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Apr 1, 2024
In compiling my long reading list, I've often alternated between modern and vintage titles. I've had some very good surprises and some big disappointments in both areas. In the case of Kaze no Sylphid, I was hoping for a pleasant surprise. It's a little-known title, even for people with a substantial background in manga. Through this little review, I'd like you to understand that giving this title a chance means making the right choice to discover something I find satisfying.
Kaze no Sylphid is a manga written in the early 90s. As you can see from the cover, it's a manga about horse racing. This
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discipline is extremely popular in Japan, and unfortunately for us Westerners, these titles are not very accessible, mainly because they are rarely translated by publishers or scantrad teams. In my opinion, the first reason to discover this title would be to discover this world. Whether it's the sporting aspect or the external stakes, I found that the manga dealt well with all aspects of the sport. The care of the animals, the iron discipline of the jockeys and even the strategic aspect of the races: the author has done her best to describe all the preparatory processes that are so important in the world of top-level sport. From this viewpoint, Kaze no Sylphid is a remarkable manga.
Another reason why I think it's worth discovering this manga is because it's a wonderful human adventure. I'm not going to lie to you: some volumes tore my heart out, particularly the first. Manga from the 80s wasn't usually gentle in its treatment of characters. As a reader, we are quickly confronted with the reality of events for the protagonists. Kaze no Sylphid is no exception to this rule. We experience things fully and uncompromisingly. The author doesn't hesitate to shake us to our core, whether it's in the difficult sequences or the characters' moment of glory. Personally, I hate being taken for a fool when I read something. With this manga, I really feel like I'm reading something serious and full of strong convictions.
Finally, if I had one last thing to say about this work, it's that I found the spirit of the sports manga I enjoy. Better still, I can say that this manga is truly epic. As I said earlier, it's hard for Westerners to appreciate just how popular horse racing is in Japan. So it's hard to realise just how much it can be brought to life by passionate mangaka. There's only one thing I can say for Kaze no Sylphid: you won't be disappointed. The races and strategies are really good for a manga from the 90s. The suspense is at its height, and the outcome of these races is always undecided, even though this is a sports shonen and it's easy to predict. The characterisation of the characters makes it easy to get caught up in the game. They always give it their all, as if their lives depended on it. This is quite typical of 90s manga, and in Kaze no Sylphid it's done quite well.
I think I've covered everything that makes me want to talk about this title. Of course I've been full of praise, but it's not all perfect. The storytelling pace isn't for everyone, and some passages could have done with a bit more development in my opinion. The dated drawing style of the period and the subject of the manga will close the door on many readers. If you want to read a modern, more accessible manga about horse racing, Uma Musume Cinderella Gray is the best way in. However, if you give this old-school title a chance, I can assure you that you won't regret it. You're sure to have a great time.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 7, 2024
Natsuko no Sake is a manga that's been on my list of interesting works to discover. Now I have, and I thought it would be interesting to write something about it.
The story follows Natsuko Saeki, an office worker in Tokyo who returns to her home province to take over the family sake business after her brother falls sick. This pivot in her life, from the city to the countryside and from menial work to a position of responsibility, offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the quest for personal and professional fulfilment.
What I liked about this story was its immersive quality. Akira Oze introduces
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us to the storied world of sake. We learn about the diversity of sake, the methods used to create it, and the challenges of maintaining traditions in a modern world.
The educational dimension enriches the reading experience and offers a deeper understanding of this emblematic Japanese drink. The manga not only tells a banal story, but also becomes an ode to ecology and perseverance. The characters' struggles to make a place for themselves in an environment dominated by agri-food giants and the struggle to adopt more sustainable farming practices add layers of complexity to the story.
The manga is also interesting because it is rather well documented. There are plenty of technical details and the author has emphasised the complexity of the issues involved. Although this is also a strength, the deep immersion in Japanese culture and the specifics of sake may create a barrier for readers less familiar with manga of this genre. But in my opinion this is clearly a manga worth discovering. Apart from that, there's an overall warm and encouraging atmosphere to the discovery of this kind of manga.
I think Natsuko no Sake is a remarkable work that offers a sincere and in-depth look at the search for meaning and success. Akira Oze delivers a powerful story of determination and heritage, with a strong family dimension and the complexity of navigating between tradition and modernity. It's a manga that can resonate deeply with those who venture into it, leaving a lasting impression long after the last page.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Aug 20, 2023
The success of the Ryoichi Ikegami-Buronson duo is clear to anyone who has read their manga. When I started reading their respective bibliographies, I was blown away by Sanctuary, which had a scenario far superior to anything I'd seen at the time. Curious, I explored the rest and really liked it. I had to wait a long time to discover Heat, as there were no translations or official physical publications. Fortunately, this problem was solved recently and there is now a translation, as well as 12 of the 17 volumes available in French. And in my opinion: it was worth the wait!
The story revolves
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around the world of the Japanese mafia, the Yakuza. It delves into the life of a young man who finds himself mixed up in the violent and dangerous world of organized crime.
There are several things I really liked about this story.
First, Ryoichi Ikegami's drawing style. Ikegami's art is renowned for its realism. In "Heat", characters, settings and even action sequences are depicted with an impressive level of detail. I felt a marked improvement on Sanctuary, especially on his characters' faces, which have a little more nuance.
Secondly, the manga presents readers with a very interesting range of characters for a Yakuza manga. Each of them has his or her own motivations, strengths and weaknesses. The result is a complex tale of shifting allegiances, where no one is purely good or evil.
The themes are also very interesting. "Heat" isn't just about gang wars and violence. It touches on themes of loyalty, honor, betrayal and the gray areas of morality. The world of the Yakuza serves as a backdrop to explore these deeper questions.
Finally, and this is what really got me hooked, is that the manga has a truly captivating plot. It's full of twists and turns and keeps the reader on the edge of his seat. The stakes are high and the tension is palpable throughout. That's what I like so much about this kind of manga. I had the same feeling with a manga of the same genre --> Yamikin Ushijima-kun.
Unfortunately, the end of the manga is not yet available. I don't know if it ever will be. But in any case I thoroughly enjoyed this ride through Ryoichi Ikegami's bibliography. It's one of my favorite mangas by the author and I understand why it was awarded the Shōgakukan prize in 2002.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jul 27, 2023
Shuujin Riku was a major manga on my list. With 38 volumes, it's a pretty quick read. The reason? Much of the manga is excellent, and it's hard to stop. You've probably guessed it from these few words, but yes: the manga is really very good.
The manga shines in a variety of ways, but the one that stands out for me is the character development. The work is made up of a panel of really excellent characters. The author, Shinobu Seguchi, has taken great care to develop each character introduced in the story. Whether in the foreground or secondary, each person has a role
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to play. This contributes to the solid plot. I also found that the characters had really excellent interactions with each other, and that the dialogue had a huge impact on the story's apprehension. In the course of the story, we witness all kinds of moments that take us from laughter to tears. I really enjoyed seeing these moments of brotherhood between prisoners, and seeing real relationships being forged. It's unusual in more recent manga.
I was talking earlier about the plot. I found it rather original. It's quite modern when it comes to the prison environment, but also in political manga. It's a sort of hybrid between underground and dramatic manga. The author's timing is perfect, and the story progresses at just the right pace. If you take the time to read the manga, I think you'll come to a conclusion similar to mine: the narrative is perfectly conducted and there's little room for chance. You can feel that a lot of work has gone into the plot.
On a technical level, the author's style is interesting. He perfectly idealizes important moments, both in the drama and in the action and doesn't hesitate to use original devices to best describe the action. The way it's divided up also offers some interesting ideas. One point that did bother me though, was the last few volumes. He let himself go a bit and I didn't really like the facial expressions of some of the characters.
Speaking of the last few volumes, that's the black spot of the manga for me. It's a shame, because I felt that the ending wasn't at all up to the standard it had previously offered. By way of analogy, a balloon would have been much more convincing and iconic than the last two volumes. To avoid spoilers, I'll leave you with this.
However, I think it's still a very good manga and a major piece of prison manga. The first part of the manga is excellent, with no down-time and no concessions. There are some intense moments, particularly with the character of Renoma, which I won't soon forget. I really think the manga deserves a little more attention, as it's refreshing in many ways and takes an interesting approach. It's a far cry from binary shonens and phony plot devices.
Thanks to the author for proposing this kind of story. Take the time to have a look at this work if you get the chance.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 22, 2023
Sidooh is a manga I've been waiting to finish, as it's a masterpiece in the work of Tsutomu Takahashi, one of my favorite authors. The plot appealed to me enormously, as I appreciate samurai works, and also everything that makes up the author's bibliography. His very raw style, the way he tells stories and the ideas he uses in his manga ... He's really one of the authors who helped me deepen my knowledge of manga. So I had high expectations of Sidooh, and I might as well tell you that they were truly met. Before even starting the review: you've got to give this
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manga a try.
The story's setting is rather catchy, and will be familiar to fans of Samurai manga. We're at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in Japan, and foreigners are gradually starting to arrive. We are quickly drawn into the brutal and obscure daily lives of two orphans, whose parents have died of disease. By a twist of fate, they end up becoming samurai, and their actions have repercussions for the whole region. The review won't contain any more spoilers, so I'll just cut to the chase.
The first thing I appreciated was the atmosphere of the story. As usual with the author, you can feel that there's a permanent tension, with a sustained rhythm where events follow one another without concession. In the case of Sidooh, the author shows us without detour the violence of the world in which the orphans have landed. The story is full of conflict and twists and turns. I was really into it while reading, and the pace didn't bother me. This proves, I think, that the storytelling is perfectly mastered.
Secondly, I really enjoyed the character development. I tend to find that the author doesn't always go all the way on this level, but it seems that in Sidooh he really went all the way with what he wanted to do. No character is left by the wayside, and every time we get a backstory associated with them that really adds depth. These developments are perfectly matched to the masterful narration. In fact, there's no exaggeration, and everything remains truly realistic, unlike other works that go off in all directions. The development of the antagonists is particularly successful in my opinion, especially in the finale.
Still on the subject of development, I really appreciate the fact that the author has chosen not to make any concessions and to stick to pure brutality. He doesn't hesitate to sacrifice certain characters in order to advance others, or to pause the story.
On the technical point, as usual with the author, I thought it was brilliant. His drawing style is as magical as ever. His unmistakable line gives his work a truly enchanting quality. I find it even more fitting in a samurai work!
There are some magnificent double-page spreads, and certain dazzling cuts and dialogues that hooked me more than usual in his work. Everything is meticulous; from the simple lines of dialogue of the secondary characters to the idealization of key moments.
It'll be hard to go any further without giving away key elements of the story. In any case, I enjoyed catching up with the author once again. Sidooh is an uncompromising work, which touched me at times because it's still a rather complicated story that I found sad at heart. Against a backdrop of family drama, we follow two orphans as they try to make their way in the most ruthless world of the time. It's the kind of story I enjoy reading, and one that proves to me every time that I can go further in discovering manga.
You should consider discovering this manga and Tsutomu Takahashi.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jul 9, 2023
Clover is one of the longest-running high-school furyos in the genre. As I've been interested in this one for a while, it was only natural that I should read Clover. Unfortunately, it arrived a little late in my reading list, and I have to say that I have mixed feelings about it.
It's not all doom and gloom, as the manga has a lot of quality.
First, let's talk about the characters. The cast is pretty good, with equally likable personalities, except for one female character who is simply unbearable and pointless. Fortunately, she only appears in the last few volumes, otherwise I would have found
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the manga sincerely unpleasant. For the rest, everything's cool. We find all the archetypes of furyo manga, with the bonus of having female characters and bonds that develop throughout the story.
Next, what I found appreciable in this manga was the author's graphic evolution. The drawing between the first volume and the last has absolutely nothing to do with it, and it's really great to be able to observe this kind of thing in a comic. At the outset, it's clear that the author hasn't really found his style, and is content to copy that of Hiroshi Takahashi, the modern master of the kind. From the facial expressions to the layout, I had the impression in the first few volumes that I was reading a copy of Crows. Thankfully, by volume 20, the author's style changes and we find the one we know now from Nine Peaks (an excellent manga, by the way). The cutting is classic, and we can feel the violence shared by the characters thanks to the facial expressions and dynamic strokes during the action.
Unfortunately... and this is where I have a problem: the manga adds absolutely nothing to the genre. If you have already read a certain number of furyo manga, you'll certainly have a good time, but you'll be anticipating the whole scenario. There are no surprises in the manga, either in the scenario or in the fights with the antagonists. It's a real shame, because the manga is a very easy read. The narration is fairly fluid and the events follow on well, but that's where it ends. This manga brings no surprises and no added value to the furyo genre.
Personally, what I appreciate in furyos is the social dimension. I like to follow high-school students in their troubles and see how they manage to forge links with each other and with the world around them. Clover tries to do this, but doesn't follow through. It's a pity the author didn't accentuate the story around the main character's past, as that would have added considerable value.
All in all, I'm still very lukewarm on this manga, even though I had a great time discovering it. I like reading furyos, but I think that with the ones about high school, I didn't find the surprise that I had with mangas like Worst or Rokudenashi Blues.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jun 27, 2023
I've been waiting a long time to discover this manga. I discovered Shotaro Ishinomori a while ago and I have to say that he didn't leave me indifferent. He's an author I consider just as prestigious as Osamu Tezuka. These mangas really impressed me in their technical approach, thanks in particular to their absolutely exceptional layout. So I had to delve deeper into his bibliography by reading one of his reference works: Sabu to Ichi. And I have to say I'm not disappointed: the manga is excellent!
The manga features two main characters: Sabu, a young investigator with a big heart, and Ichi, a blind sword
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expert. Together, they solve mysteries and crimes in feudal Japan. The manga is episodic, with each chapter featuring a different investigation, highlighting the complementary skills of the two protagonists. One of the strengths of Sabu to Ichi lies in the complementary characterization of these characters. Sabu, with his energetic, empathetic personality, is an engaging protagonist who embodies values of justice and determination. As for Ichi, he brings a unique dimension and depth to the story. His visual handicap is not an obstacle, but rather a source of strength, and his skills as a swordsman are impressive. I found the duo dynamic to be well-developed, offering interesting interactions, moments of complicity that strengthen the bond between them, and some truly remarkable moments of introspection into the nature of their work.
Another thing I found great and appreciated about this manga was its special atmosphere. The story is set in feudal Japan, providing a singular setting and atmosphere. The settings are carefully portrayed to reflect the era, allowing readers to immerse themselves in an ancient Japan with its samurai, bustling streets and mysterious plots. It's against this backdrop that the author develops each investigation with captivating plots and unexpected twists. I was always kept on my toes, as the action scenes are particularly well rendered, thanks to Ishinomori's dynamic, detailed art style. On the other hand, by exploring feudal Japan, the manga also offers a fascinating insight into life at the time. I found Ishinomori's approach interesting in its grasp of the customs, traditions and social problems of the time.
I found also great the special atmosphere. The story takes place in feudal Japan, providing a singular setting and atmosphere. The settings are carefully portrayed to reflect the era, allowing readers to immerse themselves in an ancient Japan with its samurai, bustling streets and mysterious plots. It's against this backdrop that the author develops each investigation with captivating plots and unexpected twists. I was always kept on the edge of my seat, as the action scenes are particularly well rendered, thanks to Ishinomori's dynamic, detailed art style. On the other hand, by exploring feudal Japan, the manga also offers a fascinating insight into life at the time. I found Ishinomori's approach interesting in its grasp of the customs, traditions and social problems of the time.
Then, as always with Shotaro Ishinomori, I was most impressed by his technical approach. Ishinomori was renowned for his dynamic, detailed artistic style. In Sabu to Ichi, he showcases himself with precise strokes and expressive compositions, creating an attractive and unique visual aesthetic. The action scenes are particularly well rendered, with fluid movements and dynamic poses, and of course breathtaking cutting. This is something I really admire about this author. I highly recommend you check out his short works to get a taste of his talent on the subject.
I need say no more: I found the manga captivating. The charismatic characters, well-constructed plots and immersive atmosphere make it a must-read for me. As well as being beautiful, the manga tackles deeper issues such as corruption, social injustice and inequality. It reminded me of one of my favorite mangas: Lone Wolf & Cub. Anyway... I highly recommend this title.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jun 24, 2023
Front Mission: Dog Life & Dog Style is a rather special manga that I enjoyed discovering. There are a number of interesting points in this manga that deserve to be introduced to the general public.
First of all, the manga is a spin-off from a video game series. Having never played these games, I'd be hard pressed to tell you whether the game fits in perfectly with the series. Nevertheless, the author manages to develop aspects of this futuristic universe. The technologies, political conflicts and geopolitical stakes are coherent, which will delight fans of the franchise.
In terms of storytelling, I found the manga a pleasure to
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discover. The storytelling is skilful, and character development is equal to the stakes. The author, Yasuo Ootagaki, succeeds in creating a dark and realistic atmosphere, where the protagonists' motivations are brought to the fore. Complex interactions and relationships add depth to the plot. The manga doesn't hesitate to show us the horrors of war in all their forms.
I found Yasuo Ootagaki's style impressive. His detailed drawings capture the essence of mecha combat. The action scenes are dynamic and well-choreographed, offering a thrilling visual spectacle. There are double-page spreads I won't soon forget. I also found there to be a lot of technical detail. There's an attention to mechanical detail and the anatomy of the fighting robots that leaves no one indifferent. The battle passages are intense, thanks to the author's sense of movement and visual clarity. This makes it easy to gauge the aggrandizement of the battles and follow every exchange of blows. The plates are well arranged, highlighting the impact of the battles and reinforcing immersion in the universe.
The manga is also interesting because it explores deep themes linked to the consequences of war, politics and interpersonal relationships. The author deftly addresses the personal sacrifices that characters must make in a world plagued by conflict. The story raises complex moral issues and prompts readers to reflect on the place of these conflicts and their management. The themes are universal and topical, making for an engaging and memorable reading experience.
In short, I found the manga really interesting. The only thing I can fault is the pace, which is sometimes a little too fast. The story begins with a series of small independent stories, and then struggles to hook us in with a real red thread outside that of the conflict. However, its solid narration, impressive drawings and deep themes make for a fairly immersive reading experience in a world torn apart by conflict. It's a topical manga worth discovering.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jun 22, 2023
I came across this medical manga by chance. I didn't even know it had been published to completion in France, to tell the truth. But I didn't miss the chance to take a look. I have to say: it's a pleasant surprise.
Medical manga has a tendency to criticize the current medical system in Japan and around the world. I used to find these mangas rather violent in what they had to say and often difficult to grasp and understand.
But with this manga, I got a different view of the medical aspect. Indeed, the manga focuses much more on the notion of being a doctor
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than on the system in place. I really liked this aspect, because it allowed me to read a story that was much more human and realistic than anything I'd read before.
We follow the story of a doctor who makes a mistake in the large hospital where he was practicing, and finds himself on a desert island with a small population and very modest resources. The script is divided into short stories, each with a different case, and the main thread is the progression of the characters.
The author has had the good idea to develop intimate links between each character. None is left to chance, and the result is something quite accomplished. For me, it's a pleasure to follow a story where each protagonist has the opportunity to progress in his or her social situation or behavior. Particularly as in medical manga, the protagonists' lives are regularly in danger. This helps to build up the emotions and tension which never lets up.
Another point I appreciated in this story was the author's drawing style. It reminded me vaguely of Naoki Urasawa's, whether in his facial expressions or even in the way he iconizes strong moments. As a fan of the latter, I liked the feeling of clean drawing and of not being taken for a fool when discovering key moments. The story's narration helped in this respect.
If you're lucky enough to discover this manga in its entirety (all 25 volumes are available in French, and around a hundred chapters have been translated into English) don't be surprised by the ending. Unfortunately, the manga has been on hiatus for almost 13 years and will probably never be resumed. It's a pity, because that's the downside of the whole thing: the story has no ending, although if it did, it would be easy to guess.
I'd advise you to have a look at this manga if you're interested in the medical genre. It's really different from anything I've read before, thanks in particular to its very human side and its touching characters. It's well worth the detour if you want to have a good time.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jun 11, 2023
Jiro Taniguchi is an author I discovered very early on in my exploration of manga. His notoriety in France has virtually elevated him to the status of an essential author, even to the point of calling him "Japan's Hergé". His reputation in Japan, however, is much lower. We have a number of his works published here, but Blanco is one of the hardest mangas to get hold of. You'll have to seek out the depths of your local library to find copies of all four volumes.
Blanco is a sympathetic story by the author. It falls into the category of manga he has drawn around animals.
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Indeed, Taniguchi has had quite a wide-ranging career, exploring almost every possible manga genre, even though he has excelled in the slice-of-life genre. What's interesting about Blanco is the mix of genres. There's an interesting military side to it, coupled with an interest in preserving species, especially wolves. It's a shame, though, that he tried to humanize the beast a little too much, resulting in some unnatural behavior that's a little out of context. Otherwise, the story is classic and the narration well-paced. There's very little boredom in this manga.
On the technical side, as I said earlier, Taniguchi has gained notoriety in the West, not least because his style is closer to that of Franco-Belgian comics. There's no dazzling cutting or innovative box-fitting, but let's just say that Taniguchi's line is clean and precise. It's clean! The action scenes are well cut out, and he doesn't hesitate to draw pretty panels on his double-page spreads. In other mangas, he had fun playing with shades of black and white, but this is less the case with Blanco.
In the end, Blanco is above all an effective manga. The manga lets us take full advantage of Taniguchi's talent as a draughtsman, and the story is sympathetic if not transcendent. We'd put it fairly high up in the author's bibliography. If you manage to get your hands on it and want to discover the author, it might be worth giving the title a chance...
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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