Sequence [Paperback]

Ryo Saenagi (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up–A sequence is defined as a spell that lets two bodies share one heart. This is relevant because the first thing that Kamyu Titi does after Kanata opens his cross-shaped coffin is to rip Kanata's heart out of his chest. The sequence forces the boys to lead lives that are intertwined, because the death of one would result in the demise of the other. This strong beginning evolves into a main story about demons, devils, and vampires (collectively known as walks), as well as a strange subplot about gender confusion. Titi is referred to as a pretty boy, and he is unable to tell the difference between boys and girls. A demon that only abducts girls finds Titi very confusing. Then Titi shows up wearing a dress and there are several boy/boy near-kisses, and this comedy of errors crosses the line from the humorous to the downright odd. Titi's gender remains unresolved at the end of the book, but since he/she also denies being a vampire despite all the evidence to the contrary, perhaps it's not surprising. The primary story of the demon-fighting vampire is often compelling, and the demons themselves are some of the most interesting characters in the book. However, the gender confusion/sexual tension aspect of the story may alienate many readers.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: TokyoPop (February 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598160915
• ISBN-13: 978-1598160918
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,226,463 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GOOD BLEND OF GENRES!, March 6, 2006

By 

Tim Janson (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sequence (Paperback)

Ryo Saenagi's Sequence is a action-oriented urban fantasy that is sprinkled liberally with some off-beat humor. On a dare from member of a school club, Kanata enters a spooky, abandoned church, rumored to be haunted, to ring the church bell. The sound of the bell causes the fragile floor to collapse and Kanata plunges to the lower floor. There he finds a coffin with a large crucifix placed over it. The curious Kanata opens the casket to find a young man, remarkably preserved. As Kanata wonders if the man is really dead, the man springs up and literally tears Kanata's heart from his body. Kanata wakes thinking it was all a dream until he again meets up with the dark-cloaked being from the crypt.

He finds out he really did have his heart ripped out yet due to a powerful sequence spell on the casket and its inhabitant, Kanata now finds that he and the apparent vampire named Kamyu Titi now share one heart and soul. Kanata learns that Titi was sealed in the casket by the priest who raised him on a distant, hidden island. Kanata now finds that that large crucifix is now a powerful weapon that can change it's size to be worn around his neck, and used to battle demons, referred to as "walks". When several female students disappear Kanata and Titi find themselves having to battle a Shadow Demon. But what do these sudden appearances by demons have to do with the pair? And is Titi a boy or a girl? And how can they find this secret island where the answers will be revealed?

Sequence was a very enjoyable Manga which while introducing several supporting characters, mainly focused on the symbiotic relationship between Kanata and Titi. They learn that if one of them dies, both of them will and so, sometimes reluctantly, have to make sure that they cover each other's back. Meanwhile the question of Titi's sex is a running, comedic theme throughout, especially when he/she shows up in a frilly dress because he likes wearing them! Saenagi does a nice balancing act between the dramatic, action, and comedic elements of the story and it defies classification as any one genre. The art is first-rate and for me, much easier to follow than some Manga. Well done and I'm looking forward to the next volume!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Has Potential to be more in Later Volumes, February 13, 2007

By 

Carolyn "Dedicated Yaoi Fan." (NSW, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sequence (Paperback)

This volume is actually not a one shot, it is actually labeled as Volume 1 but the Mangaka has yet to create a Second arc to this story, and who knows if we'll ever see one.

Also, let me get this off the first question you may have, Titi is a boy. It's obvious. But it does come into question among the characters just because he's pretty and cross-dresses. He has a flat chest, and basically looks like any other male character; he has no female figure whatsoever.

Sequence was a little basic at the start; it begins as with Kanata at the church. And everything falls too quickly into place but the story slowly even itself out. Titi is a vampire (revealed halfway through the book) who lived with a Priest on a secret island, but the Priest betrayed Titi and sealed him in a cross, the cross that Kanata carries when he releases Titi.
Bit confusing? That's how the story goes. Kanata controls the powerful cross that he can shrink when he doesn't need it (like Cardcaptors and Sakura's Sealing Wand).
Silly thing was that many of Kanata's 'friends' (I doubt they really are, they don't seem like real friends to me) know about his so-called 'secret' and defeating Walks (Demons) and his connection to Titi. Doesn't make it really special if everyone knows.

Yes and this Manga is Slash. The class president even tries to kiss Titi, making it more obvious then some. And it shows more when Titi and Kanata worry about one another but claim it's just the 'Sequence' working.

Overall, I think Sequence is a good lighter story. It's not serious to me and more of a lighthearted read. The art is nice and the panels flow. I recommend this book to anymore with a Slash and Goth (toned down) fetish.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Devoured This Manga, August 3, 2006

By 

L. Mintah "Author of the Heart" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sequence (Paperback)

Sequence was a lot better than I expected. I devoured this in one sitting. The story is more complex and interesting than the summary on the back indicated. An underclassman named Kanade rings the bell of a haunted church as an order from an upperclassman. Kanade falls through the floor and finds a vampire. The vampire attacks Kanade, believing him to be the priest who sealed him. The two are joined in a manner called a "sequence:" if one dies, so does the other.

Titi the vampire is cute and androgynous, though he is also formidable. Sheer delight is how Kanade's upperclassman friends (two HOT GUYS) join forces with him and Titi, and how one of them is turned on by Titi's feminine looks. In fact, Titi is evasive as to which sex he actually is.

I cannot WAIT for volume two. The art in sequence is good, but I would have liked some author notes. Maybe next time?