Many thanks to Yen Press for sending a review copy.
About the Mangaka
JinHo Ko is the artist for Croquis Pop as well, however beyond that I couldn’t find anything out.
About the Manga
Like Nabari no Ou is was in two minds over this series, but I was leaning more towards dislike at times.
The first thing I hated about this series was the fan service, which I initially felt was really out of place. Fan service is okay in it’s own, but fan service with decapitated bodies *shudders*
However I find that it really isn’t so bad after reading through it in full tankobon form. sure it still makes me cringe, but not as bad as previously since I get through it so fast, and the realisation it’s only happening twice helps.
There are some distinct similarities between the art in this series, and the art in Croquis Pop. Jack Frost really resembles Mu-Huk at times, but on the whole I think the art is better in this series than in Pop.
I really love the character designs in this series, they’re all pretty amazing. Noh-A is cute, rather than sexy. Her design really shows off her cute aspects well, compared to Jin and Helmina are sexy. Though Helmina is really sex personified, and a total S&M Queen on steroids hehe. Jin also has a cute thing going on at times as well.
Jack on the other hand is totally freaky, and when Noh-A names him as Nasty-Smile I was in total agreement. His character designs are awesome, though all of them are creepy.
That said I really don’t like the cover for this volume. Sure having Jack on the cover was a good idea, but, this image is just ugly. Another, better image would have served better I think, since to be truthful, if I saw this in a shop I’m more than likely not to buy it.
Sadly, judging books by their covers is some thing we shouldn’t do, but lets face it we all do it.
Story wise I’m still not sure what to make of it. I usually have a handle on the story, and at least a basic understanding of what’s going on. I don’t this time, and I love it. The story is keeping me guessing as to what’s going on, and how everything is connected.
Especially how Noh-A and Jack are connected, since several times through out the volume this is hinted at.
I do have some concerns though, as this series is only two volumes long, which could mean a weird ending. Or, as I’m hoping, this is one of those ongoing series and that only two volumes were available for licensing.
Once again Yen Press do an awesome job with their release. A great and smooth translation, tied with a good piece of editing. And the colour pages of this volume were done awesomely.
While I enjoyed the volume, I’m not going to rate it yet, until I’ve seen the second volume and can make a better determination. However I will say I LOVED this volume.
Where to Buy
