Bleach-ed Out Manga

Greetings and salutations, fellow comic book readers!

 Today we will take a detour into the wonderful world of Japanese comic books (otherwise known as Manga) to introduce a title that is extremely popular with people of all ages around the world. A veritable pop phenomenon:  Bleach! One of the best selling manga titles of all time, selling something like 80 million copies in Japan alone. That is a lot of comics! It has been around since 2002, collected in the weekly manga magazine Shonen Jump. Since it has been introduced, Bleach has inspired an animated television series from 2004 to 2012, four animated feature films, seven rock musicals(?/!), and numerous video games, as well as a plethora of related merchandise! It is a title that has officially hit its mainstream stride, appearing in North America on Cartoon Network.

The First Issue!

                                                         

The story revolves around, Ichigo Kurosaki, a young man who obtains the powers of a Soul Reaper (literally, "Death God") —a death personification similar to the Grim Reaper—from another Soul Reaper. Not a bad gig, I know, but Ichigo's powers force him to take on the duties of defending humans from evil spirits and guiding departed souls to the afterlife. Professor O finds this a pretty good deal, but what if you do not like the people you have to save? Meh, we will let Ichigo decide that one, he is the Soul Reaper.

A recommended read, dear readers! It is Punk Rock with a dash of Highway To Heaven…and swords. The manga is gloriously read back to front as the original Japanese version, but unlike the original Japanese version it is in English. Professor O has seen you browsing the manga shelves at the SSJCPL, he has witnessed you ogling the titles while making sure no other adults see you, but dear reader, you need to go on, give it a try!

Until next time, fellow readers! 

Professor O

Professor O | Dost Thou Jest, Shakespearean Manga?

How now, how art thou?

Or, in another words: Hello, how are you?

Professor O has once again stumbled onto yet another gem of a comic book here at the SSJCPL. These are not scary or filled with horror, but still seem to frighten some readers away. These works are not spoken in another foreign language, yet the English that is spoken seems to be a "deal breaker" for a curious reader who wishes to pick up a work from this writer. I speak, of course, of the bard of bards, Shakespeare! 

"But, Professor O, your blog is about comics," I doth hear ye speak, and most accurately, I might add. 

Yes, but here we have a wonderful example of the power of the graphic novel form. The transition from the stage to a manga is not as far as you may think, oh perceptive of my readers. The bard is meant to be told in dynamic, moving setting and what better way than to bring Shakespeare's plays alive than through the medium of manga? 

One of the titles we will be shedding light on is, every one's favorite star crossed tragic lovers, Romeo and Juliet. A perennial favorite, and one that always brings the professor to tears. This title is an ideal way for a reader to explore the timeless tale of the woeful lovers. The speed lines, the big eyes, and the unbrushed hair are all there, as in any manga, but the story is 100% Shakespeare, which equals 100% tragic. A novel way to revisit the play for a seasoned veteran, or a simpler way to understand the sometimes difficult English through the artwork, for a beginner.

The second manga, and one that Professor O loves to play in his community theater, is Julius Caesar.
This story takes place in a far off, Neo-Tokyo style future, where our tragic hero will be facing his untimely demise. It is fast paced with lasers and there is never anything wrong with that.

Give these manga titles a try, fellow adventurer. Whether you love Shakespeare and appreciate a wonderful,  new take on the classic stories or are one of those who often find it difficult to understand; these wonderful new versions are sure to entertain! Lo, there are other Manga Shakespeare titles at the SSJCPL!

Fare Thee Well!

The Professor cries every time.

Et tu, manga?

                 

Professor O | Manga Goodies

Professor O, reporting for duty! 

   

Fellow adventurers! Professor O is here with a nice little manga treat, something right before Halloween. Library Wars with art and story by Kiiro Yumi is a nice little series, that plays with issues that are relevant to our times, thereby giving more power to the story. If the title does not grab you (you know, the part that mentions "Library" and "Wars"), then you are a very difficult customer indeed. What could this title mean, "Library Wars?" 

 In the near future, the federal government creates a committee to rid society of books it deems unsuitable. The libraries vow to protect their collections, and with the help of local governments, form a military group to defend themselves---the Library Forces!

 The manga touches on the themes of censorship, war, and personal freedom. The Professor appreciate titles such as these, they offer the reader something deep to think about along with those speed lines and huge cute eyes. The action is top-notch, the hair unbrushed, and the art work is just right, considering this is drawn and written by the same person. A good read, I say!

                                                         

 

Enjoy the seven issues that the SSJCPL has to offer on this series.  Take advantage of the manga at your library.

Until next time, reader, keep your library free, let's avoid this fate!