The first thing you have to know about O-Parts Hunter is this: it’s essentially the zany union of Dragon Ball and Naruto. Like Dragon Ball, it features a young girl on a quest (Ruby Crescent) accompanied by her younger protector (Jio Freed). Like Naruto, the young boy is possessed by an ancient and terrible evil. But while most copy-cats are destined to lurk in the shadows of their source material, O-Parts Hunter rises to the challenge.
Originally called “666 Satan” in Japan, the story follows two kids, Ruby and Jio, as they search for the “Legendary O-Part”. Their motivations are very different: Ruby wants to fulfill her father’s dream, while Jio unapologetically states his goal is “World Domination”. Their partnership is both a blessing and a curse for our plucky heroine.
On the one hand, Jio is incredibly strong. Showing all the usual shonen-hero luck and resourcefulness, he manages to save the day just in the nick of time. On the other hand, the demon that possesses this boy is a bloodthirsty monster. Naruto’s Kyuubi looks like a tame kitten in comparison. The devil inside Jio seems determined to destroy anything the boy ever loves, and he frequently gains control of his host to do so.
What I liked most about the story was comparing it to other books, and seeing where they differed. Jio grows up ostracized just like Naruto, but reacts to it in a very different way. Ruby’s resemblance to Bulma seems like an intentional homage—she even has the blue hair!— and she serves well to move the plot along without being too annoying. Even after reading just the first volume, I was already invested in the future of our little hunter duo. As far as shonen series go, this is one to look out for!
