No. 5

(Viz, 2002)
TM and (c) Viz Communications, Inc.

In an alternate view of Earth, where desert is the domain and law is kept by the International Peace Keeping Force, something has gone horribly awry. The fifth of the nine elite members of the Rainbow Council, the world’s regional protectors, has gone AWOL. Now, the other eight guardians have to terminate him — or die trying.

Everyone wonders why #5 has abandoned his duty. Perhaps it was for the love of the enigmatic woman Matroshka. Maybe it was because he snapped under the pressure. Whatever the reason, he has just offed his first pursuer, #9. Can the powerful #8 succeed where his predecessor has failed, and take down the squad’s best sniper? If he can’t, heaven help #7 and their leader, #1.

Odd. Eccentric. Bizarre. This title breaks through the comics clutter and mesmerizes the reader, thanks to its compelling and confident vision. Picking up where he left off in his breakthrough Black and White, Taiyo Matsumoto creates a world in which reality appears like a dream and characters defy convention. Those unfamiliar with his method may be thrown for a loop. The rest can enjoy getting their minds blown by brilliance.

— Oliver Chin

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