Many thanks to Yen Press for providing a review copy.

About the Mangaka

This is actually a collaboration between Kabei Yukako and Shiori Teshirogi. Kabei-sensei wrote the original light novels, that ran for nine volumes. She returns and does the story for the manga version, and works alongside Shiori-sensei who does the art. That’s pretty much all I could find out to be honest, there’s not a lot of info about either of them. That said they do both have a website. Kabei Yukako-sensei’s website, and Shiori Teshirogi-sensei’s website can be found here.

About the Manga

keili_2

Over the years I’ve read many short and stand alone manga, and almost all have left me wishing there was more. This is the same, though in fairness, it’s done perfectly and rather than me wanting more filling, it’s a case of I just didn’t want it to end :)

Kieli is handled perfectly, and while I will admit to wishing for more padding, it’s paced very well. What’s more the ending tidies up things nicely.

This volume has something for everyone, it has several fight scenes, some cute scenes, and some heart touching moments. For me I was really glad to learn more of Harvey and the Corporal. Just as I was equally happy to see Kieli become more fleshed out and a real person.

Kabei-sensei’s story flows perfectly, there were  no flaws in the progression at all. Usually short series like this end up feeling rushed at times, as elements are cut out. Probably because she wrote the original novels, Kabei-sensei’s adaptation doesn’t have this.

That said, I do wish we had some more padding, as in a bit more information on Joachim. Since given the information revealed in the flash-backs, he was an important character to Harvey. Sadly we aren’t given anything more than the bare bones of their history.

This isn’t essential to the story, and as I said it’s fine without it. However I do feel it would have explained their relationship better, and also explained where things went wrong. For me, that was the only question left unanswered in this two volume series. Since it’s not an essential plot hook, it’s easy to over look.

Shiori-sensei’s art is great, and it flawlessly fits with story. I was glad to see the childish panels reduced considerably, but then there was little room for them in this volume. I especially liked the characters of the Corporal and Joachim. Though I have to admit my impression was different of the Corporal. Shiori-sensei’s version has a better feel to it, and now I have a concept for him, I’ve found my way of hearing and perceiving his voice has changed as well.

The different faces of Joachim were just awesome however, the changes he goes through are amazing, and while he’s only around a short while he fast became one of my favourite characters.

Yen Press have done their usual great job on this series, and I have to give special credit to the translators. There were no apparent rewrites, and it felt smooth and consistent, with no straining.

Curses on them for putting a teaser of the light novel though. Like Haruhi there’s the prologue and part of a chapter as a preview of what’s to come. The bad news is it’s a year away!! The first volume isn’t due for release till summer 2009 *sobs* After reading the teaser I’m eagerly waiting for the release, but it’s going to be hell waiting!!

I’m also hoping that they decided to adapt other parts of the novels, it world really be a shame to not expand on a great thing!!

I can now wholeheartedly recommend this series, and it easily slides into my Essential Read list.

Where to Buy

Once again there’s some confusion over the release date of this. It’s officially due for release on the 28th October, however Amazon say they already have stock.

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