Rebound, Volume 1

In order to make the series more marketable, publisher Tokyopop began publishing Harlem Beat in a new form factor (more in line with the rest of their graphic novels) and a new name, Rebound. The decision is understandable as the name Harlem Beat doesn't indicate that the book is mainly about high school basketball. However, I feel that they didn't do a particularly good job in bridging the gap between the two series. 2 of the volumes were skipped in the transition. Another minor greivance is that they did not continue using the original cover art from the Japanese series. The covers for Rebound are all B/W interior artwork overlays. This is another marketing decision that may not sit well with manga purists, but I believe that the doors that it will open to new fans may be worth it. The story picks up where the 11th volume of Harlem Beat leaves off. New readers to the series may find it disorienting to be dropped into the action without knowing any of the characters and being unfamiliar with the previous events. The story revolves around rookie Nate Torres who learns of the joys of basketball through playing streetball. Eventually, his talents lead him to join his high school team, along with running mate Masahiro Sawamura. These two exciting players rejuvenate the team and help them go deep in the tournament, and possibly to a championship. It is highly recommended that you go back and purchase Harlem Beat 1-9 in order to get the whole picture. Nate learns some important techniques in the "Harlem Beat" part of the series, and establishes some important bonds as well. The original Japanese series ran for 29 volumes, so there will be a total of 18 volumes of Rebound, plus the 9 volumes that Tokyopop published as Harlem Beat and the 2 volumes that haven't been published. Yuriko Nishiyama, the creator of the series, is actually a female artist who has done many sports related series before. Despite being published originally in Japan under a "Shonen" (boy manga) label, the series has a somewhat "Shoujo" (girls-manga) flair with it's pretty boys and panel layouts. But it won't disappoint the sports enthusiast either. There will inevitably be comparisons to the other basketball manga being published currently in the US, Slam Dunk by Takehiko Inoue (published by Raijin Comics). But the styles are completely different between these two creators, and they both have their merits. Harlem Beat/Rebound stands on its own with strong characters and exciting pacing and action. Definitely check it out.