Kindaichi Case Files Volume 15: The Graveyard Isle

You know, I've yet to read a volume of this series that I don't get into. Every volume has me spellbound & guessing until I finish (or until I peek) the manga. This particular case file has Kindaici & his childhood friend Miyuki visiting an island with a group of friends for vacation. Typical innocent high school hyjinks are expected, (meaning no drugs, booze, ect) but when they arrive they quickly find that they aren't the only people on the island. While at first mingling with a group of guys who love to stage fake battles is fun, people start dying off one by one in a mysterious fashion. It's up to Kindaichi to solve the mystery before everyone dies. Would I recommend this to a friend? YES, even if they hadn't read any of the previous volumes. The great thing about the Kindaichi Case Files is that each volume can stand alone as a story. While one or two past events may be mentioned, they're essentially not necessary to know as far as the current plotline goes. (Although the editors nicely point out which volumes you should read if you really want to know what they're talking about.)

I wish that all writing classes were required to read Anime that are fun, creative and can hold a written graphic story as well as Yozabua Kanari and the creative art of Fumiya Sato. The Graveyard Isle is a blend of Horror, Mystery and a good solid pinch of humor. The fun of a " older Adult " American reading these Manga is learning a whole new range of reading with very, very creative stories. It reminds me of reading the Original versions of the Brother Grimm. Full of life as compared to the soft hues of the cleaned up american verisons. Kindaichi and Case Closed both are fun reading and highly recommended for those readers looking for a change from the current formula driven novels that dominate the book isles.