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Reviewed by Michael Deeley ‘Saiyuki Reload’ continues the adventures of the four heroes from the ‘Saiyuki’ series: Cold priest Genjyo Sanzo; monkey king Son Goku; ladies man Sha Gojyo; and friendly Cho Hakkai. Both series take place in a world where humans coexist with demonic creatures called Youkai. The preceding series ended with an energy pulse called “The Minus Wave” driving nearly every Youkai mad. Now our heroes travel west to India to find Gyumaoh, the cause of the Minus Wave, and try to restore the sanity of the Youkai. They don’t do this just for the sake of the world; three of the heroes are part Youkai. They could loose control any day now. In this volume, the quartet solves a village’s mystery of young women being killed, find a Youkai trying to protect Youkai children, and face off against four people who look exactly like them. There’s also a look back to an early event shortly after Son Goku was freed from his mountain prison. I’d call this book bipolar. Half the time, you’re reading an action-comedy about devil-may-care rogues dispatching demons with a joke and a smile. Half the time the mood becomes dark and dour. The two-part story about the Youkai and his children painfully illustrates the effects of the Minus Wave and the humans’ fear of the Youkai. It also reminds us how Son Goku, Hakkai, and Gojyo could turn violent one day. It’s like they’re laughing in the face of death; whistling past the graveyard; and other clichés about putting on a brave face. I don’t have any problems with the art. Like most manga, it switches from a realistic to a cartoony style depending on the action. Both styles are done well. My only complaint is the frequent use of panels filled with black ink splatters, like a Jackson Pollack painting. These panels are used during fight scenes and are meant to represent violence. I just find it a jarring break in the story’s rhythm, and a cheap way for the artist to cut down on his work load. ‘Saiyuki Reload’ is easy to understand without any knowledge of the previous series. The character bios and short introduction are very helpful in acquainting new readers. A glossary of sound effects is included, but difficult to use since the book’s pages are not numbered. I like the premise and the style enough to continue reading the series. I’m also interested in the original ‘Saiyuki’. ‘Reload’ is a good balance of action and drama to keep you entertained and surprised. Comment on this review of Saiyuki Reload v1 on the Manga Life Forums. |
6 October 2009
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