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Reviewed by Michael Aronson “Rumors emerge that the Choshu clans are gathering in Kyoto and conspiring to set fire to the capital and make off with the Emperor. In a skirmish with the plotters, Soji is badly wounded, and Sei finds herself surrounded and outnumbered. Will she find the strength she needs to survive?” I’m cautiously optimistic about Kaze Hikaru, the story of Tominaga Sei, a teenage girl masquerading as a bushi (warrior) in 19th century Japan. There isn’t overly much to recommend, but it’s certainly doing a respectable job with its premise. Nobody knows about Sei’s true identity besides her mentor Okita, on whom she has a major crush. Though much of the story is concerned with the politics of Japan in that era, ample time is set aside to explore Sei’s feelings and how often they’re spurned by Okita’s cluelessness. It’s almost a silly dynamic to be featured in the midst of excursions and battle until Sei is faced with the request of her superior to be officially adopted as his son and removed from Okita’s guidance. Throw in a jealous Saito who secretly knows Sei’s identity and has affection for her, and the drama mounts pleasantly. It all moves a little slow, but it’s moving in the right direction. I’m not looking for Sei to hook up with Okita – and I honestly hope she doesn’t – but balancing their relationship with sticky situations and building subplots is the way to go. The appendix to this volume offers some historical notes about what will eventually happen to one of the characters, an intriguing fate that will bring about greater drama for the rest of the series. The art isn’t so hot. What’s most distracting is the lack of detail and intensity. The action is static, backgrounds are almost nonexistent and Okita looks a little too feminine for my tastes. There’s only one instance of a double-page splash within volume six, and it’s nothing more than the unornamented front of an abode. The character expressions are illustrated well enough, but that’s the only area where the art stands out. The unexceptional art and slow-building drama might deserve a lower grade, but the dialogue in the second half of the volume redeems it. I’m fairly curious to see where this series is headed. Think you could have written a better review of Kaze Hikaru v6? Write us and we'll probably let you give it a shot! --EiC PC |
14 April 2010
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