Manga Review

I'm very choosy when it comes to what manga to read, but I tend to lead towards stories with mature themes. These books are usually full of sex and violence, although some just have their fair share of 'Ecchi.'

It was a term I was unfamiliar with until recently when I saw it coming up in the 'recommended tab' of the manga website I was on. To give you a definition it's a Japanese slang term which means 'playfully sexual actions.'

Ecchi is definitely a term you would associate with the above comic, although it does have its fair share of action. 'Battle Vixens' (Ikkitousen) follows the story of Hakufu Sonsaku; a frustrated young girl, engaged in tea making, when she is really into combat. Hakufu has trained martial arts under her mother for many years, despite her sibling's objection towards violence.

Hit Me Baby One More Time

Hakufu is yet to realize that this lust for violence is actually innate in her, as she is a special type of being. Locked in ancient jewels are the spirits of the heroes, who attempted to unite China in the Three Kingdoms era. The jewels have been lost throughout Japan, and have the ability to draw out the full potential of those who inherit them. Regardless their owners, called Toushi, are possessed with an insatiable appetite for battle. It turns out that Hakufu is one of these Toushi. It's not bad stuff, to be fair; the artwork is good, but Yuji Shiozaki does that thing I hate where he makes the girl's eyes too big. Some people like that style, but personally I don't, and it takes away from making the story believable. There's a very 'martial arts vibe' to the entire issue, which is good for fight fans. At one point you see Hakufu releasing her Chi on a punch bag bursting it. It's cool as it explores other martial arts too, as Hakufu watches two boxers spar, before getting into a serious battle of her own.

'Less You Come to The Battle with Your Shotgun!

Hakufu is known as a level E fighter, but is a bit of a prodigy so ranked fighters above E seek her out. It makes for some pretty good action, which like above cuts no corners. It appears these warriors go at it worse than Pokemon, as this guy attacks Hakufu with claws on his fingers. Its a good first issue, with some well drawn martial arts action. The main objective of this issue is to establish Hakufu's insatiable appetite for combat. Judging by the alternative cover it looks like all sorts of combat, as she wields a spear. It appears as if these Toushi cannot help but to be drawn to battle even when they resist. The combat draws from the real and esoteric, so should suit most tastes combined with the artwork. If you like manga then you should like this as well. If it's an advert for the rest of the comics in the series then it's a good one. Hakufu often ends up half naked, but it's not like her outfits leave much to the imagination anyway. I managed to pick this one up on the Kiss Manga website by chance. This first issue is one of five chapters, which makes up Volume 1. There are 16 volumes in total so it may actually be worth your time. If you have nothing to do then give it a read, but there's an anime if you'd rather watch it. I give it three out of five; good art, good story, but with a few annoying quirks such as the eye detail.

Three out of five.