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A STRANGE AND MYSTIFYING STORY VOL. 2 (ADVANCE REVIEW) |
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Reviews
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Wednesday, 22 July 2009 |
 | | ▪ | RELEASED BY: | | DIGITAL MANGA PUBLISHING | | | ▪ | AUTHOR / ART: | | TSUTA SUZUKI | | | ▪ | FORMAT: | | JAPANESE / B&W | | | ▪ | PAGES: | | 216 | | | ▪ | RATING: | | M | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 08/19/2009 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 07/22/2009 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | HOLLY ELLINGWOOD |
The supernatural and comedic romance continues in the latest installment of the manga. Aki was dying of a strange illness until he accidentally awakened his family’s guardian spirit. The arrogant and lascivious (and very handsome) Setsu is definitely not of this world. He can eat the illness right out of Aki, but has been demanding certain relations in exchange. Now the two are trying to balance life and love and in the offing give readers a lot to laugh about in A Strange and Mystifying Story part 2. The second volume shows the two trying to find some kind of understanding between them in their efforts to be with each other and have a ‘normal’ life. Setsu has no concept of normal as he has a fox tail, long ears, pointed teeth and loves to walk around the place nude while drinking sake. There is a story of the early moments in their relationship when they were still first trying to adjust to each other. Later, the trouble with communication is aided by Aki’s co-worker who reveals telling insight to Setsu about the reserved Aki. There’s a reason why the fellow never takes the first step. Setsu tries to get Aki to tell him how he really feels while Aki wants to know how Setsu feels about him, but he can’t ask. The two come to a heartfelt understanding underlined with abundant humor and intimate moments. The highlight for me was the background story on Setsu. There are two arcs about his early days in feudal Japan and how he became involved with Aki’s ancestors. The first story shows how he was concerned with Aki's ancestors and how he became the half-human, half-demon guardian he is in the present. It was a well told tale with interesting turns. The second tale and by far the most dramatic out of all of them, shows how Setsu, before he changed, first met the ancestor he would risk so much for and why he became so taken with the poor boy who desperately needed help. It is a moving story and added depth to Setsu’s character as well as the overall tale of what binds him to Aki.
IN SUMMARY:
The manga comes to an entertaining and at times surprisingly emotional conclusion in this volume. |
