About the Mangaka

The mangaka this time is rather unusual, since Peach-Pit is actually a female duo. Sendo Banri and Ebara Shibuko have had success after success, though they did go through three other group names, before settling for Peach Pit. Every piece of work they have done has gone on to become both a hit as a manga, and a hit as an anime. DearS, Rozen Maiden, and Zombie Loan have all been licensed, both in anime and manga format. Only Shugo Chara remains unlicensed. Their other work, is a a series of short comics called, Peach-Pit’s Three Titles Collaboration Comic, and mixes the characters from the three big manga, DearS, Rozen Maiden, and Zombie Loan. This is also unlicensed.

About the Manga

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Awwwww she’s just so damned cute!!

I love this volume if only because it introduces my two favorite characters. First is the little girl golem/zombie that looks after Shito, and of course the immensely hilarious chibi shinigami-sama.

I’m glad to say that Peach-Pit have improves on their support characters this volume, and they’re looking a lot better. Especially my favorite little zombie girl.

At first glance there doesn’t really seem to be much in the way of development in this volume, but in truth there’s loads.

The volume starts with family reunions for Shito and Chika, both of whom hate it. The contrasts between the two families are funny as hell. Chika’s family is the best though, I can understand why he hates his dad hehe. Although it seems he’s a bit of a sis-con, and she’s a bit of a bro-con >.<

We also get the first major change between the anime and manga in this volume, which really shocked me to be honest. (And no don’t ask I’m not spoiling!!) The change is awesome though, and really adds a lot of depth to Shito, including helping understanding his personality.

I love my little zombie girl, have done since I saw the anime, she’s just so damned cute!! Shame she’s not a major roll and is only in it for this ark. The chibi shinigami-sama is just so damned funny, especially with his interactions with Michiru.

My interest in Michiru takes another jump up as well in this volume, as her powers take on a new form, and she gains a new one.

In truth this volume is packed full of great developments across the board, including hints to the real bad guys of the series.

What really surprised me, and I’ve had this thought since the first volume, is how close the character designs are to the anime. While the manga was out first, I saw the anime first. As such I was expecting the designs to be subtly different in the manga. However I was surprised at how close they really are.

Yen did their usual great job with this volume, having Christine Schilling returning as the translator. (I really want to interview her!!) Hardly any guttering issues this volume, and we have a color panel at the front.

Personally, one of the key selling points of Yen Press titles for me, is the cost. They all have reasonable prices. No £9.99 volumes, like we get with Dark Horse. Also the quality is exceptional, especially when you compare it to the others in the price range. For example Viz and Tokyopop almost always bleach color panels, and use crappy paper that feels horrid. Yet for some reason charge upwards of £2 more per volume.  Hats off to Yen for giving us quality releases at quality prices!!

Needless to say this maintains it’s place on my Essential Read List!

Where to Buy

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