The Devil Does Exist: Volume 1

Kayano has a crush on basketball captain Yuichi, but when she tries to give him a love letter, school bully Takeru intercepts it. Of course, Kayano is mortified, and her despair deepens when her mother announces that she's engaged to Takeru's father, making the tormenter her brother. Takeru's father is the school principal, so he's used to getting everything he wants, and even the teachers are afraid of him. Takeru's a manipulator, arranging things so that he's on the basketball team along with Yuichi, and Kayano is the team manager, forced into proximity with both of them. Both boys pressure and confuse Kayano, and at times, it seems like she's less a character and more a prize. Mitsuba's art in this teen-centered shojo (which does contain some mild profanity) is full of cute faces, domestic settings and closeups that emphasize expression and emotion. Decorations are added around the edges to clarify the mood, such as hearts or flowers or skulls (when things are going particularly badly). Thin crossing lines on characters' cheeks, rather like facial pick-up sticks, frequently indicate embarrassment. Although the parents are significant characters, they appear to be the same age as their children due to the artist's generally youthful faces. Fans of Hot Gimmick will find this a similar read with less complexity and distinction. (Apr.)