▪	RELEASED BY:		TOKYOPOP
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		YOSHIHIKO OCHI
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / B&W
		▪	PAGES:		168
		▪	RATING:		T
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		08/07/2007
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		10/04/2007
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		DAVEY C. JONES

It’s zany magic mayhem! Sweet Elie is a prodigal student that the elite Zarlburg Royal Magic Academy. But she’s always wanted to do more. What more you ask? She’s not sure but she has a strong conviction that alchemy can be used to help people. She just hasn’t quite figured out how yet. Then who sweeps in? Marie. She’s the top alchemist and a legend in the community. But she’s famous not only for her alchemist skills but also her boozing. Together these two make an odd couple as they pair up, open up an alchemy shop, and go off on one magical adventure after another!

Right off form the name, you might be wondering if this has anything in common with a certain other manga series involving alchemists – it doesn’t. This has a lot more in common with Slayers. Marie has a lot in common with the greedy magic user in that story. They both love adventure, they can’t steer away from excitement if they tried, and trouble will always, ALWAYS find them.  They both are a tad arrogant. But why shouldn’t Marie be? She’s roamed the world and lived to tell the tale! And she has a kind heart too, despite her alcoholic ways.  It seems her and Elie met a long time ago under sad circumstances and it changed Elie’s life forever. Now this alchemist duo tries to do good with their alchemy. That doesn’t always work out the way they intend. There’s elves needing a new pad to crash, and gosh doesn’t the store look handy for that? There’s a new wagon load of alchemist weapons for the girls to try out (bystanders beware!),  there’s some flight lessons when they get their hands on a flying broom, and also have to defend the kingdom from a giant monster happy face! Phew! Will the elves find a new home? Can Marie stay sober for more than an afternoon? Can they get their gadgets working in time before the store opens? Will Marie get called over for a FBUI (Flying a broom while under the influence?) Does Elie long for knightly Nordic? Find out here!

This kooky comedy is based on a popular video game. The art style is different. It’s not your average hokum manga style. There’s a lot more line use giving it a stronger sketch look and more detail than the usual manga.  Consider it a much lighter side to another certain manga series dealing with alchemy (wink).

IN SUMMARY:
Bold and busy, fun and sassy, Zarlburg Alchemist is the great kind of fantasy adventure comedy romp that Slayers fans have been waiting for!