|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||
|
|
Reviewed by Michael Aronson I’m kind of embarrassed to admit I liked this story as much as I did, especially since Muhyo – the magic user and champion of the series – is thoroughly unlikeable. Plus, by now we’ve seen our fair share of supernatural detective series across a slew of manga titles to the point that the Ghostbusters shtick is becoming a cliché. That is, unless someone can still do it well. I can’t put my finger on it exactly, but I’m really taken with the art. It relies on a few horror conventions, especially a fair bit of Hideshi Hino as is evident in the design of Muhyo, and it knows when to be restrained and light and when to pour on the twisted detail for exaggerated monster designs. I was even more skeptical since Nishi appears to be a new talent, this being his first big series that only debuted in 2004, yet his artistic craft is as keen as any. Moreover, he’s not afraid to poke fun at his own characters, making light of Muhyo’s unusual vegetable-inspired hair style. Despite the episodic nature of the tales, each one seems to build on the last and plants seeds for future stories. Though I’m not fond of Muhyo – hasn’t the diminutive expert been done to death? – I like his incessant banter with Roji. Not only do these two partners not get along, but Roji is the unquestionable inferior of the two and Muhyo doesn’t hesitate to mention this at every turn. Call me sadistic, but I’ve been waiting for a different kind of protagonist who takes their frustrations out on their sidekick. It’s not without its flaws, as any familiar element seems a little too familiar, but the tales are imaginative, the threats unique and the art wonderfully fitting. I’m a little surprised about the teen rating, as BSI is far creepier than the average Naruto, but so far I don’t get the impression the story is holding back. I’m really curious to see how the series evolves. Interested in writing for MangaLife? We're always looking for talented reviewers and columnists, so drop us a line! Charles Webb Editor-in-Chief, MangaLife.com |
1 September 2010
|
||||
 |
| home | reviews | news | features | about us | advertise | privacy policy | contact us |
