Manga Reviews - Quick Hits

Naruto Volume 46

As a child, a nine tailed demon fox was imprisoned within Uzumaki Naruto’s infant body, in the process saving the village of Konoha and turning him into an outcast among his fellow shinobi. Years later, Naruto has joined his fellow ninja in protecting his village and his friends while striving toward achieving his dream of becoming Hokage, the ultimate shinobi.

Volume 46 of the long running ninja series opens with a literal bang as nearly every shinobi in Konoha desperately fight to hold off the onslaught of the godlike being known as Pain. Even Kakashi, who up till now was depicted as one of the stronger characters of the series, is proven ineffectual against Pain's might. Many lose their lives as Pain rampages across the war torn landscape searching for Naruto, ultimately culminating in a showdown between the two determined warriors.

This was a fantastic entry in the series as the drama hit new highs with two established characters seemingly biting the dust. Naruto’s return to his devastated village was one of the most powerful scenes in the title’s history. Though the story takes a backseat to the action, what is presented her is compelling none the less.

This volume represents the best of the series run so far. Its griping action and layered plot will have the reader on the reader on the edge of their seat from the first page to the last, proving why Naruto is among the most popular manga titles in the world.

Naruto Volume 46 – A




Dogs – Prelude

Four seemingly unrelated individuals roam a crime filled world in a series of interlocking stories, each searching for the secrets of their past while living on the edge of this ultra-violent backdrop.

This introductory volume into the world of Dogs follows the exploits of four eccentric personalities as they each struggle to overcome the hardships in their lives.

First is Mihai, a former hitman haunted by the images of those he has slain.
Next is Badou, a chain-smoking information broker whose occasional nicotine fit turns him into a trigger happy maniac.
Third is Naoto the “blade maiden”, a skilled swordswoman raised and trained to exact revenge on the person responsible for her family’s murder.
Rounding out the group is Heine, a “stray dog” whose metal collar and incredible aptitude for combat lead him in search of those who robbed him of his life.
Each chapter acts as an introduction to these characters as each one attempts to make sense of their world while coming to terms with their violent pasts.

Each character is given a cool design that should appeal to fans of leather. On the downside, backgrounds are almost nonexistent as all of the artist's effort went toward illustrating the characters and their movements.

This volumes ability to mesh hyper kinetic action sequences with somber brooding characters, each with a unique story, make it an intriguing start for those desiring a more mature title.

Dogs - Prelude - B+

Black Lagoon

What is it about beautiful woman who wield dangerous weapons that continues to fascinate us? Black Lagoon may not have the answer but it sets out to remind the audience why we love them.

Black Lagoon follows the exploits of Rokuro Okajima, or “Rock” as he later comes to be known, as he becomes entangled in the dealings of foul mouthed outlaws and fearsome gangsters. When he is caught in the middle of his company’s industrial crisis, he is abandoned by his superiors, forcing him to make the fateful decision of beginning a new life as a member of the outlaw crew who reside on the Black Lagoon.

This volume introduces us to a quartet of uniquely over the top characters, each with a history to call their own.

Dutch serves as the calm calculating leader, acting as the glue that holds everyone together.

Revy is a gun toting sharp shooter who is as dangerous as she is beautiful.

Benny, the computer genius and engineer aboard the ship, is the brains behind the crew.

Finally, “Rock” is the clever newcomer who keeps them all grounded.

As the book unfolds, the crew becomes involved with one crazy mission after another, all in the name of earning a quick buck.

Being an action series, Black Lagoon shamelessly pumps out page after uber-violent page of blood inducing gore. Make no mistake; this is not a title for youngsters. Blood is prevalent and profanities are strewn across every other page.

The artwork delivers in both design and action. Each page is laid out carefully, populated with an abundance of cleverly designed characters and perfectly paced action choreography that looks to have come straight out of a movie.

Reading Black Lagoon almost feels like watching your favorite Quentin Tarantino film. The graphic non-stop violence and the foul mouthed personas that run rampant act as parts of a whole that when combined, form a brutal sexually charged thrill ride that will leave you wanting for more.

Black Lagoon Volume 1 - A