Sasameke Omnibus Vol. 1 (Manga)
Publisher: Yen Press
Release Date: November 2010
Price: $20.99
Creator: Ryuji Gotsubo
Format: 464 pgs.; B&W; Trade Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-7595-3182-6
Age Rating: Teen+
ICv2 Rating: 3 Stars out of 5

This omnibus volume contains the first three volumes of the Sasameke manga, a somewhat deranged high school soccer story that often makes fun of itself or other manga.

Unlike most sports manga, the central character is not out to conquer the world.  In fact, he had pretty much given up the game he had loved as a child.  Upon his return from overseas, though, a childhood friend coerces him into returning to the sport.  He is still skilled, but the pressure of high expectations from everyone around him had soured him, as he felt he was not allowed to play just for fun.

Part of this story is an interesting examination of sports, pressure and a bunch of other relevant issues that make it a comedy/drama with a lot going for it.  Then the ninjas show up.  No, really.  There are bizarre subplots which are interesting in themselves, but very distracting from what is probably the main story.  Or, the story could be going in a completely different direction.  The creator may know, but the reader does not.

The footnotes, which explain some of the many inside jokes and cultural references, are oddly incomplete.

This manga series will find an audience, but it could be better.

For older teens, due to moderate violence and behavior issues.

--Nick Smith: Librarian Technician, Community Services, for the Pasadena Public Library in California.