Sakura Taisen

    (Tokyopop, 2005-2006)
™ and © 2003 Sega © RED © Ikku Masa
graphic novel; read right to left; b&w

Fans of the popular Sakura Wars videogame (not to mention the TV series and movie) might be disappointed that the first volume of this version doesn’t play up the series’ high-concept premise. To wit: It’s about pretty girls in color-coordinated spirit-powered robots fighting demons in turn-of-the-century Japan.

Instead, it focuses on poor Ensign Ogami, a brave warrior expecting to be assigned to some military installation vital to protecting his country but, instead, inexplicably posted as a ticket taker at a Tokyo all-girl revue. Of course, it’s just part of our hero’s cover, but Ogami is kept in the dark. From his menial tasks, he learns theater can touch anyone, as seen through a trio of comic-relief gangsters who serve as a Greek chorus.

And while the pretty girls come in all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities, clearly the star is Sakura: a perfected Japanese maiden with a surprisingly casual attitude. Beautifully drawn and utterly elegant, finally, here’s a worthy anime adaptation.

— S. A. Bennett
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