Cross (Tokyopop)

    (Tokyopop, 2004-2006)
™ and © 1997 Sumiko Amakawa
reads right to left; graphic novel; b&w

Young Catholic priest Amakusa Takara is a professional exorcist who operates in Japan and is cleverly codenamed “Cross,” because one appears on his forehead whenever he practices his craft. In his first case, he saves Shizuha, who has whole passages of scripture break out all over her body and is being pursed by her own parents, part of a Satanic cult. It’s clear from all the meticulous footnotes in the back of this volume that Sumiko Amakawa has researched the Christian mysticism here. But, from the lack of depth of characterization, the reader has to wonder if he’s ever met a Christian, let alone a Catholic, given the way Christianity is treated. It’s the dull leads more than anything that damn this one, because, first and foremost, Cross is supposed to be more of a romance between Amakusa and Shizuha than another flat–out horror show. The only thing we ever really learn about Shizuha is she has great taste in lingerie.

— S.A. Bennett
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