Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 20 (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

April 9, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Naoki Urasawa’s manga masterpiece…”20th Century Boys” just gets better and better. With vol. 20, the stage is set as it is leading viewers with what may be the final battle. There are a few twists and turns and a few surprises but fans will definitely enjoy what they read in this latest volume. Another wonderful volume of “20th Century Boys” worth owning!

MANGA TITLE: 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 20

STORY AND ART BY: Naoki Urasawa (浦沢直樹)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on April 10, 2012

There once was a hero who stood against evil. He sacrificed himself to save the world, and everyone believed he died on Bloody New Year’s Eve. But eighteen years later, when the entire world is under the control of the enigmatic figure known as the Friend, the hero comes back!

Kenji is back and is heading for Tokyo, where the Friend is preparing his next horrific plan. Meanwhile, Kanna and the rest of Kenji’s group make their move toward the final battle! Could it finally be time for justice to rise once again?

Last volume, we saw the return of Kenji. But while Kenji Endo is making his return to Tokyo to finish what he started, his niece Kanna and his friends, who all think that Kenji is dead, have made their decision that they must kill the Friend ASAP and will literally be their final stand.

But still, questions have remained in Naoki Urasawa’s “20th Century Boys”. Who has now replaced the Friend? And what happened to Kenji’s sister (and Kanna’s mother) Kiriko, who was working on an antidote to fight the Friend’s virus?

One of these questions are answered in vol. 20 of “20th Century Boys”!

“20th Century Boys” is simply the masterpiece manga series created by Naoki Urasawa. Having created excellent titles such as “Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl”, “Pineapple ARMY”, “Master Keaton” and “Monster”, his manga series “20th CENTURY BOYS” was the winner of the 2001 Kodansha Manga Award, Winner of the 2003 Shogakukan Manga Award and Urasawa was the recipient of the “Excellence Price at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival”.

The manga has been made into a live film, with the first film having been released as a part of a trilogy with a budget of 6 billion yen and will feature a cast of 300 people, it’s natural to say that the manga series “20th CENTURY BOYS” will definitely be a manga classic. And now the the seventh volume of the popular manga series has been released by Viz Media.

Naoki Urasawa’s “20th CENTURY BOYS” follows a group of friends when they were as children and the present time as adults. When these friends were children, they played a group of super heroes who would take down evildoers. But first, they needed to come up with their own storyline and scenarios of the bad things the evil side would do and how they, as superheroes would have to conquer the evil bad guys.

This plot of what the evil group would do was written down in a little guide which they called “The Prophecy”. As for the group, they devised a symbol of their group. But now many years later, this symbol has re-emerged as the symbol of a religious cult who may be behind terrorist activities.

Kenji and friends tried their best to stop the Friends but something happened on December 31, 2000 and fourteen years later, Kenji and friends are seen as the terrorists and the Friends have now further permeated into society worldwide.

What we know of December 31, 2000… Many lives were lost and although Kenji and his friends did what they can to stop the Friend’s giant robot from killing people in the city. They were blamed for it and since then have been reviled as the terrorists who massacred innocent people (when it was actually “the Friends” who were responsible).

And over 15 years later, the Friends have used the massacre to grow their cult and to take control of society, politics, law enforcement and have their foot in the door worldwide.

But for friends of Kenji who survived that fatal day, they will continue to do what they can to defeat their friends in the honor of their friend Kenji and save the world. The last volume featured Kanna, who is now a teenager who will never forget her uncle and is investigating any details or leads to her uncle Kenji but also her mother and possible father.

In volume 20, as Kanna and Otcho have pretty much decided that they are going to go to war and try to kill the Friend, they reunite with their old friends. Who will fight with them and who won’t? Meanwhile, Maruo goes to visit one of the gang’s old friends and in the process, to find out if Kiriko Endo is alive and what she has been doing all this time.

Meanwhile, there appears to be a shift of allegiance in the FDP and Manjome, Takasu, Yanbo & Mabo are up to something devious and much more worse than what took place on Dec 31, 2000.

“20th CENTURY BOYS” features the following characters:

Kanna Endo: The daughter of Kenji’s missing sister. She is now a 17-year-old teenager who tries to keep her missing uncle Kenji in her memories. In the Friend Era, she is known as the “White Queen”.

Chono Shohei – A freshman detective following his grandfather’s footsteps of being a great detective and to have the name “Cho-san”. In the Friend Era, he has abandoned his job to join forces with Kenji Endo and now is a wanted man.

Kamisama - The homeless man who had visions of what Kenji should be doing and would relay it to him but 14 years later, he has become millionaire and now tries to keep some of Kenji’s friends safe through his bowling building.

Kyoko Koizumi - A high school student who has helped the Kenji faction and is now working for a music company searching for talent during the Friend Era.

Otcho – One of Kenji’s friends who escaped from prison to reunite and help Kanna. He and Kanna want to stop the Friend immediately.

Yukiji – The only female member from the original Kenji faction, Yukiji raised Kanna after Kenji disappeared and looks at Kanna like her own daughter and will do all she can to protect her, as she had promised to Kenji.

Yoshitsune – The young and shy Yoshitsune has grown up to become the leader of the underground dissident organization.

Maruo – A friend of Kenji who now works at a music company and has used his position to help the Kenji faction.

It’s a race against time as Kanna and Otcho feel they can’t wait any longer. The two with the help of Yukiji are determined to kill the Friend, meanwhile Yoshitsune wishes Kanna would wait until she talks to her mother, details which Maruo has found out some new details about her and is investigating it on his own.

Meanwhile, the FDP seem to have their own agenda, that maybe even the Friend knows nothing about…considering the original Friend was killed.

Who is this new Friend? What are the FDP up to? And what will happen to Kanna, Otcho and Yukiji as they have decided to make their assassination attempt against the Friend?

And that’s all I can say about vol. 20 of “20th Century Boys” because there are a lot of twists and turns, including some surprises. Fans and longtime readers will enjoy this volume when they see the final panel of the chapter but knowing that things are going to get crazy from this point on.

Naoki Urasawa’s “20th Century Boys” just gets better and better and as we now are nearing the final stretch of the series, one can only wonder what Naoki Urasawa has planned. And I’m guessing that we are going to see a lot of deaths and possible demise of several main characters. So far, “20th Century Boys” has been edgy and hasn’t pulled any punches so far. So, anything can happen right now in this manga series!

Featuring wonderful illustration and awesome storytelling, which Naoki Ursawa is known for, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys Vol. 20″ is another solid volume for the series and an important storyline as it definitely sets things up for these last final volumes of the series.

As always, Naoki Urasawa knows how to grab the attention of the reader. His artwork and how he is able to capture the sense of action and emotion through the pages is magnificent and so far, this series has been engrossing and highly enjoyable thus far.

If you have been following this series this long, you’re probably as addicted as I am and with this latest volume, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 20″ is a no-brainer, it’s a must buy volume and quite simply, “20th Century Boys” is a must buy series!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 19 (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

April 6, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Naoki Urasawa’s manga masterpiece…”20th Century Boys” is simply awesome!!! With volume 19, the long asked question of what happened to Kenji Endo is finally answered! Fans of the manga series will not want to miss this latest volume! Highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 19

STORY AND ART BY: Naoki Urasawa (浦沢直樹)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on February 14, 2012

The man with the guitar heads for Tokyo and arrives at a rough-and-tumble border town with an ominous-looking checkpoint. Only those who have a pass may go through, and those who try to get by without one are summarily shot. Many have tried, and many are buried nearby. Who can change this horrific situation and get through the checkpoint? And who or what could be waiting on the other side?

Kenji Endo, the leader of the team that was to stop the “Friend” and the robot/poison attack in Tokyo had been missing and considered dead for nearly two decades.

His body never found, there are those such as his niece, Kanna, who hoped that her uncle was alive. But with the Friend in complete power and that reach of power extending to other nations, the fight against the Friend seemed hopeless.

But whenever she felt down, Kanna would listen to her Uncle Kenji’s music tapes and listen to a song that he would perform on the streets over and over. And she would share it with the people she knew.

And for these other people who became familiar with Kenji’s music, somehow they would hear that song elsewhere. Modified just a bit but the song was a glimmer of hope that perhaps Kenji Endo is still alive.

When a man with a guitar arrives in Japan and is going by the name Yabuki Joe, could this man be… Kenji Endo?

All is answered in volume 19 of Naoki Urasawa’s award-winning manga series “20th Century Boys”!

And over 15 years later, the Friends have used the massacre to grow their cult and to take control of society, politics, law enforcement and have their foot in the door worldwide.

In volume 18, we are learning that many people have heard of Kenji’s old song…but this time, a new revision with the words, “Gutarara Sudarara”. It was thought that Kanna was the only person who had access to Kenji’s music via cassettes, but how is it that people in Japan have heard of Kenji’s music today?

In this issue, Kanna’s police officer friend Chono decides to join with Yabuki Joe but as they head towards Tokyo, security only allows people into Tokyo with a permit. Anyone who submits a fake permit will be killed immediately.

Meanwhile, a mysterious man has been carefully watching Yabuki Joe’s return to Tokyo. Who can it be?

“20th CENTURY BOYS” features the following characters:

Chono Shohei – A freshman detective following his grandfather’s footsteps of being a great detective and to have the name “Cho-san”. In the Friend Era, he is stationed to work and watch over farmers.

Kamisama - The homeless man who had visions of what Kenji should be doing and would relay it to him but 14 years later, he has become millionaire.

Kyoko Koizumi - A high school student who has helped the Kenji faction and is now working for a music company searching for talent during the Friend Era.

Otcho – One of Kenji’s friends who escaped from prison to reunite and help Kanna. Now on the run during the Friend Era and was able to make it through the wall.

Maruo – A friend of Kenji who now works at a music company and has used his position to help the Kenji faction.

It was a given that our main protagonist of the series would make his return. It was all about when? For so many issues, we have seen the past and the present, but more importantly how the people who joined with Kenji Endo to put a stop to the Friend’s evil plans had done in their lives after that fateful day.

No one knew if Kenji was a live or dead, but the fact that nothing has been heard of him for over 15 years, needless to say, anything pointing to him being alive seemed non-existent until now.

While mentioning anything about what happened to Kenji after all these years would be a spoiler, for the last three volumes, there have been hints that this Yabuki Joe character with a guitar and sings Kenji Endo songs is in fact Kenji. But typically any pages dealing with Yabuki Joe were small and we were given little hints that he may be alive. With volume 19, everything is confirmed and what happened to him after all this time has now been answered.

But while Kenji Endo now making his return, what will happen to Kanna Endo and team as they feel they must mount their attack against the Friend. Also, there is another mysterious question of who the true identity of the Friend truly is since Fukube was killed. Who is now donning the Friend’s mask?

Featuring wonderful illustration and awesome storytelling, which Naoki Ursawa is known for, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys Vol. 19″ is spectacular! And I emphasize that this manga series is absolutely awesome. Every chapter in this volume just builds and builds to the final shot and you can’t help but be surprised or just excited for the next upcoming issue.

If you have been following this series this long, you’re probably as addicted as I am and with this latest volume, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 19″ is highly recommended and should not be missed!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1 Vol. 4 by Oh!great (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 6, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Sex and violence is the basis of “Tenjo Tenge”. Mix in some “Fight Club”, overly endowed women, sex and various characters that you love in fighting video games and you get “Tenjo Tenge”. Volume 4 is the deepest volume yet as characters are killed off. Who will live and who will survive? Check out “Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1 vol. 4″ to find out.

MANGA TITLE: Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1 Vol. 4

STORY AND ART BY: Oh!great

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shueisha, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: Viz Signature/VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: M for Mature

Available on December 20, 2011

Mitsuomi and Maya team up to fight in the Imperial Martial Arts Tournament, an all-out series of bloody battles to determine the strongest fighter in Todo Academy. The tournament is held by Mitsuomi’s father, the patriarch of the Takayanagi family, with the secret intent of awakening the “True Warrior” and bringing that power under his control.

He’s pinned his hopes on Shin, but his machinations backfire when Shin finally plunges into madness, unleashing his terrifying destructive force. Mitsuomi steps forward to stop him, and an epic confrontation between the two friends begins.

In 1998, the mangaka known as “Oh!Great” (known for his manga and video game work and creating series such as “Air Gear”, “Burn-Up W” and “Burn Up Excess”) released his manga series “Tenjo Tenge” which would go on for 22 volumes before ending the manga series in 2010.

The manga would later be adapted into a 26-episode TV anime series in 2004, a two-episode OVA in 2005, followed by a film in 2006.

And while the manga series was released in the United States by CMX, the manga was heavily censored for its sexual content. But now the manga has been licensed and released via Viz’s Viz Signature featuring their “Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1″ series (featuring two graphic novels per volume) and featured in all of its uncensored glory. Sex, violence, it’s all there!

A background of what “Tenjo Tenghe” is about so far:

The series would typically revolve around a group of friends who attend Todou Academy, an academy that hosts the best fighters in the area.

Bad boys Souichiro Nagi and his friend Bob Makihara are attending their first day at the Todou Academy and learn that their fighting skills used at other schools, will definitely be put into great use as everyone in the school can fight. But the two will need to join a fight club.

But the most powerful club at the school is the Katana Group headed by Shin Natsume, the president of the Executive Council who has the power of the dragon eyes, but is slowly starting to lose his composure and becoming insane the more he uses them.

Shin has a busty sister named Maya (who has the ability to shrink herself to an 8-year-old) and also a busty younger sister named Aya (who also possessed the dragon eyes, but allows her to see the past, present and future and see and listen to the dead). For some reason, Shin and Maya have this bond, in fact…a bond that suggests that Shin may be in love with his sister.

But with Shin most of the time is his busty girlfriend Mana Kuzunoha, a girl who was assigned to be Shin’s girlfriend in order for her to collect data for the Takayanagi family. She is also responsible for helping Shin start the Katana group. Despite how insane Shin is, she finds herself falling for him.

Meanwhile, we are also introduced to several other characters who are friends but also rival to Shin as everyone has incredible abilities. But is there anyone who is strong enough to defeat Shin?

“Tenjo Tenge” Vol. 4 continues where the last volume left off, the fourth round of Todo Academy’s fighting tournament to find out which club will be the leaders of the executive council. Meanwhile, Shin hasn’t shown up for the tournament.

It appears that Master Dogen wants to unleash Shin’s uncontrollable powers and they know that to get to him, they would have to use Maya as an example. So, Master Dogen has his violent assassin Fu’Chien roughing up Maya as badly as he can.

And now, enraged Shin has unleashed his uncontrollable power of the Dragon Eyes to take on Fu’Chien and others who have hurt his sister, meanwhile Mitsuomi goes to find them.

Shin has absolutely lost it. No one, friend or foe can get close to him and all he cares about is being close with his sister Maya. But when Mitsuomi finds her, she tries to have him escape in time but it is too late, Shin releases his power and tries to kill Mitsuomi (a friend but also a rival for Maya’s affections).

But while Mitsuomi was able to survive the attack, it has presented a conundrum. The blast that Shin gave him has elevated his heart and has made him invincible for three minutes, but because of the amount of beating his heart takes in that state, anything longer than three minutes will kill him.

But Shin has warned his sister Maya that he will hurt everyone she has a connection with. Meanwhile, Mitsuomi has announced to Maya that in two months time, he will take on Shin in a battle.

It’s a battle to the death between these two friends and rivals. Who will live and who will die?

“Tenjo Tenge” is a thrilling manga series for adults and with volume 4, not only do readers get the usual sex and violence but the plot becomes much deeper as Shin and Mitsuomi fight to the death.

Many characters are killed in this latest volume and needless to say… prepare to be shocked!

I have to admit that “Tenjo Tenge” may not be the easiest manga series to write a synopsis for. Mainly because there are so many characters featured, there’s not really one protagonist and it can get a bit confusing with people who have similar names.

But it’s this world of fight clubs, people who specialize in different martial arts for this high school and this world that mangaka Oh!great is slowly trying to build overtime. It requires time, character development and by the time you read the chapter, you know the characters, but to explain it to someone who hasn’t read it, it’s not easy.

But the best way to describe this manga series is the game “the King of the Mountain”. I remember being in high school and wrestling practice and our job was to see if we can take down the top guy and make him fall. Well, at this high school, Shin is the king of the mountain. All these fighters of different clubs want their shot to beat the #1 man, so their martial art or club can be the top dog and be the leaders of the Executive Council. They call the shots at the school and let people know of their dominance.

But unknown to many people, Shin is like a demon. Slowly going insane because of his Dragon Eyes in combination with holding onto the Reiki sword, it’s amplifying his power to the point where he’s starting to lose his sanity. The Reiki, which is a sword which entraps all power of the evil Buddhist ceremonies enhances ones power. And for the weapon, it’s reliant towards those who wield it and for Shin, it makes him the most deadliest person on the planet.

So, with volume 4 and “insane” Shin has declared that he will destroy anyone who has a connection with Maya. And there is only one person who has a connection with her, fellow classmate and sparring partner, Mitsuomi.

While Shin is unbeatable with his Dragon Eyes, we know that Mitsuomi has some mysterious power within him. But when Shin unleashes the Dragon Eyes on Mitsuomi, it also has given him superhuman abilities to add on his current abilities. Which may enough for Mitsuomi to fight against Shin in the battle to the death.

But… there is a caveat to Mitsuomi’s new special ability. He has only three minutes to use it, otherwise, anything longer will kill him.

The fourth volume feature manga graphic novels vol. 7 and 8 and the first half features on the Mitsuomi-Maya-Shin storyline, while the second half finally brings back Souchiro Nagi and Bob Makihara, as they become the newest members to the Juken Club and once again, it’s a new year of the Academy’s tournament of who will lead the Executive Council.

But as mentioned, be prepared to be shocked as character die in this latest volume. One death, I never saw coming and was shocked.

Similar to the other volumes, this volume definitely features a lot of sex! Granted, it’s not a hentai manga as sex is not focused on, but there is nudity and sex plus a lot of violence, so it’s a mature title.

Overall, “Tenjo Tenge” is a pretty awesome manga series that will attract fans who love fight club storylines, especially fighting video games such as “King of Fighters”, “Rival Schools”. There is plenty of action and teenage angst in this manga series but obviously targeted to male readers as the women happen to be overly well-endowed, appear to enjoy being bra-less, wearing short skirts to expose their panties and often having sex with a few of the male characters. Granted, the sex and fan service is not a big part of the overall storyline but it’s there.

“Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1 vol. 4″ is the deepest volume yet but it’s rather important to see how things are going to be this time forward as many changes are in store for these characters. Recommended for those who love their manga with all-out action, violent brawls and sexual themes.

Overall, for a mature action-driven manga series, it definitely delivers in action as well as sex. If this is for you, then definitely give “Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1″ a try!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 18 (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

December 26, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Naoki Urasawa’s manga masterpiece…”20th Century Boys” is simply awesome!!! The manga series continues to get better and better and with so much despair in these last three volumes, volume 18 begins to show readers a glimmer of hope. Meanwhile, another teaser/bombshell is dropped on the reader and definitely sets things up for the final four volumes of the manga series. If you have wanted a manga series that is well-written and just all out-exciting, Naoki Urasawa’s “20th Century Boys” is highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 18

STORY AND ART BY: Naoki Urasawa (浦沢直樹)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on December 13, 2011

Far, far from Tokyo, a man approaches the checkpoint at the Northern Border… Everyone north of the gate is dead, but here he comes on a motorbike with a guitar strapped to his back. Who is this man who calls himself Joe Yabuki, and why does he break out in song? Is he a Messiah here to save the people, or is he just a deluded nut?

Justice Never Dies.

The words that came from the mouth of a young Kenji back in the 1970′s.

But Japan has since changed since the resurrection of the friend.

In volume 16, we were introduced to a future where Japan was divided, a wall was put up and the years were now known as “The Friends Era”. What has happened to Japan?

In volume 17, we learn what has happened to Otcho as he witnessed people fighting and killing over vaccinations and as for Kana, learning that she and Yoshitsune have splinted into two factions. Yoshitsune trying to save people, while Kanna…a young woman who has lost so much, has become a terrorist known as a White Queen, still leading an army of freedom fighters trying to fight against the Friend but are in constant pursuit by the Global Defense Force.

But we were treated with a little teaser with volume 17… who is the older man driving around with a guitar on his back. Could it be…Kenji? A man who was thought to be dead all these years?

And 15 years later, the Friends have used the massacre to grow their cult and to take control of society, politics, law enforcement and have their foot in the door worldwide.

In volume 16, we saw how Otcho was being sneaked into Shinjuku courtesy of two children but unfortunately, the soldiers working for the Friends have discovered their ruse and now they are on the run.

In volume 17, we learn that when the Friend was resurrected, he literally took control of Japan. Those who were there at the Japan Expo to witness the resurrection were given a vaccine against the virus and live in one half of Japan, while those who didn’t go, were all forced to live on the other side of Japan where only a few vaccines were given out and of course, because of that, chaos.

And here we are with volume 18, as we are learning that many people have heard of Kenji’s old song…but this time, a new revision with the words, “Gutarara Sudarara”. It was thought that Kanna was the only person who had access to Kenji’s music via cassettes, but how is it that people in Japan have heard of Kenji’s music today? Could it mean that Kenji…is still alive?

Meanwhile, as Otcho tries to stop Kanna from sending her people from going to war against the Friends, they are captured by someone who they know quite well. And this mysterious person also has something quite interesting to reveal, that will add yet another twist in the story of Naoki Kursawa’s “20th Century Boys”.

“20th CENTURY BOYS” features the following characters:

Kamisama - The homeless man who had visions of what Kenji should be doing and would relay it to him but 14 years later, he has become millionaire.

Kyoko Koizumi - A high school student who has helped the Kenji faction and is now working for a music company searching for talent during the Friend Era.

Otcho – One of Kenji’s friends who escaped from prison to reunite and help Kanna. Now on the run during the Friend Era and was able to make it through the wall.

Maruo – A friend of Kenji who now works at a music company and has used his position to help the Kenji faction.

Here is a brief summary of each chapter of volume 18 (spoiler-less summaries):

Chapter 1: Gutarara Sudarara - Otcho looks for the missing Sanae.
Chapter 2: The Two Who Survived - Officer Chono comes across a person known as “Yabuki Joe”… Can this man be Kenji?
Chapter 3: Oh, Daughter - Kanna explains what has happened to her since the beginning of the Friend Era.
Chapter 4: Everybody’s Strong - Otcho does all he can to stop Kanna, even by telling her that he thinks that there is a chance that Kenji is still alive.
Chapter 5: Come Together - Kanna makes her decision.
Chapter 6: Get Up! Stand Up, Joe!! - Officer Chono and the other Friend officers confront Yabuki Joe.
Chapter 7: Encore! Encore!! - Kanna finds out that something dire has happened to her followers. Meanwhile, Officer Chono is inspired by Yabuki Joe!
Chapter 8: Starting to Change the World - Otcho and Kanna are captured!
Chapter 9: What Should Not Be Seen - Maruo and Namio discover something about Manjome Inshu.
Chapter 10: What Should Not Be Heard – Who is the child that came across Manjome Inshu?
Chapter 11: What Should Not Be Known - A new twist revealed by Manjome Inshu.

We sensed that after reading volume 16 & 17 and seeing how Japan has gone through chaos since the Friend Era, that things were not going to be the same.

We learned of what happened to Otcho during the Friend Era and seeing the carnage as people killed each other in order to get a vaccine from the deadly virus and we were treated with teasers of possibly Kenji being alive.

With volume 18, it takes a step forward in furthering the tease that Kenji is still alive…but is he the same man as “Yabuki Joe”? Also, we learn about what has happened to Kanna since the first year of the Friend Era and that she has become cold and bitter because of so many friends she has lost due to the Friends.

But we expected those things to happen as part of the progression from the last two volumes covering the Friend Era, but there is so much more story to be told of what happened to Yoshitsune and friends but also these twists that Urasawa has planted in this latest volume. One being the Yabuki Joe storyline in which so many followers (ala hippies) have joined in following the singer in his nationwide tour. But yet this person sings variations of Kenji’s song, so it may or may not be him that is being heard on the radio.

But possibly the biggest twist was the final page of volume 18 which I best not spoil for readers of this wonderful manga series! Suffice to say, the unveiling of that final page definitely showcases a major change that definitely sets things up for the final four volumes of the series.

I personally don’t know what is going to happen now, especially with these twists. Needless to say, this volume really has me excited in seeing how things play out for the final volumes because the storyline not only has gotten exciting but this time, our heroes are in so much despair at this point in time that all hope seemed to be lost, that is until Otcho and Kanna hear Kenji’s song being played on the radio, albeit a new version of the song.

Featuring wonderful illustration and awesome storytelling, which Naoki Ursawa is known for, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys Vol. 18″ is awesome! And I emphasize “AWESOME!”. Every chapter in this volume just builds and builds to the final shot and you can’t help but be surprised!

If you have been following this series this long, you’re probably as addicted as I am and can’t wait until the next volume. “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 18″ is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1 Vol. 3 by Oh!great (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

October 28, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Sex and violence is the basis of “Tenjo Tenge”. Mix in some “Fight Club”, overly endowed women, sex and various characters that you love in fighting video games and you get “Tenjo Tenge”. Volume 3 gets pretty deep as Shin takes on Bushinchi and how will Shin react when he notices Mitsuomi messing around with his sister. For those wanting a mature/action-oriented manga series, “Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1″ is for you!

MANGA TITLE: Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1 Vol. 3

STORY AND ART BY: Oh!great

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shueisha, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: Viz Signature/VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: M for Mature

Available on October 18, 2011

Knuckle-busting brawls, badass babes, and the toughest student body ever to mix it up under one roof. Welcome to Todo High, where the only rule is: get strong or get schooled.

Mitsuomi and Maya are now rivals, but once they were close friends. Their lives were changed forever because of one person: Shin Natsume, Maya’s older brother and Mitsuomi’s mentor. Inheritor of the Dragon Eyes and leader of the Supreme Warrior Faction, the charismatic Shin also bears dark and terrible secrets. Struggling under the burden of the immense power he possesses, and manipulated by those who seek to use that power, Shin begins to lose control. Maya and Mitsuomi each have their own ideas for how to deal with his increasingly erratic behavior, but it’s up to Bunshichi to really beat some sense into him!

The manga would later be adapted into a 26-episode TV anime series in 2004, a two-episode OVA in 2005, followed by a film in 2006.

The series would typically revolve around a group of friends who attend Todou Academy, an academy that hosts the best fighters in the area.

Meanwhile, we are also introduced to several other characters who are friends but also rival to Shin as everyone has incredible abilities. But is there anyone who is strong enough to defeat Shin?

“Tenjo Tenge” Vol. 3 does not focus on Souchiro Nagi, nor Bob Makihara. This time around, the series focuses on Mitsuomi Takayanagi and Bunshichi Tawara.

In this third volume, for some reason, Mana is trying to get close to Mitsuomi sexually. Meanwhile, Mitsuomi still holds back his power, not wanting to engage in a fight. Yet, Maya is trying to get him into fighting.

As for Bunshichi Tawara, what happens when the insane Shin and his friend Bunshichi are forced to fight in a fight that may end up tragic?

And with the problems that take place after their fight, what happens when these friends/rivals join forces to create a new club known as the Juken Club.

So, with volume 3 and “insane” Shin wanting to beat everyone with power, including his friends, it sets up one hell of a battle between him and his good friend Bunshichi.

The third volume feature manga graphic novels vol. 5 and 6 is interesting in the fact that the main two characters are not focused on at all. No storylines that feature Souchiro Nagi and Bob Makihara, in fact, the volume is driven by stories that focus around Mitsuomi Takayanagi (who is trying to find out why he should even fight) and Bunshichi Tawara.

And this volume definitely features a lot of sex! Granted, it’s not a hentai manga as sex is not focused on, but there is nudity and sex plus a lot of violence, so it’s a mature title.

“Tenjo Tenge” is a pretty awesome manga series that will attract fans who love fight club storylines, especially fighting video games such as “King of Fighters”, “Rival Schools”. There is plenty of action and teenage angst in this manga series but obviously targeted to male readers as the women happen to be overly well-endowed, appear to enjoy being bra-less, wearing short skirts to expose their panties and often having sex with a few of the male characters. Granted, the sex and fan service is not a big part of the overall storyline but it’s there.

But with volume 3, it’s a pretty fascinating storyline thus far as we can see how unstable Shin is, how powerful Bushichi is and also seeing Mitsuomi emerge as this cool guy, who will probably get his butt kicked by Shin for messing around with his sister Maya (who Shin loves).

Also, the volume features the beginning of the Juken Club which I don’t want to mention too much, but this club plays a big part in the series from here on in.

Overall, for a mature action-driven manga series, it definitely delivers in action as well as sex. If this is for you, then definitely give “Tenjo Tenge: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1″ a try!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 17 (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

September 23, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

What has happened to Japan since the resurrection of the Friend… Chaos! In this latest volume, we learn how bad the chaos is on the other side of Japan, while learning of what has happened to a few characters since the resurrection. Without spoiling anything… let’s just say volume 17 of Naoki Urasawa’s “20th Century Boys” is awesome!!! Overall, if you have been following this fantastic manga series, vol. 17 is highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 17

STORY AND ART BY: Naoki Urasawa (浦沢直樹)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on October 11, 2011

It is the third year of the Friendship Era. Darkness covers the earth, and the world is under the control of evil. The Friend has become President of the World, and he reigns from within the enclosed walls of Tokyo City. Most people believe in the Friend, but hidden below the surface is a small ray of hope. Someone known as the Ice Queen is calling for the people to rise up, and she has deemed August 20 the day to take up arms… but can anyone really stop this nightmare?

Justice Never Dies.

The words that came from the mouth of a young Kenji back in the 1970′s.

But Japan has since changed since the resurrection of the friend. In volume 16, we were introduced to a future where Japan was divided, a wall was put up and the years were now known as “The Friends Era”. What has happened to Japan? That is the big question many people may have with the last volume, where an injured Otcho was found by two children who have chosen to risk their lives to help him.

Well, hold on to your seats “20th Century Boys” fans as that question is revealed in this latest volume from Naoki Urasawa!

But some of you may be wondering…who is Naoki Urasawa?

Naoki Urasawa is well-known in the manga industry. Having created excellent titles such as “Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl”, “Pineapple ARMY”, “Master Keaton” and “Monster”, his manga series “20th CENTURY BOYS” was the winner of the 2001 Kodansha Manga Award, Winner of the 2003 Shogakukan Manga Award and Urasawa was the recipient of the “Excellence Price at the 2002 Japan Media Arts Festival”.

And 15 years later, the Friends have used the massacre to grow their cult and to take control of society, politics, law enforcement and have their foot in the door worldwide.

In volume 17, without spoiling on the details of what has happened, we can easily get into what happened to Japan. When the Friend was resurrected, he literally took control of Japan. Those who were there at the Japan Expo to witness the resurrection were given a vaccine against the virus and live in one half of Japan, while those who didn’t go, were all forced to live on the other side of Japan where only a few vaccines were given out and of course, because of that, chaos.

In volume 16, we saw how Otcho was being sneaked into Shinjuku courtesy of two children but unfortunately, the soldiers working for the Friends have discovered their ruse and now they are on the run.

Meanwhile, we get to find out what has happened to several other characters of the Kenji faction since the resurrection of the Friend.

“20th CENTURY BOYS” features the following characters:

Kamisama - The homeless man who had visions of what Kenji should be doing and would relay it to him but 14 years later, he has become millionaire.

Kyoko Koizumi - A high school student who has helped the Kenji faction and is now working for a music company searching for talent during the Friend Era.

Otcho – One of Kenji’s friends who escaped from prison to reunite and help Kanna. Now on the run during the Friend Era and was able to make it through the wall.

Maruo – A friend of Kenji who now works at a music company and has used his position to help the Kenji faction.

Here is a brief summary of each chapter of volume 17 (spoiler-less summaries):

Chapter 1: Global Defense Force - Otcho and the two children: Sanae and Katsuo with the help of Kamisama must escape from the Friend’s soldiers.
Chapter 2: Go, Katsuo! - The children must split up! Sanae must find the Ice Queen and Katsuo must find Father Nitani.
Chapter 3: Much Despair - The kids try to find who they are looking for, while Otcho learns from Kamisama.
Chapter 4: Ice Queen - Sanae meets with the “White Queen” who turns out to be…
Chapter 5: Beginning of Despair - The history of how Japan was split during the Friend Era.
Chapter 6: Mid-Journey - Otcho learns quickly of how the introduction of few vaccines to the vaccine-less side of Japan had led to chaos.
Chapter 7: Heaviness of Travel - Otcho’s experience on the other side of Japan and encountered chaos.
Chapter 8: Officers at the End of the World - We learn what has happened to Officer Chono since the resurrection.
Chapter 9: Song at the End of the World - Officer Chono learns from the farmers that something is happening..
Chapter 10: Summer Homework – Sanae tries to convince the “White Queen’s” people to not pursue what they are doing or they will get hurt.
Chapter 11: Encounter at the Crossroads: Cross-Counter - We learn what has happened to Maruo and Koizumi and the return of a character.

With volume 16 explaining the history of the Friend and taking the readers forward three years since his resurrection, we know that Japan has undergone through a major transformation.

What kind of transformation? We find out in volume 17 as we learn how Japan has headed straight into chaos as those who were present at the Japan Expo were kept to one side of Japan, while those who weren’t, were forced to live on the other side, told that they will die from the virus and then introducing vaccines to stir up chaos… people killing each other, people killing neighbors, friends, family in order to stay alive. And Otcho has witnessed it all.

While I don’t want to reveal too much of what happened in this volume, we do get to see what has happened to a few characters since the resurrection but how Kenji’s music becomes instrumental in the fight against the Friend.

But saying anything else will be a major spoiler because big things do happen in this volume and fans of the manga series will definitely be satisfied as we can only expect that from volume 18 and on…things are going to get crazy!

Featuring wonderful illustration and awesome storytelling, which Naoki Ursawa is known for, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys Vol. 17″ is awesome! And I emphasize “AWESOME!”. Every chapter in this volume just builds and builds to the final shot and you can’t help but smile.

If you have been following this series this long, you’re probably as addicted as I am and can’t wait until the next volume. “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 17″ is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 16 (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

September 13, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Every hero and every villain has their own personal backstory of how they became evil or what led them to that direction. Volume 16 is that certain volume that looks into the past of Fukube Hattori, a young boy who would end up becoming “The Friend”. What led him to that direction? Many answers are revealed in this latest volume but also introducing even more mysteries as well. Overall, if you have been following this fantastic manga series, vol. 16 is highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 16

STORY AND ART BY: Naoki Urasawa (浦沢直樹)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on August 16, 2011

Contrary to what his actions as an adult have led Kenji and his pals to believe, back when they were children, Fukube really wanted to be their friend. Fukube even went so far as to let them read all the latest manga magazines he diligently purchased in the hope of winning their friendship. Despite all this, Fukube still felt like an outsider. Fostering a sense of superiority toward all the other children around him, how did Fukube’s actions as a little boy serve as an indication of the kind of man he would eventually become?

Next, the clock is rolled forward to the third year of the Friendship Era, a frightening time in which the virus has decimated most of the world’s population, and the vaccine is available only to a lucky few. Tokyo has been quarantined behind a giant wall that is patrolled by both the Global Defense Forces and the Friend’s secret police, and yet while life on the inside is made to resemble Kenji’s childhood from the 1960s, the world beyond the wall is a desolate wasteland. Two young siblings come to the aid of an injured man who has managed to break through the barricade, and his name is Otcho!

Every villain or antagonist has their story. What made them that way. What made them pursue a life of evil.

While the Friend is looked at as a savior to humanity, for those who survived in Kenji’s group, it is known that the Friend is not a true friend to humanity, he wants to bring death to it.

With volume 16 of Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys, we finally learn the history and background of The Friend, what took place when a young Donkey went up to the classroom and jumped stories high to escape, but who influenced the Friend to be what he is today.

And Naoki Urasawa’s wonderful series continues with this latest volume filled with some surprises.

But some of you may be wondering…who is Naoki Urasawa?

And 15 years later, the Friends have used the massacre to grow their cult and to take control of society, politics, law enforcement and have their foot in the door worldwide.

In Naoki Urasawa’s “20th CENTURY BOYS” volume 15, we saw a mysterious man (or men) in gas masks walking with a suitcase. Can these people be responsible for the virus attacks that are killing people all over the world? Also, there is a man riding a moped with a guitar on his back? Could it be Kenji? But isn’t Kenji dead? Hmm…

While the 16th volume doesn’t kick off right after what took place in volume 15, it does explore the psyche of the Friend and getting to know the person behind the mask and what took place when they were younger, the discovery of the prophecy but also fast forwarding to Year 3 of the Friendship Era (not known how much time has past) but we seen an older Otcho and what had taken place in Japan since then.

“20th CENTURY BOYS” features the following characters:

Kanna Endo: The daughter of Kenji’s missing sister. She is now a 17-year-old teenager who tries to keep her missing uncle Kenji in her memories by listening to his music (rather loudly) and works at a restaurant and is very protective over her friends and her living area. Has street smarts and adopted her guardian, Yukiji’s fighting spirit and not afraid of anything.

Yukiji: The only member of Kenji’s group who wasn’t part of the New Year’s Eve devastation as Kenji left young Kanna with her to raise in case if something went bad. Yukiji is the guardian of Kanna.

Chono Shohei – A freshman detective following his grandfather’s footsteps of being a great detective and to have the name “Cho-san”. Is always interested in Kanna but she and him are like fire and water and as he tries to get along with her, he now believes in Kanna that there is corruption in the police.

Mariah – A transvestite friend of Kanna who is trying to help her.

Ujiko Ujio – Manga artists who are neighbors of Kanna.

Kakuta - A manga artist who was friends with Ujiko and Ujio who has been given prison time for his manga work which goes against the rules by “the Friends”.

Kamisama - The homeless man who had visions of what Kenji should be doing and would relay it to him but 14 years later, somehow he has become a millionaire.

Kyoko Koizumi - A high school student who selects Japan’s notorious terrorist Kenji Endo as the historic figure for her homework. She finds herself in Friend Land.

Otcho – One of Kenji’s friends who escaped from prison to reunite and help Kanna.

Yoshitsune – A friend of Kenji who used his position as a cleaner at Friend Land to spy on the Friends.

Mon-Chan - One of Kenji’s friends who died while trying to gather information on the Friend’s conspiracy.

Keroyon – Also known as “Froggy”, one of Kenji’s friends who got married and is now living in the USA.

Sadakiyo – A childhood acquaintance of Kenji who always wore a mask. At first he is thought of as the Friend but he is a guy who is the director of the Friend museum and works with them.

Manjome Inshu – Top cadre of the Friends organization and head of the Friendship and Democracy Party.

Director Takasu – A Dream Navigator at Friend Land.

Here is a brief summary of each chapter of volume 16 (spoiler-less summaries):

Chapter 1: End of the Rainbow - How a young Hattori Fukube became the Friend.
Chapter 2: A Real Friend - How the young Friend learned about deception.
Chapter 3: Beyond the Looking Glass - Who is the faceless person…
Chapter 4: The Truth of Hanging Hill - The Friend tries to pull of a prank…
Chapter 5: A Real Ghost - Does a real ghost exist on Hanging Hill?
Chapter 6: Superhuman - The Friend shows off his mysterious abilities.
Chapter 7: Friendship Era - How much Japan has changed during the Friendship Era.
Chapter 8: Pole Vaulter - Two children try to help out Otcho.
Chapter 9: Modern History - One child wonders if Otcho is Hulk Hogan but what happens when Otcho hears a voice coming from a television set during the mandatory TV shut-off.
Chapter 10: Kids’ Talk – The kids try to sneak Otcho into Shinjuku.
Chapter 11: Toy Chest- The Friends soldiers try to capture Otcho and the children.

Every hero and every villain has their backstory.

Volume 16 is the backstory of The Friend and how a young Fukube Hattori, who tried to fit in with Kenji and his group, was never included with their group of friends but how deep inside, for some reason, he had a dark side to him.

With every revelation, there is something new being introduced to add to the twist. We know of the Friend’s ability to bend spoons and we have seen his ability to come back alive (which is shown again in this volume but the Friend at a younger age). But what many may be wondering is how the Friend was able to get those abilities.

And thus lies the mystery…who is the faceless ghost that is seen throughout this volume? A figment of the Friend’s imagination or did the Friend really come into contact with something supernatural?

We also get the big reveal of what happened to Donkey when he went back to the lab and saw something that scared him. We also find out why a few people ended up joining the Friend while they were younger and the plans they had in making the Prophecy a reality for 2000.

But fast forward to a new Japan under the rule of The Friend, self-imposed government rules on the people, a wall built to separate Japanese who are loyal to the Friends and those who may not be loyal on the other side.

What has happened to Japan in the past few years? We get a glimpse of a Japan that is no longer the same and an older Otcho is trying to survive in this new era.

Could it be that the Friend is planning something more devious…perhaps the extinction of humankind?

Suffice to say, Naoki Urasawa’s “20th Century Boys” just gets better and better and as we now are nearing the final stretch of the series, one can only wonder what Naoki Urasawa has planned. And I’m guessing that we are going to see a lot of deaths and possible demise of several main characters.

Featuring wonderful illustration and awesome storytelling, which Naoki Ursawa is known for, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th Century Boys Vol. 16″ is awesome! While it doesn’t continue where the last volume left off in storyline, it does give use the back story of the Friend but also how Japan has changed completely since the Friend began ruling the country.

If you have been following this series this long, you’re probably as addicted as I am and can’t wait until the next volume.

Overall, “Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 16″ is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

IKIGAMI – THE ULTIMATE LIMIT vol. 7 by Motoro Mase (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

August 3, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“Motoro Mase’s ‘IKIGAMI – THE ULTIMATE LIMIT’ continues its thrilling, heartbreaking storyline. Mase’s manga series is wonderfully written, features cool artwork and is a manga series that is highly recommended!”

MANGA TITLE: IKIGAMI – THE ULTIMATE LIMIT Vol. 7

STORY AND ART BY: Motoro Mase

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

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

RATED: M for Mature (Parent Advisory – Explicit Content)

RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2011

Dear Citizen: You’ve no doubt noticed that the world is a troubled place. People are apathetic, lazy, unmotivated. You’ve probably asked yourself, “Why isn’t anything being done to stop this systematic decline?” Well, you’ll be happy to know measures are being taken. We, your government, have decided society needs a wake-up call. So beginning today, we will randomly select a different citizen who will be killed within 24 hours of notification.

We believe this will help remind all people how precious life is, and how important it is to be productive, active members of society. Thank you for your attention and your cooperation and participation in this new program.

Contains Episode 13: Photo of the Deceased and Episode 14: The Dream I Tried to Make Come True. If I quit now, my life itself would become a lie.

Can you imagine… That one day in your life where everything seems to be going good…things are getting better. But then you receive a message and find out that your life will end. In 24 hours, you will be dead, as part of the government’s National Welfare policy.

Servicing your country, the government would say… for the greater good to maintain peace.

This is the premise of Motoro Mase’s ‘IKIGAMI – THE ULTIMATE LIMIT’, a manga series which givesreaders a unique perspective on an alternate Japan where the government instills fear of death as a means to obtain a peaceful society.

The manga series focuses on the character of Fujimoto who works for the government and his job is to notify people with an “Ikigami” notice that they will die within 24 hours.

The premise of the story is that when a citizen enters elementary school and receives their immunization shots, the National Welfare Immunization is given. Among the immunization shots given to children, 0.01 percent of the shots contain a special nano-capsule. About 1 in 1,000 citizens are injected with the capsule and when they are between 18-24 years old, the capsule ruptures on a predetermined date and they person will automatically die.

The Japanese government believes that because citizens never know who has been injected with the capsule, they all grow up wondering if they will be the one that dies and so, this forces the individual to take life more seriously and become socially productive.

Since the law for the National Welfare Immunization was passed, crime and suicides in Japan have fallen and the Japanese concern of birth rates have increased (note: In reality, Japan is concerned that their population is shrinking as many couples are not wanting to produce offspring and worry that Japan will not be productive in the future unless this is changed now. Also, the crime and suicide problems of Japan have steadily grown).

In the nature that someone does die, their family of the deceased is paid a pension but if by any chance, the person who commits a crime after receiving their Ikigami, the family will be denied the pension but also will be liable financially towards the crime committed by the deceased and in effect, will be ostracized by the community and will be forced to relocate.

Also, if anyone voices their disdain publicly about the National Welfare Immunization, they will also be dealt with and will be injected with the capsule.

The first six volumes of “IKIGAMI – THE ULTIMATE LIMIT” have shown us how the Ikigami has affected many lives and how people went on to live their final day in their life. Some who wanted to share their final moments with love ones to those who wanted to destroy others.

Also, throughout the manga series, we have seen “the messenger”, the protagonist named Fujimoto, starting to question his job and the morality of the “Ikigami”. Is it all wrong? How does he really feel about it? The problem is that the mere discussion or questioning against the National Welfare Immunization is illegal and can land him in big trouble. His boss has been quick in preventing of discussing his thoughts about the immunization and his job because of the ramifications Fujimoto may face.

In the last volume, we find out that one of Fujimoto’s associates who seemed to be pro-National Welfare Immunization is actually very much against it and has tried to sway Fujimoto to support the cause against it.

And now with volume seven, because of the repercussions of the last volume, the National Welfare Immunization has now the Civil Registration Section are worried that their employees may be rogue, so employees are having to go through a thought examination board to see where their loyalty lies. As for Fujimoto, he worries that although he is not sure which side of the fence he supports, what if the CRS detects that he has some problems towards the use of the immunization?

So, the only thing that Fujimoto can do is just do his job and see what will happen when he is examined.

Volume seven of “IKIGAMI – THE ULTIMATE LIMIT” features two stories of how people are affected by the IKIGAMI.

The first story focuses on a young man named Taka who used to visit Ikeyama Photo Studio and is introduced to SLR technology. Despite the emergence of digital cameras, Mr. Ikeyama still believes that SLR technology is important and even shows young Taka a classic Mikon F camera (note: Yes, a spin on the classic Nikon F camera).

Needless to say, he and store owner Mr. Ikeyama develop a strong relationship and Taka enjoys being around Mr. Ikeyama and the store that he asks if one day, he can work at the store.

Ten years later, when Taka is accepted to a technical school for photography, he is even given a classic Mikon F by Mr. Ikeyama but immediately, amongst his peers who are now into digital cameras, they make him feel that his camera is obsolete and let him know that DSLR is the way to go and that he should abandon SLR’s.

When Taka goes to visit Mr. Ikeyama, all is good until Mr. Ikeyama asks him how the Mikon F is doing and Taka explains to him that SLR’s are rarely used. This leads to an argument by Mr. Ikeyama, who is still a big supporter of analog technology and against digital technology that the argument becomes so heated, that Mr. Ikeyama has a heart attack.

Since that day, Taka has not visited Mr. Ikeyama and now that his career as a photographer is going so well, Taka still feels that he wants to work with Mr. Ikeyama but his hopes are dashed when he receives an IKIGAMI. How will Taka live his final day alive?

For the second story, we are introduced to a B-Boy (break dancer) named Katsunori who is teaching one of his protege’s Nobuo on how to improve his dancing.

Katsunori is a great dancer but he has agreed to quit dancing in order to focus in getting into a good school. His father who owns a cram school has made a deal with his son that if he is willing to take over the cram school when he gets older, his father will also make the second floor of the building into a dance school.

Fast forward a year later and Katsunori who has been working hard in school has become overweight and has not danced at all for an entire year. Despite his dreams of being a dancer, Katsunori is wanting to make sure that the deal he made with his father becomes a reality and that a dance school does open up in the building.

When Katsunori runs into Nobuo, he gives him advice on dancing like he did a year earlier but the other dancers can’t understand why Nobuo follows Katsunori because he’s overweight and doesn’t look like a dancer. When Nobuo gets injured, his friends call Katsunori for help as they need to get into a competition and need a person to replace Nobuo.

But Katsunori tells them no. For Katsunori, he put away his dancing dreams temporarily to make this deal with his dad come true.

But unfortunately, life changes for Katsunori when he receives an IKIGAMI.

How will Katsunori live out his final day?

Like all previous volumes of “IKIGAMI – THE ULTIMATE LIMIT”, each storyline has been wonderful, intriguing, shocking, emotional and sad.

For volume 7, the two people focused in these two stories are good individuals. And are normal people who are pursuing big things in their life and all seems to be going good, that is, until they receive an IKIGAMI.

And for these two individuals, both try to live their final day, the best they can.

Both stories are well-written and really make you care for the two individuals who are dying but also the storyline continues to build on the story of Fujimoto who we are not starting to see him grow discontent towards the National Welfare Immunization but to make things worse, at work, those who are in support of the immunization are cranking down on rogue employees and those who may have been dissuaded by those rogue employees.

We know that Fujimoto’s story continues to build and build with each volume but I can’t help but think that things are going to get very dramatic and serious. So, it’s more or less one thing that continues to make the reader stay with this manga series for the long haul.

From Mase’s awesome character designs and artwork to the overall storyline, this is definitely a manga series that is worth recommending.

It’s a serious and compelling manga series but just so captivating to see how people deal with death. And definitely a unique storyline that anyone can get into and really enjoy.

“IKIGAMI – THE ULTIMATE LIMIT” is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

House of Five Leaves: Volume 2 (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

January 27, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Natsume Ono’s second volume focuses more on character development as the protagonist explores each character on his own. This volume focuses on Umezo and it may lack the mysteriousness of the first volume, still an interesting book that will require patience as the storyline progresses.

MANGA TITLE: House of Five Leaves: Volume 2 (さらい屋五葉)

STORY AND ART BY: Natsume Ono (オノ・ナツメ)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHOGAKUKAN, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Viz Signature/Ikki Comix

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: December 21, 2010

Masterless samurai Akitsu Masanosuke was persuaded to join the kidnapping ring “Five Leaves” after drawing the interest of its charismatic leader, Yaichi. At Yaichi’s prompting he becomes employed as a guard for Katsuraya, a house of ill repute. However, after succumbing to illness he withdraws to the country villa of Goinkyo, an associate of the Five Leaves, to recover.

While there, he inadvertently learns more about the history of the gang – particularly the gruff but kind Ume – and about the cords that bind each of the members to their pasts. But the more Masa learns, the more the mysteries deepen…

In Spring 2010, the anime series “Sarai-ya Goyo” (House of Five Leaves) debuted on Fuji TV. Prior to the anime series, the eight and final volume of the House of Leaves was released in Japan.

The 8-volume manga was created by manga-ka Natsume Ono (creator of the manga “LA QUINTA CAMERA”, “Ristorante Paradiso”, “DANZA”, “COPPERS”) in 2006 and published in Shogakukuan’s Monthly Ikki.

“House of Five Leaves” is a an interesting samurai manga series as its protagonist is unlike other samurai protagonist in the fact that the main character has a shy complex. The series focuses on the character Masanosuke Akitsu , a samurai who is extremely shy and because he doesn’t look intimidating enough, he has been fired on all previous jobs he had worked.

In the first volume, Hungry, starving and needing money to send to his poor family back home, he takes a job offered to him by a man named Yaichi. And for Masanosuke, he is thrilled to find a job in which the employer is not to picky nor bothered by his shyness and seems to accept him no matter what.

But during the first job he that he takes for his Yaichi, he finds out that the man he is working for is a kidnapper who charges ransom money. For Masanosuke, he can’t believe that he is working for a kidnapper but due to his samurai code, he must obey his master no matter how conflicted he feels about the job.

And now, Yaichi wants him to join his group of kidnappers and become the fifth member of the “House of Five Leaves”.

Volume 2 features Masanosuke suffering from some illness, meanwhile his intrigue of the “House of Five Leaves” has stayed in his mind and the first person he wants to know more about (outside of the leader Yaichi) is Umezo, the owner of the izakaya and an ex-thief who is very over-protective of his daughter Okinu and is attracted by the female member of the “House of Five Leaves”, Otake.

Masanosuke learns about how things were in the past from Goinkyo, when he was a former head of an infamous gang and how he and Umezo were able to leave the gang. As a manga volume that focuses on Umezo, we learn about his past life and why he left the gang.

“House of Five Leaves” features the following characters:

Masanosuke Akitsu – The main character. A very shy swordsman who is unable to keep a job because he lacks self-confidence and doesn’t look intimidating. Tries to find work to make money and send it to his poor family back home.
Yaichi – The mysterious leader of the “House of Five Leaves”. For some reason, to the surprise of the other members, he is allowing Masanosuke to hang out and be part of his group. Yaichi currently lives in a brothel.
Matsukichi – A spy for the Five Leaves, a thief and makes hair ornaments.
Umezou – Owner of a tavern where the Five Leaves meets. Loves making pickles and is head over heels for Otake and warns Masanosuke not to get too close to her.
Otake – One worked in a brothel but Yaichi saved her and joined the Five Leaves.

Here is a spoiler-free synopsis of each chapter of “House of Five Leaves” volume 2:

CHAPTER 8: RUDE (PART ONE) – Masanosuke Akitsu is ill but at the meantime, he is curious about the stories behind the members of the House of Five Leaves.
CHAPTER 9: RUDE (PART TWO) – Masanosuke learns that Umezo was once part of a gang.
CHAPTER 10: RUDE (PART THREE) – We learn more about Umezo’s past and how a former gangster has recently found him.
CHAPTER 11: RUDE (PART FOUR) – Masanosuke goes to Goinkyo to make sense of Umezo’s past.
CHAPTER 12: RUDE (PART FIVE) – A former gangster is trying to blackmail Goinkyo and Sen.
CHAPTER 13: A PAINFUL AWARENESS – Masanosuke is challenged to a duel. Will he fight or will he once again cower in fear.
CHAPTER 14: THE SAME NAME – Masanosuke hangs out with Yagi for the day and Yagi takes him to the cemetery.
GLOSSARY – A section in which each manga that explains the Japanese terms used in the book.

Entertaining but yet mysterious…”House of Five Leaves” is a manga series that shows a lot of promise.

Rarely do you find a manga series that focuses on a shy and timid samurai. At first, you wonder if Masanosuke, the main character is a samurai because he is so shy, he is unlike any samurai ever depicted on a manga or anime series. How can this guy even defend his clients or protect their interests when he’s not very good socially with people and he lacks the self-confidence that samurai’s are known for. He’s too shy! But despite his weakness, he is incredibly talented with the sword.

What is also interesting is you see Masanosuke as a guy with a good heart. Willing to help people and in this case, thinking he is doing something good, while in fact, he is working for kidnappers. The boss of this group, “House of Five Leaves” reminds Masanosuke that his their goal is to kidnap from corrupt people.

While the first volume had quite a bit of intrigue because it showcased quite a bit of the mysterious Yaichi, instead of going full force and trying to figure out his character, with volume 2, you have a feeling that the purpose possibly with the next few volumes is showcase each of the main members of “House of Fives Leaves”, in this case, this volume focuses on Umezo.

So far, the manga series has been quite enjoyable and you’re really not sure where the storyline will go in the next volume. But so far, I enjoyed the first volume and enjoyed the unique illustrations by Natsume Ono as well. I will admit that with this second volume and the addition of more characters that relate to Umezo, I often gotten them confused with Masanosuke.

So, while the first volume tries to get your attention by featuring this unusually samurai and his mysterious boss, volume two does take a stepback but is quite necessary as Masanosuke is trying to fit and getting to know the others in the group.

The second volume does have its share of violence, including a man getting killed but it’s a samurai manga series. It doesn’t show anything uber-violent, nor are we going to see heads flying out but someone does die in this second volume.

Overall, “House of Five Leaves: Volume 2″ has proven to be a worthy read and explores the character of Umezo but for those expecting a continuance of the story between Masanosuke and Yaichi, they may be disappointed. But I’m sure, this is one of those manga series that you stick with and once the character development stories are completed, the storyline will start to ramp up.

If you enjoyed the first volume of “House of Leaves”, definitely give “House of Five Leaves: Volume 2″ a try!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Naoki Urasawa’s 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 13 (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

January 7, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

Volume 13: 16 years after the bloody New Year’s Eve, chaos has now returned but this time it has been unleashed throughout the world. This latest volume of Naoki Urasawa’s “20th Century Boys” is fantastic! Definitely one of the best manga series out there and if you want suspense, mystery and storylines that are so addicting, you can’t go wrong with this manga series! Highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: 20th CENTURY BOYS vol. 13

STORY AND ART BY: Naoki Urasawa (浦沢直樹)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC

RATED: T for Older Teen

Available on February 15, 2011

The Friend is dead. As the news spreads around the world, the members of the Friends’ executive committee are faced with a dilemma: Is it all over, or will the events predicted in the New Book of Prophecy still be carried out? Otcho insists that things are not over at all, and that is exactly what his old nemesis – Number 13 – tells the fractious Friends’ committee, where quite a few members are prepared to call it quits. Soon thereafter, certain members begin disappearing, one after the other.

And 15 years later, the Friends have used the massacre to grow their cult and to take control of society, politics, law enforcement and have their foot in the door worldwide.

In Naoki Urasawa’s “20th CENTURY BOYS” volume 13, the story continues after the surprising death of “The Friend” who was gunned down by a former member of his circle. But the biggest shock was the big reveal of who the Friend was…Fukube, one of Kenji’s classmates and a member of his circle… or was he?

With Kenji’s friends united once again, Yoshitsune, Maruo, Otcho and Yukiji try to remember if Fukube was even one of their own when they were kids. Also, revealed is the connection between Japan’s popular singer Haru Namio and Kenji and also Kanna learns the truth about her mother Kiriko.

Meanwhile, internal strife hits the Friend’s Committee very hard and many vie for the position of their fallen leader.