PEACEMAKER KUROGANE: Vol. 1

Nanae assumes anyone reaching for this volume is intimately familiar with past Peacemaker stories, which makes this installment a struggle for newcomers to read. While the introductory material is enough to give a general idea of past Peacemaker sagas, it isn't enough to make this period piece any less confusing. The story is set sometime after 1860 and involves revolution and warfare in Kyoto. It almost appears to be a realistic tale until a catlike woman and a few other magical elements appear in the plot. The art is pretty, but dominated by head shots, poses or panels of just eyes or another body part. There isn't much substance aside from a handful of action sequences that open up and show more than just one or two stationary bodies. Even with these fight scenes, the sketchy storytelling makes it difficult for readers to understand what the altercations are based on. Although it's possible Nanae will explain in future volumes, there isn't enough here to make the average reader want to continue with the series. (Oct.)