Many thanks to Yen Press for providing a copy for review!!

About the Mangaka

Spiral – bonds of Reasoning is a joint project of both Shirodaira Kyo and Mizuno Eita. Shirodaira-sensei also worked with Mizuno-sensei on the prequel story, Spiral Alive, which is still sadly unlicensed. Mizuno-sensei hasn’t worked on any other projects, where as Shirodaira-sensei has another piece of work, called Record of a Fallen Vampire. This has been licensed by Viz and is due for release in April.

About the Manga

spiral_5

Damn but this series just keeps getting better and better. Spiral is one of a very few titles that I frequently re-read, and when a new volume is released I go back to volume one and start from scratch again.

It’s pointless going on about how good Kyo’s art is, I’ve done it enough already hehe This volumes art is exceptional without exception!!

There’s very little action in this volume, in fact it’s only the beginning that has any semblance of action. From then on it’s all character development, and the introduction of two new characters.

The thing I liked about this volume was that Rutherford is the main character, with the others taking a back seat. We’re treated to more information into what makes him him, such as his past and the way he grew up.

We’re also introduced to two new major characters, Kanon and Ryouko. Kanon has strong ties with Rutherford and a heavy past. However he hasn’t come to help out, he’s been sent by someone to kill all of the Blade Children.

Ryouko however hates everything about the Blade Children, and Narumi, but ends up helping Rutherford after loosing a competition. The story develops well in this volume with a lot of character development.

Yen Press do their usual exceptional job with this release. Everything I’ve grown to hate about their releases, guttering, bad editing, is missing from this volume. In fact it’s as close to perfect as it can get.

I love Christine Schilling, she’s am awesome translator who does some of the best work I’ve ever seen in manga. This volume showcases her skill to it’s best, and the editing matches the translation. The text isn’t squished in the bubbles, and the wasted space is minimal.

Needless to say this retains it’s place on my Essential Read List, in fact it moves up a few notches. Of all the releases Yen are releasing this month, this should be a priority to buy!!

Where to Buy

This volume is due for release on the 28th October 2008

  • Share/Bookmark