takeru: OPERA SUSANOH SWORD OF THE DEVIL Volume 1 [Paperback]

Nakashima Kazuki (Author), Karakara Kemuri (Author)

Book Description

Series: Takeru

There is a legend that speaks of a powerful sword hidden and sealed in 'Jagara-Mogara'. It is said that when the spirits of Light, Water, and Earth come together, the seal of this sword will be broken, and the sword will be immortalized. This is the sword of Susanoh. Upon pursuing the sword, Izumo, Kumaso and Oguna arrive at the nation of Jagara, where they confront a darkness that envelops anyone seeking the sword of Susanoh, including these three who are destined to find it.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: TokyoPop (June 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1427815704
• ISBN-13: 978-1427815705
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 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: #1,782,696 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Interesting Story, February 24, 2010

By 

Dark Fairy Girl (Oklahoma, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: takeru: OPERA SUSANOH SWORD OF THE DEVIL Volume 1 (Paperback)

Alright, so I'd probably normally give this a four star rating, but the previous reviewer wasn't so kind, so I'm trying to balance it out.

When I picked up this manga off of the shelf at a bookstore, I was drawn in by the art style. Upon further reading, I found that the story was written by the same person who had created Gurren Lagann. Okay, I was hooked. So I instantly bought this book and it really didn't disappoint.

The book starts out with the main character, who is your go get um, go with your gut type. The next character your introduced with is yet another main character who seems to be about to kill a crow. There seems to be some symbolism here. Our third main character is then introduced as a ship worker angered by the cruelty to a woman. After a number of event these three characters are introduced, each bearing the Takeru.

Well, these three are led by Izumo, the one first introduced to the story and they leave on their journey for the demon sword.

Peppered with comedy one would expect from any good manga, there's also some serious tones to this. Even a group of women resembling Amazon women, that these three eventually meet up with.

Overall, it's a good beginning to a story. Forming a solid base for later stories while not letting up on the action sequences either. It's probably a little fast paced, but not so much so to where you're left wondering what just happened.

Overall, a solid story, with intrigue for later mangas. Amazing art makes the story more fun to follow. A dash of Japanese legends brings the story a little bit more connections. I'd recommend it. Though, if you're the type that really doesn't like a cliff hanger at the end, you might consider buying more than one.

3 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Mild Bishounen Adventure, June 13, 2009

By 

Hakajin "Ecclectic Student" (GA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: takeru: OPERA SUSANOH SWORD OF THE DEVIL Volume 1 (Paperback)

"Takeru" is the story of three men, all named Takeru, who by chance or fate end up traveling together in search of the mythical sword of Susanaoh.

The story here is pretty weak. The heroes' search for the sword gets them in trouble with various politicians and armies. There's some stuff about a militant country trying to take over the land, and they're in conflict with a tribe of women similar to the Amazons. The plot is kind of irrelevent, though.

The focus is on the three Takerus, but the characterization isn't so great, either. You've got the laid-back one, the dumb brawny one, and the dark, cynical pretty-boy who doesn't trust anyone. The laid-back one is in it for fun, the brawny guy just likes a good fight, and the dark one gets dragged along. Nothing new here. The dynamic between them is flat. The brawny one and the dark one quarrel often, with the laid-back one intervening. The laid-back one also tries to bring the dark one into the group, but he's not having any of it. None of it is particularly funny.

The guys are easy on the eyes, though. I did like the manga-ka's art style, and the fights are well drawn.

That's not enough to recommend this, though. If you're looking for an adventure story with hot guys, you're better off reading Saiyuki 01.. If you can't find that one... well, there's still better stuff than this out there.