Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 3/1/2007
Week of February 27
Fiction | Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Fiction
Jenoff, Pam. The Kommandant's Girl. Mira: Harlequin. Mar. 2007. 395p. ISBN 0-7783-2342-0 [ISBN 978-0-7783-2342-6]. pap. $13.95. F
Emma Gershmann, a young orthodox Jew, poses as Catholic Anna Lipowski following the German invasion of Poland. Her activist husband, Jacob, is fighting with the Resistance, leaving Anna with his Catholic aunt, Krysia, on the outskirts of Kraków. Krysia's connections bring Anna to the attention of Kommandant Richwalder, second in command of the German occupation government, and Anna is hired as his personal assistant. Her proximity to inside information pleases the Resistance, but soon the Kommandant and Anna fall into an affair, and guilt jockeys with desire and empathy as Anna tries to come to grips with her attraction to a man who oversees her country's oppression. Attorney Jenoff's first novel describes 1940s Kraków in exacting detail and presents a sympathetic if naïve heroine in Anna. But coincidence in the extreme informs the action, and readers will, ultimately, find this tale hard to swallow. An optional purchase for most libraries.—Bette-Lee Fox, Library Journal
Rentschler, Linda Ann. Mother. Madison Square Pr. Mar. 2007. c.352p. ISBN 978-1-58288-256-7. $23.95. F
Still grieving the death of her mother five years on, Mary Sullivan has been living on autopilot. Immersing herself in the daily details of taking care of her two teenage sons and husband, she gets by with occasional lapses of overwhelming grief. During a quick stop at a luncheonette, she breaks down again only to be helped by Cathy, the young woman manning the counter. Cathy's compassion is quickly reciprocated as Cathy finds herself motherless following a tragic accident. As Mary guides Cathy through the technical and emotional aspects of a loved one's death, Mary's family grows resentful of this interruption to their domestic routine. Author and playwright Rentschler (Jitters) has beautifully blended convincing characters, perceptive portraits of family relationships and friendships, and insight into the human capacity for healing and renewal. Recommended for all popular fiction collections.—Joy St. John, Henderson Dist. P.L., NV
Lindvall, Terry. Sanctuary Cinema: Origins of the Christian Film Industry. New York Univ. Feb. 2007. c.296p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8147-5210-1 [ISBN 978-0-8147-5210-4]. $45. FILM
Lindvall offers a history of the Protestant Church's role in making and promoting Christian movies, from the very beginning of the industry (circa 1895) through the end of the silent era. The book examines church involvement with theater and other visual arts, the adoption of theatrical methods to attract worshippers, and the use of film to educate and socialize children and immigrants. Lindvall also traces surprisingly vigorous attempts by the churches to compete directly with mainstream moviemakers. Some church leaders launched anti-Semitic charges, claiming that the early Jewish movie moguls were only interested in entertainment and profit rather than building "sound life standards." Eventually, the movement declined because churches feared that an American "civil religion" would undermine the church. Lindvall writes of how the Christian film industry's humble beginnings promoting illustrated sermons, filmed passion plays, and tours of the Holy Land laid the groundwork for the new Christian film awareness and the success of films like The Passion of the Christ and The Nativity Story. The book's limited scope won't attract general readers or film students. However, complete with 70 pages of bibliographic notes, this well-researched book is recommended for large academic and theology collections.—Stephen Rees, Levittown Lib., PA
Spivak, Alice with Robert Blumenfeld. How To Rehearse When There Is No Rehearsal: Acting and the Media. Limelight Editions. Mar. 2007. c.304p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-87910-342-2. pap. $19.95. THEATER
Spivak, an acolyte of actor/director Herbert Berghof; his wife, actress Uta Hagen; and New York City's venerable HB Studio, distills her 30-plus years of experience as an actor and teacher in this sagacious and much-needed text assisting actors in all mediums (but especially television and film). Most people who work in those areas must invariably perform with little rehearsal time and even less direction, ergo the book's title. Spivak has divided the text into three sections, with the first synthesizing Konstantin Stanislavsky's systematic approach to acting, the nature of and need for rehearsals, and the realities of acting for film and television. The second section is made up of Spivak's 11-step process guiding the actor in self-rehearsal. Finally, this methodology is condensed in the concluding chapters, which deal with the practical realities of different performance mediums. The actor's bookshelf sags with meaningful tomes, but this niche-specific guide is a useful addition for working professional actors; recommended.—Barry X. Miller, Austin P.L., TX
Benjamin, Paul (text) & Steven Cummings & Megumi Cummings (illus.). Pantheon High. Vol. 1: Demigods & Debutantes. Tokyopop. Feb. 2007. 192p. ISBN 978-1-59816-734-4. pap. $9.99. F
For years, American comics have used mythology as the source of heroes and villains; this series continues the trend in grand style. The story takes place at a high school for children of the gods and goddesses of all pantheons. These powerful children could cause enormous problems at a regular school, but here older demigods act as their faculty. But there are evil gods as well as good ones, and they can have children, too. The story is reminiscent of the film Sky High, with a blend of superhuman teens and real-world problems. Benjamin offers clever variations of the god powers of the children, and the artists include many details that make the story both accessible to the beginning reader and fascinating to the mythology buff. Although in manga format, the artwork is closer to traditional superhero comics. Readers of myth-based comics, from Thor to Moon Knight, will be right at home. There are mythology notes for those who are not well versed in the various pantheons of world religion, which help with the story background. Violence and partial nudity keep this out of collections for younger kids, but older teens and adults will enjoy.—Nick Smith, Pasadena P.L., CA
Casey, Joe & Tom Scioli (text & illus.). Godland. Vol. 2: Another Sunny Delight. Image Comics. 2006. 152p. ISBN 1-58240-632-4 [ISBN 978-1-58240-632-9]. pap. $14.99. F
Comm. Adam Archer is a former astronaut who gained evolving cosmic powers during an ill-fated expedition to Mars. Together with his sisters, Neela, Stella, and Angie, and a huge, doglike alien named Maxim, Archer faces threats to humanity. In this volume, which collects issues 7–12, Archer battles a microswarm of intergalactic hunters and learns the secret origin of the universe. When a giant flying pyramid manned by devotees of a gonzo-god called J'Rhogan attacks New York City, only Archer can stand against their Detonation Core. Unfortunately, he's been taken prisoner by the supervillain Friedrich Nickelhead. Simultaneously, supervillains The Tormentor and Basil Cronus form an unholy alliance; nihilistic physimorphs Supra, Eeg-oh, and Ed rampage through the Southwest; and Neela pilots an experimental spacecraft farther into the abyss than any human before her. Godland is a frenetic riot of concepts, some carrying over from the previous volume and some that will not be resolved until future chapters, but all are mind-blowing good fun. Scioli's artwork is a vibrant homage to the legendary Jack Kirby, and Casey's storytelling blends epic sf ideas with slyly humorous pop culture references. Although not rated, it is appropriate for most teens ages 13+, as it contains violence, some mildly spicy dialog, and vague drug references. Recommended.—Dale W. Glaser, Sterling, VA
Ennis, Garth (text) & Clayton Crain (illus.). Ghost Rider: The Road to Damnation. Marvel. 2007. 144p. ISBN 0-7851-2122-6 [ISBN 978-0-7851-2122-0]. pap. $14.99. F
The character of Ghost Rider has been reinterpreted so frequently that he carries a certain mythos. Here, Ennis adopts a story line that captures all the darkest punishments of hell: every night, Ghost Rider races demons to win his freedom, and every night he fails to reach the gates and gets ripped to shreds. When an angel offers him freedom for a short quest to capture an Earth-ravaging demon, Ghost Rider finds himself in a high-stakes pursuit against bounty hunters from both the celestial and the nether planes. Ennis, most famous for his Preacher series, will draw readers, as will the chance to see the most vivid rendition of Ghost Rider yet. The art offers some real show-stoppers, with all of the flames and minions of hell blasting from the pages. Unfortunately, the intermitted scenes kill the sinister heat with a digitized, Claymation™ look. Also, Ennis's attempted political, cultural, and religious jabs seem weak compared with previous work, even as the narrative keeps a brisk pace. Casual fans of Ghost Rider, attracted by the recent PG-13 movie, may be shocked by the unrelenting violence in this newest take—spines and severed organs adorn most panels. Recommended for older teens or adults, depending on your library's violence standards.—Erika Bennett, Inst. of Production and Recording Lib., Minneapolis, MN
Fukuyama, Ryoko. Nosatsu Junkie. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2006. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Alethea Nibley. ISBN 1-59816-654-9 [ISBN 978-1-59816-654-9]. pap. $9.99. F
Fourteen-year-old Naka has the body of an angel, hair like silk, and, when she smiles, the face of an ax murderer. This doesn't stop her from joining the modeling agency to which her rival, top model Umi, belongs. Naka is determined to achieve success and prove that she, like Umi, has a smile as beautiful as a flower. Naka struggles until she accidentally discovers that Umi is a boy in disguise. Umi gets her an exclusive modeling job to keep her quiet and encourages Naka to believe she is fine as is, regardless of her frightening looks. The running jokes about Naka's appearance keep the story light and amusing, and the occasional reminders that "looks aren't everything" prevent the characters from seeming completely superficial. But the premise that a modeling agency would hire a girl with such harsh looks defies logic, and the story often lapses into nonsense. While the panel layouts are clear and easy to follow, the characters bear a striking resemblance to each other, and the lack of translated special effects complicates reading at times, especially for readers unfamiliar with manga conventions. Rated 13+ for mild language and romantic situations, this comedy is recommended for libraries as an optional purchase.—Eva Volin, Stockton–San Joaquin Cty. P.L., CA
Kang, Kyungok. In the Starlight. Vol. 1. Netcomics. 2007. 220p. tr. from Korean by Jennifer Park. ISBN 978-1-60009-090-5. pap. $9.99. F
Seventeen-year-old Shinyee Yoo and her astronomy professor father share a fascination with the universe and the paranormal. One day at school the discussion turns to extrasensory perception (ESP), and most of the students say that they would be fearful of people with ESP. When classmate Donghoon Suh overhears Shinyee saying that she would treat people with ESP with respect, he thinks that her home will be the perfect place for a very special houseguest. Soon, bratty teenager Sarah Hwang and her constant male companion, Reidon Gastani, move into the Yoo residence while Sarah is undergoing scientific testing on her ESP. Shinyee's family begins to experience more paranormal events than they could ever have imagined. The characters are all imperfect people: no one is completely sweet or evil. While there are hints of romantic crushes, this sf manhwa focuses on supernatural aspects. By the end of the volume, the reader wonders what is Sarah's real nature and who is really looking out for her best interests. Originally created in 1987, the art, while pleasant, looks dated. Recommended for teen collections where sf manga/manhwa is popular.—Kristin Fance, Houston Baptist Univ., TX
Kim, June. 12 Days. Tokyopop. 2006. 192p. ISBN 1-59816-691-3 [ISBN 978-1-59816-691-0]. pap. $9.99. F
Kim, a South Korean expatriot living in Brooklyn, NY, is a newcomer to the manhwa scene but one we will see much of over the coming years. In this evocative, haunting story, the images and dialog are married so that one could not exist without the other—certainly the sign of a well-constructed graphic novel. In the beginning of the volume, Nick pours the ashes of his sister, Noah, into a container and delivers them to her former lover, Jackie—a sequence that is portrayed almost without dialog and evokes an air of silence within the reader. We discover through a series of flashbacks that Noah had left Jackie and was to be married when she was tragically killed in a car crash. Nick tells Jackie that if she drinks the ashes mixed with white wine, legend has it that she will lose all memory of Noah in 12 days. Pressed by his mother to support his father while trying to deal with his own grief, Nick finds himself drawn to Jackie, and the two meet in a place of profound sorrow. This manhwa deals with a difficult topic and includes an obliquely drawn sex scene between Jackie and Noah. Some might find Jackie drinking Noah's ashes disturbing. Though rated 16+, it would be more appropriately rated 18+. Well bound with attractive black-and-white illustrations, this title is highly recommended for adult collections.—Diane Gallagher-Hayashi, Stelly's Sch., Saanich Sch. Dist., Saanichton, B.C.
Kimjin. Lethe. Netcomics. 2006. 176p. tr. from Korean by Michael Han. ISBN 1-60009-054-0 [ISBN 978-1-60009-054-7]. pap. $17.99. F
In an attempt to save humanity, a dying Earth sends out shuttles with a human genome project on board. The ships are designed to land on different planets and birth humankind again. In Universe year 987, two factions of these projects are engaged in war. For those caught alive, the punishment is not death but a process called Lethe—the subject will forget all his memories, his personality, and his loyalties to live a new life. Mazda Hun is a soldier facing Lethe and pondering the mercy of this fate; he recalls his life in bits and pieces, focusing on a mysterious woman who may or may not have betrayed him. Though memories are not always pleasant, Hun decides they are better than nothing and begs for death. The frailty and subjectivity of memory is exposed in lush watercolor, and the artwork alone is worth purchasing a copy—the watercolor adds a sense of madness and vibrancy: it is Hun's stream of consciousness poured out on the page. Libraries looking to add some good manhwa can satisfy their older teens and adults with this highly stylized sf story.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb Cty. P.L., Decatur, GA
Kubo, Tite. Bleach. Vol. 17: Rosa Rubicundior, Lilio Candidior. Viz Media. Feb. 2007. 224p. tr. from Japanese by Joe Yamazaki. ISBN 1-4215-1041-3 [ISBN 978-1-4215-1041-5]. pap. $7.95. F
Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who can see ghosts, meets Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki when a Hollow (an evil spirit) attacks his family. Rukia is wounded and transfers her powers to Ichigo to defeat the Hollow. Afterward, Rukia remains powerless and trapped in the human world, and Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper. In Volume 17, the Soul Society remains in chaos as members square off over Rukia's execution: Renji, determined to save Rukia, is drawn into a desperate battle with her brother Byakuya; likewise, Kenpachi faces off against Tôsen and Komamura, while Ikkaku and Yumichika fight Iba and Shuuhei. Ichigo, off training to be strong enough to stop the execution, barely makes a cameo appearance. Meanwhile, Rukia is taken to the Sôkyoku for her execution. Kubo manages his multiple-character, multiple-plot story well, keeping his characters distinct and their many battles fresh; Renji's fight with Byakuya is a particular standout, well choreographed and emotionally resonant. Still, the complexity of the plot and the sheer number of characters do weigh down the pace. Kubo's cinematic artwork—distant establishing shots, extreme closeups, multiple angle shots—continues to make this one of the best shonen manga around. Highly recommended for teen collections.—Krista Hutley, Lakeside Sch., Seattle
Linsner, Joseph Michael. Angry Christ Comix. Image Comics. 2006. 176p. ed. by Eva Hopkins. ISBN 1-58240-716-9 [ISBN 978-1-58240-716-6]. pap. $16.99. F
Writer/illustrator Linsner is the epitome of the black-clad Goth kid from high school who drew cool but frightening stuff. He is a self-taught natural who chose underground comics as his initial public showcase for the sinister visions he created during "the American night of the early 1990s." Those visions, which originally appeared in the independent Cry for Dawn anthology comics, are collected in this handsomely designed volume. Apart from the expected tales of obsession, betrayal, and vampires, Linsner writes of a reluctant young father who wishes his infant son dead, a man newly infected with AIDS who decides to screw the world literally, and an anticapitalist terrorist who decides that "you can't slay the dragon—but you can ride it." Linsner's work could be described as misogynistic and misanthropic; but however limited Linsner's worldview may have been during the early phases of his development as an artist, there is undeniable elegance in even his grisliest illustrations, and his horror is not born of the vulgar need to shock but of the meeting of innocence and ideals with hard experience. Edgar Allan Poe, to whom the book is dedicated, would have approved. Recommended for graphic novel collections whose patrons just can't get enough of horror titles and The Crow. Frequent nudity, graphic sex, and violence make it suitable only for adults.—J. Osicki, Saint John Free P.L., N.B.
Melbourne, Drew (text) & Yvel Guichet & Joe Rubinstein (illus.). Archenemies. Vol. 1: Sinners and Saints. Dark Horse. 2007. 128p. ISBN 1-59307-699-1 [ISBN 978-1-59307-699-3]. pap. $12.95. F
What would happen if you took Felix and Oscar from Neil Simon's The Odd Couple and gave them superpowers? In this series, Ethan Baxter and Vincent Darko share an apartment and a strong hatred for each another. Yet, oddly, neither knows the other has an alter ego. Ethan absorbed the life essence of a dying alien and now patrols the sky as Star Fighter, while Vincent, the Underlord, uses his intellect to gain a legacy membership in a secret organization of supervillains called the Masked Circle. The tone is schizophrenic, shifting from irreverent and clever to earnest and somber. Both characters have significant father issues that impact the plot, but the emotions are too uncomplicated to be believable. The story is disjointed and difficult to follow at times, and ideas are left hanging. Guichet's artwork resembles a rough Humberto Ramos with gangly, blocky bodies, while Rubinstein's inks add some much needed energy. With time, this story might lead somewhere interesting, but there are many other books that would be much better additions, like Invincible. This title works for teen or adult collections despite an embarrassingly over-the-top sex scene heard from behind a closed door.—Mark D. Richardson, Cedar Mill Community Lib., Portland
Morris, Steve. Blessed Thistle. Dark Horse. Feb. 2007. 88p. ISBN 1-59307-630-4 [ISBN 978-1-59307-630-6]. pap. $9.95. F
A young thief finds that the line between criminal and victim is easily crossed; scientists tinker with creation and free will but lose control; a teacher returns from vacation with a bad habit that may be her downfall; a vicious little girl goes on a rampage of bullying. Newcomer Morris teases out the evil that lurks behind the mask of innocence in these four intertwining stories. Each tale bleeds into the next, with images of blood-spattered thistles (symbolizing misanthropy?) separating each segment. Portents, symbols, and foreshadowing abound. In the break-in story, for example, a cloaked figure stands unnoticed in the shadows, guns and knives gleam, psychoactive medications live next to the fruit bowl, and a small image of the devil taking the soul of a dead man peeks jauntily from the wall in the cozy kitchen. In Morris's richly detailed images, the people all appear a little unhealthy, slightly gray, their faces expressive but still mysterious. As lights and angles change, smiling faces may turn menacing and inhuman or register no emotion at all. Slightly disturbing but intriguing, this is a strong first for the winner of Dark Horse Comics' New Recruits Contest. With some coarse language, violence, and adult themes, this is suitable for older teens and adult audiences.—Julia Cox, Penticton P.L., B.C.
Oshimizu, Sachi. Twin Signal. Vol. 1. AnimeWorks: Media Blasters. 2006. 368p. tr. from Japanese by Yamamoto-Davey. ISBN 1-59883-002-3 [ISBN 978-1-59883-002-6]. pap. $9.99. F
Nobuhiko is sent to stay with his roboticist genius grandfather, who needs help programming a new robot whose special body will make him the most humanoid model ever developed. Sadly, Nobuhiko is a klutz—not to mention an allergy sufferer—and his ill-timed sneeze (along with an explosion) leads to unexpected results—the experimental robot develops a split personality that also manifests itself physically. One form is brave, heroic, noble, a bit foolhardy, but a skilled fighter; the other is a cartoony little creature who acts like a preschooler. The changes are triggered by the sound of Nobuhiko sneezing. This comedy/sf story hinges on the advanced but malfunctioning robot and the various efforts to steal him by competing scientists and a gadget collector. The stories include slapstick violence as well as serious fighting between robots, but these scenarios would be suitable for older children and teens. A good but not great read that will circulate well in collections where readers like comedy manga.—Nick Smith, Pasadena P.L., CA
Otsuichi (text) & Setsuri Tsuzuki (illus.). Calling You. Tokyopop. 2007. 176p. tr. from Japanese by Yuko Fukami. ISBN 978-1-59816-931-7. pap. $9.99. F
Ryo Aihara wants a cell phone so she can be a part of a social network, but she's too shy to speak to anyone. Instead, she creates an imaginary phone so real that someone actually calls. Through conversations with new friend Nozaki, Aihara gradually learns to be more outgoing and speak up. Nozaki has his own reasons for using an imaginary phone, which come out in a surprising ending. This short story is followed by a longer tale of Asato and Keigo, two troubled boys who meet in special education—both of them too traumatized by past abuse to be in mainstream classes. Keigo discovers that Asato can take injuries from one person and transfer them to another. As the two draw closer, their buried traumas break to the surface, resulting in a near-suicide before they both face their pain. Both stories shift from sweet to heartwarming to heartbreaking. Aihara proves a lovable character right away, though the more complex Keigo and Asato are more compelling. While the second story feels complete, the first seems slightly unfinished. Tsuzuki's light shojo style works well with the tone of the tales, especially when wistful. There is a novel version due out from Tokyopop soon. Recommended for teen collections.—Teresa Copeland, Yuma Cty. Lib. District, AZ
Pope, Paul (text & illus.) & Jose Villarrubia (illus.). Batman Year 100. DC Comics. 2007. 228p. ISBN 1-4012-1192-5 [ISBN 978-1-4012-1192-9]. pap. $19.99. F
Writer/artist Pope brings the legendary Batman to a world where the villains are not costumed maniacs but agents of an invasive government obsessed with security. When the federal police encounter Batman—the last masked superhero—they frame him for murder, and the hero uncovers a deadly conspiracy while trying to prove his innocence. Pope avoids letting this become a protest work, and he creates a cast of characters who are distinct and vibrant despite their templates (e.g., the honest cop, the effective yet menacing government agent, the brash young sidekick). The art complements the setting, with lots of shadows and spooky images. Also, although the story is set in 2039, Batman is more realistic than ever: he gets wounded, has a support crew, and wears a decidedly low-tech costume (despite using very high-tech gadgets). Longtime fans will enjoy the new interpretations of old characters and be pleased with the retention of the old-school spirit of the classic comics. With no objectionable content greater than that of a PG-13 film, this is a great way to introduce teens to an American icon that they may only know from the recent film Batman Begins.—M. Brandon Robbins, Wayne Cty. P.L., Goldsboro, NC
Tennohji, Mio. The Sky over My Spectacles. 801 Media: Digital Manga. Mar. 2007. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Chiaki Kang. ISBN 1-934129-04-6 [ISBN 978-1-934129-04-3]. pap. $15.95. F
High school junior Shirou Azuma's "spectacle fetish" is infamous, but for the first time he finds himself infatuated with a male—classmate Sorachi. Is the attraction only eyeglasses deep? Similar themes of secret passions and true love appear in the three other stories, which all seem formulaic: there is a misunderstanding, tearful confessions, declarations of love, mad, passionate sex, and then they all live happily ever after. Not much drives the story lines forward, other than the urgency to hop into bed together. Often, the flow of the panels and text balloons is confusing to follow in the crowded layouts. Character designs are quite tall and gangly; their faces do not range greatly in expression. Deservedly rated 18+ for explicit contents. Although this manga is pleasant enough, other hard yaoi titles offer more involved storytelling and refined artwork, e.g., Yuki Shimizu's Love Mode (BLU: Tokyopop) and Ayano Yamane's Finder series (Be Beautiful). Not recommended. [801 Media is a new publisher focusing on edgier and more explicit yaoi compared with the Juné imprint of Digital Manga.—Ed.]—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Tanaka, Meca. Pearl Pink. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Adrienne Beck. ISBN 978-1-59816-775-7. pap. $9.99. F
Tomboy Tamako has been toughening herself up for ten years for the sake of a boy who told her not to cry when she was four. As futile as her goal seems, life goes her way: Tamako is reunited with her pop idol mother after she hits it big, and her mother's agent turns out to be the father of her childhood crush. The scandal of a "pure" idol with a teenage daughter could destroy her mother's career, however, so Tamako discreetly moves into the agency household as a cousin and has plenty of time to badger her true love. As with any fluffy series, the household is madcap—Kanji, the love interest, has a strange zeal for dressing up girls; his father has a strange zeal for putting girls' costumes on; and Raizo, another client of the agency, has some fairly substantial zeal for Kanji. The target audience in unclear: 13-year-old Tamako looks and acts like a ten-year-old boy, the series has a middle school mentality, and there are enough sexual references (cross-dressing, nudity, porn, teen pregnancy) to set it easily in the high school bracket. Additionally, the first book doesn't seem to lead anywhere or make any promises for the future. However, it has entertainment value, benefits from a particularly good English adaptation, and will fit reasonably into a larger YA collection. Recommended for grades nine and up.—Rebecca Schaffner, Saline District Lib., MI
Way, Daniel (text) & Javier Saltares & Mark Texeira (illus.). Wolverine: Origins & Endings. Marvel. 2006. 128p. ISBN 0-7851-1979-5 [ISBN 978-0-7851-1979-1]. pap. $13.99. F
The iconic X-Man Wolverine has long been shrouded in mystery. His mind has been wiped many times, and his true backstory has only been revealed in small glimpses, such as in Barry Windsor-Smith'sclassic Weapon X. In the recent (and controversial) House of M arc (2005), Wolverine was finally granted his heart's desire: to remember everything about his past. Way's story line picks up this thread, transitioning readers into the new Wolverine: Origins series. In this compilation of issues 36–40, Wolverine tracks down past friends and foes to make sense of his jumbled memories. Government agencies freak out once they realize Wolverine has regained his memory, and Wolverine goes into classic hunt mode as he tracks down the first of many who have wronged him in the past. The noir art style (everything takes place at night or sundown) is a perfect fit for the theme of revenge and does a particularly good job of capturing facial expressions for the gamut of emotions that Wolverine experiences. On its own, this volume reveals precious little about Wolverine's past and is more of a teaser, but the popularity of the X-Men titles and Wolverine himself garner this volume a place in most older teen and adult collections where superhero titles are popular.—David Ward, Univ. of Illinois Undergraduate Lib., Urbana
Yamada, Norie (text) & Kumichi Yoshizuki (illus.). Someday's Dreamers: Spellbound. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2006. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Jeremiah Bourque. ISBN 1-59816-642-5 [ISBN 978-1-59816-642-2]. pap. $9.99. F
High school senior Nami Matsuo is at a crossroads in her life. While her friends are applying to schools and planning their careers, Nami is dreading making any decisions about her future: she is a magic user but can never successfully perform spells, and she likes photography but isn't confident in her skill. Nami just wants to be left alone, until she meets Ryutaro, the volatile new boy in her class. Ryutaro lashes out at his classmates, skips school, rides his motorcycle too fast, and, unsurprisingly, has a secret vulnerable side Nami finds irresistible. Although the love story is somewhat predictable, Nami is a likable heroine with a troubled family life that will make her character relatable for many teenagers. The artwork has a sketchy, unfinished quality that is especially well suited for conveying emotional scenes. This is a typical romance story that will appeal to fans of shojo and high school melodrama, but not many others. Includes a nifty location guide with information about attractions in Nagasaki. Rated teen for language and sporadic violence.—Emily Williams, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma City
Yuiga, Satol. E'S. Vol. 1. Broccoli Bks. 2006. 212p. tr. from Japanese by Satsuki Yamashita. ISBN 1-5974-1119-1 [ISBN 978-1-5974-1119-6]. pap. $9.99. F
Postapocalypse, the world's governments have crumbled, and corporations have formed their own governments. Ashurum, a secret organization, employs a strike team of psychics who are hated by the normal populace and distrusted by their own corporation. These psychics, including Kai Kudou, Shen-Long, and Shin-Lu, hunt down other psychics, unaware that their captures lead to executions. The team is perforated by rivalries: Kai is too naïve for the bitter Shen-Long; Shin-Lu, Shen-Long's adored sister, seems to have tender feelings for Kai. When Kai's mercy leads to tragedy and a catastrophic confrontation with Shen-Long, he is rescued by anti-Ashurum guerrillas who are trying to retrieve the Sacrament of Calvarias before Ashurum finds it. This exciting but unoriginal manga is populated by standard shonen archetypes—noble hero, bitter rival, beautiful companions—and motivated by a standard grail quest. The designs and frames have a cinematic style, which is not surprising since E'S is also an anime series. Recommended for older teens, this is a good option for public libraries with high readership of shonen sf but not for middle schools, owing to violence.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton
Week of February 20
Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Nonfiction
Sellers, John. Perfect from Now On: How Indie Rock Saved My Life. S. & S. Mar. 2007. c.224p. photogs. ISBN 0-7432-7708-2 [ISBN 978-0-7432-7708-2]. $23. MUSIC
Freelance pop culture journalist and blogger Sellers's (Arcade Fever: The Fan's Guide to the Golden Age of Video Games) memoir of his evolution from a Duran Duran and Journey–loving preadolescent to a devotee of Joy Division, Pavement, and Guided by Voices takes a droll look at fandom and how music can truly shape and complement a person's psyche. Writing in a style that fuses the parenthetical asides of Nicholson Baker (exemplified by 179 "footnotes") with pop culture and musical insights à la Nick Hornby, he chronicles the musical "origin story" of his mid-1980s adolescence, his college years spent idolizing Morrissey and New Order, and a life of discovering his emotional soundtrack. He also chronicles a pilgrimage to Manchester, England, and concludes with a more recent beer-filled odyssey to see the final shows of Guided by Voices, his current favorite band. Closing with several list-filled appendixes, the book aptly illustrates Sellers's maxim that it is "simply wrong to love music halfway." Although it slows down in its final chapters, its pronouncements will provoke conversation, debate, and smiles among all who love music and pop culture of the past 25 years. Recommended.—Jim Collins, Morristown–Morris Twp. P.L., NJ
Stepp, Laura Sessions. Unhooked: How Young Women Pursue Sex, Delay Love and Lose at Both. Riverhead: Putnam. Feb. 2007. 304p. index. ISBN 1-59448-938-6 [ISBN 978-1-59448-938-9]. $24.95. PSYCH
After writing a series of articles on trends in adolescent sexuality for the Washington Post, reporter Stepp decided to study several young women of high school and college age to learn more about the culture of "hooking up." Here, the author details the approximate nine months she spent trailing and interviewing those women individually. The book focuses on their romantic and sexual lives: stories are interspersed with Stepp's ruminations on the factors that have led to the demise of courtship and the rise of the very casual sexual relationships these women tend toward. While the sex lives of her subjects may not shock all readers as they did Stepp, the women's honesty and their strange dichotomy of frank self-awareness and frequent confusion might, as they frequently find themselves hurt despite their nonchalance. Though Stepp's perspective is sometimes nostalgic and naïve, her book offers a rare combination of intelligence—on the part of the author, her subjects, and the experts quoted—and insight regarding the sexual landscape of today's adolescents. An important read for parents, ideally shared with their children and used as a springboard for discussion; recommended for all libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/06.]—Amanda Glasbrenner, Chicago
Tellington-Jones, Linda with Bobbie Lieberman. The Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training Book: Enlightened and Revolutionary Solutions for the 21st Century. Trafalgar Square. Feb. 2007. 344p. illus. index. ISBN 1-57076-320-8 [ISBN 978-1-57076-320-5]. pap. $29.95. ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
With the assistance of a former senior editor of Equus magazine, Tellington-Jones, an internationally known animal behaviorist, co-author of six books, and producer of many video programs, outlines here the Tellington Method® she developed for training and healing horses. Her book, illustrated with step-by-step photographs, is divided into multiple sections that include an overview of the training method, behavior and training issues (arranged in an A-to-Z format), massage techniques, special equipment required, and ground and riding exercises. In addition, there are testimonials from highly successful competitive riders in the fields of dressage, endurance riding, and eventing. The training method relies heavily on ground work with the horse and less so on riding exercises. The massage techniques are somewhat difficult to visualize and would be better demonstrated by video. However, horse lovers who like the methods and books of Pat Parelli and John Lyons, who wrote an introduction to this book, will appreciate this volume. Those who are more interested in riding than ground work would be better served by Jessica Jahiel's The Rider's Problem Solver: Your Questions Answered: How To Improve Your Skills, Overcome Your Fears, and Understand Your Horse. Recommended for large public libraries with equine collections.—Patsy Gray, Huntsville P.L., AL
Thyre, Sarah. Dark at the Roots: A Memoir. Counterpoint: Perseus. Mar. 2007. c.256p. ISBN 1-58243-359-3 [ISBN 978-1-58243-359-2]. $22.95. PSYCH
Comedian and writer Thyre, best known for her role as Coach Cherri Wolf on the Comedy Central show Strangers with Candy, employs a wry strength and a sassy wit in her hilariously vain attempts to rise above a lower-middle-class upbringing in this terrific coming-of-age memoir. Fatherly love and affection are scarce, and money is even harder to come by throughout Thyre's childhood in the American South during the 1970s. The only things in generous supply are the religious platitudes served up by her long-suffering mother—who eventually walks out on her moody spouse and becomes a single mother—and vengeful Catholic schoolteachers. For the structure and tone of these vignettes, Thyre has looked to mentor David Sedaris (sister Amy starred with her in Strangers with Candy), but her voice remains fiercely original. Other children of the 1970s will relate to her anecdotes involving Looking for Mr. Goodbar and Paul Zindel books. Highly recommended for all public libraries.—Elizabeth Brinkley, Granite Falls, WA
Bergting, Peter. The Portent. Vol. 1: Duende. Image Comics. 2006. 128p. ISBN 1-58240-721-5 [ISBN 978-1-58240-721-0]. pap. $12.99. F
In this haunting tale that combines concepts from both Norse and Chinese mythology, brash young swordsman Milo is mistaken for a prophesied chosen one and is forced to lead a young woman named Lin and her guardian, Alkuin, on a quest to recover an ancient artifact that has the power to destroy an ancient demon. It's a stock fantasy quest, complete with a love interest, magical weapons, and comic-relief creatures that make the whole thing seem a bit too much like a Disney film. More frustrating are the rapid-fire plot twists that rush the story and the development of the characters. But Bergting's debut does deliver in the art: lush, vibrant landscapes contrast with nightmarish creatures, while battles are drawn with an intensity that makes up for their lack of detail. In the most chilling display of his raw talent, Bergting even makes the dreamlike spirit realm of the story's climax feel dead and empty—just as it should. The art is so good it actually makes up for the lackluster script. Although lacking sex and low on profanity, the book does contain some images that may disturb younger readers. Teens and adults will be sucked in by the delicate art and may find it hard to pull away.—M. Brandon Robbins, Wayne Cty. P.L., Goldsboro, NC
Cogan, Adam (text) & Ryan Cody (illus.). Villains. Vol. 1. Viper Comics. 2006. 144p. ISBN 0-9777883-7-7 [ISBN 978-0-9777883-7-8]. pap. $12.95. F
The master/apprentice story line is nothing new in literature and certainly nothing new in comics. But Cogan has turned that motif on its ear by spinning it from one of heroism to one of villainy. Nick Corrigan is a college dropout who has just lost his job. Fearing that his longtime girlfriend will leave him if he proves to be a failure, he needs to make lots of money fast. After witnessing an encounter between his apartment superintendent and superhero the Flying Ace, Nick learns that the seemingly normal old man is former supervillain Hardliner. Nick threatens to turn him over to the police if the retired criminal doesn't train him. What follows is an underworld story full of double-crosses, setups, and close calls that has more in common with Alan Moore's The Watchmen than any mainstream superhero title; there are no good guys, only survivors in the dark world portrayed. It's a great read but not for younger audiences—graphic violence, profanity, and sexual content abound.—M. Brandon Robbins, Wayne Cty. P.L., Goldsboro, NC
Goodwin, Archie (text) & John Byrne (illus.). Wolverine Classic. Vol. 4. Marvel. 2006. 168p. ISBN 0-7851-2054-8 [ISBN 978-0-7851-2054-4]. pap. $14.99. F
This volume presents issues Nos. 17–23, first published in 1989, and features striking covers, solid interior art, and great coloring. Fans of Byrne's style will love it; those who dislike his pencils should stay away. This complex, twisting story involves a drug-trade arrangement between Felix Guillermo Caridad, a corrupt dictator of a place called Tierra Verde, and the denizens of the fictional city of Madripoor. Caridad's distribution of a fatal form of cocaine prompts Wolverine to follow a trail that leads him to Madripoor. Wolvie then enters into conflict with several nasty villains—among them Roughhouse, an enforcer descended from the trolls of mythical Asgard; the evil figure Geist, outfitted with a cyborg suit and wrist attachments; the water-dwelling Tiger Shark; and a near-omnipotent, ancient, globby force of nature called Spore, who almost consumes Wolverine, Geist, and Caridad. A new minor sidekick named La Bandera enters the fray—a young female mutant reminiscent of other Wolvie sidekicks such as Jubilee and Kitty Pryde. A fitting ending where vengeance is dispatched against Geist, who has eluded Wolvie's claws several times by the conclusion, includes a cameo by a major X-Men nemesis. The art and story may feel dated for contemporary audiences, but this is a good read. Appropriate for all collections catering to superhero comics fans.—Jeff Hunter, Royal Oak, MI
Konomi, Takeshi. The Prince of Tennis. Vol. 18. Viz Media. Mar. 2007. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Joe Yamazaki. ISBN 1-4215-1094-4 [ISBN 978-1-4215-1094-1]. pap. $7.95. F
After living in the United States, Ryoma Echizen returns to Japan and enrolls at Seishun Academy Junior High. To everyone's surprise, this little seventh grader becomes a starter on the acclaimed tennis team. A tennis prodigy who won four consecutive American junior tournaments, Ryoma could be the key to Seishun attaining the national championship. In Volume 18, Seishun enters the opening round of the Kanto (regional) tournament facing last year's runner-up Hyotei Academy. The writing, along with realistic and energetic artwork, showcases the complexities of the game. The story moves from one exciting match to another, making it easy for new readers to jump into the series. There is plenty of humor, and Konomi deftly crafts a multitude of talented players who wield an arsenal of signature shots that defy the laws of physics. Ryoma is likable despite his cocky behavior; he has a great regard for the game and does not tolerate bullies or show-offs. Viz rates it suitable for any age—while there is no profanity and little violence, it is more appropriate for early teens. Parents of very young readers may object to Ryoma's father, who spends his time chain-smoking and looking at photos of scantily clad buxom models. Fortunately, the father, meant as comic relief, appears very rarely. The anime has started airing on the Cartoon Network. Sports manga at its best, the series is highly recommended for all collections.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Kusanagi, Mizujo. Mugen Spiral. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 208p. tr. from Japanese by Nan Rymer. ISBN 978-1-59816-829-7. pap. $9.99. F
The action starts on the first page of this romantic adventure as high school student Yayoi, the last in a line of powerful mystics, traps Ura, the son of the Demon King, in the body of a cat to prevent him from absorbing her powers and making them his own. It seems the throne of Infinite City is about to become vacant and the demon with the most power will be the next Demon King. As each new demon arrives to challenge Yayoi, Ura resists the curse she has placed upon him in order to protect Yayoi and keep her powers for himself. As the two grow closer through each new adventure, Yayoi learns there is more at stake in Infinite City than just the throne and that Ura may not be trying to win the crown after all. With fast-paced action and convincing fight scenes, this story could easily pass for shonen if not for the heavy romantic overtones and abundance of hot guys. The art is standard shojo fare with easy-to-recognize characters, and the story, while nothing new, is compelling enough to keep romance fans reading. Rated ages 13+, there is enough strong language to keep it out of middle schools but is otherwise fine for teens. This series is complete in two volumes, which makes it a good choice for libraries unable to commit to some of the longer manga series available.—Eva Volin, Stockton–San Joaquin Cty. P.L., CA
Lee, Youjung. Let's Be Perverts. Vol. 1. Netcomics. 2006. 162p. tr. from Korean by Kyoung Kay Park. ISBN 1-60009-124-5 [ISBN 978-1-60009-124-5]. pap. $9.99. F
Don't judge a book by its cover, or more accurately, by its title. This manwha looks at teenage angst created by developing physical maturity. Aiming for a new start at Sanghwang Private High School, 17-year-old Perverto observes a man groping a girl on the subway. In attempting to come to her rescue, Perverto gets accused of the harassment—and it is just Perverto's luck that the girl involved, strong, independent Hongdan, is also starting as a new student in his class. Perverto discovers that the molester from the train is the school's math teacher and vows to expose him. This teen novel begins and ends with flashbacks providing insight into why the naïve young Perverto has been forced to change schools. Youjung incorporates and alters photographs; the detailed and rich art melds from grainy black-and-white photos to the crisp lines of the artist. Each of the eight chapters begins with a page showing a young woman partially nude and/or a crotch shot. But the text, flashbacks, and artwork function smoothly together. This adorable story conveys the awkwardness and embarrassment of teenage life, and the reader is left anticipating Volume 2 of this four-volume series. Including nudity and mature themes, it is recommended for ages 16+ and adult collections.—Susan L. Wakefield, Minneapolis, MN
Maeda, Jun (text) & Rei Idumi (illus.). Hibiki's Magic. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 232p. tr. from Japanese by Alexis Kirsch. 978-1-59816-766-5. pap. $9.99. F
Hibiki is hopeless as a sorcerer's assistant. Her master is patiently teaching her how to make magic circles, but she has little success and often ends up in tears; she feels her only real talent is making a good cup of tea. One day, bandits disturb a magic ceremony, and their home is destroyed in an accident and the master's consciousness is transferred into a squirrel-like creature. Hibiki and her master travel to the big city and stumble upon the Royal Kamisaid Magic Academy, where Hibiki is welcomed into the academic community on the strength of her master's reputation. Hopeless as a student, she is nevertheless immediately promoted and becomes a professor. Although Hibiki is embarrassed and nervous about teaching, her new friends believe she has a special kind of power: the ability to make people think, and she manages to surprise herself consistently with seemingly accidental accomplishments. Hibiki's innocence and extreme cuteness are balanced by a developing cast of darker and more complex characters. This volume is a smooth introduction to a new fantasy series—fans of .hack//Legend of the Twilight will appreciate this strong work by the same artist. Hibiki's Magic is rated for older teens for a few violent scenes, although the overall feel of the book is much younger. Recommended.—Emily Williams, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma City
Ridley, John (text) & Georges Jeanty & Karl Story (illus.). The American Way. Wildstorm: DC Comics. Feb. 2007. 184p. ISBN 978-1-4012-1256-8. pap. $19.99. F
In 1961, former advertising executive Wesley Catham is the marketing director of a team of government-controlled superheroes—the Civil Defense Corps (C.D.C.). It is revealed that while these characters have real powers, their spectacular battles are merely scripted PR stunts designed to assuage the fears of Cold War America. After the death of the iconic Old Glory during a public slug-out, Catham hatches a plan to replace him with a new hero, the first black superhuman. The debut of The New American sparks a torrent of racial tension throughout the nation and the C.D.C. itself. Writer Ridley (screenwriter of Three Kings and Undercover Brother) offers an intriguing premise, but its execution is ultimately unsatisfying. The New American has the potential to be an interesting symbol: he is initially portrayed in a silvery astronaut-themed and race-concealing costume, and later he wears a black suit and beret and resembles a super-powered Huey Newton. He is physically indestructible but still very vulnerable to pain. Both of these metaphors remain underutilized, and like all the other C.D.C. members, The New American is never fully developed. Additionally, the dialog often feels anachronistic, and the story frequently loses its historical context. Treading familiar ground (Watchmen, The Golden Age, Astro City, Truth: Red, White and Black), this is not the best work to address the darker sides of American history through superheroes, but it could possibly prompt some discussion and might find a good home as a supplement to curriculum in a high school library.—Ben Lathrop, Fairfield Lane Lib., OH
Sakurakoji, Kanoko. Backstage Prince. Vol. 1. Viz Media. Mar. 2007. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Mai Ihara. ISBN 1-4215-1172-X [ISBN 978-1-4215-1172-6]. pap. $8.99. F
Akari loudly proclaims to her friends that she's not interested in hot guys because they're all cheaters. She then inadvertently hits the handsomest boy in school, Ryusei, in the ribs with her heavy schoolbag and injures him. Ryusei is a famous kabuki actor who doesn't socialize with other students; he communicates through glares and an occasional mumble. Through a random encounter with a black cat named Mr. Ken, Akari finds herself backstage at the kabuki theater, and mischievous kabuki actor Toshiya asks her to serve as Ryusei's assistant until his injury heals. She agrees; it turns out that Ryusei's aloof manners are owing to his being totally uncomfortable relating to other people. Although Akari keeps accidentally falling asleep when watching his performances, she's fascinated by his talent. Of course, they start falling in love but keep the relationship a secret. Although stories about an emotionally intelligent girl and a guy who is a handsome social misfit can be found aplenty in other shojo series, the modern romance combined with the traditional setting of kabuki theater results in an entertaining manga. Rated for teens, it contains some kissing but no nudity. Recommended.—Anna Neatrour, Salt Lake City, UT
Schaffer, Dan. The Scribbler. Image Comics. 2006. 96p. ISBN 1-58240-700-2 [ISBN 978-1-58240-700-5]. pap. $7.99. F
Suki suffers from multiple personalities—a plague of crazies playing musical chairs with her body that leave Suki waking up in the oddest of places with days missing from her memory. When an experimental new treatment called Siamese Burn Therapy is offered, Suki quickly jumps at the chance to exorcise her demons. Things begin great as, one by one, her other personas are purged. But her last personality, dubbed "the Scribbler," is stronger than anticipated and begins to tinker with the Siamese Burn module to suit her agenda. Suki's grip on reality once again becomes tenuous, culminating in a psychosomatic showdown of the Ids. Given the rather deep waters The Scribbler eventually treads, Schaffer's scripting is excellent; both pace and characterization serve a purpose and never become a hindrance to the plot. Suki's inner monolog has a light, sarcastic tone—which makes for a much easier read than a dark, moody piece. The overall commentary on the subjective nature of reality is effectively conveyed in a subtle manner rather than in constant reiteration. Similarly, Schaffer's photo-realistic black-and-white pencils are a good fit for the story; grounded in reality for the first two acts, they provide a great contrast to Suki's eventual hallucinations. The hackle-raising visuals of Suki's fight with a malevolent personality incorporate elements of the fantastic and are further highlighted against a "normal" backdrop. Recommended for adult collections looking for a little more cerebral works within the realms of psychology and philosophy.—George Sun, New York
Tsuda, Mikiyo. Princess Princess. Vol. 2. Digital Manga. 2007. 174p. tr. from Japanese by Earl Gertwagen. ISBN 1-56970-855-X [ISBN 978-1-56970-855-2]. pap. $12.95. F
The saga of the three "princesses" at an all-boys high school continues, and it's summer break in this second volume. With no school events or sports teams to dress up and cheer for, Kuono, Shihoudani, and Mikoto are looking forward to enjoying some free time. Mikoto returns home for the summer; Kuono and Shihoudani decide to stay at the dorms and find out more about each other's families and backgrounds. To celebrate Shihoudani's birthday, the two go to the city to pick up girls and have some fun, but even in their regular street clothes, they're mistaken for girls. Volume 1 was suitable for teens 13+ (Xpress Reviews, 11/28/06). Volume 2 would have been appropriate for the same audience were it not for a single, very large panel depicting frontal nudity. While trying pick up girls, they discuss what type of girls they like. Shihoudani's has to have a big chest, and he speaks in detail of the ideal breast size, shape, and color. He describes perfect breasts that he can nestle his face between. The panel seems gratuitous and over the top in comparison to the rest of the book. However, it is impossible to miss. This half-page of images justifies the 16+ rating by the publisher. Libraries that have purchased the first volume should be aware of the more adult content in the second volume.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Ultimate Annuals. Vol. 2. Marvel. 2007. 160p. ISBN 0-7851-2371-7 [ISBN 978-0-7851-2371-2]. pap. $13.99. F
Ultimate Annuals collects four double-sized annuals from the popular Ultimate line of comics. The art for all four stories is up to the usual Ultimate standards, and the four different creative teams do a decent enough job—it's just too bad that the tales are so forgettable. The problem with annuals has always been that they are throwaway stories wherein heroes battle third-rate villains to a conclusion that has no impact on the overall story told in the ongoing series. The two exceptions in this series, however, are the slightly better-than-average Spider-Man and X-Men stories, which have already appeared in different collections where they were a much better fit. The other two stories, starring the Ultimates and the Fantastic Four, are just unnecessary. Don't pick up this book; your money will be better spent on the ongoing collections from the regular series.—Michael Powers, Robert Van Wyck Jr. H.S., Queens, NY
Yamazaki, Housui. Mail. Vol. 1. Dark Horse. 2006. 196p. tr. from Japanese by Douglas Varenas. ISBN 1-59307-566-9 [ISBN 978-1-59307-566-8]. pap. $10.95. F
The dead send messages; they can be found in photos, drawings, and walls. Psychic investigator Reiji Akiba is called in to send these poor spirits back to the grave. In Volume 1, all the spirits are children, but unfortunately revenge and tragedy have robbed them of their innocence: Akiba helps a couple of pornography photographers banish a killer, saves two young ladies in the nick of time, puts one twin to rest while protecting the other, and confronts a ghost with a self-esteem issue. Finally, the volume's strongest story reveals how Akiba found his calling and his gun. The stories are entertaining but repetitive: Akiba never misses a shot and always shows up before any real damage can be done. The spirits and their various manifestations are what keep the pages turning—a dead child peeks down from the ceiling recalling the recent string of Japanese horror flick hits. While similar manga like Eiji Ohtsuka and Housui Yamazaki's Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service (Xpress Reviews, 10/24/06) might be a better choice, libraries with a large adult horror collection and lots of demand will want this title.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb Cty. P.L., Decatur, GA
See the February 15th Xpress Reviews.
