Maoh: Juvenile Remix Vol. 1
Publisher: Viz Media
Release date: May 2010
Price: $9.99
Creator: Megumi Osuga, based on a story by Kotaro Isaka
Format: 200 pgs.
ISBN: 978-1- 421534-28-2
Age rating: 16+
ICv2 Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This oddly-titled manga is based on an original story by Kotaro Isaka. Maoh is an unusual tale of power and responsibility, but in a very different way than most American comics. The central character, a teen named Ando, has what would be considered a very small “super power”--he can make people say whatever he wants them to say. While that’s not very powerful, it can be very useful in the right situation. Ando spends much of the story in denial that he even has such abilities, and agonizes over whether to use them. It’s not so much that he’s afraid of using the power wrongly…he’s just afraid of getting involved at all.
The other “side” of the debate comes in the form of Inukai, a young man who has formed a group of vigilantes to clean up the city. The thing is…they’re just too successful, far beyond their apparent numbers and resources. Inukai is more than he seems, but is that something extra a good thing or a bad one? Ando is detached and hesitant. Inukai will do whatever is necessary to achieve his goals. The conflict slowly looms, but it’s one of philosophy rather than outright battle.
The pacing is slow and thoughtful, and the artwork solid. Inukai is deliberately portrayed as more beautiful than handsome, and Ando is the typical high school kid. The dark undertones of the story contrast with the light, fluffy high school parts of the story, and it works well in combination. The story is thoughtful in the same way that Death Note is, and may appeal to some of the same audience.
For older teens, due to some graphic violence.
--Nick Smith: Librarian Technician, Community Services, for the
