Wednesday, 23 November 2005

• Hey Everyone and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

  In the spirit of thanks, I would like to thank every single person who stop by and read one or all my reviews. I really feel honored. Also, I would like to thank all of my friends who have been patient with me, and been giving me the support I need. And lastly, to my secret helpers who always give me extra back up or two, thanks a bunch!!! Now enough of this yammering, here is this week’s review:

   

   

  Alchino

  By Kouyu Shurei

  

   

  Imagine being able to be granted any wish you want? Money? Love? Anything your heart desires, but what's in exchange is something more important than what you want. That is the main idea behind the new Japanese gothic manga, Alichino.

   

  Alichino is about angels--well, sort of. In the manga, there exist beautiful, mythical creatures called Alichino. These beings have the ability to grant the wishes of those in need. Needless to say, this has caused them to be seen as heavenly beings and humans, because of it, often seek them out. However, it turns out granted wishes do not come without a price. In reality, Alichino are attracted to feelings of misery and sadness. Thus, they actively hunt for people in need because of the strong feelings of unhappiness and despair that radiate from them. But this is only the tip of the iceberg. Things get much darker when the price for a granted wish is finally revealed. Overall, I found the Alichino to be a unique and refreshing departure from the usual host of demons and vampires that dominate the gothic-fantasy genre.

   

  At the heart of the story is a young man named Tsugiri, who not only knows the true nature of the Alichino, but also has some kind of mysterious connection with them. In fact, despite the fact he hates these creatures, Tsugiri finds himself constantly surrounded by them. Complicating things further, Tsugiri can't remember much of his past, which just may hold the key to understanding his connection with the Alichino. The author, Kouyu Shurei, does an excellent job pacing the story so it remains highly addictive as the truth is revealed little by little.

   

  Another thing I liked about the story is the fact Shurei spends a lot of time exploring the grey area that exists between good and evil. To this extent, a lot of the characters tend to be cast in shades of grey rather than being purely good or purely evil. For example, the alchino that is with Tsuguri, Myobi. She is not only there to protect him but also holds a major key in his past that can transform Tsuguri's future. It is this exploration of the boundary between good and evil that adds yet another interesting aspect to the story, as well as giving the cast of characters a nice level of depth and complexity. All of this adds up to one thing: Alichino is a must buy manga. Alichino is one of the best gothic-fantasy manga available today.

   

  For fans of

  Vampire Princess Miyu, Mermaid Scar, Priest, Clover, King Of Hell, and ShutterBox

   

  Rating

           Manga                                

      CCCC

  Well, That’s it for this week. Next week, is my last review of the year. Starting Dec. 7, I will be giving my top 10 in movies, mangas, anime, and music (Asian, American, all mixed) to finish the year. Also I will be raffling off a manga set of Magic Knights Rayearth by CLAMP on Dec. 21, so be on the look out. Next week’s review will involve my top manga of the year, Red River. This manga is not as popular as Naruto or Bleach but it’s an awesome story, involving romance, betrayal, murder and ancient Egypt and Babylonia. So tune in next week, and this Criminalist saying… give thanks for all the happy things in your life, especially free pumpkin pie (YUM!!). Ja mata!!!

  Currently Reading Alichino 3 (Alichino S.) By Kouyu Shurei see related

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