Chicago, Vol. 1: Book Of Self (Chicago (Viz Graphic)) [Paperback]

Yumi Tamura (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 5, 2002 | Series: Chicago (Viz Graphic) (Book 1)

In the mid–21st century, the Self-Defense Force Rescue Squad Four look for survivors in the rubble of a massive earthquake. Instead they find a plot of murder and destruction, one that wipes out all the squad except tomboy Rei and Uozumi, her cool, handsome partner. After several brushes with death and a daring prison escape, the two race toward their destiny at the shady Shinjuku bar known as Chicago. This stylish "manga meets film noir," comes from the winner of the 1993 Shogakukan Manga Award for Best Female-Oriented Manga.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (November 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591160413
• ISBN-13: 978-1591160410
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,633,470 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Come for the Action, Stay for the Pot-stickers!, November 18, 2003

By 

Shanshad "shanachie_shadowfax" (Discworld) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Chicago, Vol. 1: Book Of Self (Chicago (Viz Graphic)) (Paperback)

The date: just slightly in the future. The mission: Self-Defense Force Rescue Sqad 4 is looking for survivors after Tokyo's latest earthquake. Rei and her partner Uozumi are the only ones to survive when their team uncovers violence that was not quake caused. Conspiracy and secrets have alienated Rei and Uozumi from their former lives, now they must get to the heart of the dark plots that destroyed the rest of their team, with the help of a private hostage rescue organization run out of a Shinjuku bar called Chicago.

Tam-Tam has created a strong, well drawn and well-paced action manga with a great heroine. For any reader who has wished to escape the overly cute girls in skirts with killer weapons and find something a little more realistic in shojo adventure, this may be just the thing. Rei is a motorcyle riding action-adventure heroine with an attitude who needs no protection. She's out to protect others and rediscover herself in the process. The artist's drawings are simple and sparing, without much ornament, but the overall effect is elegant and works well for the manga. Flowing lines and an elegant sense of motion and style maintain the feel. The overall story is dark, and gritty, but does not get weighed down with psychological issues and philosophies. In the end, the action is the story.

The action adventure tale does have its share of humor and chibi moments, especially in the form of Dr. Thunder Sanders, who seems to be Tam Tam's very own avatar in the work. Unlike some futuristic works, this one is not really mecha in any sense-the time frame remains fairly close to the current one and most of the technology is familiar, although advanced. Likewise, there is no magic in this series. It remains pure action adventure throughout. This is the first book of a short two-book manga Chicago series only recently translated for the North American market. The artist/author is the creator of several acclaimed female-focused manga series, but this is the first one to hit American shores. We can only hope more are on their way.

Happy reading! Shanshad ^_^

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars confusing (possible spoilers), January 31, 2009

By 

Jadewtch - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chicago, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

i bought both volumes of this series. while the first one is interesting and leaves you wanting more, the second drops the ball. I found it somewhat confusing, and the character development is practically nil. it introduces too many new characters without any backstory which simply frustrated me when i wanted to know what would happen with them. The romantic angle also leaves things hanging leaving you to wonder who will end up with who, if anyone.

what it comes down to is that i'm sorry i spent the money for the books.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Too Short I want moore, August 11, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chicago, Vol. 2 (Paperback)

Chicago is good but it is only two volumes, not enough time for the characters to fully develope in my option and to many unanwereds questions. Are they dead or alive, will her and the straight guy ever get anywhere or is she going to remain hung up on her gay partner?? Questions, Questions.