In today’s ever-changing comics industry, there are two universal truths. First and foremost, Dogman is an iconic comic of our time. The second is that more people are reading comics and online comics (also known as vertical comics) than ever before. Therefore, we at Comics Beat chose to embark on a new adventure: Bit’s Bizarre Adventure. Each week, three authors recommend some of their favorite books and series from Japan, Korea, and elsewhere. This week we get wizards, brave romances, and a final farewell to comic horror saga Kazuo Umez.
Witch One
writer: Xixiu
artist: Shiro Uzaki
Translator: Adrienne Baker
Engraving: John Hunter
Publisher: Visualization area
In this thrilling fantasy world, witches not only use magic, they hunt it. Magicians are called “Majiks” here, they are mysterious and capricious creatures, each with their own personality and shape. Sometimes they look like monsters. Sometimes they are enchanted objects or elements. Only women can defeat the Majiks and gain their powers, a twist that causes them to be labeled witches and paint the world as a place of female power. The idea that a person could be magical is absurd. But once our young hunter boy hero arrives, he’s set to shake up the female-dominated wizarding world.
Witch One It unfolds with vivid illustrations of nature, birds singing and fragrance of flowers, creating the “calm before the storm” before adventure. Ichi’s introduction is energetic and adorable; he’s like a medieval version of Ash Ketchum, but instead of going after Pokémon, he goes after Magix. His personality is a refreshing contrast to the magical, all-female society of witches who wear elaborate, eye-catching costumes. While I prefer the female protagonist, Ichi’s spunky character promises an engaging journey.
Witches have to be trained; they have a hierarchy, just like in the ninja world, where you move up from witch cadet to witch. The best part about magic is how women use it for everyday labor and crafts. In an early scene, Yi and the witch Deskara wander the village, and various magical items are beautifully drawn.
Shiro UzakiThe artwork is a delicious treat, with detailed and expressive faces evoking nostalgia for the classic girly aesthetic. The designs are reminiscent of iconic characters, e.g. Sailor Moon or candy candiesbut slightly modernized. It’s refreshing to see a fantasy comic set in European and Eastern architecture rather than the Japanese countryside.
All in all, this series has a unique, interesting premise and seems poised for adventure. With its rich world-building, expressive character designs, and hilarious sense of humor, it promises an exciting escape. — Ilkin Side Soybeans
Koi Jin: Now I’m in love
Writer/Artist: I don’t even want to
Translator: Jane Mitsuko Cash
Retouching and lettering: Fukuda Inari
edit: Nancy Thistlethwaite
design: Sean Carrico
Publisher: Visualization area
Riding the train during the morning rush hour was so terrifying that Mizusawa Satomi was so frightened that she could not speak. The stranger behind her was so close to her that she shivered with disgust as she tried to discern whether it was an accident: this pervert was touching her. Thankfully, a boy came between them and they both got off safely at the same station. But Satomi failed to thank him and lost sight of him. Now that she is a high school student, she has promised herself one thing: be brave and don’t let opportunities pass you by!
I don’t even want to is an experienced shoujo manga artist known for her popular series Wolf Girl and Black Princeas well as an animated adaptation. It’s safe to say that the show has garnered some attention for its relationship dynamics and leading man. now we have Koi Jin: Now I’m in lovethe artist’s latest work. The book is fully translated into English and consists of 9 volumes.
Maybe it’s because the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder, I find myself reaching for romance and/or comfort collections more often than usual. I decided to give I have koi An opportunity, partly because it was on sale and partly because the cover looked cute – not to mention I’m terrible at weaklings who appear to be engaging in bad behavior. Although I’ve only finished the first volume, you’ll receive a recommendation anyway because I had a blast reading it!
I have koi It’s a shoujo manga that’s perfect for people who complain about shojo manga. Satomi is a young woman who regrets not asking out her crush in junior high, so she vows to be more proactive. When she notices the boy helping her on the train wearing their school uniform, she sets out to find him. What will she do when she finally meets Yagyu and wants to know more about him? She creates opportunities for them to hang out! What does Yagyu do when she says something that confuses him? She asked for clarification!
Both men were very open and honest about their feelings. Even if they are unable to do this, the other party will notice and immediately try to communicate. While I have no idea what the rest will turn out to be, this first volume was enough to get me hooked. I’m looking forward to exploring where Yagyu and Satomi’s relationship will go next. Not to mention experiencing what the usual high school orgy comic characters go through with them. If you are as frightened as I am, I suggest you give Ayuko Hatta’s Koi Jin: Now I’m in love There is a chance! — Melvi Guire
Rafting class
Writer/Artist: Kazuo Umez
Translator: Sheldon Dezka
English adaptation: Molly Tanzer
Engraving: Evan Waldinger
design: Adam Grano
edit: Joel Enos
Publisher: Visualization area
Effects Legend 90th Birthday Party Ray Harryhausensomeone described everyone there as a son of Harryhausen’s Hydra. a tribute to the skeleton Jason and the Argonauts Born from the teeth of the Hydra. Speaking of comics, everyone who draws inspiration from deceased comics Kazuo Umez You can say they are students Rafting class. Fifty years after its completion, “Drifting Classroom” is still the masterpiece of the God of Horror comics.
The plot of the series is a sci-fi nightmare. One day, an entire elementary school is suddenly transported to a hellish post-apocalyptic land. The ground was nothing but sand. Giant insects wander around eating anyone foolish enough to wander outside. The adults soon turn on each other, and the safety of the surviving students is left to the sixth-grade class led by Sho Takamatsu.
what makes Rafting class Umez’s ability to filter people’s fears through a child’s perspective is so powerful. He painted figures in a state of intense fear and terror. When adults lose their minds, you can see the look on their faces. Umezu’s depictions of violence remain shocking. After all these years, it’s still shocking to see children jumping off buildings and adults attacking students.
Yet Umezu also renders the landscape of this strange and terrifying world with an eerie beauty. The black sky, and even darker dunes, are both alluring and terrifying. This world welcomes children into its darkness and mystery, even as it tries to kill them.
As the story progresses, things only get weirder. There are psychic powers, exchanges between past and present, and growing friction among the surviving students. It’s easy to read “Drifting Classroom” and learn how it inspired artists like This is Junjiwhose title is Dissolve Classroom An obvious nod to the series, and Indian. But no one makes horror comics like Kazuo Umez, and Rafting class Enough to prove why. — D.Morris
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