Karakuri Odette volume 3 Storyand Art: Julietta Suzuki Rating: Teen
Odette Yoshizawa is an android pursuing the life of a normal girl. At her own request, she is enrolled in school by her creator, Professor Yoshizawa, to better understand the differences between herself and human girls. Volume 3 opens with Odette searching for a missing cat, resulting in a twist that is unexpected and touching. Odette’s growing maturity as a character is on display here as she continues to discover that she has the power to affect others in the world around her.
The rest of the chapters are par for the course as Odette continues to develop human traits, questioning where they come from and what they mean. This includes finding out that she is the object of someone’s affection and attempting to understand his emotions. As the volume progresses, she furthers her experience as a teenage girl by going out on a date and laments the fact that her android body has to be charged repeatedly. As with previous volumes, Karakuri Odette continues its run as an atmospheric sci-fi tale that is easily relatable. Charming character moments mixed with dramatic tension make this a solid entry in the series full of personality.
Ratman volume 1 Story and Art: Inui Sekihiko Rating: Older Teen
I like to believe that a portion of the manga reading audience are, or once were fans of superhero comics. In many ways the two are similar, stimulating the imagination and making one long to be a part of that world. Reading the first volume of Ratman is a combination of the two, posing the question: if you could be a super hero, would you?
Shuto Katsuragi is a short but determined high school freshman whose dream is to one day become a super hero. The problem is, in his world heroes aren’t costumed vigilantes foiling criminals for the sake of justice but rather, they are the faces of corporate advertising. Their powers are manmade and each one is tested, given a rank such as A-rank, B-rank, etc. Unfortunately for Shuto, his size is detrimental to his becoming a hero as no one takes him seriously. When he and his classmate are kidnapped by the villainous organization “Jackal”, Shuto is tricked into accepting powers that transform him into an actual super hero, complete with bulging muscles and a suit. His amazement is short lived as he discovers that not only is his friend an agent of Jackal, her plan was to transform him into a super powered agent of Jackal.
As if discovering he was now a bad guy wasn’t enough, he is tasked with breaking into the “Japan Hero Association” and paired with possibly the most incompetent minions to ever grace a comic. As Shuto comes into conflict with other super heroes, he discovers that his suit may also have a mind of its own as it attempts to devour an enemy. For poor Shuto, being a super hero is hardly what he imagined.
Sekihiko Inui, known best for the tongue in cheek fantasy Murder Princess, once again manages to turn a popular genre on its head, while still managing to turn in an appealing story. There are numerous references and parodies to super hero comics that further add to the enjoyment of the series for fans familiar with American comics. The artwork, while not the best in the market, delivers eye pleasing character designs and enough action sequences to satisfy both fans of shonen manga and super hero comics.
While there have been many attempts, Ratman may be the first successful bridge between manga and super hero comics. The skewering of super heroes is certainly entertaining but hints of a darker story and Shuto’s journey from loser to hero are what make this book truly worth the read. Ratman volume 1 - A
The Arthurian legend is one of the most well known stories to have ever been told. With countless retellings of the classic fable of a hero whose rise from poverty to Lord of the Camelot, is it any wonder that someone finally decided to focus on the oft over looked but no less important Merlin, and his rise from young upstart to famed sorcerer. That’s exactly what the BBC did with this unique reimagining of the Arthurian tale, fittingly titled Merlin. The first season originally aired on NBC before Syfy purchased the rights later on. So now, nearly a year after it first premiered, it finally lands on DVD.
Merlin follows the adventures of the titular character, of course named Merlin. His travels bring him to Camelot where he is to be trained by the royal physician, Gaius. Upon first meeting him, Gaius discovers that Merlin is much more than he appears, as he has the ability to move objects just by glancing at them. To Gaius surprise, unlike most people who practice magic, Merlin can produce amazing feats of magic without so much as breaking a sweat.
Unfortunately, due to its abuse 20 years prior to the story, magic has been outlawed with the penalty for practicing it being death. The king, Uther Pendragon, has a personal distaste for magic as well as dragons, going so far as to hunt them all down with the exception of one.
Further compounding matters is Uther’s son, Arthur. He is a brash stuck-up prince with a huge chip on his shoulder, whose personal pleasure comes from picking on others weaker than him. To say that he is a jerk would be an understatement. Upon first encountering one another, it would be hard to imagine that these two are destined to be the best of friends. As the series goes on, they battle magical foes of Uther, who crop up seeking to destroy Camelot.
For those familiar with Arthurian lore, it should be quite obvious by now that there are major deviations from the original story. For one thing, Arthur is raised as a prince, rather than living the life of a commoner; not to mention, he is also spoiled and a fierce combatant. It should also be worth noting that both Arthur and Merlin appear to be the same age, an oddity to be sure. Then again, this is a reimagining rather than a retelling and pointing out major differences would only be nitpicking.
For the first half of the season, the episodes are actually very predictable with a “villain of the week” approach. Adversely, the negatives don’t end there as something has to be said about the less than appealing special effects. The graphics used for the dragon are almost laughable and it doesn’t help matters when the actor is positioned right in front of it, making it appear even less realistic by comparison.
Fortunately, the acting is actually quite good, ranging from decent to downright great. Anthony Stuart Head, or Giles to Buffy fans, practically steals the show with his performance as Uther. His take on the character shows a king whose war on magic has left him bitter and jaded while still wishing to protect his people to the best of his abilities. Also of note is Bradley James, whose portrayal of Arthur really sinks in the fact that this character may be unlikable, but he shows the potential to be the once and future king we all know him to be.
While the series kicks off with a bang, it immediately hits a slump and takes some time before it once again picks up steam. When things really get rolling, the show becomes addicting. The quality of the episodes steadily improves and by the finale, it leaves the audience wanting for more.
Even with its flaws, this is an engrossing series. The characters are all well defined and plot improves with every episode. Above all, the show is fun and if nothing else, will appeal to fans of Arthurian lore looking for a more contrasting take from what has come before.
Merlin: the Complete First Season - B+
Bonus Features:
Two making of Featurettes
Video Diaries
Photo Gallery
Wallpapers
In 1949, World War II has been avoided; as a result Japan’s class system has undergone a severe metamorphosis with nobility once again ruling over the commoners, restricting the two from interacting with each other to preserve the new social order. In the nation’s capital of Teito, the skyline is a vibrant mix of towering Manhattan style skyscrapers and dilapidated homes. However, the upper classes find themselves being terrorized by a mysterious yet charismatic criminal dubbed K: 20 by the public, whose daring robberies and impossible escapes make him powerful enemy to the elite and a hero amongst the serfs.
Endo Heikichi is a humble circus acrobat, doing his best to draw money to keep the circus running and pay for the ring master’s health bills. Though destitute, his life is everything he could imagine, as he has developed a family among those living in the circus and enjoys the opportunity to perform in front of others. His extraordinary skills draw the attention of a tabloid editor who hires Endo to snap some exclusive pictures a celebrity wedding between the police Chief Kogoro Akechi and the princess Yoko Hashiba. At the same time, K-20 has also publically marked the wedding as his next site of attack, putting the authorities on high alert.
Through a series of incidents, Endo is mistakenly captured and declared K-20. After being tortured and interrogated, Endo finds himself rescued by the society of thieves who also happen to be led by one of his former circus compatriots. Unfortunately for the hapless Endo, everything he held dear is gone, as the circus he once valued has been set ablaze and its performers separated. Unwilling to let things stand as they are, he resolves to train himself using the same techniques K-20 employs in order to capture the master thief and clear his name.
Originally based on a novel by Soh Kitamura, K-20: the Fiend with Twenty Faces is a mixture of pulp tropes and high adventure with hints of steampunk thrown throughout.
Unlike most superhero films today, the tone is kept light hearted while still showing its influence from the likes of Batman and Zorro. While Endo does occasionally display angst, his character later on becomes optimistic, showing off a renewed sense of hope as he effortlessly dives from building to building. The characters themselves are cheerful, occasionally reminding each other to say “thank you” after every rescue.
There are moments that offer laughs sprinkled within that for the most part are genuinely funny. The characters themselves are a treat to watch, as they are exposed to one situation after the next and react accordingly. Most are wide-eyed and enthusiastic, especially the ditzy Yoko, whose character evolves from a restrained melancholic princess to an adventure craving do-gooder. Unfortunately, one key scene meant to be used for comedic effect backfires and goes a long way in revealing K-20’s true identity.
Extras are virtually non-existent. Only trailers are included here, even lacking a dub which isn’t surprising given Viz’s recent releases but would be appreciated.
Every actor turns in a noteworthy performance, adding to the overall charm of the film. Everyone puts their best foot forward, displaying unparalleled charisma and confidence.
Honestly, K-20: the Fiend with Twenty Faces is a breath of fresh air. Unlike the super hero films presented in the US in which the worst of mankind is on constant display, K-20 treats everything as an adventure. While it takes the subjects of a divided class structure and social poverty seriously, it refuses to sink to the depths of despair, rather maintaining a constant sense of optimism, reminding us that the super hero genre is meant to be boisterous fun.
Cirque du Freak volume 5 Story: Darren Shan Art: Takahiro Arai Rating: Teen
From its origins as a series of novels to its meteoric rise as a burgeoning, Cirque du Freak once again looks to be transitioning into another form of media, primarily manga.
Released in Japan with artwork by Takahiro Arai, follows the trials of Darren Shan, interestingly sharing the name of the book’s author. After finding himself blackmailed into becoming a half-vampire, he leaves behind his normal life to instead focus on becoming accepted by his new found brethren. Volume 5 gives us a look into the trials Darren must take in order to prove his worth as a vampire. If successful, he will have attained admiration and honor amongst his peers. However, if he should fail, it would likely mean death.
The series of trials he must face are arduous ones, as he must find his way through a maze while blind folded as well as tied to a boulder, to having to crawl along a cavern of filled to the brim with spike like rocks, to risking being set on fire in a room that spits flame from all directions. The fourth trial is a bit more difficult as he must then contend with two giant boars looking for blood. Unfortunately, in the middle of combat he finally succumbs to his wound, forcing a surprise rescue and the audience screaming for his blood. The story transitions quite well into graphic fiction and is tailor made for the shonen genre of manga. The artwork is energetic and the characters themselves are charmingly designed and developed.
Cirque du Freak is an enjoyable read and sure to attract a new audience to the world of manga. Fans and newcomers alike are sure to find themselves entertained as this is yet another successful jaunt for the franchise.
Yotsuba&! volume 8 Story and Art: Kiyuhiko Azuma
Rating: All Ages
There’s just something about Yotsuba&! that makes reading every volume magical. Perhaps it’s due to the series’ perception of innocence that that threatens to transport readers back to their own childhood.
Resembling the manga equivalent to the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes, Yotsuba&! follows the story of a little green haired girl named Yotsuba, whose inquisitive nature often leads her to the discovery of new and exciting things that we as adults may no longer find appealing or take for granted.
Picking up where the last volume left off, Yotsuba and her father have just returned from their trip from a ranch. Yotsuba, being the ball of energy that she is, races off to show everyone her souvenirs. When she receives another gift from a neighbor, she proclaims it opposite day decides that everything she says is the opposite of what she really intends. Naturally, not everyone understands the concept and more than a few are caught off guard by what she says.
Afterward, Yotsuba and Koiwai decide to experience a cultural festival in which the enthusiastic little girl meets a “panda” as well as traverse through a haunted house. Later, Yotsuba’s hankering for a strawberry cake send everyone scrambling.
Kiyohiko Azuma’s artwork for the series is inspired, meshing relatively simplistic character designs with hyper detailed background images.
With only one more volume to go before the English release catches up to its Japanese counterpart, fans are in for a long wait. Still, this is a title that has the ability to bring a smile to everyone’s face and thus is more than worth the wait.
Dorohedoro volume 1 Story and Art: Q Hayashida Rating: Mature
Graphic violence, otherworldly magic, and black comedy combine to once again prove just how much more over the top Japanese comics are than anything you will see in America. Seriously, this is like some unholy union between A Clockwork Orange and Fullmetal Alchemist. It shouldn’t work but somehow Q Hayashida defies the odds and presents us with a fairly intriguing if not downright disturbing premise.
Lizard-headed Caiman is just your average working joe except for the fact that, well, he has the head of a lizard. Every so often, he heads out into the ghetto to track down and assault any sorcerers he happens upon, looking for retribution against the one that transformed him into what he is. Aided by a combat ready cook Nikaido, his nights generally end with a sorcerer’s head in his mouth.
This is in fact the first scene that we’re introduced to upon cracking open the book; Caiman with his jaws digging into another man’s skull while he asks him what he sees. This is due to the fact that living within Caiman is what appears to be a man whose reason for being there is unknown even to hapless lizard man. Dorohedoro wastes little time in setting up the plot. Right away it’s made clear that Caiman is a victim, having no clue who he is, how he got a lizard’s head, and why there is a man living inside him. His main course of action is beating any sorcerer he finds, demanding answers in exchange for their life. Of course this is done after hours as he still has to find a way to put food on the table for he and his roommate.
Potential buyers should be aware that this is an unabashedly violent book. Every other page features someone either having their head dug into using Caiman’s teeth or fingers flying throughout the air as they are sliced from a sorcerer’s hand. As if that weren’t enough, almost every page has a character cursing for some reason or another. This is not kid friendly.
Hayashida’s artwork perfectly captures the grimy setting of the story. Her overuse of cross hatching and erratic line work the series’ gritty nature. The character designs carry a retro feel, reminiscent of designs you would find in Akira. Dorohedoro isn’t for everyone. Some will likely be turned off by the excessive violence and the foul language littering each page. Those who do give it a chance might want to buckle themselves in. This is one wild ride that shows no signs of slowing down.
