OH MY GOSH. I have found a new addiction, and truthfully, I didn't need one. Understand, I am a big American comic/graphic novel fiend from waaaay back, so it was probably inevitable that I was sucked in by the Japanese form of the books. (I started reading comics at age 12--Iron Man and Avengers were my favorite titles, and I still have those collections today.) Anyway, long story short--I read about the manga "Bleach" on a library blog (The Early Word...google it, you'll get it.) and was intrigued enough to check it out. Now, I am quickly becoming a Manga Maniac. Here are a few of my current favorites:
Bleach, by Tite Kubo
This is the popcorn and chocolate manga of my current manga world...thankfully, it hasn't yet found a way to go to my waist. I can eat this story up like crazy. I started reading the manga, then quickly switched to viewing the anime version, and now I'm back with the manga.
Amazon.com's official product description for this series says "Hot-tempered 15-year-old Ichigo Kurosaki, the hero of the popular fantasy-adventure
Bleach, has the unsettling ability to see spirits who are unable to rest in peace. His sixth sense leads him to Rukia, a Soul Reaper who destroys
Hollows (soul-devouring monsters) and ensures the deceased find repose with the Soul Society. When she's injured in battle, Rukia transfers her sword and much of her power to Ichigo, whose spiritual energy makes him a formidable substitute Soul Reaper. But the orange-haired teenager isn't sure he wants the job: too many risks and moral dilemmas."
This series has surprising depth as the main characters struggle with feelings of grief, friendship, commitment, and failure. Of course, it also has lots of humor and action, and the mix is truly wonderful. Buy the set (yes, I have all 30 volumes currently available), and read the latest chapter, translated from the Japanese, online. (Google, you'll find these sites.) But buy the books...and make all your friends read them. From VIZ Entertainment.
Saiyuki, by Kazura Minekura
"Saiyuki" is the ultimate buddy book (I love buddy movies! Wee!). Publisher's Weekly says "A four musketeers tale in which some of the heroes are human and some are a bit more, this manga follows a band of handsome, dashing young adventurers as they travel the land fighting the demonic youkai, who look almost human, aside from pointy ears and bat wings. There's a lot of backstory to this saga, but the protagonists are likable enough to make it enjoyable for newcomers. The leader of the band is Sanzo, a human priest with deadly fighting skill and sullen good looks. Son Goku, a much more cheerful kid, is actually the Monkey King; a long imprisonment in which he never aged explains why he looks and acts like an 18-year-old. Ladies' man Gojyo is actually a youkai himself, but that doesn't stop him from being one of the good guys. And Hakkai is a human who wears a monocle and drives the Jeep."
The cover above is for issue one of "Saiyuki Reload," the second "series" of these books. The first is "Saiyuki," the second, as mentioned, is "Saiyuki Reload," and the third is "Saiyuki Reload Blast." Both the first two series are in print, published in English by Tokyopop. The third series, already being published in Japan, will hopefully be printed in English soon.
Black Bird, by Kanoko Sakurakoji
The artwork on this one was what first caught my eye--all four volumes are graced with stunningly beautiful covers. Of course, I had to buy them, and was happy to see that the interior artwork is just as gorgeous. This is a "girls" manga (or
shōjo manga) meaning that is is aimed at young girls under 20. I didn't let that stop me (I'm a bit beyond 20...LOL) from enjoying it. "Black Bird" is the story of a young girl, Misao, who is predestined to be important to demon-kind in that her blood gives power to the demon who claims her. Unfortunately for Misao, they can claim her either by eating her or drinking her blood, or....by marrying her. When handsome Kyo comes along, telling her he intends to make her his bride. Misao is understandably unamused by this, but as more demons arrive to try and eat her, Kyo's help, good looks, and charisma start to change her mind.
Black Bird received the 2009
Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo manga.This is published by VIZ Media, and I must say they have done a spectacular job with it. Volumes 5 and 6 are scheduled to be released in August and November.
