Battle Vixens

    (Tokyopop, 2004-2011)
™ and © 2004 Tokyopop
Series reads right to left; black and white.

You say high schoolers can inherit the pugilistic spirits of ancient Chinese warriors that are encased in special earrings? Well, among the Toushi (owners of these jewels), Hakufu is a particularly buxom challenger in a bone–crushing Tokyo contest where only the brutal survive.

After tussling with fighters from her class and beyond, the spunky Hakufu rises through the ranks but rekindles an ancient, deadly, and dangerous “dragon” blood lust inside her when the chips are down. With her protective cousin Koukin by her side, now she aims to free the legendary swords in the stone as part of her training. But will the devious Toutaku thwart her plans and take down such other lovely ladies as Master Choushou, Shimei, and Ryofu with him?

Inspiring an equally racy anime version, this series unabashedly serves up shirt—and skirt—busting battles from a variety of voyeuristic perspectives. Despite its lecherous angle, it is well illustrated but is less well served by a colloquial translation that is both foul–mouthed and often hard to follow.

— Oliver Chin
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