Title: Elfen Lied

Author & Artist: Lynn Okamoto

Chapters: 1 – 107 (Complete)

Summary

Diclonius are a mutant species with a human type body, but are distinguished by their two horns (which look like rabbit ears) and their “vector” ability, transparent telekinetic arms that manipulate and cut objects within their reach. Lucy is the main diclonius character who was rejected by humans as a child and takes her murderous vengeance upon them. But her double personality and relationship with Kohta, a teenage boy with repressed traumatic memories, eases the murderous rage. Though these two things don’t stop the vengeance completely. The diclonius researchers want Lucy for their purposes and are willing to use any means to get her.

The Good

Fight Scenes

The action and fighting is pretty good. If you force yourself to keep reading, it’s probably because of the action. It is easily the highlight of the manga with regards to artwork. But there is another highlight in the manga that doesn’t have to do with the artwork.

The Main Character

Lucy is quite a unique character. I especially like her drive to kill, which separates her from other characters I have read. She doesn’t care for morals or justice, she only cares about herself which is fine considering her harsh treatment as a child. She is made out to be a villain, but a sympathetic one who the reader wants to see win. Sadly, she is the only character I cared for throughout the manga.

The Bad

Everyone Else

Lucy is the unique and most interesting character of the manga, but everyone else isn’t. Kohta, Yuka, and the diclonius Nana are just some of the most annoying characters in the manga. Nana can’t get over her papa complex, showing that she never really grows throughout the manga. Yuka never gets over Kohta and his love for Lucy, which leads her into self loathing mode pretty much all the freakin’ time! And then there is Kohta. Not only is he the most wimpish character in the manga, he is the least interesting character that had the best setup to be something more.

His repressed memories are of him on a train with his sister and father. Both family members die in a murderous fashion by Lucy’s hands, leaving Kohta the only survivor on the train. But the manga does not use this memory as a setup to sympathize with Kohta. It’s used to sympathize with Lucy, and it works very well to its advantage. What’s funny is when he remembers the incident, to tries to say to Lucy that he’ll get revenge on their behalf. No, his sorry ass can’t do shit. That sudden urge to get revenge doesn’t change his character growth at all (damn wimp). So in the long run, Kohta is just a wimpy character who can’t do anything but be Lucy’s main conflicting love interest. That is all.

The Artwork

I won’t say the artwork was terrible, since I don’t usually mind it much, but here it was very obvious that it wasn’t the right type of style that fit an action/mature manga. It looked like the manga was trying to mixing some type of shoujo style artwork (an “okay” type of artwork) into a seinen manga. The problem is it just doesn’t work. If you don’t believe me just look at the cover of the manga. Does that look like a manga with murder, dismemberment, and boobs? Boobs maybe, but not the other two. Speaking of boobs…

Excess “Fanservice”

Now I defined “fanservice” as a part of a manga that is made to please the fans, but the common use of the word has come to be know as panty and nude shots. This is what’s used in the manga and it doesn’t add anything to it. There is a point where the nudity, underpants shots, and girl on girl action are pretty much all the manga has to offer. Really, just look at all the good things I said about the manga. It doesn’t have much going for it except Lucy, not Nyu (Lucy’s second personality) groping Yuka’s boobs.

The Ending

The ending…sucked. Instead of having an ending that ties things up, it made more confusion than sense.

Mayu is cleaning a beach in memory of her lover Bando, a douchbag solider that wanted to kill Lucy but “died” by her hands. Once she is done cleaning, Bando somehow magically comes back to life and greets her. She hugs him which means he is alive, but there isn’t an explanation of how. Nor is there an explanation of how Anna or that other guy (sorry, don’t know his name) survived, though it would have been better if they weren’t added in the last chapter. They were side characters after all. And then there is how Kohta and the others survived Lucy’s third personality’s rage. Illusions of consciousness of Lucy and Nyu saved them from being killed…WHAT THE HELL! Just how the hell do you explain that bullshit! Illusions saved me from being killed. You know what? SCREW IT ALL, I’m done with this crap!

Overall

Elfen Lied had potential, but gave it all up on panties, boobs, and useless characters that didn’t drive the manga anywhere. The artwork didn’t help it at all. But it wasn’t a complete waste of time. I did like Lucy’s character and the interesting power. I’ll go easy on it. I give it a 2 out of 5. YES I WENT EASY ON IT!

Rating:**~~~ (2/5)

Title: 07 Ghost

Author: Yuki Amemiya

Artist: Yukino Ichihara

Chapters: 1-50 (Ongoing)

Summary

Teito Klein is an orphan who is a promising student at an elite military academy. This academy trains their students to use a type of magical power called Zaiphon in order to be well-crafted soldiers of the Empire. Casted out by other students for his past life as a slave, though his real past is a mystery, his only friend Mikage helps his survive the day. However, all does not goes well for Teito once he learns of the Empire’s secret. He soon realizes there is a power to save or destroy the world and the Empire ruthlessly is after it. He journeys to find this source of power and his past with the help of three mysterious priests.

Sorry for the half-assed summary. Very busy this week.

Why You Should Read It

There is so much going on in the story it would be a spoiler if I said anything. Though the first chapter has some familiar elements like a child of prophecy, amnesia hiding a secret life, or homosexual undertones, there is something about the series that just engages me to read more (though not so much the homosexual part). And this engagement is the plotlines to the story. There is so much happening throughout the story (Empire on Teito’s tail, Teito trying to remember past, the 7 Ghost mythology, etc.) that keeps me on my feet the whole time reading. Some people may not like complex plotlines, but I think it’s a very special element in 07 Ghost which does a good job keeping everything together.

For those who like shounen manga, this is not so far from the actually thing. Though it is a joesi type manga, that does not mean it’s “watered down” to let female readers in on the action. On the contrary, it has just as much action as a regular shounen title. But there is a downside to this approach.

Downside

The main characters are all male. Is that bad? No, but I don’t know why many of the male characters have feminine characteristics. They are a little too caring if you ask me. This is probably not a big deal to others, but it just seems odd to me (especially with religious connections to the story). But then again, I have not read a lot of manga where the characters are the same gender (except for Claymore…somewhat). There are some female characters, but they are either stock characters or foils. For those who don’t know, a foil is a character that is only in the story to make another character look better. Kind of like the black material that surrounds diamond rings in those velvet box. There is one female character introduced in the manga, but she is buried in the later chapters.

The distinguishing features of characters is problematic. Hair and accessories are what separates one character from the other. I’m not good with names though I’m much better with appearances. But when two or more characters have a similar hair style, I can’t really tell who’s who. Bother bother.

Even though this is a male dominated manga title, 07 Ghost has some interesting plot lines going for it. The manga was well worth it. Just give the first chapter a read.

Title: Akuma Bengoshi Kukabara

Author: Youn In-Wan

Artist: Yang Kyung-Il

Chapter: 1 (One Shot)

Summary

When someone dies, their afterlife will be spent either in Heaven or Hell. But what happens when Hell awaits you in the afterlife? Jake Watson is the latest soul that will experience an eternity in Hell, unless he signs a contract to the devil advocate. The devil advocate will agree to defend Jake in exchange for the devil essence that surrounds his soul when he died. He now has a choice: to make a contract with the devil advocate D. Lorian Kukabara, or have his soul taken to the fiery depths of hell.

The Good

Story

There is something I find interesting when combining religion, or religious themes, with fiction. It’s probably because many people see it as taboo, but I think it should be used. Here, the concept of suicide as an ultimate sin is looked at. It questions where a child should be held accountable as a sinner for committing suicide. If this was the real world our view would be “no,” but this is another realm. A realm that is untouchable and ruled by one being. I guess I just spoiled my second “good” about the manga.

Setting

The story is set on God’s turf, but then again what isn’t God’s turf (unless your belief is different). It’s a helpless setting, something a mere human can’t overcome. I like stories about super-human beings, but I also like stories where unfamiliar places have a weakening effect on the “super” human race. God’s cruel like that.

The Bad

Short

The story could have been a great series to explore if it got serialized. There was enough of an interest built in the first chapter that could have taken it further than just a one shot. Sadly, it doesn’t seem like that will happen.

God Sucks (the Manga Version)

I couldn’t help but be baffled by this lousy God. There are a few reasons to this:

***Spoiler Alert***

God has a chick, known by as the death bringer, carry his orders. She follows his laws by the book. She tries to take Jake to hell and fails to carry out her orders. Afterwards Jake goes to heaven…

Doesn’t this make God a) an imperfect being and b) contradict the reason to why he/she/it made suicide a sin? There are multiple reasons as to why suicide is a sin, though from my point of view it is a sin because humans were meant to live in peace and suffering on Earth. Committing suicide meant the person wanted to a) join God in heaven on purpose or b) to ease their suffering or both. I maybe wrong, but I don’t think I’m wrong about the interpretation on the almighty in the manga. Then again, I may be thinking too much into it.

Overall

I should point out I’m not offended by the manga’s interpretation of God. I actually found it quite fascinating, but flawed through reasoning (sounds contradictory, don’t it). Though if the manga were serialized, I could have explored more into its notion of God and his/her/its mind set. It’s an interesting read, so check it out. I give it a four out of five.

Rating:****~ (4/5)

Note: There is a full series based on this one shot, though the name has changed to Defense Devil.

Title: Beelzebub

Author & Artist: Tamura Ryuuhei

Chapters: 1-24 (Ongoing)

Summary:

Oga Tatsumi is the strongest juvenile delinquent. During a beating, Oga witnesses a mysterious man floating down a river. The man then splits in two to reveal a baby who then becomes attracted to Oga. And why not? If you were the son of the devil king and soon-to-be devil king, you would want someone as strong as Oga raising you. But Oga has to uphold battles with school gangs to uphold his title, all the while taking care of the young Beelzebub.

Why You Should Read It:

It’s funny…well not in the beginning. I was trying very hard not to judge the first chapter too harshly. The beginning includes some comedic performances that didn’t sink in, but that may have been the characteristics of the characters weren’t explored yet. Luckily in later chapters, the comedy is obvious and hilarious.

Oga’s growth is the main attraction to the manga. No he isn’t really growing, nor is it really seen. But the manga is about a delinquent who has to take care of a baby that will destroy humankind while he is in high school… Need me to repeat that? He will grow, as a character, in one of these chapters. It’s only a matter of time.

The artwork is pretty decent. It’s quite cartoon-looking on the surface, goes with its comedic part, but very striking during the fight scenes.

Downside:

Although I would like to see Oga grow, I want to see him grow away from his fighting status. The story arcs are more about him fighting the number [insert number] best of the school. Taking care of the demon baby is more of a side story. Yes I know it’s shounen, and taking care of babies is shoujo’s job, but switching up the story to the baby may spice it up a bit. An example: instead of taking on normal delinquents, how about angelic beings that have come to destroy the little Beelzebub? See, something that doesn’t involve school bullies. Maybe that’s too soon.

There is potential in this manga. Though only 24 chapters in, it is becoming a rising star in the shounen weekly. Give it a read.

Title: 13

Author & Artist: Hideaki Sorachi

Chapter: 1 (One-Shot)

Summary:

Young Mondo Fujieda is in love with his classmate Izayo Gorugo. But instead of getting close to her, he ends up humiliating her. To Mondo’s surprise, Izayo vows to kill him. And this is after Izayo’s bizarre presentation about her entire family being assassins. She moves away, but Mondo makes some changes out of preparation. Years later, he is the king of delinquents who goes by the name “Thirteen.” Izayo makes an appearance as a new transfer student to his school. She has come back to seek vengeance. Will Mondo be able to survive an assassin’s wrath?

The Good

Characters

The way the characters interact with each other is fun to watch. Watching Mondo become a big shot and Izayo using his status to get him in trouble is very entertaining. It helps that the characters are likable, especially Izayo. You want to see Izayo kick Mondo around, but you want Mondo to do something about it.

Artwork

The artwork is perfect for this type of manga. It’s a blend of cartoony fun and finely illustrated moments. You can see Mondo’s nervousness through his facial expressions. You can see Izayo’s perfect attacks through her graphic motions. Everything about the art is a perfect fit for the story.

Quite Funny

Action is always good with comedy, as long as it’s done right. Here, it’s done right. Izayo’s attacks create odd trouble for Mondo, which are too funny. Of course if you put yourself in his shoes, not so funny.

Nice Reference

It’s not exactly great, but there is a videogame metaphor used in the manga. I was surprised it worked well.

Short

It’s about 37 pages. Pretty short for all you lazies.

The Bad

No More?

Even though it’s a one-shot, it felt like it could continue. The relationship between the two main characters isn’t resolved, clearly, though that seemed to be the intention.

Change In Perspective

There are times in the manga that the character speaking changes. The problem with this was the confusion it created at times. It was puzzling to read about Izayo talk of her assassin family while thinking Mondo was the speaker. As minor as it was, it took me out for those moments.

Lots of Words

There are times when the word count on the pages look daunting. A lot of words on one page can keep someone from reading the manga. So if you don’t like to read, this isn’t for you (lazy ass!).

Overall

I liked 13 a lot. For a one-shot, it was very good even though I would have wished to see more. Grade wise, the good overweighed the bad (I was having a hard time finding something bad to say about the manga). And with that, I give 13 a 4 out of 5.

Rating:****~ (4/5)

Title: Dolls

Author & Artist: Naked Ape (group)

Chapters: 1-15 (scanlation)

Summary:

In a seemingly apocalyptic future, the crime rate in third Toutoh empire has gone out of control. A law was established to help expedite trials and relieve the pressure on the overcrowded prisons. The law states trials could be held without the presence of the accused criminals and sentence them to death, even if they haven’t been captured. To capture or kill such criminals, the Special Execution Police Force was created by the military to uphold that special law. These are their stories (Law & Order joke).

Why you should read it

Did you not read the summary (ignore last sentence)? That alone got my attention.

The story plays much like a cop show, though more like Criminal Intent. The beginning of each chapter usually is in the perspective of the killer, and then turns to the perspective of the special police force. Of course in the end, unlike those cop shows, the killer is killed instead. It’s that bitter type of Justice people prefer over lawyers.

Downside

There is always a flaw in Justice. In the case of Dolls, it’s the comedy. Yes, there is comedy in this manga. The only problem is it isn’t funny and feels out of place. In the story, the Special Execution Police Force (also known as Tokkei) are nicknamed Dolls by society for their lack of emotion when executing a criminal. Comedy is used to show they are human, but from a reader’s point of view it doesn’t work. It’s more like silly antics than comedic.

However, one downside shouldn’t stop you from reading an interesting story. Read at least the first chapter of Dolls. A great read.