Sanctuary, Vol. 1

I'm new to manga and while I was initially attracted to Ikegami's art (art that still gives me pause it's so beautiful)the story really, really captured me. It was like a history lesson in Japanese politics and the mob (the Yakuza). All the characters were so interwoven and yes you do have to pay attention because there are twists and turns all the time. The nine volumes that it takes to tell this story never becomes dull. The story drives all the time and is never ever predictable. The writing is exceptional. I highly recommend this series to the mature reader who appreciates not only great art but great intricate storytelling.

But that's not what this is about. It's the steamy world of politics and scandal. An excellent story with excellent art. I cried at the end and I never cry at the end of anything. The characters are awesome and devious. Read it.

Ryoichi Ikegami's art work was the reason I purchased the first volume in the Sanctuary series. I'm glad I did. His work did not dissapoint. But that was only part of the reason I ended up buying all the volumes in this series.Sho Fumimura, the writer, weaves a powerful story of politics and the Yakuza and masterfully adds the elements of friendship, love, loyalty, deception and betrayal which in my mind, makes this story a classic. I was particularly amazed by the way Fumimura managed to maintain the momentum of the story, particularly since this story is presented in volumes. His main characters are well developed (he writes them in such a way that makes you care what happens to them), the story is well structured and makes sense which does not always happen in graphic novels or comics. The plotline is clever enough to keep you interested, gripping enough to make you lose track of time and straight forward enough to keep you reading. I was sad when I started reading the very last volume, as I knew, this tale was going to end. When I turned the last page, I was almost in tears. Almost. The Sanctuary series offers great storytelling and stunning artwork. A 'must read' for graphic novel fans. Go on, treat yourself!

In short, a story about conspiracy, politcs, and the Japanese mafia or yakuza. In the centre, two men one above ground, the other underground, who share a strong bond through the unspeakable horrors they endured in Cambodia. Their aim is to re-shape not only the Japanese political system, but also Japan. I had orignally brought the first volume to taste a bit of Ikegami's art, but the story was so stunning, I had to continue. There is gratuitous sex, there is disturbing graphical detail, but eye candy aside, this is an intelligent story. Overall I highly recommend this series, although I did find towards the end the story did get a bit too convoluted, and certainly the ending seemed rushed. Eye candy chaser need not bother. However if you the person who like the ethics debates in Appleseed or Ghost in the Shell, this this is for you.

I bought the Sanctuary series without even having a clue what they are about. As far as I was concerned, Ryoichi Ikegami's art was realistic-- therefore awesome, and I wanted some samples. I never regretted my purchase. The story got me hooked from the very beginning--it was almost painful waiting for the next installment. In short, Sanctuary is about two Japanese men who survived the Cambodian Killing Fields. When they came back to Japan, they were dismayed by its state that they decided to go for separate paths to change it. Akira Hojo joined the Yakuza, while his friend, Asami went for politics.