#IReadsYou Review: MAO: Volume 2

MAO, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA

MANGAKA: Rumiko Takahashi
TRANSLATION: Junko Goda
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Shaenon Garrity
LETTERS: Susan Daigle-Leach
EDITOR: Annette Roman
ISBN: 978-1-9747-2058-3; paperback (November 2021); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £7.99 UK

Mao is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi.  It has been serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Sunday, since May 2019.  In September 2021, VIZ Media began publishing an English-language edition of Mao as a series of paperback graphic novels under its “Shonen Sunday” imprint.

Mao focuses on 15-year-old Nanoka Kiba.  Eight years ago, she was in a mysterious car accident in which she and her parents died, but Nanoka continues to live on.  One day, while visiting the shopping alley on Fifth Street, Nanoka inadvertently enters a portal that transports her back to Japan's Taisho era.  There, Nanoka meets a young-looking exorcist named Mao and his helper, Otoya, a shikigami that resembles a small boy.  As they try to discover what thread of fate connects them, they'll kick demon butt along the way.

As Mao, Vol. 2 (Chapters 1 to 10) opens, Nanoka, Mao, and Otoya investigate the strange cult of Priestess Shoko in hopes of bringing her to justice.  However, diabolical forces surround her, and they will kill anyone who stand in their way.  Meanwhile, Shoko reveals a shocking doomsday prophecy.  Later, Nanoka and her friend, the boy who wants to date her, Shiraha, do some historical research and discover a cataclysmic event that is yet to occur in Mao's timeline.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Mao manga is the latest multi-genre manga from Rumiko
Takahashi.  As usual, this title pairs a young female touched by the supernatural with a youngish male whose trade is in the supernatural.

Mao Graphic Novel Volume 2 finds Nanoka hopping back and forth between timelines.  She and Mao investigate all manner of demons.  Meanwhile, a historical disaster connects the two different worlds in which they live, but history may not be entirely correct about the details of event.  The Princess Shoko story arc reveals that while both their personalities and their methods sometimes clash, Nanoka and Mao are actually a rather nice match.

As she did in the first volume, Shaenon Garrity once again offers an English-language adaptation that is a delightful read, capturing the magic that infuses this volume and also the curious and inquisitive nature of Nanoka.  I couldn't stop reading Mao Vol. 1, and by the time I finished Vol. 2, I really wanted to read more.  I heartily recommend this series to any fans of supernatural fantasy comics and graphic novels even if they have never previously read Rumiko Takahashi.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers who love Rumiko Takahashi’s manga will want the Shonen Sunday title, Mao.

A

9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
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#IReadsYou Review: MAO: Volume 1

MAO, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA

MANGAKA: Rumiko Takahashi
TRANSLATION: Junko Goda
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Shaenon Garrity
LETTERS: Susan Daigle-Leach
EDITOR: Annette Roman
ISBN: 978-1-9747-2052-1; paperback (September 2021); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £7.99 UK

Mao is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi.  It has been serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Sunday, since May 2019.  In September 2021, VIZ Media began publishing an English-language edition of Mao as a series of paperback graphic novels under its “Shonen Sunday” imprint.

Mao, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 8) introduces 15-year-old Nanoka Kiba, a third-year middle school student.  Eight years ago, she was in a mysterious car accident in which she and her parents died, but Nanoka continues to live on.  One day, while visiting the shopping alley on Fifth Street, Nanoka inadvertently enters a portal that transports her back to Japan's Taisho era, around the year 1923.

There, Nanoka meets a young-looking exorcist named Mao and his helper, Otoya, a shikigami that resembles a small boy.  When Nanoka gets back to the present, she discovers that she has some new, incredible abilities.  She returns to the past looking for answers, but only finds herself caught up in Mao’s investigation of a series of gruesome murders and of their mutual connection to a powerful cat demon named Byoki.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Mao manga is the latest multi-genre title from Rumiko
Takahashi.  As usual, this title pairs a young female touched by the supernatural with a youngish male whose trade is in the supernatural.

Moa Graphic Novel Volume 1 is the first Takahashi manga that I have read since I read Rin-ne Volume 32 twenty-one months ago.  I don't think that I had forgotten the pure joy I often feel while reading one of her titles, but I must have been in need of her work.  It has been a long time since I enjoyed reading a volume of manga this much.

The English-language adaptation by Shaenon Garrity is a delightful read, capturing the magic that infuses this volume and also the curious and inquisitive nature of Nanoka.  I couldn't stop reading Mao Vol. 1, and I like that the characters are only revealed enough to make us come back for more.  Susan Daigle-Leach's lettering looks like a perfect fit for Rumiko's work, particularly for Mao.

This is a perfect opening volume – the kind that makes me want more.  And I already have Vol. 2.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers who love Rumiko Takahashi’s manga will want the Shonen Sunday title, Mao.

A+
10 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: URUSEI YATSURA Signature Edition Volume 1

URUSEI YATSURA SIGNATURE EDITION, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Rumiko Takahashi
TRANSLATION/ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Camellia Nieh
LETTERS: Erika Terriquez
EDITOR: Amy Yu
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0342-5; paperback (February 2019); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
416pp, B&W, $19.99 U.S., $26.99 CAN, £12.99 UK

Urusei Yatsura is a manga series written and illustrated by legendary mangaka, Rumiko Takahashi.  A comedy, it was her first ongoing manga series and was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Sunday from 1978 to 1987.  Urusei Yatsura is comprised of 374 individual chapters, which were collected in 34 tankōbon (graphic novel or trade paperback) volumes.  Urusei Yatsura (which means “obnoxious people”) is the story of a Japanese high school boy and the ogre-alien princess who vexes him.

VIZ Media published Urusei Yatsura in English during the 1990s in various formats.  In 2018, VIZ announced that it had re-licensed the manga and that it would publish it in its 2-in-1 mini-omnibus editions that collect two graphic novels or tankōbon volumes in one paperback volume.  The Urusei Yatsura Signature Edition is being published under the VIZ Signature imprint with a rating of “‘T+’ for Older Teens.”  Volume 1 carries a print MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $26.99 CAN, and future volumes will present 400 pages of content in the larger “VIZ Signature” trim size, with the complete series scheduled for English publication by VIZ Media on a quarterly basis.

Urusei Yatsura (Signature Edition), Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 17) introduces Ataru Moroboshi, a lecherous, lazy, always hungry, and girl-crazy high school boy.  He is randomly chosen by an alien computer to battle for the salvation of Earth.  That is how he meets Lum, the alien slash ogre princess.  Lum starts to insists that she is Ataru's wife after he accidentally proposes to her.

Ataru considers Lum a pest and a needless complication in his life.  His real girlfriend, Shinobu, is furious at Ataru for putting himself in this position.  Now, Ataru finds himself fending off Lum, trying to appease Shinobu, and constantly in conflict with all manner of alien beings and also figures from Japanese mythology.

[This volume includes “Urusei Yatsura Data File” 01 and 02, “My Lum” by Rumiko Takahashi, and “Notes.”]

I first learned of Urusei Yatsura as an anime because I read (where, I don't remember) that it had influenced film director Chris Columbus (who directed the first two Harry Potter films) when he created the cult Saturday morning animated TV series, “Galaxy High” (1986).  Years later, I was able to buy a few episodes of the anime on VHS and also purchase a few issues of VIZ's publication of Urusei Yatsura as an American monthly comic book series.

Urusei Yatsura Signature Edition Graphic Novel Volume 1, which collects the first seventeen chapters of the original manga, is the first time that I have been able to read a substantial portion of Urusei Yatsura.  The thing that surprised me the most about this first volume is how well-developed the humor is despite the fact that this was Rumiko Takahashi's first ongoing series.  I have always admired how Takahashi can make a single chapter in a serial manga seem like a self-contained episode that is able to be a complete story by itself outside the main narrative.  Thus, each chapter is a comic work, and one of the best things about Urusei Yatsura is that each volume seems like a collection of sitcom episodes.

Another element that I enjoy is how Takahashi uses creatures and beings from Japanese folklore and mythology, often known as yokai.  Takahashi delights in the first volume with an colorful menagerie of princesses of various mythological types, including a crow goblin princess, a snow goddess, and even a kappa princess who has a jealous, giant-sized boyfriend.

After decades of expectations on my part, I find that Urusei Yatsura lives up to the hype.  I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I heartily recommend this debut volume, which is worth the $19.99 (U.S.) cover price.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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I Reads You Juniors January 2019 - Update #101

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

From Newsarama:  John Byrne will provide variant cover art for Detective Comics #999.

From GeeksWorldWide:  Warner Bros. is developing an animated feature film based on its late animated TV series, "Batman Beyond."

From THR:  Warner Bros. is staking out dates for upcoming its DC Comics films, including for Matt Reeves long-awaited, "The Batman."

From Variety:  Marvel Studios' Black Panther film will return to theaters, via AMC Theaters, from Feb. 1st to 7th, 2019 for free showings (at 250 participating AMC Theaters) to celebrate "Black History Month."

From TheGuardian:  Marvel Studios' "Black Panther" film wins the top award at the 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards.

From Newsarama:  Release dates for upcoming Marvel and DC Comics films.

From ComicBook:  "Black Panther" Wins SAG Award for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble

From BleedingCool:  For final "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill do "2000 AD."

From Newsarama:  Apparently DC Entertainment was rebranded as simply "DC" this past September 2018.

From Newsarama:  See Brendan Fraser as "Robotman" in DC Universe's streaming series, "Doom Patrol."

From ComicsBeat:  The legendary and wildly popular manga creator, Rumiko Takahashi, has won the "Grand Prix" at the comics art festival, FIBD Angoulême.

From ComicsBeat:  Heidi MacDonald on the DC Comics organization.

From Deadline:  Wednesday, Jan 23rd was a day of layoffs for employees of DC Comics, BuzzFeed, and Verizon, with DC laying off seven, including two SVP and one VP.

From Crunchyroll:  Manga creator, Junji Ito ("Tomie"), is scheduled to appear at "Crunchyroll Expo 2019."

From BleedingCool:  Marvel has a new rating, "Ages 10+".

From BleedingCool:  Is there major management restructuring at DC Comics?

From Newsarama:  Writer Eve Ewing and artist Joey Vazquez will help Marvel Comics launch "Marvel Team-Up" in April 2019.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics offered fewer titles in January 2018 than it did in January 2017.

OSCARS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Studios' "Black Panther" film was nominated for seven Oscars at the 2019 / 91st Academy Awards, including in the "best picture" category.

OSCARS - From ComicBook:  "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" was nominated for an Oscar in the "best animated feature" category at the 91st Academy Awards.

From CBR:  CBR's Anthony Gramuglia offers 10 things to know about "Samurai 8," the new manga from Naruto creator, Masashi Kishimoto.

From Newsarama:  The great George Perez has retired from comic book work and private commissions.

From ANN:  The manga "Takane & Hana" will be a live-action series on Japanese television on Fuji TV's on-demand service.

From BlastingNews:  "One Piece" creator, Eiichiro Oda, reveals that the international hit manga is about 80 percent finished.

From ComicBook:  "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" wins the 2019  Producers Guild Award as the top animated film of 2018.

From BleedingCool:  Warren Ellis may be reviving his seminal superhero team, "The Authority," in his current DC Comics' project, "The Wild Storm."

From EW:  Rob Liefeld, creator of Deadpool, will introduce a new "X-Men" character, "Major X," in a new six-issue series for Marvel Comics, entitled "Major X."

From Newsarama:  DC Comics and Target department store chain have made a deal for DC to produce a standalone 100-page anthology, "DC Primal Age," to promote the "DC Primal Age" Funko toy line.

From Newsarama:  Vin Diesel introduces the "Valiant Era" with a photo from his film, "Bloodshot" (from Sony Pictures), based on the Valiant Comics.

From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics go to war in Upper Deck's "Pack Wars."

From THR:  Top selling comic books of 2018 revealed.

From Previews:  Collen Doran is writing and illustrating a graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman's story, "Snow, Glass, Apples."

From THR:  This article mentions in passing that writer-director Christopher McQuarrie has turned down multiple offers from Warner Bros. to direct a DC Comics film.

From Variety:  See the first official trailer to Sony/Marvel's "Spider-Man: Far From Home."  Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) make appearances.

From Newsarama:  Michael Avon Oeming and Dan Berman's comic book, "Six," is being developed for TV by Amazon.

From Newsarama:  Less than five years after the last reboot, Paramount Pictures is developing another reboot of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."

From ComicBook:  Rumors abound about who Loki will be in the Disney+ streaming "Loki" series.

From Comicverse:  Seven Seas Entertainment announces it manga and novel releases for Fall 2019.

From BleedingCool:  I did not know that Glenn Fabry has tuberculosis, but he does and it is in remission.

MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Cartoonist, comic book creator and publisher, Batton Lash, has died at the age of 65, Saturday, January 12, 2019.  Lash is best known for his comic book, "Wolff & Byrd, Counselors of the Macabre."  He also produced a number of cartoon depictions of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama that relied on tired, racist iconography because, he admitted, he was jealous of the praise and adulation that Barack received, and that he (Lash) as a white guy loser did not.

From KJZZ:  The Mexico-based comic book themed restaurant, ComicX, has picked its first U.S. location, and it is Phoenix, Arizona.

From ChicagoSunTimes:  Chicago siblings are joining the Wu-Tang Clan's RZA to produce a digital comic book.

From BleedingCool:  Rumor has it that the proposed "Gambit," "X-Force," and "Multiple Man" films are dead.

From BleedingCool:  New and much talked about U.S. Congresswoman, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, quoted Alan Moore and "Watchmen's" Rorschach.

From Newsarama:  The fourth issue of BOOM! Studios' "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" reboot will introduce a "historic slayer."

From Newsarama:  Gerry Conway, the co-creator of Marvel Comics' "The Punisher" says that police officers should not be embracing and appropriating Punisher iconography - especially The Punisher's skull emblem.

MEMORIAM - From Newsarama:  British comic book artist, Ron Smith, died at the age of 94 or 95.  Smith is considered one of the iconic Judge Dredd artists.

From Newsarama:  Noted comic book writer and author, Brad Meltzer, has released a new book, "The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington."

From Deadline:  Grant Morrison's talks about his and Liam Sharp's "Green Lantern" revamp comic book, "The Green Lantern."

From Newsarama:  IDW has borrowed $28 million from its chairman and majority owner, Howard Jonas, to fund its TV and film division, IDW Entertainment.

From Newsarama: DC Comics is joining "comiXology Unlimited," "Kindle Unlimited," and "Amazon Prime."

From Newsarama:  DC Comics is developing the new "Amethyst" comic book series.  Some may remember the 1980s series.

From THR:  "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" wins "Best Animated Feature" at the 2019 Golden Globes.

From GoFundMe:  This is a campaign for a burial fund for late cartoonist, Barbara Shermund.

From Previews:  In late December 2018, CBS News spoke to comic book painter, Alex Ross.

From Newsarama:  Diamond Comics Distributors names its 2018 Diamond Gem Awards nominees.

From Vice:   January 1st, 2019 saw several works published in 1923 to fall into the public domain.

From BlastingNews:  Japan's "Weekly Shonen Jump" says that pirate manga, "One Piece," has reached 950 chapters.

From BleedingCool:  It's Alive to publish its first new comic book series, "Red Range: Pirates of Fireworld," a sequel to the graphic novel, "Red Range" by Joe. R. Lansdale.  Joe's son, Keith, is writing the new comic book.

From Newsarama: Black Panther's Letitia Wright has been nominated for the EE British Academy Film Awards' (BAFTA) EE Rising Star Award.

From TheOuterHaven:  Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the manga, "Naruto," has a new manga, "Samurai 8: Hachimaruden," which will begin this Spring in "Weekly Shonen Jump."  He will write the series with Okuba Akira drawing it.

From ComicBook:  "Attack on Titan" creator, Hajime Isayama, has announced that he was married in 2018, but is keeping the name of his spouse private.

From ANN:  Japanese publishers reveal some print counts for manga and light-novel series.

From BleedingCool:  Rob Liefeld says he has a project at Marvel Comics due this year...

From BleedingCool:  Comic book writers Charles Soule and Scott Snyder are working on a creator-owned comic book together.

From Newsarama:  "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" crossess the $200 million dollar mark in global box office.

From FlickeringMyth:  DC Universe teases 2019 line-up with sizzle reel trailer

From MiamiHerald:  Leonard Pitts, Jr. offers this history of "Comicsgate."

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BEST COMICS OF 2018 Lists:

From EW:  "Entertainment Weekly's" best comics of 2018

From NPR:  Best books of 2018 (with a comic books and graphic novels section)

From PasteMagazine:  The 15 best sci-fi and fantasy comics of 2018

From TheVerge:   The 10 bests comics of 2018
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JANUARY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for Jan. 2019 
From BleedingCool:  Aspen Comics for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask for Jan. 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM Studios for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for Jan. 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for Jan. 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Papercutz for Jan. 2019
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for Jan. 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Full DC Comics catalog
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock for Feb. 2019
From Newsarama:   BOOM! Studios for Feb. 2019
From AdventuresinPoorTaste:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics solicitations for Feb. 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for Feb. 2019
From BleedingCool:  First Second for Feb. 2019
From Seibertron:  IDW Publishing for Feb. 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for Feb. 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for Feb. 2019

MARCH 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama: 01 First Second for March 2019
From Newsarama: Adhouse Books for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Avatar Press for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Avery Hill for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for March 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for March 2019
From BleedingCool:  Cave Pictures Publishing for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Devil's Due/1First Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertaiment for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for March 2019
From BleedingCool:  First Second for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Graphix for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for March 2019
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Impact Theory for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Force for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama: Oni Press for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for March 2019
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for March 2019

APRIL 2019 COMIC SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Aftershock Comics for 2019
From Newsarama:  Amigo Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for April 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for April 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for April 2019
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama: Yen Press for April 2019

Rin-ne: I Don't Know You, Man...

I read RIN-NE, Vol. 19

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter and Tumblr or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Rinne: Eat Eat Shrooms

I read RIN-NE, Vol. 18

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Rin-ne: Tatami Feel Up on Me

I read RIN-NE, Vol. 17

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter and at Grumble.

Rin-ne: The Dream of Sharing an Umbrella

I read RIN-NE, Vol. 16

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter and at Grumble.

Evans, Hasen, Moldoff Enter Will Eisner Comics Awards Hall of Fame

Irwin Hasen, Sheldon Moldoff, Orrin C. Evans Chosen for Eisner Hall of Fame

Three Golden Age Artists are Eisner Hall of Fame 2014 I Judges' Choices

14 Nominees Will Face Voters for 4 Other Spots

Comic-Con International, the largest comic book and popular arts event of its kind in the world, has announced that the Eisner Awards judges have selected three individuals to automatically be inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame for 2014. These inductees are Golden Age artists Irwin Hasen (The Flash, Wildcat, Green Lantern for DC; Dondi syndicated strip), Sheldon Moldoff (Batman artist), and African American comics pioneer Orrin C. Evans (All-Negro Comics). In the past, the judges have chosen two automatic inductees, both deceased. This year’s judges decided to add one more inductee, a deserving still-living comics creator.

The judges have also chosen 14 nominees from which voters will select 4 to be inducted in the Hall of Fame this summer. These nominees are Gus Arriola, Howard Cruse, Philippe Druillet, Rube Goldberg, Fred Kida, Hayao Miyazaki, Tarpé Mills, Alan Moore, Francoise Mouly, Dennis O’Neil, Antonio Prohias, Rumiko Takahashi, George Tuska, and Bernie Wrightson.

Manga Review: RANMA 1/2 2-in-1, Volume 1

RANMA 1/2 2IN1, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Rumiko Takahashi
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Gerard Jones, Matt Thorn
LETTERING: Deron Bennett
EDITOR: Hope Donovan
ISBN: 978-1-4215-6594-1; paperback (March 2014); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
368pp, B&W, $14.99 U.S., $16.99 CAN, £9.99 UK

Ranma 1/2 or Ranma ½ is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi.  It was originally serialized in Shogakukan’s manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Sunday, from September 1987 to March 1996, and later collected into 38 tankōbon (graphic novel) volumes.  Ranma 1/2 spawned anime series and films and recently a live-action special.

VIZ Media is the North American publisher of Ranma 1/2 and recently began publishing the series again in its “2-in-1 editions,” which collects two tankōbon (graphic novels) in one paperback edition.  Ranma 1/2 2-in-1 Edition, Vol. 1 collects Ranma 1/2 Volume1 and Ranma 1/2 Volume 2.

Ranma 1/2 introduces a 16-year-old boy named Ranma Saotome who was trained from early childhood in martial arts.  While on a training mission in China, Ranma and his father, Genma, dive into some cursed springs at a legendary training ground.  As a result, whenever he is splashed with cold water, Ranma turns into a girl, while hot water changes him back into a boy.  His father transforms into a panda.  What happens to the life of a half-boy, half-girl?

The story really starts years ago when Genma Satome promised his old friend, Soun Tendo, that Ranma would marry one of Soun’s three daughters:  19-year-old Kasumi, 17-year-old Nabiki, and 16-year-old Akane.  The girl picked to be Ranma’s bride doesn’t seem to like him, and she also seems to have a lot of suitors – many of them being quite combative.  Plus, an old rival of Ranma’s returns looking for revenge.

A truism about the work of mangaka (manga creator) Rumiko Takahashi is that her work mostly defies easy classification.  Her manga, for the most part, don’t really belong to one genre.  If I were forced to pick one, I would say fantasy, because of the various fantastical elements that permeate Rumiko’s work.  In addition to elements of fantasy, Rumiko’s manga incorporate comedy, romance, and martial arts.  There is a bit of an edge and a small undercurrent of darkness in her manga, just enough to let the reader know that all is not fun and games.

Ranma 1/2 is a delightful concoction of martial arts comedy and comic teen romance.  It is light-hearted and free-spirited, as exemplified in the way the characters so easily leap and levitate through martial arts battles.  I found myself in flight with these characters.  Ranma 1/2 2-in-1 Edition, Volume 1 allows readers to experience this unique and classic manga in big chunks, and it still might not be enough, once you get hooked.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

Rin-ne: Renge Shima Wants You

I read RIN-NE, Vol. 14

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.

Rin-ne: Crescent Moon Hall

I read RIN-NE, Vol. 13

I posted a review at ComicBookBin (which has free smart phone apps and comics).

Rin-ne: The Black Cat Ranking Exam

I read RIN-NE, Vol. 12

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.

Rin-ne: Half-Off at the Haunted House!!

I read RIN-NE, Vol. 11

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free smart phone apps and comics).

Rin-ne: Shinigami Rivals

I read RIN-NE, Vol. 10

I posted a review at ComicBookBin (which as free smart phone apps and comics).

Rin-ne: Ageha vs. Oboro

I read RIN-NE, Vol. 9

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free comics).

Rin-ne: Homestay Training

I read RIN-NE, Vol. 8

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart apps and comics).

VIZ Manga App Adds "Grand Guignol Orchestra" and Others

SUMMERTIME MANGA READING HEATS UP WITH NEW DIGITAL RELEASES FOR THE VIZ MANGA APP FOR iPAD, iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH LAUNCHING THE FIRST HALF OF JULY

I’LL GIVE IT MY ALL TOMORROW, GRAND GUIGNOL ORCHESTRA And INUYASHA Among New Titles; Latest Update Also Features Additions To 15 Popular Manga

VIZ Media delivers more summer manga reading fun as it announces the debut of four new manga (graphic novel) series that join the extensive library of VIZ MANGA APP titles currently available for digital download for the Apple iPad™, iPhone™ and iPod™ Touch.

Launching during the first-half of July will be Shunju Aono’s slacker-inspired I’LL GIVE IT MY ALL TOMORROW, as well as GRAND GUIGNOL ORCHESTRA, creator Kaori Yuki’s twisted tale of horror and tortured romance. The newest round of updates also features the debut of the VIZBIG omnibus version of Rumiko Takahashi’s classic supernatural adventure, INUYASHA. After shopping, also enter to win a $50 iTunes gift card by taking the VIZ Manga App survey, running through the end of August.

The VIZ MANGA APP is now available for free for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch devices through the iTunes® Store, and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada from within the application for only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume.

I’LL GIVE IT MY ALL TOMORROW Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Available July 4th
Created by Shunju Aono, I’LL GIVE MY ALL TOMORROW is the story of a hapless forty year-old salaryman who quits his job to pursue his dream of becoming a manga artist – and the family that has to put up with him. While not terribly unhappy, Shizuo Oguro can't fight the feeling that something in his life just isn't right, so he walks away from his stable (yet boring) day job to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Unfortunately for his family, this journey also involves playing video games all day while his teenage daughter and elderly father support him. Will Shizuo succeed in creating a true manga masterpiece, or will he be just another dropout living a life of slack?

INUYASHA VIZBIG Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Available July · iPad Exclusive!
Kagome is an ordinary modern schoolgirl living an ordinary life. Who would have thought the dried-up old well on the site of her family's shrine would be a gateway to Japan's ancient past? Drawn through the gate against her will, Kagome finds herself battling demons for control of what she thought was a worthless trinket but is actually a powerful magical gem, the Shikon Jewel! Together with an unlikely ally, the half demon Inuyasha, Kagome begins a quest to recover the shards of the Shikon Jewel and learn more about her link to the past.

GRAND GUIGNOL ORCHESTRA Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Available July 11th
GRAND GUIGNOL ORCHESTRA is the latest series from gothic manga queen Kaori Yuki. Lucille loves heading up the traveling Grand Orchestra, roving from town to town, entertaining the masses and making money. But now the musicians have met their toughest audience yet: people infected with the Guignol Virus, turning them into zombie dolls intent on killing all humans!

Additional new VIZ Media manga volumes launching include:

June 4th:
BLACK BIRD Vol. 7
BLEACH Vol. 18
CLAYMORE Vol. 13
DENGEKI DAISY Vol. 2
D. GRAY MAN Vol. 14
DRAGON BALL Z Vol. 16
HOUSE OF FIVE LEAVES Vol. 3
NARUTO Vol. 33
ONE PIECE Vol. 33

June 11th:
DRAGON BALL Z Vol. 17
FUSHIGI YUGI: GENBU KAIDEN Vol. 4
HYDE & CLOSER Vol. 3
KEKKAISHI Vol. 8
NARUTO Vol. 34
ONE PIECE Vol. 34
ROSARIO + VAMPIRE Vol. 10
RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 17
THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU Vol. 3

The VIZ MANGA APP is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, with an extensive downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world. The app now offers nearly 300 volumes available for download. Readers should check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series are featured.

For more information on the VIZ MANGA APP, please visit www.VIZ.com/apps/.

InuYasha Comes to an End

FATES ARE SEALED IN A FINAL SHOWDOWN AS EPIC MANGA ADVENTURE INUYASHA CONCLUDES

 

VIZ Media has announced the release of the final installment of Rumiko Takahashi’s longtime bestselling manga (graphic novel) series, INUYASHA, on January 11th. Fans won’t want to miss even a single page of the action in Volume 56, Curtain of Time, which is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. INUYASHA is published under VIZ Media’s Shonen Sunday imprint.

Kagome, a modern-day high school girl, is pulled into Japan's ancient past! There, her destiny is linked to a dog-eared half demon named Inuyasha. Together, they battle evil demons who seek to acquire the shards of the legendary Shikon Jewel and wield its incredible power. But can Kagome and Inuyasha stop feuding with each other long enough to save the feudal or modern world--let alone both?

In the climactic showdown, the demon Naraku's true intentions are finally revealed! Then, Kagome is swallowed up by the Meido. Is she finally beyond her friends' reach? And will the final battle over the Shikon Jewel draw Inuyasha and Kagome together...or pull them apart forever?! Find out in the exciting concluding volume!

The spotlight on manga creator Rumiko Takahashi began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan's annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular in their own right. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another – MAISON IKKOKU ran from 1980 to 1987, RANMA ½ from 1987 to 1996, and INUYASHA from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include MERMAID SAGA, RUMIC THEATRE, and ONE-POUND GOSPEL. These, as well as her newest manga series, RIN-NE, are also published in North America by VIZ Media.

Also catch INUYASHA anime episodes – for free – on VIZAnime.com.

More information on INUYASHA, or other Shonen Sunday titles from VIZ Media, is available at http://www.shonensunday.com/.

InuYasha United Front

I read Inuyasha, Vol. 54 (Inuyasha (Graphic Novels))

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).