A Rapturous Break-Up
Young Bill Young here. Sadie’s out of town this week, so I’m helming the blog. Let’s get started…
Girl meets boy. It’s love! Girl loses boy. Girl gets on plane to the left coast. While girl is in the air, the warring factions of Earth’s superpowers have a final battle, destroying themselves and devastating civilization. Girl calls boy on her cell phone to profess love and forgiveness right before all communications go down. Girl is visited by a spectral figure called “The Word” who gives girl a powerful sword to avenge the innocents against the cruelty (cannibalism!) that is emerging in the wake of the apocalypse. Girl strikes a deal: she’ll become this avenging angel if it means she can be reunited with boy. But girl will have to do a lot of slaying to get her man back. Total kewlness.
And that’s just the first issue of Dark Horse Comics’ new series Rapture. Dark Horse calls the story the “worst break-up ever.” Ya think?
Honestly, issue two was a let down after the superb set-up, but I’m not giving up hope… yet.
Oh yeah. I forgot to mention that boy plays guitar and writes songs. Follow Rapture on MySpace and hear boy sing a song! Total kewlness.
And don’t confuse our heroine with this different Rapture. Plus, if you’re intrigued by sword-weilding females, check out the Luna Brothers’ The Sword.
Three Reviews
Reviewing is ultimately subjective. I can try and be objective but that would mean leaving out the emotional reaction I had to a work and well, isn’t that the whole point of reading? On the other hand, my tastes shouldn’t dictate trashing what is probably a quality story or artwork so I try my hardest to see what might be worthwhile there. Usually the two match up pretty nicely. Other times….
Eden: It’s an Endless World vol. 1
Objective review: In a creepy post-apocalyptic world, a dying scientist lives his final days helping two immune children grow up. The first half of the book is flashback, giving the reader a taste of the horror that came before the mysterious virus made everything go quiet. As with most manga, the first volume is mainly exposition and not a lot of action. The plot picks up once the story jumps 20 years into the future, as young Elijah and his robot struggle to survive and discover the secret of the controlling Propapeter.
Subjective review: In a story spanning several generations, a virus has taken out most of the population. Two immune children struggle to survive with their ailing mentor and robot. When a shadow government attempts to take them, the boy must fight and kill his previously-thought-dead-but-no-he’s-alive-and-the-enemy father. No, it’s not Star Wars. So much time is spent on flashbacks but little explanation is offered. The virus has creepy symptoms like the skin hardening and cracking which makes for some great visuals. The story could easily have skipped the backstory and just started with Elijah and his robot. I’ll stick with it to see if it improves but the cliches, predictable plot and silly looking mecha bore me.
Swallow me Whole
Objective review: In a beautifully illustrated, surrealistic style, Ruth struggles with schizophrenia at the height of adolescence. The pressure of her illness, school and family life collide with her joy at a budding romance and a great new job.
Subjective review: Yes, it’s got the prerequisite Alison Bechdel type artwork of slouching characters and smooth, wavy lines. Yes, it’s angsty. Yet, it’s missing a heart. I was excited to read this book because the previews made me think it was about a teen living with a mental illness but instead the focus seems to be on what weird thing can happen next. Which is a pet peeve of mine when it comes to mental illness books. The frog and the raining bugs certainly twist the page up but if they aren’t really giving me anything besides an “episode” then I lose interest. I wish more time had been spent showing Ruth’s interactions with those around her (her relationship with an understanding but frustrated teacher had the potential to be especially heartbreaking), and less time on trying to wow me with weirdness.
I Shall Never Return vol. 1
Objective: I can see why this is considered a modern classic. It has two flawed yet likable characters and leans hard on the drama. Though the artwork is not as polished as I like, it doesn’t stand in the way of the story. Risturo and Ken have always been best friends. Risturo helps Ken through his parents painful divorce and stands by him even after Ken takes up prostitution. There is an undeniable bond between the two and early in the first volume they give in. The drama doesn’t come from the will-they/won’t-they tension but rather can this relationship survive.
Subjective: I did like this yaoi a lot. However, I was somewhat annoyed at the dominating Ken causing heartache for Ritshuro and Ritshuro being even more taken with him each time. I realize this is where conflict comes from and that it gives room for the characters to grow but like Hot Gimmick, I’m not sure if I really want to watch it.
Bride of the Water God – Review
When a desperate village sacrifices her to the Water God, Soah is prepared for death. Instead, she finds herself alive in Habaek’s (the God) kingdom. Though she is shocked and lonely at first, she quickly begins to adjust to her new life as his bride. The other Gods, including the Fire God, hint at danger and past wives but Soah focuses on Habaek who is a child by day and a man by night. Of course, this being a romance, Soah is completely unaware of that fact and accepts that man-Habaek is child-Habaek’s cousin.
The plot seems to loosely hinge on Soah and man-Habaek clumsly falling into each other, watching each other in intimate moments like sleeping or bathing and occasionally having an actual discussion. There’s also the matter of Habaek’s mother who’s not too fond of her new daughter-in-law. But despite the lack of a story, this is not a manhwa to let go of because it is gorgeous. Every page has something to wonder at, whether it’s the building’s in Habeak’s kingdom or the dresses Soah wears. The Gods are classic manhwa – stretched out, thin and willowy but Mi-Kyung Yun manages to add another emotional element that keeps them from looking like stock characters. You can see it in the way Habeak bends his shoulders when he’s a man or the way he tries to stand taller when he’s the powerful child or the way Soah sees her refection in the water.
The kingdom of the Water God is magical. In the words of Liz Lemon, “I want to go there.”
Happy Valentine’s Day
Our week of love comes to an end. You still have today though – so grab a glass of champagne, hug your loved one and read these -
Top 5 Graphic Novels for Valentine’s Day (according to me)
1. Ouran High Host Club -having one boy fall all over himself to get to you is great. Having six (including some hot twins) is even better!!!
2. Fake – this yaoi features a touching relationship between two men who actually appear to like and respect each other. It’s also funny and smiles on Valentine’s are always good.
3. Sand Chronicles – sometimes being in love means breaking your heart and taking that chance is the bravest thing you do.
4. Empowered – ok, so suggesting a graphic novel where the main character sheds her clothes every time she uses her superpower might seem like a weird recommendation coming from me but I promise, you will melt at Empowered’s relationship with one of the villian’s henchman.
5. Canterella – I’m not exactly sure if this is romantic or not, on account of all the evil manipulation, but it is exciting! Anything with the Borgias in it is bound to be a good read.
Or if you hate this holiday, like I know many of you do here’s
The Top 5 Anti-Valentine’s Graphic Novels (once again, according to me)
1. Y the Last Man – you would think that a story about the last man on earth would include some romance or at least a date but nope.
2. Death Note – the only relationship in this manga is soooo cold! .
3. Watchmen – no love lost between these superheroes.
4. V for Vendetta – if Valentine’s Day makes you feel like getting revenge on the world, then this is your pick
5. Marvel Zombies – Spiderman ripping into Mary Jane, literally.
Last Minute Gifts
“Not just for nerds!”, proclaims a Publisher’s Weekly article on giving graphic novels to the readers on your Christmas list. They have a pretty good list and here’s (in my opinion) the highlights.
Black Jack by Osamu Tezuka – have I talked about this mange enough yet? No? Ok, let me reiterate. This story about a talented yet mad doctor is both heartwarming AND gory. A perfect gift!
Ghost World, Special Edition by Daniel Clowes - ok, I admit I saw the movie before reading the book. I liked the movie, loved the book. I don’t usually compare the two but this deluxe edition includes the movie screenplay so obsessives can sit and pick apart the differences. It also includes a “where are they now” comic! Awesome!
Hellboy 2: The Chained Coffin, the Right Hand of Doom, and Others by Mike Mignola - they claim this list isn’t just for nerds but include a “velvet-bound, over-sized book that showcases [Mignola's] his stunning art to it’s fullest”. I don’t know about you but the only person who gets excited over my absolute or deluxe editions is a total (cute) nerd. So if you know one, trust me, big giant comics that feel really heavy are the perfect gift!
Local by Brian Wood and Ryan Kelly – I became a fan of Brian Wood after his collection of short stories, Demo. Local is just as good, if not better. Plus, it includes a chapter set in Norman! Nothing like seeing your local haunts depicted in a story about loss and depression is there?
Kramer’s Ergot #7 edited by Sammy Harkham – I haven’t read it but I can’t go a single day without hearing about it.
Gifts they recommend that I would pass on:
DC Vault and Marvel Chronicles – two histories of the giants, complete with memorabilia and an insane price tag.
Will Eisner’s The Spirit: A Pop-Up Graphic Novel by Will Eisner – yay! Sexism! Racism! In 3D! Include a pair of tickets to the awful looking movie to really make someone uncomfortable this Christmas. *Disclaimer* I know Eisner is a genius but really, the Spirit needs some updating and Darwyn Cook’s version doesn’t really manage it.
Web Comics Wednesday
Very few webcomics get to make the leap from pixels to print but Megatokyo not only does it, they actually sell well! So first, check out or buy volumes 1-5. This will get you caught up to speed on the lives of our “heroes” Piro and Largo as they negotiate Tokyo. Anxious to just jump right in? Then quickly scan the wikipedia entry.
Now that you’re all caught up, go get culture shock with Megatokyo! This Wednesday’s entry pokes fun at sim-manga, particularily the bestselling (and complete guilty pleasure) Chobits.
Tezuka (finally) Comes to the United States
When talking about Osamu Tezuka, it’s pretty common to hear things like “Japan’s Walt Disney” or the “Father of Modern Manga”. So you would think that his masterpieces (oh yeah, he managed more than one) would be readily available but that’s not really the case. Until now.
Over the past year or so a slew of Tezuka manga has hit the shelves. But what should you get first?
Nadia Oxford counts down some Tezuka manga while sharing the news that a large amount of his anime will be available for free! To go along with this, here’s my unofficial guide to the some of the manga available from the master, the sensei Tezuka:
Apollo’s Song – I haven’t read Apollo’s Song but it looks gorgeous! It’s definitely one of those titles that I have at the second to the top of my list but keeps getting pushed down for some reason…hmm.
Astro Boy – This title has actually been available for a while but it’s such a classic that it’s worth mentioning. The story follows a little boy robot who was built to replace the Ministry of Science’s son. Trust me, this is a children’s story. Of course the doctor realizes that a robot is no replacement for a flesh and blood child so Astro Boy is sent away. Eventually a new Minister of Science discovers him and sets him to fighting crime. Hijinks ensue!
The series is both lighthearted and, at times, gut wrenching. Children will love it but it’s pretty accessible to adults too. My only gripe is that it tends to get repetitive. Buy/checkout if you have a kid asking/begging for manga or if you hold some deep nostalgia for the 1980’s cartoon.
Plus, you can catch up on the story in time for the new movie!!
Black Jack - The really amazing thing about Tezuka is that he could tell a children’s story about a boy robot then turn around and give us a super-surgeon. Black Jack is a scarred doctor who’s set out to do good, often with his scaple. The latest release of volume one came in September (previous publishings are out of print) and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Buddha - This manga has been available in the U.S. since 2003 which is weird to me. It’s not that it isn’t amazing, just a strange pick to sell to American crowds before, say, Princess Knight. The title is exactly as it suggests, the story of Buddha’s life as told by Tezuka. It’s a powerful, sometimes erotic and probably not entirely accurate but pretty dead on emotional telling. They should reprint it in its original state already!
Dororo - I have to admit I don’t know a lot about Dororo but I’m told it’s good. Followed by the prerequisite “well it’s Tezuka, so you know it’s good” which makes me sort of doubt that it’s really really that good. Plus, I’m not a big fan of a.) fighting manga, b.) weird limbless creature manga and c.) history – Dororo is all of that. I just sold some of you on it didn’t I?
MW – This is another unlikely choice for a Tezuka translation mainly because, critically, it wasn’t as well received as his other works. It just so happens to be my favorite. Two boys are caught on an island when a nuclear weapon explodes killing everyone but them. Their lives after the tragic event take different turns, one to the church and one to crime. They can’t manage to forgive the people who destroyed them as they seek out redemption through God and through murder. Their relationship is complicated, sexual and set against primitive yet expressive artwork. Plus, it’s a stand alone so you actually fit in on your bookshelf.
Ode to Kirihito – This doctor manga preceded Black Jack both in Japan and in the U.S. Tezuka was a doctor himself so his fascination with the craft makes sense. The doctor in Ode, Dr. Kirihito Osanai, is determined to cure a strange disease that makes people look like dogs. It sounds weird but it works. Osanai himself becomes infected and face the injustice and prejudice of a world that values one face over another. The uneven artwork and pages of wordless, fragmented layouts make this kind of a hard read though.
The Phoenix - If we’re sticking with the Walt Disney comparison, The Phoenix is Tezuka’s Fantasia. Each book in the The Phoenix (there are 12 and remains unfinished since his death), tells a different yet connected story. This is his spiritual quest, to be reborn, reincarnated. He worked on it throughout his life. The artwork is spectacular, often ‘rising’ above the actual storylines as if he’s embracing his own inevitable unraveling.
Princess Knight - The July issue of Shojo Beat had a sneak peak! It’s about a girl who has to pretend to be a boy in order to claim her throne. Which may not sound like all that a remarkable tale in 2008 but it was written in 1954 when gender was pretty much a set deal. The princess has both the heart of a boy and a girl, encompassing both genders as she sets about on her adventures. I’m hoping the whole volumes are released soon, not necessarily for the art (which leans a little too flat and round for my taste) but for the simple idea that gender is in the heart rather than the body and how this is a powerful enough to have sustained into the 21st century.
Did I miss your favorite? Have you heard of any Tezuka happenings (manga or otherwise)?
Free MANGA – yeah!!
Oh, but you do have to work for it.
Brigid over at MangaBlog is giving away three copies of Osamu Tezuka’s Black Jack. Just leave a comment with your favorite 2008 manga series. Even if you don’t win be sure to check out the answers, there was some great, diverse manga published this year!
For my vote, I loved the shojo series Honey and Clover, as well as, Sand Chronicles. Before you fanboys roll your eyes right out of your heads, I also enjoyed the creepy, insane, hell-on-earth carnival ride that is Gantz.
