routa!

[This volume includes an “Afterword” and “Translation Notes.”]

The Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Pampered Pooch, Not Fenrir!manga is new to me.  I hadn't even heard of the light novel series, but being familiar with novel is not necessary to enjoy the manga.

Woof Woof Story: I Told You to Turn Me Into a Pampered Pooch, Not Fenrir! Volume 2 is a very enjoyable read.  I was not expecting much from it.  I don't know what the rest of this series offers, but Vol. 2 is a quality volume.

Vol. 2 starts off as a playful romp with buxom, naked girls whose naughty bits are always drawn as being obscured or conveniently covered up – typical “fanservice.”  When Mary falls ill, the story moves to pure melodrama, but when Routa and Zenobia begin their journey, the narrative suddenly gets a surge of energy via conflict and adventure.

Zenobia is conflicted because she respects Routa's devotion to Mary, but she senses his powers and believes that they are an evil threat to Mary.  Routa turns out to be very resourceful and has powerful abilities, and he is both brave and lazy.  Manga creator Koikuchi Kiki balances Routa's desire for the easy life with his sense of duty and self-preservation.  I find myself drawn to him, mainly because there seems to be more to Routa than it obvious.  I can also say that about Woof Woof Story; this is a manga that is worth a second look.

7 out of 10
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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