Aventura Vol. 1

Midorikawa's debut manga tells the story of a misfit boy accepted into a “school of witchcraft and wizardry,” a school with a rigid class system, enchanted libraries and staircases that move. Surprisingly the book has ample charms of its own, despite the enormous debt it owes to the Boy Who Lived. Lewin Randit is accepted into the Gaius School, even though he doesn't seem to have any magical ability. Given an old sword by his beloved adopted grandmother, Randit chooses the school's swordsmanship path, only to find himself mercilessly teased at every turn. In time he befriends some kids from the wizardry classes, helps them solve some tough problems and develops confidence in the process. That confidence comes in handy when the school is attacked by animated skeleton creatures. Artwork is chaotic and jagged throughout; some panel designs are refreshingly innovative, emphasizing white space, while many others are dense and nearly inscrutable. The volume ends with a cliffhanger, as well as some character notes that hint at a deeper mythology. Readers looking for a fresh, original approach to the magic school genre may find this series worthwhile. (Nov.)