Manga-ka: Matsuri Akino
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Released: August 2008

Synopsis: ”Kamishina is the reincarnated ruler of Dhalashar. He can hear voices from beyond the grave, see visions and soothe ghosts… When Ohko tries to awaken a spirit known as the true king, the ends up causing a huge explosion, after which a mysterious boy appears from thin air…”

As if I didn’t find previous recent volumes of Genju no Seiza plot-heavy enough (in a good way, mind you), volume seven takes it even a step further. The true existence of Mayu, whom readers have long suspected is of some further significance to the story, is finally revealed and we learn about what led to how she is now. On top of that, various events from the past are catching up to the characters with some surprising connections. Throw in some time travel, a mysterious new boy who shows up, and two possible reincarnated Kings with the power to destroy the world, and you have yourself one wonderfully thick volume.

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Manga-ka: Matsuri Akino
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: Teen (13+)
Released: September 2007

Synopsis: “While investigating a murder at a mountain lodge, an argument erupts between our two young detectives – one that proves to have alarming results when each calls to Suzuki for help. Later, it’s a time of change as Haruka prepares to start college, leaving Masato behind to run the Mystery Novels Club by himself. But with our duo separated, what future is in store for the Masked Detective?”

Volume four marks the end of Matsuri Akino’s Kamen Tantei. Though completion of any series you enjoy is always a bit sad, I was relieved that this short series ended before it had a chance to be cut, or infinitely suspended, by Tokyopop. Wonderment to me then when I realized this final volume had actually been out for almost a year and I never knew! Shame on me. The book itself surprised me too, upon reading, becoming quite random in its execution and taking the plot in a slightly different direction. Instead of just being a couple of oddly desensitized teenagers solving murder mysteries, much of this volume focuses on the mysterious Taro Suzuki and the truth behind his existence. Problem being for my review is that it’s hard to talk much about it without ruining the surprise!

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