Most checked out books of 2010 - NY Public Library

Any librarians wondering what manga series are worth investing in should check out the Young Adult catogory of the highest circ books for 2010 for the New York Public Library. The list includes Naruto, Bleach, One Piece and Dragon Ball Z so Viz must be very happy. On the list for children, the very charming Babymouse makes her mark.

Red River

I am currently reading Red River by Chie Shinohara, an older release of Viz which has a few volumes that have fallen out of print. The plot involves Yuri, a Japanese school girl, pulled into the past who becomes involved with Mursili II of the ancient Hittite Empire. Sounded like Fushigi Yugi, one of my least favorite manga series. So I avoided Red River for years, but a Viz sale on Right Stuf and the fear that the whole series would go out of print pushed me to finally buy all 28 volumes.

I am on volume 14 and have to say, I was completely wrong in seeing Red River as another Fushugi Yugi. Red River does have the same plot contrivance of a Japanese school girl transported to a new world, but Yuri's modern sensibilities are used to play up the differences between our time and the Bronze Age. The plot focuses on the politics of the Hittite Kingdom and the often murderous schemes of the Queen dowager. Yuri is a compelling heroine and her maturation into a formidable woman is completely believable.

The art is wonderful and Chie Shinohara creates a Hittite Empire that is truly authentic in feel and look. It doesn't hurt that she also is a master at erotic scenes between Yuri and the men that love her. However that same skill makes this a tricky purchase for a public library in anything but the adult collection. Great fun so far!

The Art of Osamu Tezuka - review

The Art of Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga by Helen McCarthy is a lavishly illustrated look at a man who revolutionized the manga and anime industries. The book details how Tezuka built a manga and anime empire and how his cinematic style influenced generations of artists and creators.

I had great fun reading about the manga and anime series created by Tezuka and Ms. McCarthy enthusiasm for Tezuka's work is contagious. My only complaint is that so few of the series discussed have been translated into English, though the wonderful work by Vertical gives me some hope that we will see more of these translated into English. My personal wish list - Rainbow Parakeet and Barbara!

Be sure to check out the fascinating bonus DVD that is included with the book which looks at the daily life of Osamu Tezuka. All in all a highly recommended library purchase and a must have for any anime and manga fan.