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Reviewed by Javier Lugo What a premise: high school for the “teenaged demigod” crowd. This tale is entertaining on quite a few levels. It delivers a manga experience with some American sensibilities that, frankly, elevates this work over many other manga titles. Truly, I believe that Pantheon High achieved what I have been hoping to see for a very long time: an OEL book that is superior to many of the Tokyopop manga fare. Perhaps the source of this opinion is somewhat tainted: I grew up reading superhero comic books and I still do. I’ve been getting into manga and manwa slowly over the past 3 years and enjoying quite a few of the books that I bring home. My love for American comics and my growing fascination with manga have created a unique dilemma: I see where each one is weaker than the other. I wish my American comics where more like manga: faster, more energetic, more out there in terms of taking storytelling risks that I haven’t seen before. But I also wish manga was more like American comics: storylines that go somewhere faster, with a large cast and that wastes no time exposing me to their particular version of their world. I’ve felt that both of these goals have been reached in only two series that I’ve read: Lone Wolf and Cub and Planetes. Add Pantheon High to that list. It’s a fun read that is chock full of mythological references while depicting a varied and diverse version of 90210 starring the children of the gods. I read this first volume and was pleasantly surprised by the art. It looks and feels right. The artists are more than qualified to deliver the story in a style that says “I’m manga!” and with a density of storytelling not frequently seen in American nor manga titles as of late. The artwork reminds me of the art in I”S in a good way, as it’ll pull you in just as easily as any other Tokyopop book. The story is excellent and does a great job of introducing the main characters, teachers, the general student body, pervs and troublemakers that make up this tale. BIG PLUS: the storyline reaches its conclusion in this same volume. How refreshing to start off on a new title and have a complete story, not volume 1 of 36. If you went to high school at any time for any length of time, you’ll be right at home with Pantheon High. I am, and I’ve been out of high school for longer than most and this title was open, friendly, entertaining and delightful for me. Take a chance and I’m sure that Pantheon High will not disappoint you. Comment on this review of Pantheon High v1 on the Manga Life Forums. |
6 October 2009
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