Jaco the Galactic Patrolman TP
Publisher: VIZ Media
Release Date: January 6, 2015
Price: $9.99
Creator: Akira Toriyama
Format: 248 pgs., Black & White, 5"x7", Trade Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-4215-6630-6
Age Rating: All Ages
ICv2 Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5
This odd story is partially a prequel to the Dragon Ball stories. In fact, it explains several things which were not clear in that long-running series. The parts which make that connection are some of the strongest parts of this story.
Jaco is the weakest part of the story, unfortunately, and as the main character this is a problem. He's given tremendous power and weapons by an interstellar peacekeeping force, for no apparent reason, and seems totally inept. That wouldn't be so bad, but he claims to have the power to wipe out all of mankind. He also says he's only used that power once before, and that was by accident. This is not reassuring. Comedy with a potentially high body count is one of those parts of Japanese humor which does not always translate well.
Of course, if Jaco weren't so inept, the entire Dragon Ball story wouldn't have happened, and the Earth would have either been much more peaceful or totally destroyed. It's an interesting toss-up.
The secondary characters are much better. The scientist that Jaco drags out of retirement, as well as a young woman who is the "stunt double" for a famous pop star both turn out to be interesting and likeable characters. Also the Dragon Ball snippets will be a treat for fans of that saga.
--Nick Smith: Library Technician, Community Services, for the Pasadena Public Library in California.
ICv2 Stars: 3.5 (out of 5)
Posted by ICv2 on February 1, 2015 @ 3:40 am CT
MORE MANGA
'Sound Loaders'
April 24, 2024
Bandai will release One Piece TCG Sound Loaders : card loaders for One Piece TCG with background music and sound effects from the One Piece anime.
People on the Move
April 23, 2024
ICv2 reports here on people on the move, with long-time VIZ Media Vice President Kevin Hamric moving on, an IDW Publishing Group Editor to Mad Cave Studios, and a new leader of comics at Kickstarter.
MORE NEWS
From QM Direct
April 26, 2024
QM Direct will be bringing Europa Universalis: The Price of Power (Standard Edition) to trade in the U.S., with a Q3 release planned.
Will Continue as Independent Agent
April 26, 2024
Japon Brand will continue as an independent agent serving the Japanese and worldwide markets.