MANGA REVIEW: Blank Slate Vol 1 by Aya Kanno

 

Black Slate, Volume 1

by Aya Kanno

Genre(s): Manga, Graphic Novel

Pages: 192

English Publication: Oct 2008

Original Japan Publication: Sept 2005

Publisher: Shoujo Beat - 

Viz Media

Official Summary:    What does it take to find your true inner self? Zen's memory has been wiped, and he can't remember if he's a killer or a hero. And a lot of people will do anything they can to keep it that way. 

   Zen's unearthly charm attracts a veritable rogues' gallery. A bounty hunter becomes obsessed enough to become his new partner, while the daughter of General treats him like some sort of guru. But when he meets a mysterious doctor who may know him from the past, Zen learns that the secret of his lost memory is definitely more sinister than saintly.

   What does it take to find your true inner self? Zen's memory has been wiped, and he can't remember if he's a killer or a hero. And a lot of people will do anything they can to keep it that way.




Review:    This first volume centers around a guy named Zen. A master criminal. He lives his life, doing what he wants, when he wants and how he wants. He seems to know nothing of his past and simply has an urge to destroy and create chaos.

   An interesting manga series so far. I enjoyed the artwork quite a bit. but I am not sure of the characterization. Story seems to have good potential. I am surprised Shojo Beat is the one to publish this being its much more action oriented. Quite a bit actually. The romance is only hinted at as a possibility but so far has not gone anywhere. The focus is on why zen is wanted and who he really is. Mysterious intrigue like that is always something I have enjoyed.

   I hope to enjoy reading volume 2 soon. This is a short, 2 volume series so it is a quick read.