Customer Reviews

The Reformed

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am new to Graphic Novels but certainly not new to Vampire based themes, crime stories, and the work of Christopher Hart. I can't spout enough praise for this book. The story line was gripping and unique. It worked on so many different levels. Hard to believe when the pictures are the main focus but TRUE. Speaking of the picture - the artwork by Anzu was incredibly riveting. The idea was brilliant, dialogue crisp, exutition flawless - but most important it was a great read. I can't wait to start this book again!

If you're like me, you probably hesitate to buy manga online sight-unseen without knowing what the art looks like first. Artwork can make or break any manga or graphic novel, so I thought I'd let others know that in the case of The Reformed, the artwork totally makes it.

If I had leafed through this manga in a bookstore, the refined interiors would have sold me immediately regardless of the story. The artwork follows the atmospheric style of more intricately rendered manga where the pages are meant to be savored rather than quickly breezed through. Every page is a feast fit for a vampire.

You can tell by the publisher's description that the story doesn't stray much from the usual formula, but the dialog is good, Jenny the heroine is easy to like, and the author doesn't take the kind of silly liberties with the vampire genre that only an otaku could love. The Reformed is a serious, mainstream story for anyone who likes graphic novels -- manga fan or not. And even if you don't care for the story, it's still worth owning just for the art, so you really can't lose.

There are a few reasons you should read this book. First, it's a great story with a fascinating concept for a short story with an unusual twist.

Second, the graphics that go along with it are amazing & powerful - the kind that put you right in the scene and captures the mood.

I picked it up and could not put it down until I completely read it from start to finish which is unusual for me. Great read for both old-time comics thrill readers or anyone new to this genre.

Great work. Thank you, Chris & Anzu

To go along with the previous reviewer, it was the art that originally drew me to the manga. I pulled the cover off the shelf and went "Ooooh! He looks bishi and evil!" I was hooked.

"Reformed" plays out as both occult mystery and supernatural romance. You watch the developing relationship between tormented Giancarlo and innocent Jenny as the vampire struggles against the dark urges of his own nature. But is it a losing battle? Detective Frost, who has been investigating a series of "vampire murders," seems to think so and even as Giancarlo denies his involvement more and more evidence seems to appear to condemn him.

Stunning art and well-crafted writing bring together characters that truly seem alive thanks to their hopes, fears, and personalities, not to mention an ending that has you wanting more.

To start, I'm not good on writing reviews. This is my first one.

For an OEL, Original English Laugange Manga, I got to say it is one of the best I have bought. And I don't read/buy much of OEL Manga's. The reason way I picked it up was the drawing style,by Anzu. The art is beautiful. I guess the cover caught my eye, then I read the back and I thought it would be good. I was right. It was good. The story of Vampires always draws me in. This one about a Vampire, Giancarlo, who falls in love with the woman who he was going to kill and wanted to not be immortal anymore. (Sorry, I did say I'm not good on reviews.) AS he tried to reform, the dark side, will not let him. There are other Vampires causing trouble for him, killings rise, and so did suspicion on Giancarlo by Detective Frost. Without any spoilers, I will not give anymore details on it. Just try it. If you like Vampires, and crime, give 'The Reformed' a try.

Did I mention Giancarlo and Frost are Bishies? XD

Vampires aren't just popular in American fiction; they're popular in manga too, with such series as Vampire Hunter D and Vampire Knight, to give only two examples. The Reformed, then, is an American-made manga, also known as an OEL manga. While it sticks with many basic principles in vampiric storytelling--like brooding male vampires and large, gothic mansions--it never feels trite. In fact, it stands out for its lovely atmospheric art and interesting storyline. All in all, it's a gratifying read.

Christopher Hart, the writer, describes the book this way: "Can a vampire ever find redemption? Can a vampire ever be forgiven? Giancarlo is a vampire and a cold-blooded killer by nature, until he meets the woman who would be his next victim and sees something in her that causes him to spare her life.... And this, his first act of kindness, could spell his doom. Love, it seems, is not meant for vampires."

Well, why not? Giancarlo, the handsome but up till now very dangerous lead, falls in love with the human woman, Jenny, one night after she's attacked by a thug. Despite possibly being close to death, Jenny remains calmly brave. She's soft-looking but strong, which seems to impress Giancarlo, who is strong but perhaps soft-hearted. In the midst of a gritty horror story, there's a tenderness between them.

And, in the midst of their relationship, a slew of murders takes place to keep the plot going. Giancarlo, despite being innocent of these crimes, is being blamed. Since the killings look like the work of a vampire, it's easy to point fingers at him. However, there's another monster out there--this time a truly evil one--who's doing the work. And this monster will go after Jenny to get to Giancarlo, the real goal.

One of The Reformed'sstrongest points has to be its artwork. While Hart is an artist himself and has published books on manga art, the task of drawing The Reformed went to Anzu. Hart explained it was his busy schedule that kept him from drawing it himself, and artist Anzu, who is from Singapore, was the one brought onboard to do the art. She was an excellent choice and a perfect match for the story. Her beautiful work is lush, dark, and opulent all at once, with a clear manga style to it. There's definitely some gore in here, but it doesn't go over the top or feel too extreme. It's expected there'll be at least some gore in a story that stars vampires and a serial killer on the loose.

The Reformed may be on ground well-traveled, but don't hold that against it. This is a good read for fans of vampires and fans of manga, as well as people who are just fans of a fun story and great artwork.

-- Danica Davidson

I am relatively new to the field of manga and I found this book to be so riveting that I couldn't put it down. Christopher Hart and Anzu did an amazing job of telling a fabulous story about life, love, human nature and a telling message about humanity as a whole. Bravo!