Buso Renkin, Vol. 1 (1)

So after writing a satisfying megahit action series set in 19th-century Japan, just what is a manga author supposed to do? Well, in the case of Nobuhiro Watsuki, he writes something almost completely different -- a comedy-action story about a modern-day boy who becomes involved in the world of alchemy. And the first volume of "Buso Renkin" is a smooth introduction to Watsuki's world, along with some polished artwork and likable characters. Kazuki has a nightmare about trying to rescue a girl, and being killed by a monster, but thinks nothing more of it.... until he gets a text message telling him to enjoy his new life. But then a surly teacher turns into a mechanical cobra and attacks him -- and Kazuki ends up trying to defend himself and his innocent sister. Turns out an alchemical device has replaced his heart, and it also gives him a megasized sword called the Buso Renkin. And the mystery girl -- Tokiko -- reveals that there is a massive battle going on between the monstrous homunculi and the Alchemical warriors. Though Tokiko orders him to stay out of her battles, Kazuki believes that his power means he must fight and protect the humans around him. But then they're confronted by a mysterious masked boy, who is the master of the homunculi -- and even worse, he plans to make Tokiko one of his homunculus slaves, if they don't find a way to defeat him. Those expecting a copy of "Rurouni Kenshin's" characters and storyline -- even in modern times -- won't find it here. It's more fantastical and strange than that -- lots of alchemical action scenes (including one involving rose vines), big nasty monsters, a mysterious villain, a warrior girl heroine, and a likably flaky hero with a self-sacrificial streak. And while the start of a manga series is usually pretty bumpy, "Buso Renkin" introduces its characters and plot pretty smoothly. Watsuki just lets the unfolding storyline reveal the plot, rather than burdening readers with explanatory dialogue or long rambling "revelations." Even the suspenseful first chapter is an unusual introduction, albeit a bit too high-school-goofballish. And Watsuki's polished artwork goes well with the high-intensity, fast-paced action scenes, usually with loads of flying blades and bolts of energy. But he balances it out nicely with some comedic moments -- usually from Kazuki ("Dang it! I'll avenge myself") -- and maybe the barest tinge of romance. Even better, he adds his own unique spin to the whole fantasy-alchemy thing, and a plausible reason to involve our hero. Kazuki is a particularly fun character -- he's an ordinary kid whose spacey, somewhat dramatic personality hides his true strength and courage. Tokiko is a bit harder to warm up to, since she's tough and fairly hard-nosed, but she's a solid girl-warrior with plenty of guts and personality. The first volume of "Buso Renkin" does a solid job setting up the overall plot, and there's plenty of action, some solid villains, and a likable hero to keep rea

From the creator who brought you Rurouni Kenshin and Gun Blaze West, comes yet another great masterpiece by Nobuhiro Watsuki. Buso Renkin is another great action/adventure graphic novel from one of the best in the business. The story is about a young high school student named Kazuki Muto. After saving a young girl named Tokiko and sacrificing his own life, Tokiko plants a device called a Buso Renkin in place of his heart. Now with more enemies popping up all over Japan Kazuki must help defend his new life and his friends. I loved this series and I believe it is the greatest thing that Nobuhiro Watsuki created. The story line is deep and the action is unbelievable! But what really makes this a greater series than Rurouni Kenshin, is that it has more comedy. It will make you giggle under your breath and make you smile and shake your head. I recommend this series to any or all manga fans who are looking for the newest and greatest series! Buso Renkin Volume 1 receives 5 stars out of 5. My name is Amone! Adios!

I am a big fan of Rurouni Kenshin; I have read all the 28 volumes. When I heard that Watsuki had another series I was really excited. Kenshin was Watsuki's first series; the path of a Manga-ka can be difficult. Over the years Watsuki has perfected his drawing style and story telling skills. The result is Buso Renkin. Don't get me wrong though, Kenshin is a great series. Buso Renkin shows great promise and I am looking forward to this story. One of the great things that Watsuki does is by having a couple of pages in the manga of how he creates characters, what is going on in his life, and what fans are saying. It makes reading the manga a more personal experience. I am diffidently looking forward to the anime that will be premiering this fall in Japan (which I'm sure will come out in the states if this manga sells well)!

Nobuhiro Watsuki, the mangaka of the now famous manga and anime series "Rurouni Kenshin", has done it again with "Buso Renkin." This story of a young man (Kazuki Muto) that becomes wrapped up in a war involving the last two successful strands of alchemy (the Homunculus and the Buso Renkin) perfectly blends explosive action, hilarious comedy and extremely likable characters. Even if you did miss out on Rurouni Kenshin, I easily recommend Buso Renkin to any fan of manga. Five stars, flat out. "BUSO RENKIN!"