Legendz

(Viz, 2005-2006)
™ and © 2003 Makoto Haruno, RIn Hirai
read right to left; graphic novel; b&w

When mankind learns mythical creatures are real, it wastes no time turning them into commodities, stuffing them into cases called Soul Figures, which are inserted in gadgets called Talispods. Then, the creatures are forced to battle each other, gladiator–style, for the amusement of a bunch of 5th graders—which is pretty much all you need to know about Legendz. (Oooh, so very close to being spelled correctly.)

We follow Ken and his Windragon Shiron as they battle their way through elementary school, making friends, bashing bullies, and learning important lessons about kindness and courage along the way. It’s just your usual Shonen Jump formula of likable characters, wish–fulfillment, action, and simple, attractive art. Nobody could be sicker of manga and anime in which kids play games than I, yet you’d have to a very hard heart to ignore the charms of this cute entry–level kids’ comic. The back–cover copy crows this is “The World’s Most Popular Manga,” and, while it’ll never be confused with anything original, the intended audience will likely lap it up.

— S.A. Bennett

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