Skull Man

    (Tokyopop, 2001-2003)
™ and © Tokyopop

Regardless of genre, be it comedy, science fiction, mystery, or the popular masala combo of all of the above, most translated manga seems to fall neatly into the shojo (girl) camp. The successes have primarily been with “soft” series, those overwhelmingly interested in feelings. That’s what makes The Skull Man such a refreshing change of pace; it’s decidedly hard-core.

The first installment of the series has a breezy, breathless “… and then …” quality, as it shifts gears repeatedly, from the female assassin in thigh-high boots after a computer disc to the supernatural shape-changer to our hero. With his icy reserve, creepy, cold grin, and outfit more appropriate for a villain (giving him an added, dangerous edge — but why do so many manga characters have so many unnecessary buttons?), The Skull Man reminds readers just how cool a guy in a mask can be. Action, horror, thriller, and hero: This is pulp stuff of the highest order.

— S.A. Bennett
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#3

January, 2002
Cover Price: $2.95
1 copy available for $7.98 		Kazuhiko ShimamotoShotaro Ishinomori
#5

March, 2002
Cover Price: $2.95
1 copy available for $24.98 		Kazuhiko ShimamotoShotaro Ishinomori