The Chronicles of Gyzra volume 1 - Book Review

The Chronicles of Gyzra - volume 1 Contagion by Sarah Childs

What is it about:
Eiki, an 18 year old boy lives alone with his sister, Mikana. One day a strange black rain falls over his village causing ordinary animals to transform into terrifying creatures. These new creatures seem to be obsessed with one name, 'Gyzra'.

What did I think of it:
This is a very short Manga. That shouldn't have to be a problem, but in this case the story is set up in such a way that just as you're getting into it you've also finished it already. What little there is of the story is intriguing, although a bit confusing as well. So I'd have liked it better if the story had been a bit longer so I could get a real sense of it.

The drawings are - well - typical Manga. Meaning they're not bad, but they don't have anything special either. As I understand it, this is Childs' first Manga and for a beginning Manga artist she certainly has the talent, but I'm hoping she'll develop her own unique style along the way as for now it's too generic to stand out among the many.

Why should you read it:
It's a decently drawn Manga

Buy it here

Death Note (part one) - Book Review

Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata

What is it about:
Shinigami own notebooks called “Death Notes” which are used as killing devices. Whoever’s name they write down in a death note will die within 40 seconds. Shinigami Ryuk dropped his Death Note in the human world where it’s found by honor high school student Light. With the death note actually having directions in it for its use, Light discovers he now has the power to discreetly kill people, and with this new power he plans to change the world in his ideal world by killing off criminals. Eventually the governments of the countries around the world notice the unusual amounts of deaths of their criminals, and figure out someone is behind them, but they have no way of discovering it themselves. That’s when they hire L, a master detective, to find out who is behind the murders.

What did I think of it:
The story is quite interesting and I loved Ryuk, he was both cool in appearance and how he acted. I didn't like Light, who acts like he's better than others. The drawings were really well done, but they did look like lots of other manga. I'd have loved it if the artist had tried to give it something special, but apart from Ryuk it's all standard drawing, looking good, but not special. All in all it's an enjoyable read and I might try another book in this series if I come across it.

Why should you read it:
It's a well drawn manga with an interesting story.