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Reviewed by Penny Kenny A red flower mars Rasetsu Hyuga's chest, a memento left by a powerful spirit who's vowed to claim her for his own - unless she finds her true love by her twentieth birthday. Until that day comes, she uses her mystic abilities to free and banish spirits with her colleagues at the Hiichiro Amakawa Agency. Yako Hoshino, a young man with spiritual abilities of his own, comes to the agency seeking help. What he doesn't expect to find is a dead ringer for his lost love. Sparks fly between the pair as they become partners in spirit-busting. The cover of Rasetsu proclaims that it's the sequel to Yurara. However, readers who haven't checked out that series will find themselves able to comfortably jump into this one. The characters, with one exception, are new and the storyline is original. Even when the hold-over character Yako does show up, the important parts of his backstory are skillfully woven into the narrative so the reader doesn't feel lost. Rasetsu is one of those brash, sweets-eating heroines who are so prevalent in manga and anime. She's also intelligent, headstrong, and vulnerable. Readers can't help but like her independence and determination. While she has reason enough to cower in fear and avoid the very mention of spirits, she doesn't let her situation stop her from doing what she does best. She questions herself, but doesn't run away from the answers. Yako also questions himself - mainly about why he's hanging around the rather odd characters that make up the Hiichiro Amakawa Agency. Though slightly melancholy, he's not drippy or stupid. His confusion over Rasetsu is completely understandable, especially once his history with his dead love interest is revealed. While Rasetsu and Yako's story is the series' main draw, I find myself fascinated by the supporting characters. Though Kuryu, Rasetsu's usual partner, is introduced as a very easy going guy with a minor psychic ability, it soon becomes obvious that there's more to him than meets the eye. He reminds me of Tokyo Babylon's Seishiro as he was in the early volumes before he revealed his dark side. Not so much in looks, as in demeanor. Well, that, and his way with birds. Amakawa, the agency's chief, offered Rasetsu hope and a place in the world after she was attacked by the evil spirit, but what does he get out of it? Is he just altruistic? Or is there another reason he's interested in her? Shiomi sets up these mysteries and possibilities but doesn't attempt to answer them in this volume, which will make the reader eager to come back for more. The story's inherently dramatic aspects are well-balanced with humor. Shiomi can go from creepy to comic, serious to silly in a panel's space. While the spirits do pose a threat, the ones in this volume at least are fairly easily dispelled. Readers looking for heavy horror won't find it here. Shiomi's strong sense of design results in some lovely images. First off, Rasetsu is a striking looking heroine. With her long, straight, black hair and white pantsuit, she's attractive without being overly sexualized. When she dispels a spirit, she is surrounded by glowing, upward-bound lights. In these scenes, she takes on an almost serene, beatific look, which silently adds volumes to her characterization. The men are handsome without being too bishonen or unrealistic looking. There's a strong sense of movement on the pages, as Shiomi offers a variety of perspectives on the action and continually moves in and out on the characters' faces. Her inclusion of traditional shojo elements such as flowers in the background and dramatic lighting are used sparingly and to great effect. Fans of supernatural romance should definitely check out Rasetsu, Volume 1. 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
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