Nov 29, 2007
Tokyo Akazukin (Tokyo Red Riding Hood) is, in one word, bizarre. Tamaoka Benkyo has essentially created a gruesome, unique world by colliding Red Riding Hood with Hellsing and adding a dash of Waita Uziga. While the manga first appears to be that of a loli-guro doujinshi, readers will be more than pleasantly surprised at the development of the story through all four volumes. That is, if they can get past the graphic violence and sex that is frequently depicted.
The story of Tokyo Akazukin is a unique one. Following a young, immortal girl through the dirtiest parts of Tokyo, it provides a dark and eerie
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atmosphere for it's readers. An interesting part of the story is that quite a few primary elements are left to question as the characters seek to find the answers themselves. By doing so, the artist enables the reader to become engrossed in the story and entangled with the characters themselves.
The artwork is rough, dirty, with an almost American touch to it. It is, however, these elements that suit the story best. The backgrounds are simple when displayed, but many panels are left to simple black-out tones. The characters themselves are highly detailed, yet sometimes have an almost anorexic feel. Their facial expressions are well depicted and do well to give the reader a good feel of not only what the character is saying, but feeling as well. The sexual encounters are that of a typical hentai doujin, but by avoiding attempted depictions of genitalia, the artist was able to avoid annoying censorships. Perhaps the most interesting part of the artwork is the prominence of gore. Blood, sweat, and guts are all delivered by the barrel with every violent encounter. From simple cuts to complete dismemberment, Benkyo spared no expense on gore.
The characters, both primary and secondary, are all unique in their design. Whether by identifiable physical features or attitude, every character comes off as providing some sort of "wow" factor for a reader. The way that the characters come to interact with each other sometimes feels a bit up to chance but, in the end, it's good enough to move the story along and will keep readers satisfied until the end. The attitudes and demeanors of these character is perhaps one of the most interesting points of mention. Most seem self-centered and out for their own means, but also seem to provide some form of compassion for others inside. It may have been the artist's intention to show that glimpse of human compassion in even the toughest of characters. That, however, is pure speculation.
The manga, overall, is a strange yet exciting experience for fans of the super-natural. While bewildering and nauseous at times, it is also intriguing and captivating at others. Like a violent detective novel, readers will find themselves going from volume to volume looking for answers to the questions that are given. If there was anything to keep readers from getting into the series, it would either be the gore or pornography (or both). Still, even wiith or without the sexual elements, Tokyo Akazukin is probably best defined as a thrill ride through a modern day, wonderland hell.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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