Manga Review: Kingyo Used Books volume 1

Kingyo Used Books volume 1

Story and Art: Seimu Yoshizaki

Rating: Older Teen

At Kingyo used books, every manga one could ever want is available to those seeking to reconnect with a childhood memory of better times, whether it be aspirations to be a world famous detective or the desire to find a soul mate similar to one they had read about. Every day, an eccentric group of people congregate to the tiny bookstore celebrating their love of manga and the influence it holds over their lives.

Published under Viz Media’s SigIKKI imprint, Kingyo Used Books is the reader’s answer to why they enjoy manga. Each chapter focuses on a different character, each connected through their appreciation of manga. Each one believes they have grown out of what they believe to be a childhood hobby. Over the course of the story, the characters gradually realize the truth that they cannot nor do they desire to forget the medium that has brought them so many years of pleasure. In doing so, they discover Kingyo used books, a second hand bookstore specializing in manga.

Seven different stories are told, each one realistic and magical at the same time. In many ways, Kingyo Used Books is an observation of what it means to be fan of manga. In many ways, manga is a tool to lift people’s spirits and connect to others.
The series episodic nature at times makes the story predictable, following a pattern of introducing a random character with memories of their favorite series, eventually leading to that character wanting to recapture the magic of their favorite manga and coming across Kingyo. For the most part, the series hits surprisingly close to home, providing sentimental flashbacks for manga lovers.

Also included are linear notes, detailing the series mentioned. This is helpful in understanding the appeal of the series the characters are discussing and may act as a gateway for others wanting to read the same story. There are also more detailed profiles located in the back of the book.

From cover to cover, Kingyo Used Books is a pleasure to read, reminding manga readers why they love the medium.

Kingyo Used Books volume 1 - B

At Random: What is Happening to the Manga Industry?!

The manga industry has been on a well documented decline as of late but no one could have guessed things had gotten this desperate. Last week, Viz media released a total of 60 people in an effort to “restructure”, around 40% of the company’s workforce. This is the second time in as many years that the manga giant has undergone major layoffs in the face of the worsening economy.

A week later and CMX manga, a subsidiary of DC comics has announced its immediate folding. The Co-publishers of DC, Jim Lee and Dan Didio released this statement:
“Over the course of the last six years, CMX has brought a diverse list of titles to America and we value the books and creators that we helped introduce to a new audience. Given the challenges that manga in the American marketplace, we have decided that CMX will cease publishing new titles as of July 1, 2010.”

While things certainly aren’t looking good, there is a silver lining; this has happened once before and the industry managed to come out of it relatively in one piece. Viz has also confirmed that it has no immediate plans to cease publication of any of its titles.

So how did this happen? Well let’s take a look:
Price increases: In the last two years, every company raised the price of its manga by $1-2 dollars. Considering the state of the economy, the price raise couldn’t have come at a worse time. All of Viz’s Shonen Jump releases featured a price jump from $7.95-$9.95. Something like this was poorly planned and obviously took a toll on the consumers who probably retreated online to read their favorite series for free. This brings us to the next point…

Online scanning: Those scanning and uploading manga and making it available for free are hurting the business. For one thing, it’s illegal and no different than doing the same for music. If a product is available for viewing for free, there is little incentive for consumers to purchase the product. Viz Media has been rather passive about the issue, making matters worse considering their place as North America’s largest publisher.

Over Saturation of the Market: Over the last few years, there has been a noticeable spike in license’s, from more well known and popular series such as Soul Eater to the obscure Saturn Apartments. The increase in licensed titles by publishers has over saturated the market and in the long run, hurt the publisher. Viz is a prime example, grabbing up nearly every title in Shueisha’s library. The fact is, the demand is not nearly great enough to support the decision to bring over many of these series. Already proven titles like Bleach and Naruto are understandable but a series like Dorohedoro only appeals to a niche market.

Marketing: Manga has a series for everyone and should be marketed as such. From action, to romance, even slice of life, the list goes on and on. The industry needs to try and reach a new audience. Advertising in their own magazines won’t gain new readership. There should be ads in well known magazines such as Time or even Empire. It’s obvious that the current readership isn’t enough to sustain the industry, so try to increase it.

If the manga industry is to survive, those in charge need to step back and take a closer look at what is hurting their companies. There are several other reasons for the drastic downturn, far too many to list, however those detailed above could possibly provide future insight as to what measures need to be taken. Laying off employees won’t increase sales. If something isn’t done now, fans may just witness the downfall of manga in the US.

Book Review: The Stories of Ibis

The Stories of Ibis

By Hiroshi Yamamoto

Kaikusho Books

In a future where androids are the dominating presence and humans are left struggling for survival, a wandering story teller is kidnapped by the mysterious android Ibis and told the history of the machine’s rise through a series of stories. Though each story appears to be inconsequential to the other, they in fact reveal the earliest history of man’s interaction with machines. With every new tale, the story teller gains a little more insight into the true nature of the android and what her intentions are for sharing the stories with him.

Reading the Stories of Ibis left me with mixed feelings. The majority of the stories contained are previously published works from various years of the author Hiroshi Yamamoto’s career, with only two being specifically written for the book. As such, the quality varies. Between the stories are interludes, told from the story teller’s perspective as he discusses with Ibis the meaning behind each narrative. Truth be told, some are a chore to get through while others will breeze on by before you know it.

Needless to say, this is a book whose merit depends on the parts that make up the whole. Luckily, the good far outweighs the bad, combining to give readers a unique take on a dystopian future that really isn’t all that bleak.

The writing itself is a mixed bag. While the characters are interesting and well thought out, the descriptive nature leaves something to be desired. Much of the writing is simplistic, offering an almost shallow reading experience. It almost feels as if you’re reading the script for an anime.

On the whole, this book is recommended for young adults with an interest in sci-fi. Those looking for something deeper will want to look elsewhere.

The Stories of Ibis - B-

Manga Review: Eyeshield 21 volume 31

Eyeshield 21 volume 31

Story: Riichiro Inagaki

Art: Yusuke Murata

Rating: Older Teen

There’s only five minutes remaining in the final showdown between the Deimon Devil Bats and the Hakushu Dinosaurs. As the clock ticks away the two teams trade positions, Sena, Hiruma, and Kurita struggle to find a way to power through the unmatched defense of Gao and Marco.

Afterward, the team decides to gather some info on their next opponents, the Teikoku Alexanders, touted as the strongest team in all of Japan. After getting caught sneaking in, they are surprised to find that they are more than welcome to study the Alexanders’ techniques. When questioning their over confidence, Sena and the others are shocked to find that not only is their top player the real Eyeshield 21, their entire team consists of the best athletes.

Eyeshield 21 at this point has grown into a superb series, with well developed characters, intense action, and touching humor. While the battle against the Dinosaurs was among the series finest, the look into the Alexanders roster ups the ante, as the team prepares for their toughest challenge to date. With the Christmas Bowl in their sights it would appear the series is prepping for an explosive conclusion. As a fan, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Eyeshield 21 volume 31 - A

Manga Reviews: One Piece volumes 24 - 25

One Piece volumes 24-25
Story and Art - Eiichiro Oda
Rating - Teen

The “Straw Hat” pirate’s adventure in Alabasta has come to an end; after a few heartfelt words, the crew once again sets sail on their continued journey of the “Grand Line”. To their surprise, they discover a former enemy has stowed away in the hopes of joining the crew. Promising more adventure for the would-be pirate king, she tells Luffy and company of the legend of a sky island known as Skypiea.

A few unique encounters with monkey men and larger than life giants convince the “Straw Hats” to port in the town of Jaya, where they run afoul of the infamous pirate Bellamy as well as Black Beard. While they hope to discover a path to Skypiea, instead they find themselves being lectured with talks of dreams and what it really means to be a pirate, which only strengthen Luffy’s resolve. While exploring the tiny town, the “Straw Hats” happen upon a descendant of an infamous liar who also happens to be familiar with the legend of Skypiea.

Meanwhile, the World’s Government has begun gathering it’s forces in preparation for the growing threat the pirates represent, the greatest of their concerns being a meeting between the two pirate lords, White Beard and “Red Haired” Shanks.

After the lengthy Alabasta arc, these two volumes serve as a nice breather. Battles are scarce and the fights that are featured are kept short. Instead there is a renewed focus on adventure which almost serves to reinvigorate the series.

The artwork is typical of what fans have come to expect Eichiro Oda. The characters are all distinguishable with designs that are perfectly befitting of the world they inhabit. The pencils have a frenetic feel and lend themselves well to the hyper stylized nature of the series.

Thanks to the introductions of new characters and beginning of a new adventure, volumes 24 and 25 make for perfect jumping on points for those curious. For everyone else, these volumes offer up more of the same great writing and art that has made the series a worldwide sensation.

One Piece volume 24 - A
One Piece volume 25 - A

DVD Review: K-20: the Fiend with Twenty Faces

K-20: the Fiend with Twenty Faces

(Viz Media, 137 minutes)

http://www.viz-pictures.com/in_theatres/k20.html

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.

K-20: the Fiend with Twenty Faces - A

Manga Review: Dorohedoro volume 1

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.

Dorohedoro volume 1 - B

Manga Review: Bokurano Ours volume 1

Bokurano Ours volume 1


Story and Art: Mohiro Kitoh


Rating: Older Teen

The idea of giant robots has long been a stable in manga. Over the years, writers have struggled with ideas of keeping the genre fresh and interesting. Regardless of how they are featured, more often than not, their designs alone, if creative enough, will guide them to popularity allowing for an expansion into other media. Bokurano Ours strays from that mindset, focusing less on the “mecha” and more on the humans inside the machine.

When 15 children stumble into a cave, they encounter a man from an alternate world who offers them an opportunity to participate in a game unlike any other. Unfortunately, this is a game of life and death, as each one must pilot a giant robot and defend their earth from mysterious invaders.

As one would expect, explosions erupt in the middle of cities, buildings collapse, and those around are collateral damage. Surprisingly, it’s not long before one of the children is killed in a twist that no one could have seen coming.

Where Bokurano Ours excels is its exploration of the children’s emotions. Upon first seeing the robot, they are elated to learn that they will be piloting such a thing; however as time goes on, they see the amount of destruction their game creates, leading to the final straw when they lose one of their own. Of course, this is only the first volume, leading one to imagine that they still have a ways to go before declaring the game over.

The art, though nothing special, competently conveys the emotion and action taking place. The biggest complaint would have to be the lack of backgrounds in the panels as most are talking heads in white space.

This is a Viz Signature title and as such, the trim size of the paper is larger and the cover is given flaps, much akin to a book. This is an excellent treatment and at the very least, should entice potential buyers to take a look.

All in all, Bokurano Ours is an excellent addition to the Signature line. The focus on kid’s growing discomfort allows for a more human story while still delivering the action that fans of the genre are fond of. The title should appeal to a fairly diverse audience and will most likely be the series to watch out for as the story develops.

Bokurano Ours Volume 1 - A