“Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic” vol. 9 is an entertaining and humorous volume that takes a break from any dungeon hunting, major drama or action for now. But it’s also an important volume as the primary three characters receive major training that will benefit them from her on out. But also, the introduction of a a character who will be joining Alibaba, Aladdin and Morgiana on a mission.
Image courtesy of © 2009 Shinobu Ohtaka. All Rights Reserved.
MANGA TITLE: Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic Vol. 9
STORY AND ART BY: Shinobu Ohtaka
FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: Shogakukan
PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Sunday
RATED: T for Teen
RELEASE DATE: December 9, 2014
With peace restored in Balbadd, Aladdin and his friends have begun training in Sindria, the land of King Sinbad. With the rise of Al-Thamen, an organization dedicated to spreading evil around the world, there is much to do. While Alibaba works to repair the Sword of Amon, visitors from the Kou Empire arrive with an interesting proposal. Then, King Sinbad assigns a weighty task: they must enter Zagan – Dungeon No. 61!
As Alibaba, Aladdin and Morgiana stay in the the kingdom of Sindria, they are introduced to Sinbad’s Eight Generals.
While Morgianna continues her training with Masrur, Aladdin must learn to become a better sorcerer and learns from Yamraiha, while Alibaba must continue to be a better swordsman and must learn from Sharkkan.
Meanwhile, the Prince of the Kou Empire arrives for his education in Sindria and also, will Sinbad be forced to marry Princess Kogyoku Ren?
Find out in volume 9 of “Magi: The Labyrinth”!
What is “Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic”?
When it comes to opportunities of becoming a manga writer/artist (mangaka), Shinobu Ohtaka’s story.
She has written about her story of how she became a manga artist, as a person who was the person who would sit quietly in the corner of class and was not really great at anything and often playing a supporting role. But if there was one thing that she was confident in, it was drawing pictures.
Her first year in high school, she was submitting manga manuscripts because it was her dream to become a manga author. And like many writers, her submissions were denied and this continued through high school and college. And when she was about to call it quits, she was given the opportunity to do a one-shot and it led to the creation of the series “Sumomo Momomo” in 2004 which would eventually become 22 volume manga series and also a 22-episode anime series.
After completing “Sumomo Momomo”, Shinobu then created “Magi” which would be serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday in 2009 and to this day, the series is till ongoing (currently, at 17 volumes) and an anime adaptation which was aired in Japan in Oct. 2012 – March 2013 and a new second season which has aired in Japan.
In volume 9 of “Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic”, the storyline shifts for a more upbeat mood as Alibaba, Aladdin and Morgiana receive training to improve their skills but also learn from the best as they are introduced to King Sinbad’s Eight Generals.
But with the Prince of the Kou Empire arriving to Sindria, he also has a unique request to ask of the King.
A lot has changed in “Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic” with the characters.
Alibaba had his broken knife broken, Aladdin has lost Ugo and Morgiana just wants to be closer to the two and accompany them on their mission.
With volume 9 of the manga series, it’s more or less about getting back to the basics and the primary characters using this volume to enhance their skill. Aladdin learning from a sorceress, Alibaba learning from a master swordsman and Morgiana trying to find her way.
But this volume also introduces a character who will join the three as they prepare to take on their next dungeon, but what is going on with this Prince of the Kou Empire and what request does he have for King Sinbad?
Meanwhile, the King is put in a predicament as Princess Kogyoku Ren accuses him of sleeping with her…but did he? And will he be forced to marry her?
As with each volume, the story and artwork by Shinobu Ohtaka is enjoyable to read and see. He has his own art style and while backgrounds are not as prominent in Ohtaka’s work, it’s the close-ups and the ability to capture emotion that he does quite effectively but most importantly, it’s the storyline that he features that makes “Magi: The Labyrinth” so entertaining and addictive.
Overall, “Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic” vol. 9 is an entertaining and humorous volume that takes a break from any dungeon hunting, major drama or action for now. But it’s also an important volume as the primary three characters receive major training that will benefit them from her on out. But also, the introduction of a a character who will be joining Alibaba, Aladdin and Morgiana on a mission.
If you have been following the series for this long, “Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic” is recommended!