▪	RELEASED BY:		DEL REY
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		ATSUSHI SUZUMI
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / B&W
		▪	PAGES:		200
		▪	RATING:		T
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		05/20/2008
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		05/18/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

In a fantasy world different from ours, sorcerers are judged by their talent and that talent is measured by the stone they resonate to in order to channel their magical powers. But for the prideful Kokuyo and the determined girl Harika, that means they are considered the lowest on that hierarchy. Both are Obsidian wizards who must use their swords to channel their small amount of magic.  At the magic school where they apprentice to become full fledged wizards, the Obsidians are considered the meekest and least of all the magic users. Stung by the shunning and ridicule they face from their classmates, these two young wizards in training are about to show just how much a pure heart can do despite the odds when they work together.

An energetic adventure, this sword and sorcery style of youths attending magic school will appeal to fans of Harry Potter, especially Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It’s not just school exams that they have to worry about. There’s also a student amongst the elite who likes Harika and ends up in magical duel with Kokuyo over her. Kokuyo and Harika must face scornful students and strict teachers and when it comes time for testing, they run a gauntlet of traps in order to prove that they are worthy of being wizards. Lighter than Harry Potter, this makes Haridama more suitable for younger readers as well as adults. There is violence and danger, but there is comedy too. And there’s boisterousness to the main character Kokuyo that is infectious. The reader will not be able to stop themselves from wanting these two underdogs to rise up and prove the nay-sayers wrong.

The art style is energetic and easy on the eyes to follow and become embroiled in. It’s clean yet with all kinds of small details to designs and the dangers these two fledgling wizards must face. The manga also holds translation notes and an afterword. It’s a stand alone story that is well-done and won’t leave readers wanting at the end.

IN SUMMARY:
Haridama is a magical adventure where the swords are part of the sorcery. Will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy adventure story along the lines of a more innocent and fun minded Harry Potter tale.

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