Xenon, Volume 1: Heavy Metal Warrior

If chemically enhanced humans can't overcome Xenon, then overwhelm him with monsters with low IQ whose sole purpose is to destroy. Xenons and Gramps' are working together and therefore they are becoming a stronger force. Yoko and Ryuji become stronger members of the team (Ryuji is still his distant self) and they help gather information on the Bloody Sea. They begin to attack the Bloody Sea and shut down their production. Ichimura develops a new technology to find a way to beat Xenon and that means Xenon's once invincible status becomes reduced to - well - nearly invincible status :) Kanzaki does great work revealing the past / origins of Xenon, Yoko and Gramps in this volume. Gramps' old rival is Ichimura who considers defeating Xenon as a `personal' mission (based on what is revealed) which intensifies the showdown. Kanzaki does terrific work at making it all seem real. This story goes to the next level of manga and brings in emotions of everyday life. The artwork is fluid and the translation is clear.

Resurrecting the past returns Xenon to the way he felt in Volume 2, but even he cannot stray from his goal for long. The teamwork is working and the end can be seen but Ichimura (who likely never sleeps so that he can Best Gramps) puts it all together into something that works and can be sold by the Bloody Sea. The mastermind (Kanzaki) throws another twist because `someone' has yet to deal with their inner demons. All the questions are answered and Kanzaki (one who likes to tease the reader) ends with a new question that would make us think there is a sequel. Take Xenon's lead and come up with your own explanation because I have yet to see the sequel. Read what I said about Volume 2 and 3 - Kanzaki makes a great story and the translations are on the ball.

After the coming-to-grips-with-who-you-are of volume one, this book deals with using-your-inner-demons-for-rectification. If you believe every weakness can turn into a strength, Xenon is for you. Kanzaki continues to delve into his characters making it easy to identify with them or see the character in people you know. The Bloody Sea moves from a `hitman' to an organized attack to destroy Xenon. Xenon has also improved in the way of commitment plus now he has others supporting his cause. He faces the Demon Three who is truly morally sick as they will do anything to get the upper edge. I have to say Kanzaki is gifted with creativity (and the translators were top notch). Kanzaki did a fantastic job at the artwork giving the reader nothing to impede the story. He must be extremely talented because he goes outside of the norm and simplifies his style to express the bumbling of the characters (totally unintrusive). This is the next level of manga; it goes into character depth and emotions beyond fights. I believe if you are a person who likes to be a part of the story, Xenon is perfect. This is one of the hidden gems.

After the coming-to-grips-with-who-you-are of volume one, this book deals with using-your-inner-demons-for-rectification. If you believe every weakness can turn into a strength, Xenon is for you. Kanzaki continues to delve into his characters making it easy to identify with them or see the character in people you know. The Bloody Sea moves from a `hitman' to an organized attack to destroy Xenon. Xenon has also improved in the way of commitment plus now he has others supporting his cause. He faces the Demon Three who is truly morally sick because they will do anything to get the upper edge. I have to say Kanzaki is gifted with creativity (and the translators were top notch). Kanzaki did a fantastic job at the artwork giving the reader nothing to impede the story. He must be extremely talented because he goes outside of the norm and simplifies his style to express the bumbling of the characters (totally unintrusive). This is the next level of manga; it goes into character depth and emotions beyond fights. I believe if you are a person who likes to be a part of the story, Xenon is perfect. This is one of the hidden gems.