Customer Reviews

Wicked City: Black Guard

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4 star:		(1)
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For those who had seen the anime, it is worth to check this out. There are a lot of variations from the anime. For example, a Black Guard from the human world an individual who wields psychic power (PP). It is primary what Taki uses to fight and to detect demons who are hiding. A Black Guard is immune to hypnotism and mind probing. There are a lot of actions. It is quite an interesting thrill to read.

Excellent writing, fast read time, fast paced like the anime. The anime and the book while having the same basic storyline deviates in many points. The demons here are much more organic(like John Carpenter's the Thing and much more than the Anime). The Anime emphasized Taki's magnum as his main weapon but in reality, Taki uses his hand to hand skills and psi power to destroy demons. Anyways the books is just great, better than the Vampire hunter D books of the same author. A big fan of the anime will not be dissapointed after reading the book, both things go hand in hand. Highly Recomended.

For centuries demons have crossed over from another dimension into the mortal plane; their motives vary with some seeking employment opportunities while others enjoy dining on the human delicacy. The Peace Treaty has been signed between both sides' leaders, but every century it comes up for renewal with the time now for the latest pact. However, on the Black World demonic side, opposition has grown with the desire to overwhelm the mortals and a key assassination plot has been deployed.

In Tokyo, the Black Guard continues their vigil to insure both sides behave and prevent chaos. Guard member Renzaburo Taki can change matter and is teamed with lovely demon Makie who fight against rogues mostly from her home dimension in order to keep mankind safe. Their current assignment is to keep sorcerer Giuseppe Mayart safe as he arrives in Tokyo for the peace treaty gala. Mayart executes a devious scheme starting with sending his protective guards Taki and Makie away from him so he can begin his Machiavellian plan.

With a comic book feel to the exciting story line, fans of urban fantasy horror thrillers will relish this gory enjoyable tale from the author of Vampire Hunter D. The story line is fast-paced as seemingly everyone involved with the "Signing Ceremony" has a personal agenda. Enhanced by black and white illustrations by Ayami Kojima, the first Wicked City saga is a thrilling dark entry.

Harriet Klausner

I have been wanting to read this book since I learned of it a few years back. In the 90s I watched an anime titled Wicked City. I loved it. It was strange but the entertaining. I was curious about the light novel upon which it was based. I have it now. And here is the review.

Taki, our hero is a fabulous guy with a fabulous life.
He works for a the super secret the Black Guard and an ordinary electronic company. He has two bosses but they occupy the same office so he doesn't have to make two trips. As a Black Guard he protects mankind from malevolent demons using highly developed psychic powers.
He is so fabulous, that he is given the once in a lifetime opportunity to escort the famous Guiseppe Mayart, a lecherous hermit. The upcoming Peace Treaty signing requires Mayart's presence. Teamed with Maki, a Black Guard from the demonside, they traverse Tokyo communities, bars, parks, subways, streets, and strip clubs with Mayart in tow. Often dragging him out of dangerous locations and away from murderous demons who want to make meals out of humans not peace.
In some ways the book is full of ludicrous examples of perversion and misogyny. There are some scenes in the book that make it not appropriate for younger readers: Black out inducing orgasms. Soul absorbing demons. Rape. Vagina Dentata like you have never seen. Mayart's overt desire to have sex with everyone he meets and in every place he enters. And finally, Taki's inexplicable sexual desire for Maki during horrific events would confuse a younger reader. At least it should certainly disturb one.
I found the book a quick read and entertaining with the WTH moments.

I bought this book because I loved the anime film so much. Expecting a novelization of the movie I became pleasantly surprised to find out that the movie only covers half the book and the demonic encounters are very different. The book is also a fast read and very entertaining. Highly recommended.