▪	RELEASED BY:		DEL REY
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		TO-RU ZEKUU
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / BW
		▪	PAGES:		205
		▪	RATING:		OT
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		01/08/2008
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		01/07/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

Koyomi lies shot at Akira’s feet and the Summer Shiki Tsukai demands an answer from the potential Shinra – will Akira join Summer and help create chaos and restore all to nature at the cost of humanity or protect humanity and have the powerful warriors of the Summer season do their all to slaughter him!

This new fantasy series set in modern Japan is living up to its potential beautifully. Well paced with lots happening, the second volume of the manga reveals more about the world of the Shiki Tsukai, the Warriors of the Season, and deepens the mystery surrounding them at the same time. Akira’s decision, his resolve, puts into motion the war that is about to begin. Spring and Winter have sided with Akira, the budding Shinra, but Summer will not let the young Akira walk away easily. Rei and the others realize they must marshal their forces against the impending attack, but they may be too late. A simple tea party amongst classmates at Koyomi’s mansion becomes the battle ground for Moe as she falls into a trap set by the most powerful Shiki Tsukai of all Summer: the beautiful and deadly Nanayo!

The show isn’t all supernatural battles. Akira’s father Junichiro must work along side the covetous and sexy Rei to help the Sakuragi Corporation. There are secrets hinted and some are being kept by Akira’s father. Factions within the seasons are moving. Autumn is one of the most powerful but has refused to take sides…until now. Will they side with Summer or Spring? Autumn’s choice could seal the fate of Akira let alone mankind in the latest volume of this exciting series. 

There is a stellar amount of manga extras in this volume, over 20 pages worth. Manga extras include translation notes, afterwords, a Shiki Knowledge Twelve Month Ability Chart, a Season Incantation Chart, Character Profiles, Character Design Collection, a 366-Day Calendar, and further notes. 

IN SUMMARY:
Shiki Tsukai is a marvelous new fantasy series filled with action, wonderful imagination, and exhilarating adventure!