cover image Shiki Tsukai Volume 1

Shiki Tsukai Volume 1

To-Ru Zekuu, . . Del Rey, $10.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-345-49925-7

Another manga where a young boy comes of age and realizes his destiny as a great warrior is set apart by its emphasis on the seasons and their meanings—as well as the lack of any other development. Akira's 14th birthday means an attack from which he's saved by a lovely girl who has similar seasonal powers to those he's developing. She moves in with him, providing “fan service” for ogling as well as protecting him from random mystical monsters. They fight with weapons and cards, by yelling the names of special calendar days and natural signs at each other. There's scant characterization and motivation beyond magical battles, and the American reader may find the lists of monthly meanings, spell names, flowers and birthstones somewhat overwhelming. It's a good thing that the genre plot is so predictable and familiar. Beyond the cultural confusion, the storytelling is confusing, with everyone looking alike and events shown in hard-to-read fashion. Even the usually interesting translation notes become incomprehensible, simply cross-referencing holidays and months. The cultural trivia can't compensate for the omission of any real entertainment. (Sept.)