About Heroes

Dark Wraith of Shannara
By: Terry Brooks
Adaptation: Robert Place Napton
Illustrate by: Edwin David
Publisher: Del Rey

Alright, two things before we start this review. No, this is not really manga, but it is in the same format that the other manga from Del Rey is released in. Two, I have never read a Shannara book, even though I have been told by numerous friends to get off my ass and read them. Melanie however did do an awesome recap of some of the books like Wishsong to keep me familiar with some of the scenery. So keep in mind this is my introduction to the world of Shannara. There is a nice forward by Terry brooks himself where he calls this graphic novel a grand experiment. I found the prologue a good recap into this world that I was unfamiliar with as well. We find Jair (which also happens to be my middle name) a little more mature than he was in Wishsong and living in the Four Lands. He is now testing his new magical powers when the shade of Druid Allanon sends him on a task. He warns him of an evil inhuman race (the Mwellerts) that have a new scheme starting with the abduction of two of Jair's friends Kimber and Cogline. The only way to get them back is for him to look into the dark arts that his father and sister told him not to use and he looks for help in the spirit of a deceased warrior.

I really enjoyed the character designs in the book; they really looked like the characters in fantasy novels. David does a great job with action sequences, but sometimes his figures look a bit odd. He reminds me of a mixture between Justianno and Kevin Lau. At times his anatomy can be a little off and some pictures look awkward. Del Rey includes an artist’s sketchbook, showing concept drawings and changes following Terry’s instructions. There is an extract from Wishsong for those who might be tempted to go and read the novel after this graphic novel. While I’m sure that Brooks will continue to write novels, if he ever wants to write another comic again, count me in. After reading the extract from Wishsong, I will be checking that book out as soon as I get a chance. The book kept me interested and I wanted to know more about the characters when I was done. If you enjoy fantasy books or are want to try to dive into the world of Shannara, this is a great way to get your feet wet. I am sure fans of the popular series have already picked this up. B+

Junk: Record of the Last Hero vol. 6
Story & Art: Kia Asamiya
Translation: Kenji Komiya
Adaptation: Ailen Lujo
Publisher: Dr Master

From the creator of Silent Mobius, Steam Detectives, and Nadesico comes his latest creation: Junk. Although it’s not really a catchy superhero name here, it does make sense when you actually read the books. Kia Asamiya was influenced by superhero shows as a child, which led him to take an interest in Western superheroes. He fulfilled one of his dreams when he got the gig drawing Uncanny X-men. I was a little disappointed in the story when I read volumes 1 and 2. The story was really unoriginal (guy gets a bionic suit that enhances his speed, strength, etc) and the main character was a complete tool. The first thing he did with his new powers was beat up all the bullies that picked on him at school. However, the story has turned for the better and Hiro is maturing as he gets more and more used to his power. He is now back in school and even his JUNK counselor becomes his teacher. But my problem still lies with the dialogue. It takes a while to get used to and it just seems odd at times and seems bland. The art is very dark and gritty, and fits the mood of the story perfectly. And just like in most manga, the focus tends to be on the facial expressions of the characters. I love how Asamiya draws those Junk suits…they really are their own character. The story has finally picked up and the art keeps looking better and better, but the bland dialogue just makes it drag. B-

Oh My Goddess! Vols. 7 & 8
Story & Art: Kosuke Fujishima
Translation: Dana Lewis
Adaptation: Toren Smith
Publisher: Dark Horse

Every time I get a new volume of Oh My Goddess it just puts a smile on my face and even though I have already read these stories when they were originally published in their monthly format, it is still a blast to go back and read again. But it’s worth buying these over again because of the color pages and the original art is the way it was intended. They also include the original Mini Urd series that ran through the monthly manga.

So much happened in these two volumes it’s really hard to believe it happened in only 400 pages. Urd tries to help out the romance between Belldandy and Keiichi by creating a potion that will make Belldandy sexually desire Keiichi. Of course you know if it’s a potion that Urd created it has to backfire on her. Mara returns yet again to wreck havoc on the goddesses and Keiichi. This time she takes over Keiichi's little sister's body, and tries to bring misfortune to Belldandy with the help of Senbei the demon of poverty. A demon that lives in a bottle and has a tendency to talk in the third person. Also in this book Skuld builds a robot named Banpei to protect the Morisato household from Mara. It happens to be his first appearance, since he will be a reoccurring character. The problem is that Banpei decides that Belldandy needs protection from everyone, including Keiichi and Skuld. There is a haunting featuring a ghost/maid who falls for Keiichi and just wants a ride on his bike. Skuld finally realizes what Belldandy sees in Keiichi.

I can’t get enough of these books; they just don’t come out fast enough for me. It really is nice playing catch up and DH giving us a breather between volumes 1 and 21. Fujishima's art seems richer here, especially in the backgrounds. His mastery over his art style clearly developed as the series progressed; the differences between the very earliest art and this art are quite striking. I found it rather weird that the back of volume 7 advertises the first appearance of Sora, but doesn’t say anything about Banpei. People looking for light reading material should look no further. Sure, it's not the most difficult of books to read, understand and (hopefully) enjoy, but the nature of the OMG series and its plot can appeal to a much wider age group. See why millions of fans have fallen in love with OMG and just read it. A+

Oh My Goddess! vol. 28
Story & Art: Kosuke Fujishima
Translation: Dana Lewis
Adaptation: Christopher Lewis
Publisher: Dark Horse

Funny enough I read this back to back with volumes 7 and 8. I really shouldn’t have done that because this book took no time to read. It seems that Fujishima is now just concentrating on letting the art carry his stories. This also seems to be a popular trend with Western comics as well. Comics now-a-days seem to take the dialogue out of the books to make more room for the pictures. Of course I enjoy the beautiful artwork by Fujishima, but I miss the volumes that take hours to read. Not much happens in this volume; Sora holds a karaoke contest to get more members for the motor club and we see some old faces like Miya, Takki, and Aoshima. Hild and Belldandy decide to have a broom/machine race with the outcome being a cure of Vesper (who happens to be sick with something giving him spots). If Hild wins the Goddesses have to return to heaven. I have to say I love that cover, it is probably my favorite OMG cover I have seen on any volume. Belldandy just looks so innocent and beautiful. Even though there wasn’t much of a story, it’s the cast that really saves the book. Throw in some gorgeous artwork and you still have a recipe for greatness. A-