▪	RELEASED BY:		VIZ MEDIA
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		RYU FUJISAKI
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / B&W
		▪	PAGES:		200
		▪	RATING:		T
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		08/07/2007
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		12/19/2007
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

Having inspired the anime series known here as Soul Hunter, this is an epic fantasy that blends Chinese history and different Chinese mysticism and mythology for an intriguing adventure that is both fun and serious.
 
Young Taikobo’s clan was destroyed by a demon. He ends up being put in charge of the Hoshin Project to locate all immortal beings in the human world and ‘exorcise’ them, in other words, capture them and seal them from the human world forever. This is not an easy task. Although Taikobo, along with his flying hippo-like creature, seems laid back, he has a good heart and concrete ideas about what is fair and just. The main demon he must find and seal away is none other then the one who killed his parents: the vicious Dakki.

Beautiful, cruel, and psychotic, Dakki has plans of a Machiavellian scale to destroy the Chinese kingdoms and create her own dynasty. As she continues her reign of terror, Taikobo comes across things that make him question the Hoshin Project and what the true goal of it is. Is it truly the noble cause it seems? After nearly getting killed in his confrontation with her, in this volume of the manga he decides he will need allies. Off in search of them, he comes across a human Paope named Nataku. He wants to kill his “father” who has enlisted Taikobo’s aid. As Taikobo learns the truth about Nataku’s birth, death, and rebirth, the side he should be on doesn’t seem as clear is it did at first and a hard decision has to be made.

Yozen of the Sennin world comes on orders to help Taikobo, but only on the condition that the slacker pass a test of worthiness. But Taikobo has always been a young man of surprises. Slacker yet never gives up, casual yet determined, he is an unpredictable hero in an unpredictable time, one in ever increasing chaos as Dakki’s growing malevolence unfolds. Her monstrous cruelty is further demonstrated in some graphic moments this volume. It includes a horrifying banquet and a trap for the Four Lords. The seeds of her becoming Empress have been sown...or the first seeds of her downfall.

What is so fascinating about this series is the layered and intricate world creation at play. On one hand there is the unique work of fiction that blends actual mythical figures and ancient beliefs to create vivid characters. On the other hand, the story involves and works in authentic ancient Chinese history involving the rise and fall of key dynasties with new and fictionalized fantasy twists that are complex, and often surprising. It makes for a fantasy series that has an intriguing blend of serious dramatic content and fun mystical adventure.

There are some graphic scenes in this volume. There are images of immortals feeding on intestines and such from human beings. Definitely not for the faint of heart. That being said, the overall artwork in the series is fascinating.  Very clean and interesting designs highlight the art style. In particular, the Paope (mystical weapons) are outstandingly unique. The character designs stand out for their detail and creativity.

Bonuses include Hoshin Engi Encyclopedia, Immortal Files, Paope Files, and Magical Files that all help explain and go into more detail on the things seen and referred to in the manga that help explain the worlds and hodge-podge of the series.

IN SUMMARY:
Hoshin Engi is an adventurous fantasy series that blends Chinese history and mysticism with great action, creative powers, and memorable characters.