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The Four Constables: Secret of the Delirium Dagger volume 2 

Author: Andy Seto / Tony Wong

ISBN: 978-1-59796-129-5

Date Published: 09/24/2008

Format: Paperback / Color

Number of pages: 144

Rating: 13+

Price: $13.95

 

Emotionless and Yuan-Shan Lan are engulfed in an intense battle, when they discover a spy with evil intentions! While Iron Fist and Cold Blooded fight for their lives as they get closer to finding the evil mastermind behind all the vicious killings. Who is he? And what machinations does he have planned? The plot thickens as more secrets are revealed! You don’t want miss out on all the kung fu fighting action!

 

As soon as you open this book the action starts.  Needless-to-say,my favourite Kung Fu moves blasts are here-“Bare Hands Iron Fist!” and “Iron Swing Silver Hook!” are among them.

 

And the colour art hits your eyes like a nunchuk in full swing.  The story,of course,does not just consist of fighting but also –surprise! Surprise!—a story with twists and turns.  But comics are a visual medium and it is here that the real feast lies.

The colour techniques and special effects used are far superior to some things you see in US comics.

I keep trying to explain why it is that these HK or Chinese Manhua tickle my fancy. It’s very hard.  The look,the feel and story are completely different to your standard DC and Marvel comics. 

And if you have a love of comics and are not just addicted to super heroes but want a real treat that show you what comics can be like,well,Dr Master are providing the books printed on quality paperstock to the highest standards.  If I could get such vibrant colours on my TV set I’d be happy!

In Tony Wong and Andy Seto you have Hong Kong’s top Manhua talents and as we are getting near to Christmas I’d suggest that Four Constables volumes 1 and 2 ought to be on your “to give” list!

Can’t recommend this enough.

 

 

Mamoru the Shadow Protector volume 2 

Author: Sai Madara / Taro Achi

ISBN: 978-1-59796-184-4

Date Published: 09/28/2008

Format: Paperback / B&W

Number of pages: 160

Rating: 13+

Price: $9.95

 

Mamoru Kagemori is a dull high school boy who’s not handsome, athletic, or intelligent. But he is actually the eldest son of the 400-year-old Ninja clan specializing in protecting their neighbors, the Konnyakus. And the object of Mamoru’s protection is none other than their only daughter, Yuna Konnyaku, a natural born troublemaker. When Yuna enters an idol contest and makes it to the finals, despite her hilariously bizarre performance, Mamoru has to go all out with his ninja skills in order to fend off perverted judges and crazed fans! But if Yuna becomes an idol will Mamoru still be able to protect her?

 

The “big eye” look normally leaves me quite cold but there is more to Mamoru than big eyes.  Good story,nice use of grey tones which I’m glad to say are used well [I’ve seen some really awful use of grey tones in the past!].  There is a lot of humour and I have to say that I’m liking this series so far.  No doubt Paul Gravett will say “told you so!” after my famous remark to him that I’d seen no Manga that I’d liked!

Another recommendation despite the fact that I opened the book determined  to find something negative to say about it.  It’s my age.

 

Nephylym volume 1 

Author: Rei Kusakabe

ISBN: 978-1-59796-181-3

Date Published: 09/28/2008

Format: Paperback / B&W

Number of pages: 160

Rating: 13+

Price: $9.95

 

Shun has a unique power to electrically charge metal materials. A mysterious winged angel-like being named Air picks up on his powers and chooses him to become her partner, thus enhancing Shun’s powers. Shun soon finds out that his classmate Sanari, who he has a crush on, also has a winged angel partner of her own, named Blissful. She explains to Shun that these beings are called Nephylym, and they chose suitable humans to be their “Answerers” to help them purify evil elements (Noirs). Together with Sanari and Tsukasa (Shun’s rival in love and an Answerer as well), they battle alongside their Nephylym against Noirs that possess human beings.

This is another of the “big eye” Manga and I’ll admit that I’ve mixed feelings over it. Nothing really wrong story-wise and the art is well executed.  It’s just that big eye thing that I have trouble getting into.  That is my problem,though. 

There are quite a few people who got in touch to say they’d purchased Mamoru 1,based on CBOs recommendations,and loved it.  I can see those same people loving this one.

So,try a copy and let me know what you think!

Looking at the titles my local Forbidden Planet stocks,not surprisingly,half the stuff is of lesser quality –I’m not surprised since when I asked about Dr Master books I got a confused look and “never heard of the title” response.  I explained but was told [oddly since they had never heard of Dr Master!] “No,we can’t get those books”.   Total crap.

If  Diamond say they can’t supply in the UK then retailers ought to go to Turnaround Books.

But,if you have a problem check out Dr Masters site to order. I can’t emphasise enough just what you are missing with titles such as Chinese Hero and Four Constables available.

Buy! Buy! Buy!