Shiki Tsukai

(Volume 2)
Story by
To-ru Zekuu

Art by
Yuna Takanagi

Del Rey, January 2008, 200 pp.
ISBN: 978-0-345-50145-5

Genre: Comics
Subgenre: Manga
Reviewed: 5/9/2008

Reviewed by: Conan Tigard

Book Cover

Manga Page

Shiki Tsukai manga page

 

Synopsis

After his battle with Rinsho, Akira is worried because Koyomi is hurt. Akira then makes the decision to protect everyone and will stand against Summer. Rei has talked Moe Mutsuki, a Shiki Tsukai of Winter, into watching over Akira from afar. She takes out a Shiki Tsukai of Summer sniper and captures him. Rei shows up and helps Akira battle Rinsho and drives him away. Rei takes Koyomi away so she can heal from her battle wounds.

Koyomi soon returns feeling well rested and ready to continue her duty protecting Akira. Meanwhile, Akira's father, Junichiro, reports to work at Sakuragi Corporation. The President of Sakuragi Corporation is Kenshin Sakuragi. They are worried about the theft of the Shikifu cards and their children who are linked to each other, Akira and Koyomi.

When Rei shows up to deliverer the captured sniper, she hangs all over Junichiro. Rei reports that Akira has the potential to become the Shinra. Koyomi takes Akira, Fumiya and Satsuki to her mansion, while unbeknownst to them, Moe stands guard outside. Rinsho shows up outside and Moe confronts him.

When the battle begins, Akira and Koyomi sense it. Rinsho has brought backup and her name is Nanayo Rangetsu. She is the most powerful of the Shiki Tsukai of Summer. Just as Nanayo and Rinsho have Moe where they want her, Akira and Koyomi join the battle. Nanayo quickly realizes that Akira is not very strong, or a challenge for her, and simply walks away - informing him that the next time they meet she will kill him.

Junichiro interrogates the captured Summer sniper and learns that Autumn has joined up with Summer with hopes of defeating Spring and Winter. Now the real battle is ready to begin.

Shiki Tsukai: Volume 2 is a manga book written by To-ru Zekuu and drawn by Yuna Takanagi. This book was translated and adapted by Mayumi Kobayashi and lettered by North Market Street Graphics. This book contains the following chapters:

Sixth Season: Paean to Determination

Seventh Season: A Momentary Change in Key

Eighth Season: A Fateful and Passionate Encounter

Ninth Season: Capriccio of Flames

Tenth Season: Interlude: A New Beginning

There are also some special extras in the following sections: 1) Introductory Note, 2) Honorifics Explained, 3) Synopsis, 4) Character Profiles, 5) A Note from the Creators, 6) Season Incantation Collection, 7) Twelve-Month Ability Chart, 8) Season Incantation Chart, 9) 366-Day Calendar, 10) Knowledge of the Four Season, 11) Character Design Collection, 12) Character Profiles, and 13) Translation Notes. The book reads from right to left and back to front, just like a book from Japan. This manga book is intended for readers ages 16 and up.

 

Review

Shiki Tsukai: Volume 2 is another impressive manga book filled with a a lot of fighting and magic. I must say that at the end of the reading of Shiki Tsukai: Volume 2, I did not know that Koyomi turned into the sword Akira wields when he touches her Spring sign on her chest. I only learned that by reading the synopsis in this book.

One thing that makes it difficult to read this book is all of the confusing Japanese names and terms. Just reading my synopsis above is enough to make my head spin. Still, this is not enough to really hurt the story. I enjoy the fact that this storyline deals with the harm humans have done and are currently doing to the planet we live on. I like that these superheroes are tied in with nature and want to help correct the damage we have done. As for the writing, I found it to be well written and very exciting.

The translation and adaptation could be a little better, but it isn't too bad. The artwork is great and the magical fighting scenes are wonderful.

Overall, Shiki Tsukai: Volume 2 is a fantastic addition to a hot new series. I cannot wait to see Autumn and Summer battle Spring and Winter in Shiki Tsukai: Volume 3. It should be hot!

I rated this book an 8 out of 10.

This site was created and is maintained by Conan Tigard
2008