▪	RELEASED BY:		VIZ MEDIA
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		TAKESHI KONOMI
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / BW
		▪	PAGES:		163
		▪	RATING:		A
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		04/07/2008
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		04/05/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		SANDRA SCHOLES

Sasabe, Sakuno and the other students are ready to leave for the Kakino Kizaka junior tennis tournament grounds to compete, and when rumours fly around that a 12-year-old kid, Ryoma Echizen is going to join them in the matches, they cannot understand how a foolish kid like him can possibly compete with those like Sasabe who are older and more experienced than him.

When Sakuno meets her grandmother Sumire Ryuzaki at the train station, she observes Ryoma in a match later with Sasabe, and reveals to her he is no ordinary player, but the son of a champion tennis player Nanjiro Echizen who was considered best in his day until his accident prevented him from carrying on his career.

Now Ryoma has plans to become the greatest tennis player in the world after winning four concecutive US Junior Tournaments. That he has enrolled at the Seishun Academy with kids of sixteen as fierce competitors, he knows it will be difficult for him to earn the respect if his older peers.

While the practise runs go down badly with the other players, Takeshi Momoshiro takes him aside and protects him from envious eyes. Once the players realise he is as good as they think, Ryoma becomes part of eight competitors chosen for the tournament.

Created by Takeshi Konomi, writer and artist of Cool-Rental Body Guard, the Prince of Tennis has proved that novels about tennis are heaps of fun, and have sold over 40 million copies in Japan to an eager readership. It has become hugely successful as an anime series, a radio show, music CD's, movies and games as part of a franchise, it is safe to say this has a considerable following.

Exceptional graphics and well-written it captures the real-life feel of a tournament and one kid, Ryoma, who needs to prove how good he is around players much older than he is. He notices how much of a jungle it is out there, and needs to use all the skills he has to compete well enough. Not that it will be too difficult for him.

In his efforts he makes a few friends and finds this is the hardest part he has to endure. Between Sasabe's wisecracks and Ryoma's magnificent serve and dynamic moves the readers are sure to be entertained.

IN SUMMARY:
Be prepared to be served a champion manga. This is one game to love where you'll be returning for more!