Switch, Vol. 1 (Switch (Viz)) (v. 1) [Paperback]

Naked Ape (Author)

Book Description

Series: Switch (Viz) | Publication Date: March 11, 2008

Kai Eto may look like a squeaky clean kid, but the Greater Kanto Narcotics Control Division's new investigator hides a violent alter ego and a dangerous past. With his stoic partner Hal Kurabayashi, Kai is assigned to track down and stop the distribution of Dragon Speed, a dangerous new drug. But Ryugen, the syndicate trafficking the drug, is almost impossible to infiltrate. Add street violence and a jurisdiction war with the Meguro Police, and poor Kai is in for some very long days at the office.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Lively art almost makes up for routine storytelling in this cop-buddy serial by the team known collectively as Naked Ape. Writer Otoo Saki's script isn't inept, but it's extremely predictable. When young, innocent-looking rookie cop Kai Eto shows up for duty at the Greater Kanto Narcotics Control Division, readers aren't surprised to see him teamed up with a jaded officer who can't stand the new kid. It's also no surprise that the little boy Kai good-heartedly befriends turns out to be the son of a drug dealer. And when Kai goes undercover, it's certainly no surprise that the junkie he's watching discovers his identity and pulls a gun on him. That's the trouble: there aren't enough new ideas to make the action fresh. Tonomi Nakamura's art, however, is full of surprises. Her layout combines overlapping panels full of oddly angled closeups and long shots, stressing grotesquely forced perspective. Although readers will occasionally struggle with the storytelling, even pages that don't contribute much to the lumbering plot are interesting to look at. By the time they reach the cliffhanger that ends the book, readers may be convinced that there could be potential here to support some distinctive, quirky story that hasn't emerged yet. (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

Grade 10 Up–Kai Eto is a rookie investigator for the Narcotics Control Division. That's how he introduces himself when he barges into the middle of a bust, the first of several incidents that probably would get him fired in the real world. But this is a manga universe, where characters revert to cuteness moments after they've used their fists or their guns. And what guns they are! Firearms stand out on several occasions; sometimes the gun in someone's hand is drawn in a different style from everything else on the page, causing readers' eyes to focus on it more closely. A gun is also prominently featured on the cover, held sideways in a gangster style, pointed at the readers who can see which chambers are loaded and which are empty. The other clue to the plot on the cover is a pill containing a dangerous new drug. Kai and his partner Hal are trying to infiltrate a Chinese drug ring, learning more about Dragon Speed, and trying to make more arrests and take credit for more busts than the Meguro Police Department. The illustrations are excellent and they capture a lot of motion and excitement. But the story is sometimes difficult to follow, many of the characters look alike (and are best identified by their accessories), and the violence/cuteness ratio is a little jarring.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: VIZ Media LLC (March 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1421517647
• ISBN-13: 978-1421517643
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #803,658 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Coulda been better, June 6, 2008

By 

Aiquirion "Leslie,T" (Newyork, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Switch, Vol. 1 (Switch (Viz)) (v. 1) (Paperback)

I gave switch a three star mainly because it seemed to end before it even began.I mean first the story was so lacking in volume at the beginning it was kinda boring, and at another point I was just about up to my knees trying to figure out what just happened when I realized I had read the whole darn thing. Truly I'm sure this manga might be a good find for readers who're into the whole crime and investigating theme, but I wouldn't bet on it. As for me it just didn't hold a candle. The art was good and everything where it oughta be. Perfectly spaced, easy to read; if only the story hadn't of failed I would have rated a bit higher. But what do I know, this is my first time reading a crime themed manga. So it might perk up in Volume 2. I really do hope so cause I wouldn't want to waste my money on a total bust.

4.0 out of 5 stars Sad Beginning to a Great Story, February 10, 2010

By 

Veen (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Switch, Vol. 1 (Switch (Viz)) (v. 1) (Paperback)

The first volume of switch is, honestly, utterly confusing, with all the characters looking the same since the series is based on more realistic factors AKA no guys with anti-gravity hair to identify them by. BUT the first book doesn't do this series justice! Switch is a series with amazing character development that will have you crying, laughing, and gasping and later points in the series. The art is amazing, and gets even better as the story progresses. It is/might be a book that you'll have to read twice to really grasp what's going on, but it gets a lot easier to read as the story goes on. With lots of action for the guys, drama and hints of "likingness" between the handsome male characters for the ladies, this is a series you can't miss and it all starts with this book!