VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES 6 NEW MANGA SERIES ON VIZMANGA.COM & VIZ MANGA APP

March 20, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES 6 NEW MANGA SERIES ON VIZMANGA.COM AND THE VIZ MANGA APP FOR iPAD, iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH

BUSO RENKIN, THE EARL AND THE FAIRY, HIKARU NO GO, PSYREN, TEGAMI BACHI and YU-GI-OH! GX Join The
Extensive VIZ Manga Digital Library This Month!

VIZ Media delivers more digital manga (graphic novel) excitement to fans this month with the announcement of the launch of 7 new series are now available on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch. The new series include BUSO RENKIN, THE EARL AND THE FAIRY, HIKARU NO GO, PSYREN, TEGAMI BACHI, and YU GI OH! GX.

The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free through the iTunes Store and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume. More than 45 series and 500+ volumes are currently available for download.

BUSO RENKIN Vol. 1 · by Nobuhiro Watsuki · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
BUSO RENKIN is the story of teenager Kazuki Muto, who dies trying to save a girl who was being attacked by an eerie monster. The next morning, however, Kazuki is left wondering whether it was all a dream. Lo and behold, the girl, the monster, and his death are all real! The girl, Tokiko Tsumura, was actually trying to slay the homunculus (a beast that can take the form of humans, and whose main source of food is people), but Kazuki got in her way. To revive Kazuki, Tokiko replaces his heart with a “kakugane,” an alchemic device that allows him to summon a lance with which to fight the monsters. It turns out that Tokiko is a member of the Alchemist Warriors, an organization sworn to protect the world from the diabolical creatures. Soon, Kazuki joins Tokiko in her quest to terminate the sinister being that creates and controls the homunculus.

THE EARL AND THE FAIRY Vol. 1 · original concept by Tani Mizue, story & art by Ayuko · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
Lydia Carlton is a fairy doctor, one of the few people with the ability to see the magical creatures who share our world. During one of her rare trips to London to visit her father, Lydia’s quiet life is suddenly transformed when she is rescued from kidnappers by a mysterious young man! Edgar Ashenbert claims to be descended from the human ruler of the fairy kingdom, and he urgently needs Lydia’s help to find and claim his birthright, the legendary sword of the Blue Knight Earl. Things will never be the same for Lydia as she is pulled into a dangerous quest against dark forces!

HIKARU NO GO Vol. 1 · story by Yumi Hotta, art by Takeshi Obata · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages
After stumbling across a haunted go board, Hikaru Shindo discovers that the spirit of a master player named Fujiwara-no-Sai has taken up residence in his consciousness. Sai awakens in Hikaru an untapped genius for the game, and soon the schoolboy is chasing his own dream – defeating the famed go prodigy Akira Toya!

PSYREN Vol. 1 · by Toshiaki Iwashiro · Rated ‘T’ for Teens
Ageha Yoshina just got transported to a warped alternate dimension where you’ve got to fight your way back to our world – or die trying. “Save me!” Those were Sakurako Amamiya’s last words to her friend Ageha Yoshina before she mysteriously went missing. Now Ageha’s on a quest to find her. He’s convinced that the mythical Psyren Secret Society has something to do with the recent rash of disappearances. And now he seems to be caught up as a player in their very deadly game…

TEGAMI BACHI Vol. 1 · by Hiroyuki Asada · Rated ‘T’ for Teens
Amberground is locked in darkness. A man-made star casts only a dim light over the land. The pitch-black wilderness is infested with Gaichuu – colossal insects with metal exoskeletons. The Gaichuu make travel between the cities of Amberground extremely dangerous. But thankfully the Letter Bees, a brave corps of messengers, risk their lives in order to keep the hearts of Amberground connected.

YU-GI-OH! GX Vol. 1 · original concept by Kazuki Takahashi, story and art by Naoyuki Kageyama · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages
Years after Yugi’s legendary battles, the game is so popular that schools dedicated to the art of Dueling have sprung up all over the world. Join Jaden Yuki and his pals at the Academy for the adventures of the next generation of YU-GI-OH!

VIZ Media’s multiple digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, on VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop PC-enabled computers as well as Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users may access their purchases across even more devices than ever.

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top app for reading manga and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world. Over 45 series and 500+ volumes are currently available, with new additions and free Chapter 1 previews added weekly.

For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Bleach Vol. 39 – Story & Art by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

March 16, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

It’s an all action volume of “Bleach” as a major Soul Reaper character’s life is hanging by the thread. With the tides turning against the Soul Reapers, desperate times call for desperate measures and First Division will need to step in! Action-packed from beginning to end, “Bleach” fans will definitely enjoy this 39th volume!

MANGA TITLE: Bleach Vol. 39

STORY AND ART BY: Tite Kubo (久保宣章)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: April 3, 2012

The battle between the Soul Reapers and Aizen over the fate of Karakura Town continues with more warriors joining the fight. But when Captain-General Yamamoto enters the battlefield, can he put a quick end to Aizen’s minions?

The battle between the Soul Reapers and Arrancars continues in vol. 39 of Tite Kubo’s hit manga series “Bleach” and this time around, things are not exactly looking good for the Soul Reapers.

For those who are not so familiar with “Bleach”, “Bleach” has a strong fan following and since its run began back in 2001, series creator, writer and illustrator Noriaki “Tite” Kubo has been hard at work, continuing to crank chapter after chapter for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan and with the success of the series extending out to films, OVA’s, feature films and video games and other merchandise.

Because of its airing on the Cartoon Network and it being featured on Shonen Jump magazine, “Bleach” has gone on to become a fan favorite in America but also fans all over the world.

A Brief History of what “Bleach” is about

“Bleach” is a story about a guy named Ichigo Kurasaki who has a gift in which he can see spirits. One day, he saw a Soul Reaper (one who can govern the flow of souls between the human world and the afterlife) named Rukia Kukichiki who has come to find a Hollow (a lost soul). She ends up being wounded in battle when she tried to defend Ichigo and so she illegally transfers her reiatsu (spiritual pressure) to him, so that he can defeat the Hollow. But during the process, he nearly takes all of her energy and becomes a Soul Reaper himself and defeats the Hollow quite easily. So, the first storyline arc features Rukia now powerless stranded in the human world until she has the time to recover her true powers, while Ichigo fills in and battles Hollows in her place. And with each fight, Rukia starts to notice something special about Ichigo’s abilities.

The second storyline arc of “Bleach” features the Soul Society wanting to sentence Rukia to death for transferring her powers to Ichigo. His friends also begin to develop special abilities. His childhood friend, Orihime Inoue, is given special abilities courtesy of her loving brother who has turned into a Hollow. Yasutora “Chad” Sato is Ichigo’s tall friend (who is half Japanese/half Mexican) who suddenly becomes aware of spirits and develops an ability to have a special armored right arm that has special abilities. And Ichigo’s rival/friend, Uryu Ishida, who is a desendant of a hollow hunting group known as the Quincy and are enemies of the Soul Reapers.

Through various chapters, the Soul Reapers learn that one of their own, Sosuke Aizen, is a traitor. It was learned that Aizen has been creating Visoreds, Soul Reapers who have obtained hollow powers (Hollowfication) and are known for their hollow masks (which look like skulls on a human’s face) and Arrancars, a stronger form of hollow which has acquired human form.

It is learned that Ichigo has a Visored that is manifesting within him that has great power. During a fight, this visored tries to take over Ichigo’s body but Ichigo is trying his best to control it and using this power wisely.

Together, Ichigo and his friends continue to increase and enhance their abilities overtime and to take on tough enemies which leads us to the Visored/Arrancar arc.

The Current Storyline

Ichigo and friends are now on a mission to stop the traitorous soul reaper, Sosuke Aizen who along with his army of Arrancars are preparing their plan to destroy the Soul Society and wiping out Karakura Town. Meanwhile, in order to protect Ichigo and her friends, Orihime willingly stays with Aizen’s group but Ichigo and friends will do all they can to save her. Meanwhile, the Thirteen Court Guard Companies head to Karakura.

With volume 38, the battles continue with the Soul Reapers proving to be victorious in the earlier matches, this time Second Division’s Sui-Feng and Marechiyo Omeda take on Fraccion Ggio Vega. Meanwhile, Tenth Division’s Rangiku and Fifth Division’s Momo Hinamori must take on Fraccion’s Cyan Sung-Sun, Franceska Mila Rose and Emilou Apacci. And Eighth Division’s Shunsui Kyoraku takes on the Espada Coyote Starrk.

But as these battles continue, the Espada’s are known for their resurrection technique and can continue to respawn. With the tides turning against the Soul Reapers, it’s time for Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto of First Division to engage in battle!

With this latest volume, similar to volume 38, it’s still an all out war focusing on the Soul Reapers vs. the Fracciones.

While the last two volumes focused on the Soul Reapers kicking some major butt, this time around, the roles are reversed when a significant character is pretty much devastated from a sever attack and may beclose to death. It was definitely a shocker to see the Soul Reapers in dire situations but it does amp the storyline a bit and showing that the Fracciones can be deadly and are not going to all lose against the Soul Reapers.

Needless to say, desperate times calls for desperate measures and the answer is to unleash the elder leader of the First Division, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamato. We have only see a little of Genryusai’s power but we have not really seen him go all the way out. So, this volume, we get to see that.

And yes, finally Ichigo makes his return…although a short return for a few pages, it does build up to the next volume in which Ichigo will probably be back in the pages of the manga series for vol. 40.

Like the last two volumes, this latest volume 39 is all about the fighting, the battles and is purely all action-driven. No deep storyline, just all-out battles and obviously a favorite Soul Reaper among Bleach fans gets damaged quite severely in this volume. So, it’s quite interesting to see how everyone tries to defend this character in order for her to be evacuated and get medical attention, while everyone fights this new Fracciones behemoth.

For those who are familiar with “Bleach”, especially the anime series with episodes that focus solely on action, will find this latest volume quite appealing. Personally, I enjoyed the fact that Tite Kubo focuses on other characters and explores their development and their powers with this latest volume. Some of these characters have been rather idle, and while we have seen them fight, we have never seen some of these soul reapers put everything on the line as they battle to the death.

So, for fans of the soul reapers, especially for those who want to see more of Sui-Feng, Marechiyo Omaeda, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Momo Hinamori, Shunsui Kyoraku and Rangiku Matsumoto in action, these characters are the main focus of vol. 39.

Overall, all-action, less story may not be to everyone’s taste, especially if a manga volume can be read too quickly, but for those who have invested this much time into the “Bleach” series and love the action, then I have no doubt in my mind that you will enjoy “Bleach” Vol. 39.

Recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Slam Dunk Vol. 21 by Takehiko Inoue (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

March 16, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

One of Japan’s top selling manga series of all time, “Slam Dunk” vol. 21 features the final two minutes between Shohoku and Ryonan High School. Winner advances to the national tournament. Who wins? Basketball and “Slam Dunk” fans will definitely enjoy this latest volume!

MANGA TITLE: Slam Dunk Vol. 21

STORY AND ART BY: Takehiko Inoue (井上雄彦)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: April 3, 2011

It’s do or die for the Shohoku High School Basketball Team! If they want a spot in the Nationals, they need to win this game. As the second half winds down, Shohoku hangs on to a one-point lead over Ryonan despite Mitsui’s collapse. Ryonan keeps the pressure on with their best players, Uozumi, Fukuda and Sendoh, giving it all they’ve got. Sakuragi steps up defensively, and now he’s Shohoku’s last hope of staying alive in the tournament – but is he up to the challenge?

It all comes down to the final two minutes between Shohoku High School vs. Ryonan High School. Winner of this match gets an entry in the National tournament. And what a nail-biter this volume turned out to be in vol. 21 of Takehiko Inoue’s “Slam Dunk”!

I can easily remember the popularity of “Slam Dunk” during the early ’90s. Despite being here in America, I would venture to the local Tower Records or travel to Japan Town and head to the Japanese bookstore to pick up the latest Shonen Jump magazine and watching the anime series.

Granted, I came into “Slam Dunk” several years late but I recognized how popular the manga and anime series was, especially the music and sure enough “Slam Dunk” was one of the first anime soundtracks (on cassette) that I had purchased. For me, it was quite intriguing because the sports that I have watched from Japan and manga and anime being based from those sports are typically baseball, soccer or tennis. You just don’t think about basketball but sure enough, “Slam Dunk” captured the essence of high school basketball and the excitement of team dynamics, offense/defense and squaring off against a rival team.

But this is what Takehiko Inoue is known for. A mangaka who is a basketball fan, his manga series is considered iconic in the fact that many kids in Japan played basketball and became interested in the sport because of “Slam Dunk”. In fact, the series was not just popular in Japan but also throughout Asia. The manga sold over 100 million copies in Japan between 1990-1996, earning a Shogakukan Manga Award in 2005 and in 2007, the series received the distinction as “Japan’s Favorite Manga”.

Inoue would eventually follow up with “Buzzer Beater” in 1997 (which he collaborated with ESPN) which was a more farfetched story about basketball ala intergalactic competition. Followed by a samurai manga story titled “Vagabond” in 1998 and back to a basketball manga with “Real” in 2001 (based on people with disabilities in wheelchairs who compete in basketball), so Inoue has a pretty strong following for his works.

And his hits series “Slam Dunk” has been released ala manga in America courtesy of Viz Media.

“Slam Dunk” revolves around a cocky and rough street punk named Hanamichi Sakuragi who is a first-year student at Shohoku High School. He has fallen for Haruko Akagi, the younger sister of Takenori Akagi, the captain of Shohoku High’s basketball team. But for Haruko, she likes Kaeda Rukawa, the first-year basketball star that all the female students love.

So, to prove his worth in front of Haruko, Hanamichi joins the Shohoku basketball team which includes Kiyota, Maki, Hisashi Mitsui, Ryota Miyagi and their team manager, Ayako.

In Volume 21 of “Slam Dunk”, it’s the final two minutes and Ryonan has cut the large lead of Shohoku down to one.

With Mitsui falling hard and taken out of the game for exhaustion, Shohoku’s bespectacled athlete Kogure comes into the game. We learn how Kogure and Akagi joined the basketball team together and although Akagi is the one who is known for his basketball skills, both teenager had one dream and that was to make it to Nationals. Now that they are seniors, this is the only chance they have to make it to Nationals.

Which leads us to the main game…who will win between Shohoku vs. Ryonan?

Also, we get to see members of other teams who made it into Nationals and players having to make difficult decisions, including Kaeda Rukawa.

As for the losers of this final match-up, this may be the final competitive basketball game for the senior students. How difficult will it be to say goodbye to the sport you love?

If you love basketball, you will love “Slam Dunk”!

Volume 21 similar to the last eight volumes captures the thrill of competitive high school basketball through its pages with an attention of detail by Takehiko Inoue on basketball from player fatigue, foul’s, strategy, you name it… you will find it in this latest volume.

The last volume showed how a team can mount a comeback and the strategy that was needed to make that comeback. Volume 21 shows us how the unknown players from the bench can easily disrupt the game by surprising players not familiar of them. In this case, first-year student and Shohoku hothead (prone to making many mistakes) Hanamichi Sakuragi and the usually on the bench, Kiminobu Kogure.

This volume also shows us the agony of defeat as some of the players are seniors and what happens when it all comes to an end. This final volume also begins to prep the readers to some of the other teams and their team members who advanced to the finals.

With that being said, reading this volume will go quickly because the illustration do take up a big part of the pages versus dialogue but if you appreciate basketball and Takehiko Inoue’s work, you know that this style works and the efficacy of competition of competitive high school basketball is captured amazingly well.

As for the manga series, Takehiko Inoue’s illustrations have always been a highlight for me and I was always amazed of how he captured movements, the offensive and defensive stances to how the players penetrate the perimeter and score. He also doesn’t step back when it comes to capturing the players during competition. He fully includes detail of profuse sweating and the fatigue a player goes through from start to finish.

Overall, “Slam Dunk” is an enjoyable manga series and if you are a basketball fan, “Slam Dunk” is definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Cross Game Graphic Novel Vol. 6 by Mitsuru Adachi (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

March 8, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Mitsuru Adachi’s highly-praised manga “Cross Game” goes back to the basics in volume 6 by focusing on friendships, relationships and more story involving the supporting characters of the series. Enjoyable, fun and entertaining, “Cross Game” is a magnificent manga series that is highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: Cross Game Graphic Novel 6 (クロスゲーム)

BY: Mitsuru Adachi (あだち充)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shonen Sunday

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: January 10, 2012

The arrival of a new year brings Ko’s last shot at Koshien closer at hand, but Akane Takigawa and her striking resemblance to Wakaba cause Ko’s heart to stir. Meanwhile, something happens to make Azuma and Aoba grow closer. Young feelings wax and wane in Ko’s third year of high school. To top it off, the Seishu baseball team gets a new coach?!

Kyo has turned 18-years-old and for him and his good friends of the Seishu Gakuen High School, baseball team, this is their final chance to make it to Koshien.

Meanwhile, as Ko Kitamura and his Wakaba lookalike friend Akane, the two are growing closer. Meanwhile, Yuhei who figures if Kyo is not going for Aoba, why not he go after her?

It’s a new school year and blossoming relationships in volume 6 of “Cross Game”.

The manga series by Mitsuru Adachi, one of the most highly respected mangaka in Japan.

He is also known for his manga that revolves around baseball and high school/grade school crushes. But Adachi’s most famous work is “Touch”, a baseball/romantic comedy and a winner of the 1983 Shogakukan Manga Award (his second consecutive award a year after his highly successful high school romantic comedy manga “Miyuki”).

The manga series for “Touch” was award-winning, the anime series is one of the highest-rated television anime series of all time and it was a story that literally made audiences cry as it featured a story of friendship, tragedy, loss, inspiration and hope.

Adachi would go on to feature other stories that revolved around other sports but one wondered if he would return to baseball (which is a very popular sport in Japan) and in 1992, Adachi would write a baseball-related manga series titled “H2″.

Over 13 years later, fans continued to clamor for another baseball-themed anime series and Adachi would return with the manga series “Cross Game”, similar to “Touch” would feature a romantic comedy that would feature friendship, tragedy, loss, inspiration and hope.

And with Adachi’s first baseball manga series “Nine” along with “Touch”, “H3″ and “Cross Game”, the goal of the baseball players and characters are to make it to “Koshien” which translates to “tournament” and in Japan there are the “National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament” held in the Spring and “National High School Baseball Championship” in the Summer.

In Japan, the final 17th volume of the manga series was released in Japan and now, “Cross Game” will be released in the US in graphic novel format (compiling several of volumes into one release). “Cross Game Graphic Novel Vol. 5″ compiles the manga volumes ten and eleven.

Cross Game Summary

“Cross Game” is a manga series that showcases the development of a Ko Kitamura, the son of a family that owns Kitamura Sports, during the time he is a 5th grader, a junior high school student preparing for high school and then later on in high school.

The story introduces us to a young Ko Kitamura, a passionate kid who loves baseball and his best friend Wakaba Tsukushima. Both were born on the same day, at the same hospital and share a unique bond with each other.

For Ko, he’s not so ambitious and for now, he takes turns delivering sporting goods to the Wakaba’s father who owns Cafe Clover and the Tsukishima Batting Center. With each delivery, Mr. Tsukishima gives Ko a chance to go batting at the batting center, something he has done since a very young age.

Living with Wakaba and her father is Wakaba’s older sister Ichiyo (who is the main cook of Cafe Clover), her very young sister Momiji and her sister Aoba (who is one year younger than her). Aoba is a tomboy who loves baseball, she has been practicing her pitching as a young girl and actually is quite talented as a pitcher. She also has a disdain towards Ko because he doesn’t respect the game as much as she does.

One day during the summer, Wakaba visits Ko and she tells him that she has created a birthday gift list, so he knows what to buy her all the way up to her 20h birthday (which she wrote down that when she turns 20-years-old, she wants an engagement ring from Ko). Also, she hopes to go to a festival with him after she arrives back from swim camp.

The night before Wakaba is to go to swim camp, she spends her time with Ko and reminds him about how she wants to go to the festival when she comes back and kisses him. A few days later, as Ko goes to visit the Tsukishima’s restaurant and batting center, he notices that its closed. Which was unusual.

When he goes home, he turns on a baseball game and a news update comes up. He hears that an 11-year-old died at the swimming camp at Minagawa Valley and her name was Wakaba Tsukishima. She died while trying to rescue a third grader who ventured out in the deep water.

For Ko, he has lost his best friend and for Aoba, she has lost her sister. And as the years have passed, these two individuals have an interesting friendship. For one, they share the passion of baseball and she wants Ko to be better. For Ko, he knows that Aoba is an excellent pitcher and baseball player, but because of her gender, she can never take part in an official high school game.

And as these two practice with each other, Aoba’s family and even their friends notice that these two are almost exactly alike. While deep inside, they do care for each other, it’s because of Ko’s past with Wakaba that Aoba never tries to get closer to him. And as for Ko, he looks at Aoba as a good friend but also a girl that constantly nags and picks on him. But he does respect her passion for playing baseball and her dedication to be good at it, despite not having the opportunity to compete in a high school game.

As Ko has made sure to fulfill Wakaba’s birthday gift, the one thing he needs to do next is make it to the Koshien tournament and win it.

In the last volume, a soba shop is opening next door to the Kitamura Sporting Goods store and Ko and friends are shocked to see the daughter of the family that owns the new soba shop. Her name is Akane Takigawa and she is the spitting image of Wakaba, as if she was older.

Everyone including Akaishi wonder if they are looking at a ghost, even Aoba and her family are shocked by the resemblance of Akane to Wakaba, as if she would be the grown up version of her. But for Yuhei, who has always saw a strong connection between Kyo and Aoba, he realizes that with Akane in the picture and the fact that she looks like Wakaba, will this mean that Ko will go for Akane?

And this leads us to vol. 6 of “Cross Game”. As the guys know this is their final year to make it to Koshien, they try to make the best of it by training. Meanwhile, Akane and Ko seem to be getting closer and Akaishi does all he can to make sure it happens, for in his mind, Akane is like the return of Wakaba.

But Yuhei tries to figure out Aoba’s feelings. Does she care if Ko and Akane are getting closer? Does Ko care about Aoba at all? And it’s evident that as much as Ko admires Aoba for helping him at baseball, her attitude towards him has always been critical, so he puts his attention towards Akane.

And because of this, Yuhei decides to pursue Aoba.

Meanwhile, Akane wants to get a job (as her parents don’t pay her for working at the family soba shop), so she comes to work at Clover Cafe. How will the Tsukashima family feel about someone who looks like Wakaba working at the restaurant?

And as there is a lot of discussion of who will make it to Koshien, Junpei Azuma tries to propose to Ichiyo Tsukishima once again. But instead of saying “no”, she tells him that she will if Seishun makes it to Koshien and because of that, Junpei (a former star high school baseball player) will do all he can to ensure the team gets to Koshien.

What would you do if you met a girl who looked exactly like a girlfriend you once had in the past? Especially if that girlfriend passed away a long time ago?

“Cross Game” gets back to the basics by focusing on the characters and inter-relationships once again with vol. 6.

With so much focus on the baseball tournament in the previous chapters and the previous two volumes, the storyline of “Cross Game” gets a bit interesting as Akane Takigawa is introduced and her uncanny resemblance of Wakaba continues to surprise everyone.

But she is kindhearted and she obviously is getting closer to Ko, thanks to Akaishi who is trying to get the two together and Aoba pushing Kyo towards Akane. But then you have Yuhei also going after Aoba, but you can sense that he knows that the Kyo and Aoba are more in sync together than anyone thinks.

But this latest volume is about the personal relationships between the characters and focusing on friendships, dating, birthdays, etc. Sure, there is still baseball in this latest volume but it’s more about scouting other teams.

So, I think fans of the series will enjoy this volume because it does focus on relationships and we get to see more of these other supporting characters. But most of all, this focus on relationships. Especially Kyo’s relationship to Aoba and Akane, Aikishi towards Akane and trying to get Kyo and her together, Yuhei’s wanting to date Aoba, Junpei and Ichiyo and more.

Overall, I am so happy that “Cross Game” has been released in the US and one can hope that with the success of the manga series, perhaps Viz Media will continue to release more of Adachi’s works outside of Japan.

“Cross Game” is an enjoyable, touching, inspirational manga series that I hope many give it a chance, even if it does touch upon sports, specifically baseball, Adachi makes the story quite enjoyable and easily accessible for non-baseball fans as well.

If you want an innocent, fun, dramatic and highly entertaining manga series that is not dark, doesn’t deal with supernatural elements, magical powers or big robots, “Cross Game” is a wonderful manga series worth reading.

Vol. 6 of “Cross Game” is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Cross Game Graphic Novel Vol. 5 by Mitsuru Adachi (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 29, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Mitsuru Adachi’s highly-praised manga “Cross Game” heats up with the conclusion of Seishu Gakuin vs. the Ryou Gakuin baseball match. Also, what happens when a girl named Akane who looks exactly like Wakaba shows up? Intriguing, enjoyable and incredibly addictive, “Cross Game” is a magnificent manga series that is highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: Cross Game Graphic Novel 5 (クロスゲーム)

BY: Mitsuru Adachi (あだち充)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shonen Sunday

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: October 11, 2011

In the summer of his second year in high school, Ko and the Seishu baseball team must take on mighty Ryuou Gakuin and their genius slugger Keitaro Mishima. With everything on the line, will destiny find Seishu moving on to the next round? Later, new neighbors are setting up shop next to Kitamura Sports, and their daughter bears a striking resemblance to Wakaba…

Who will be advancing to the national high school baseball tournament, also known as Koshien ? Will it be the underdogs – Seishu Gakuen High School Varsity team or the heavily favored awesome Ryou Gakuin High School? Also, what happens when Kyo and the others meet the new girl in town, and to make things even interesting, she looks almost exactly like Wakaba? It’s another exciting tale of baseball competition and new friendships and potential relationships in “Cross Game” graphic novel vol. 5.

The manga series by Mitsuru Adachi, one of the most highly respected mangaka in Japan.

Cross Game Summary

As Ko has made sure to fulfill Wakaba’s birthday gift, the one thing he needs to do next is make it to the Koshien tournament and win it.

And this leads us to “Cross Game” graphic novel vol. 5 as the second half of the game between the heavily favored Ryou Gakuin High School takes on Ko’s team, the Seishu Gakuen High School Varsity team. With the combination of Ko’s awesome pitching and his teammate Yuhei Azuma (and teammate who stays with Ko and his family and has earned the nickname “freeloader”), the team have made it into the third round.

Meanwhile, Aoba’s first cousin Mizuki has moved in with the Tsukushima’s and has professed his love for Aoba and is determined to win her heart. But for Aoba, she really wants Ko to win the Koshien to accomplish a goal and promise he made for Wakaba, but deep inside, perhaps she has feelings for him.

As people are surprised that Seishu Gakuen High School has been doing magnificently against Ryou Gakuin High School, will Ko and his team defeat the dominant Ryou Gakuin team?

In the second half of vol. 5, a soba shop is opening next door to the Kitamura Sporting Goods store and Ko and friends are shocked to see the daughter of the family that owns the new soba shop. Her name is Akane Takigawa and she is the spitting image of Wakaba, as if she was older.

Another fantastic volume of “Cross Game”! Not only do we get the presence of a strong baseball storyline and mangaka Mitsuru Adachi’s dedication in capturing the strategy and excitement of the game, when it’s all done, we are then dropped with this unexpected bombshell when a girl who looks exactly like Wakaba showing up, just when you think that things may develop between both Ko and Aoba.

Needless to say, even though Akane and Wakaba are not the same type of people and are very different, there is also a few similarities and the fact that Akane has a kind heart, it will be interesting to see how things develop because Aoba now feels that with a “look-alike Wakaba” now in town, Ko will more than likely go for her. Or will he?

So, this volume of “Cross Game” is not only a sports-themed volume, there is quite a bit of drama as well. But it’s so enjoyable and to see how everyone reacts to the baseball game but also when it comes to Akane’s resemblance to Wakaba. I was definitely not expecting that type of storyline and it made things much more intriguing and I can’t wait to see how things develop in the next volume of “Cross Game”.

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Slam Dunk Vol. 20 by Takehiko Inoue (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 25, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

One of Japan’s top selling manga series of all time, “Slam Dunk” vol. 20 features the final fourth quarter of the finals between Shohoku vs. Ryonan High School and winner advances to Nationals. Two evenly matched teams, but despite Shohoku up ahead by 15 pts., without Coach Anzai there to guide them through defensive strategy, does Shohoku have a chance in preventing the offensive onslaught in the fourth by Ryonan High? Basketball and “Slam Dunk” fans will definitely enjoy this latest volume!

MANGA TITLE: Slam Dunk Vol. 20

STORY AND ART BY: Takehiko Inoue (井上雄彦)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: August 2, 2011

Shohoku steadily increases their lead against Ryonan with less than ten minutes remaining in the game, but the all-out attack wears Shohoku down and fatigue is getting the better of them. Without Coach Anzai’s guidance, Shohoku struggles to hold on against Ryonan as their weaknesses are exposed one by one. Sakuragi’s inexperience is one of their biggest and the margin for error is slim with Sakuragi on the court. Is this game going to push Shohoku to the edge of total collapse?

And his hits series “Slam Dunk” has been released ala manga in America courtesy of Viz Media.

So, to prove his worth in front of Haruko, Hanamichi joins the Shohoku basketball team which includes Kiyota, Maki, Hisashi Mitsui, Ryota Miyagi and their team manager, Ayako.

In Volume 20 of “Slam Dunk”, it’s the fourth quarter of the finals between Shohoku and Ryonan, two evenly matched teams but only one can go on to the finals.

With Shohoku ahead by 15 pts., it looks like it’s going to be a clear win but Ryonan’s coach has a plan, knowing that Coach Anzai of Shohoku (who has been hospitalized) is not there to help guide the team and that nearly every player in Shohoku High’s basketball team is in foul trouble. And now, Ryonan starts to display their offensive assault against Shohoku. Will Shohoku be able to bounce back?

If you love basketball, you will love “Slam Dunk”!

Volume 20 captures the thrill of basketball through its pages with an attention of detail by Takehiko Inoue on basketball from player fatigue, foul’s, strategy, you name it… you will find it in this latest volume.

And while the protagonist team, Shohoku is up ahead in the fourth quarter by 15 points, without Coach Anzai, the team is put in a disadvantage and playing with no clear plan, especially since each player is in foul trouble.

Meanwhile, this volume focuses on Uozomi of Ryonan, who has always looked at Akagi as a rival and has literally worked his butt off for this moment to play against him, but also to utilize the offensive weapons that Ryonan is known for. But as these teams are evil matched, “Slam Dunk” vol. 20 is about the fourth quarter and ending with a teaser to the final minute of the game, with readers wondering who will emerge victorious?

Overall, “Slam Dunk” is an enjoyable manga series and if you are a basketball fan, “Slam Dunk” is definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

PSYREN Vol. 3 by Toshiaki Iwashiro (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 25, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Toshiaki Iwashiro’s “Psyren” is definitely one of the better manga series available in the U.S. that manages to combine an in-depth story, battle strategy with a great dose of in-your-face action! Definitely recommended!

MANGA TITLE: PSYREN Vol. 3

STORY AND ART BY: Toshiaki Iwashiro (岩代俊明)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shueisha, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on March 6, 2012

Dragon Ageha returns to the treacherous Psyren world, where he and his fellow players are instantly under attack. To survive, they’ll have to use every resource they can. But Ageha’s crew are showing signs of fever, meaning their psionic powers are awakening at the worst possible time!

“Bad-ass”! These are words I describe Toshiaki Iwashiro’s manga series “Psyren”.

The manga series which is featured in Japan on Weekly Shonen Jump Magazine (as well as the American edition) and is reminiscent of manga such as “Yu Yu Hakusho”, “Gantz” and “Bleach” is full of action as a group of high school students are whisked into a futuristic, apocalyptic version of Japan. The only way they can get back home is by reaching a gate, but between that gate and their starting point are monsters and things waiting to kill them.

“Psyren” Storyline

“Psyren” focuses on Ageha Yoshina, a high-school student who is known to take people’s money (10,000 yen) to provide his service and he will take care of their problem. Known for getting into fights and being a troublemaker, helping people is his good side and even at times not charging the pretty students at school for his services.

But not so supportive of his fighting is his older sister Fubuki, his guardian who is a pretty strong fighter herself and will not put up with him being late or getting in trouble.

One day, while Ageha is coming home, he hears a payphone ringing. He goes to answer it but hears nothing, but sees a phone card inside with the words “Psyren” but thinks nothing of it.

The following day, he sees his old former childhood friend Sakurako Amamiya coming into class and thinks about the old days when she was popular, friendly, social and caring. But now she’s anti-social, often coming to class with bruises and cuts and he can only wonder what is going on in her life.

Later in the day, he sees a few female students stealing her stuff and hiding it. As he goes to see what they have hidden, he realizes that the girls stole her wallet which has her “Psyren” card. As he goes to return it to her, she notices that she was frantic. As Ageha reminds her that for 10,000 yen ($100 bucks) he can help her, she cries out “Save Me” which startles him.

The following day, Sakurako had stopped showing up to school.

His friends tell him that Sakurako has been caught up with the whole “Psyren” legend and that there is a secret society and people have been disappearing. He also learns that for anyone with an unused Psyren card, people are willing to pay 5 million yen for one.

Worried about Sakurako, Ageha chooses to use the card and suddenly he is asked all these questions. The next day at school, men posing as police men are going after him, men who want his Psyren card. As he fights these men, the two are overpowering him and he runs away. While running away, his cell phone rings and while he is being chased, he disappears and ends up in an unknown location.

While he walks around the devastated area, he sees a giant caterpillar going after a man who screams for help. As Ageha goes to help, Sakurako with her sword comes out of nowhere and defeats it.

But Sakurako is very sick and before she faints in Ageha’s arms, she tells him that they need to clear the stage before they can get back home. And she asks him to please clear the stage with her.

As Ageha carries Sakurako, he seeks shelter in a building where people are gathered. He quickly realizes that the people gathering are a bunch of punks who have been wanting a Psyren card for the purpose of making money.

And within this group, each seem as if they will kill each other for the sake of making money.

When the phone rings, the group are told that they need to find a gate and everyone except Ageha and Sakurako go out and search for this gate. But when Sakurako awakens and finds out that everyone has headed towards a dangerous area, she fears that all of them will be slaughtered and feels that they need to be warned.

So, now Ageha and a sick Sakurako must hurry and get to the group before they are slaughtered. Will they make it in time?

Volume 3

In volume 3 of “Psyren”, Ageha, Hiryu and Sakurako are joined by two more members, Oboro Michizuki and Kabuto Kirisaki. As Oboro is out temporarily due to him developing his Psy power, an unknown being and a large worm is standing in their way of getting to the gate.

The unknown being appears to be the classmate and best friend of Hiryu Asaga who was whisked into the world of Psyren, but it is not known if he is the same person, as the guy that Hiryu knew was weak-minded and not a good fighter. The person that is awaiting them has a weapon that charges on Psy power and he is quite deadly.

But as part of the game, Ageha and friends must find a way to get to the gate and study their enemy. But if this unknown person is Hiryu’s best friend Tatsuo…the person he has been looking for all this time, will they need to kill him?

“Psyren” features the following characters:

Ageha Yoshina: The tough troublemaker in school who will help people with their problems for 10,000 yen. Although, he tends to not take money from pretty girls at his school. He lives with his sister Fubuki who is very tough on him. One day, while walking home, Ageha hears a payphone ringing and discovers a Psyren telephone card. Very good at fighting.

Sakurako Amamiya: She was once a popular, smiling, sociable student. Now she has become anti-social, no longer smiling and comes to school looking as if she was beaten up. One day, a group of girls steal her purse and inside is a psyren card. Fortunately, Ageha finds it but when he returns it to her, he tells her that if she needs him, he’ll be there…for 10,000 yen. Her request to Ageha was to save her.

Hiryu Asaga – One of the tough guys that Ageha meets when he enters the Psyren world. Hiryu has been searching for his friend and agrees to help Ageha, who saved his life in the Psyren world.

Oboro Mochizuki – One of the newer students whisked into Psyren and is developing his Psy powers. Will he be any use to Ageha, Hiryu and Sakurako?

Kabuto Kirisaki – One of the newer members in Psyren to join Ageha and friends, selfish unless it comes to helping a beautiful girl, Kabuto has not developed any Psy powers and is often left behind in battle.

Fubiki Yoshina – Ageha’s older sister and guardian. She is very strict with Ageha and doesn’t like him being late or getting into trouble. She is also a fighter.

Nemesis Q - A mysterious being that is sent from the future to find people worthy of using PSI and teaching them about the future and stop Psyren from occurring.

I know that when it comes to manga series, there are a bunch of stories about one brash young man who tends to get in trouble a lot in school but is also a person with a good heart and will protect the people that he cares about. It’s a typical storyline plot that we see from time-to-time in manga but “Psyren” is an intriguing concept.

I kind of liken the story to a series to “Yu Yu Hakusho” and “Bleach” meets “Gantz”…but the concept is a enjoyable and entertaining storyline as you have your strong-willed, troublesome protagonist Ageha Yoshina, concerned about his missing childhood friend, finds a mysterious card and whisked away in a new land where things look as if it has been devastated and sure enough, he finds his missing friend.

And the concept is that each time they are whisked away to this new land (which is future Japan), they must accomplish a goal and make it to the gate before they can return back home. Until the next round of Psyren begins.

With this third volume of “Psyren”, the story begins to focus on Hiryu Asaga as we get to know what kind of past that he had with his friend Tatsuo and that he was not exactly the strong guy that he is seen today. With the addition of two more members to the group, it’ll be quite interesting as Kabuto is more of the character that keeps running his mouth, while Oboro is the bishoujo character who may have a thing for Ageha.

But this third volume, like the previous two volumes of “Psyren” is full of action, maybe not as gory as volume 1 but we get to see more of what is going on in Psyren and also Nemesis Q and what he has done with some of the humans who have been defeated. But most importantly, we get to learn more about the “Enhance” power modes, a new development in Ageha’s power but also how Oboro’s power will help the team in the long run.

Overall, “Psyren” continues to get better and better with each volume and while it does have slight similarities to “Gantz”, “Bleach” and “Yu Yu Hakusho”, I’m really enjoying the series and Toshiaki Iwashiro’s ability to focus on the character’s development and the actual strategy of the game and each battle. Each volume, the story gets better and better and it’s becoming one of my favorite manga’s of 2012.

If you are looking for a well-written, very cool action-packed manga series, “Psyren” is highly recommended.

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Bleach Vol. 38 – Story & Art by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 25, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The battles to the death continue with the latest all-action volume of “Bleach”! Kira, Hisagi, Captain Komamura, Sui-Feng and Marechiyo Omaeda take on the Fracciones and it’s a battle to the death. Who will emerge victorious?

MANGA TITLE: Bleach Vol. 38

STORY AND ART BY: Tite Kubo (久保宣章)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: February 7, 2012

The Soul Reapers must guard the four pillars that are protecting Karakura Town from destruction at the hands of Aizen’s minions. Standing guard are assistant captains Yumichika, Kira, Hisagi and Ikkaku! But when Ikkaku goes down, will Karakura Town fall with him…?

The battle between the Soul Reapers and Arrancars continues in vol. 38 of Tite Kubo’s hit manga series “Bleach”!

Because of its airing on the Cartoon Network and it being featured on Shonen Jump magazine, “Bleach” has gone on to become a fan favorite in America but also fans all over the world.

A Brief History of what “Bleach” is about

Together, Ichigo and his friends continue to increase and enhance their abilities overtime and to take on tough enemies which leads us to the Visored/Arrancar arc.

The Current Storyline

Last issue, “Bleach” vol. 37 featured the battles between the Soul Reapers and King Barragan’s four pillars. The battles consist of Assistant Captain, Ninth Company Shuhei Hisagi vs. Findorr, Yumichika Ayasegawa vs. Charlotte Chul-Hourne, Madarame Ikkaku vs. Poww and Kira Izuru vs. Abirama.

In vol. 38, the battles continue but also concludes with soul reaper Kira Izuru vs. the bird-like Fracciones named Abirama fight to the death. Meanwhile, Assistant Captain, Ninth Company Shuhei Hisagi vs. Findorr takes on King Barragan’s Fracciones Findorr Calius. As Madarame Ikkaku continues to fight Poww, he gets some help from Captain Komamura and Tetsu-Zaemon.

And now King Barragan Luisenbarn has sent his great Fracciones to fight to the death against the soul reapers!

With this latest volume, it’s an all out war. Unlike vol. 38, which split up the storyline to include Ichigo, this volume is all about the battles between the soul reapers and the Fracciones. The first half is about one-on-battles involving Kira and Hisagi, while the second half features an all out war.

The storyline is centered around battles and because it’s an all-action storyline and the war is against Fracciones that are humongous, a lot of the panels are action-based and one can go through this latest volume quite quickly.

As always, the artwork by Tite Kubo is fantastic but for those who prefer more story versus all-action, especially for those who want to see Ichigo and friends may be disappointed as Ichigo and others are not featured. This latest volume is about the fighting, the battles and is action-driven. No deep storyline, more about explanation of tactics, introductions to bankai and name-calling. And thus, this volume can be read rather quickly.

But for those who are familiar with “Bleach”, especially the anime series with episodes that focus solely on action, will find this latest volume quite appealing. Personally, I enjoyed the fact that Tite Kubo focuses on other characters and explores their development and their powers with this latest volume. Some of these characters have been rather idle, and while we have seen them fight, we have never seen some of these soul reapers put everything on the line as they battle to the death.

So, for fans of the soul reapers, especially for those who want to see more of Kira, Hisagi, Captain Komamura, Sui-Feng and Marechiyo Omaeda in action, these characters are the main focus of vol. 38.

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

RIN-NE Volume 8 by Rumiko Takahashi (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 22, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Popular mangaka Rumiko Takahashi (“Urusei Yatsura”, “Maison Ikkoku”, “Ranma 1/2″, “Inuyasha” and many more) continues the ghost/spirit-busting fun with her latest manga series “RIN-NE”. Definitely a manga series worth checking out! Highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: RINE-NE Vol. 8

STORY AND ART BY: Story and art by Rumiko Takahashi

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Teen

Released: March 6, 2012

Rinne finds himself acting as a mentor for the shinigami Shoma, an elementary school student from the afterlife. Although Shoma is supposed to be learning how to help spirits pass on, he only wants to go after the biggest evil spirits he can find – despite the fact that he’s never done it before! The devil Masato offers Shoma an easy road to success, but can Rinne show the young shinigami the right path?

Rumiko Takashi, probably the most well-known mangaka in the world is back with a new manga titled “RIN-NE” (known in Japan as “Kyoukai no RINNE”) and is currently published in Japan in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday and now available in the US courtesy of Viz Media’s new imprint “Shonen Sunday”.

Known for popular hit manga (and anime series based from her manga) such as “Urusei Yatsura”, “Maison Ikkoku”, “Ranma 1/2″ , “One Pound Gospel”, “Mermaid Scar”, “Inuyasha” and many more titles.

In “RIN-NE” , we are introduced to a high school teenager named Sakura Mamiya. What we know about her is that when she was a little girl, she saw a ring in the sky and an older woman. Flash forward over a decade later and we learn that what Sakura saw was a ghost and now a high school teenager, her ability so see ghost is quite uncanny.

One day during class, she sees for the first time, a boy named Rinne Rokudo who has been absent from his class for a long time. Rinne finally started to appear in class one day, but despite the teacher starts calling out his name, everyone acts as if he’s not there. Sakura finds that quite odd because he’s there, yet no one can see him. He’s not a ghost? So, she’s trying to figure out why everyone is behaving so oddly?

Eventually, Rinne Rokudo learns that Sakura has the ability to see ghosts and as the two begin to talk, he tells her that he is in the world of the living and his job is to make sure that he makes the dead and their ghosts rest in peace.

A ghost that constantly follows Sakura on her way to school then asks her who is the guy. And to her surprise, Rokudo answers the ghost and telling it that he needs to rest in peace.

Rinne tells her that he is sort of a “shinagami” (death spirit) and then he hypnotizes her after she sees him bringing a stuck spirit and sending them off. Thinking that she will not remember anything at all, somehow the hypnotism doesn’t work and Sakura remembers everything.

So both become partners in taking on spirits that are stuck in the world of the living (especially those haunting the school and the students) and sending them off.

Joining the two is a black cat named Rokumon (who is contracted to help Rinne with his work) and along the way, they get some help from a young exorcist named Tsubasa Jumonji and also help from Rinne’s grandmother Tamako. But meanwhile, a demon named Masato , who has a grudge against Rinne has been trying to cause trouble.

In volume 8 of “RIN-NE”, training for the Shinigami children begins and the students of Shinigami elementary schools must do a homestay in the human world and practice sending spirits off to rest in peace. All these children need to do is earn 50 points and it seems quite easy as they just have to focus on goldfish, birds and animals, but for fifth grader Shoma, he has to stay with Rinne during his homestay and he has no intention of sending things off that are easy.

Being the hard-headed shingami kid that he is, he wants to focus on real evil spirits which are worth 50 points. But these are the evil spirits that Rinne, goes after. Yet Shoma thinks he is up to it!

But there are right ways of doing things and incorrect ways of doing things and because Shoma is so hard-headed, he would rather not listen to Rinne and listen to the demon Masato, in which Shoma thinks that Masato is trying to help him.

What will happen when Shoma finds out that Masato is an evil demon that is trying to cause him problems?

Also, included are more stories involving Rinne and Sakura working together, and also Ageha making her appearance once again and try to get close to Rinne.

For anyone who has read manga series from Rumiko Takashi, one thing that she excels at is creating many characters but also doing a great job in character development. These characters are not one-shot, they tend to re-appear throughout a series and have some importance to a story arc.

And with “RIN-NE”, Rumiko introduces us to the child shinigami Shoma. And for many manga series that Rumiko has created, the child character has played a major part in a series. From Ten of “Urusei Yatsura”, Shippo of “Inuyasha” and even Kentaro of “Maison Ikkoku”, the child character tends to bring a child-like perspective to the manga series but also some trouble.

While the manga series does have Rokumon the human/black cat, she introduces another young character. This time, a fifth grade shingami named Shoma who needs to collect 50 points during his homestay with Rinne but he’s a kid who likes to do things his way and doesn’t like older people telling him what to do. Needless to say, it gets him in a bit of trouble.

Also, prevalent in Rumiko Takashi anime series is the “love triangle” or often a harem aspect. While Sakura and Rinne work together, Ageha looks at Sakura as her rival in terms of getting closer to Rinne. So, once again we see Ageha doing all she can in order to get close with Rinne. But the problem is that wherever Rinne goes, Sakura and others will also follow.

And we are also given two fun and enjoyable chapters as Rinne and Sakura work together to help a ghost haunting the home economics classrooom and also a story about a haunted scarf.

So far, “RIN-NE” has been a fantastic, fun and enjoyable series thus far. The chapters are fun and no deep storylines that have shown up yet. If anything, the manga has been about introducing newer characters to the series but also focusing on the working relationship between Rinne and Sakura.

In some way, the two characters sort of remind of Inuyasha and Kagome (the two main protagonists of the series), although Sakura doesn’t have that hot of a temper like Kagome and it’s way to early to show if there are any signs of future romance between the two.

But for now, “RIN-NE” is a lighthearted manga series that is easily accessible to fans who enjoy ghost/spirit hunting action and that enjoyable Rumiko Takahashi humor and her beautiful illustrations. Definitely a series worth reading!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

The Earl and the Fairy vol. 1 by Mizue Tani, Ayuko (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 12, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Delightful, captivating and featuring beautiful artwork, Ayuko’s manga adaptation of Mizue Tani’s light novel series “The Earl and the Fairy” is an intriguing storyline that makes readers craving for more! An enjoyable first volume and I can’t wait for vol. 2!

MANGA TITLE: The Earl and the Fairy Vol. 1 (伯爵と妖精/Hakushaku to Yosei Aitsu wa Yuga Na Dalakuto)

STORY AND ART BY: Mizue Tani, Ayuko

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shojo Beat

RATED: T for Teen

RELEASE DATE: March 6, 2012

Edgar Ashenbert claims to be descended from the human ruler of the fairy kingdom, and he urgently needs Lydia’s help to find and claim his birthright, the legendary sword of the Blue Knight Earl. Things will never be the same for Lydia as she is pulled into a dangerous quest against dark forces!

In 2008, the light novel series “Hakushaku to Yosei” (The Earl and the Fairy) was created by Mizue Tani and was serialized into a manga series for Cobalt Magazine by Ayuko.

The series proved to be popular as Shueisha released two drama CD’s and also began serializing the manga series for “The Margaret”. And not long after, the series received an anime adaptation plus a visual novel for the Sony PS2.

And now the series receives its American debut in March 2012 courtesy of Viz Media as part of their Shojo Beat imprint.

“The Earl and the Fairy” is set in Victorian England and there is fear because a blonde serial murderer responsible for killing over a hundred people is on the loose. We see a short scene of a young blonde man with a gun at a laboratory at Gotham Research Institute who is looking for the Phantom Star Sapphire, also known as the “Merrow Star”. He has a doctor at gunpoint and the doctor tells him he will need the help from a fairy doctor.

But does one exist?

This leads us to a location near Edinburgh, Scotland. This is where a fairy doctor named Lydia Carlton resides.

Unfortunately, no one in town believes in fairy doctors but Lydia believes in them, since her mother was also one and she also has a fairy named Nico (who has the presence of a normal cat) keeping her company. Meanwhile, Lydia receives a letter from her father who wants her to visit him in London.

While she is excited to go, Nico is worried because of the serial murder on the loose. But Lydia, who is quite naive, thinks that no one will want to hurt her because she is broke.

As she arrives to the port, she is greeted by a Mr. Huxley who is waiting for her. Lydia is surprised someone is there to greet her, but as she joins Huxley into the ship, as she plans to unpack in her bedroom, she hears a noise from her closet.

Inside is a man with dark hair, he tells Lydia that Huxley is the ringleader for a band of criminals and now they are on his ship. If he is found, they will kill him.

Lydia doesn’t believe the man but when she tells Huxley that she heard a noise from her closet, immediately Huxley and his men begin scouring her room for the man hiding in the closet. But quickly, the man grabs Lydia’s hand and the two escape from the ship.

The next morning, she wakes up to find out the man with the dark hair is actually blonde. He introduces himself to be Edgar Ashenbert, Earl Ibrazel and with him are his two servants, Ermine (a woman) and Raven (a man).

Lydia feels that she has been abducted by the Earl and immediately, the two are to meet with the Marquess and Marchioness Eugen of Denmark.

While she observes the Earl during dinner, he begins talking about how he is a descendant of the Blue Knight, a Knight who swore fealty to Edward I and was featured in the novel by F. Brown. In the book, fairy servants faithfully attended to him and while the guests at dinner think that the Earl is just joking as they don’t believe fairies are real, Lydia starts to share her opinion.

For someone who is a fairy doctor, Lydia tells everyone that the Blue Knight is the lord of the Fairy Realm. Why can they believe the Blue Knight is real but not believe in fairies?

As Lydia wants to know why she is being held captive by the Earl, he explains to her that he is in search of the sword hidden by Julius Ashenbert 300 years ago. The sword would prove his lineage but unfortunately, only his ancestors were able to see fairies, he cannot.

He goes on to explain that Huxley is just looking for the star sapphire that adorns the blade and that Huxley has been trying to eliminate him. While the Earl is trying to find the sword before he does in order to establish his rights as a descendant of the Blue Knight.

Meanwhile, the police are looking for this serial murderer who looks a lot like the Earl. But the only way one can find out if he is the serial killer is by looking at a tattoo imprinted on his tongue.

Because Lydia is not sure who to believe, she decides to take the job in order to help the Earl find the sword but not for his sake, mainly because she wants to make sure an impostor does not take control of the sword and also, because she needs the money.

But what if this charismatic man ends up being the feared serial killer?

For one, it revolves around the purest of hearts, the protagonist Lydia, a fairy doctor, who decides to take on a job as a hired employee by the Earl to find a sword that was once owned by the legendary Blue Knight.

As the Earl tells Lydia that he is the descendant of the Blue Knight and wants to prove his lineage, the reader is also aware that there is a serial killer on the loose, who has similar characteristics as the Earl. Can the Earl be a serial killer?

Meanwhile, Lydia knows that she is wanted because she is a fairy doctor and because she has lived her life encountering people who don’t believe in fairies, now her abilities are needed but who’s side is right?

So far, the first volume of “The Earl and the Fairy” shows great potential. With the few characters, including the mysterious servants of the Earl, I wonder how the adventures of Lydia and the Earl will go as the story continues.

For now, they live their lives similar to fugitives on the run, but in this case, trying to escape from Huxley and his men, who want the Earl dead.

So, for the first volume, manga fans who love bishojo characters and a storyline that has a good balance of humor, darkness but also possible romantic comedy elements, I can only look forward to seeing how things turn out for vol. 2.

As for the manga series, although I have not read Mizue Tani’s original light novels, nor have I watched the anime series, I enjoyed the artwork and overall adaptation by Ayuko. Characters are well-drawn, cities and environments are also created nicely and for the most part, the artwork compliments the story with efficacy.

Overall, “The Earl and the Fairy” is an enjoyable start for the manga series and I look forward to vol. 2. Recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

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