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Kieli Manga #1
キーリ １―死者たちは荒野に眠る
キーリは幽霊の見える14歳の女の子。ある日、自分と同じように幽霊が見える［不死人］の青年・ハーヴェイ、ラジオに憑いた霊・兵長と出会う。彼らの運命の旅が始まった…。
183 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 42 reviews
August 8, 2017
This review is for both volumns:
Kieli is a sci fi sort manga based on a book series. Basically, the story is about a girl who sees ghosts, that meets a boy that is not actually alive. The whole Kieli world is interesting, as it is kind of distopian and full of action. I liked how the story just had a smooth flow, and, even though the events were kind of easy to predict, the story was entertaining and full of action. The manga itself felt like those old school ones, especially the drawings. Finally, the one thing that just didn't work for me was the fact that the story was repeated at the begining of each chapter, which is just something that bothers me in every manga, but still I had to point that out.
Kieli is a sci fi sort manga based on a book series. Basically, the story is about a girl who sees ghosts, that meets a boy that is not actually alive. The whole Kieli world is interesting, as it is kind of distopian and full of action. I liked how the story just had a smooth flow, and, even though the events were kind of easy to predict, the story was entertaining and full of action. The manga itself felt like those old school ones, especially the drawings. Finally, the one thing that just didn't work for me was the fact that the story was repeated at the begining of each chapter, which is just something that bothers me in every manga, but still I had to point that out.
April 1, 2012
Kieli drew my attention one day while scanning the manga section of Borders. The synopsis on the back was vague, but piqued my interest enough for me to pick the two volumes up.
Kieli follows the story of Kieli, a young girl who is brought up by the church (which has total control over society) after her grandmother passes. She finds it strange that there's no God in the church and has her own theory as to why that is. Kieli has the ability to see the dead and when she meets Harvey, one of the last remaining Undying, who can also see them, she teams with him and our story begins.
While the story is pretty creative and fresh, it does take the entire first book to get off the ground and the climactic moments, I felt, were lacking in action and length. I also found myself getting easily confused within the first chapter, though it does clear itself up. One annoying thing about this book is the continuous repetition of the storyline at the beginning of each new chapter. This isn't uncommon for manga, but when it's the exact same thing copied and pasted without being shortened, it's annoying to reread.
Another strange thing is the characters' mood swings. Harvey's character seems to go from being cold and overly collected to showing affection for Kieli without any real enlightening reason. Our first ghost and Kieli's best friend, Becca, goes from being sweet to malicious to understanding in the blink of an eye.
Even with all of these oddities, Kieli is well worth picking up. The story is different, the artwork is good, and it does leave you wanting more. It'll be interesting to see how the story unfolds in the next installment.
Kieli follows the story of Kieli, a young girl who is brought up by the church (which has total control over society) after her grandmother passes. She finds it strange that there's no God in the church and has her own theory as to why that is. Kieli has the ability to see the dead and when she meets Harvey, one of the last remaining Undying, who can also see them, she teams with him and our story begins.
While the story is pretty creative and fresh, it does take the entire first book to get off the ground and the climactic moments, I felt, were lacking in action and length. I also found myself getting easily confused within the first chapter, though it does clear itself up. One annoying thing about this book is the continuous repetition of the storyline at the beginning of each new chapter. This isn't uncommon for manga, but when it's the exact same thing copied and pasted without being shortened, it's annoying to reread.
Another strange thing is the characters' mood swings. Harvey's character seems to go from being cold and overly collected to showing affection for Kieli without any real enlightening reason. Our first ghost and Kieli's best friend, Becca, goes from being sweet to malicious to understanding in the blink of an eye.
Even with all of these oddities, Kieli is well worth picking up. The story is different, the artwork is good, and it does leave you wanting more. It'll be interesting to see how the story unfolds in the next installment.
March 13, 2016
Kieli is a manga that I picked up for no other reason then I had extra money and it looked interesting. That's the honest truth. I'd heard nothing about it, didn't read it in the store first, didn't even look at the back cover! I just felt like I had to read it. I'm glad I had that feeling, Kieli is a wonderful manga.
The story opens with a short recounting of the War and the Undying. The War was pretty brutal, made more brutal by the Undying--soldiers stitched together from dead men who were practically invincible. Imagine a tireless army that could keep fighting, healing and continuing...its no wonder at the end of the War the people turned on the Undying and wanted them exterminated quickly. They wanted it all swept under the rug like dirty laundry.
We then meet a young Kieli who innocently remarks to her Grandmother that she knows there is no God in their world. "On this planet...there is no god." Shortly thereafter she witnesses the execution of a 'wicked man', an Undying, by the Church's soldiers. Without really stating so Kieli feels an affinity for the Undying, men who were considered weird and wicked because of who they were. Kieli has a secret as well--she can see spirits.
This lands her in a mess of trouble quite often, as well as almost complete ostracizing from her classmates. Now an orphan we meet Kieli as a teenager attending a boarding school. Alone except for her friend Becca, Kieli tries to keep to herself.
I think what I liked most about Kieli, the character, is that without real intentions she sets herself apart from everyone else and acts in an honest and forthright way. It's not so much she doesn't believe in God, as it is she doesn't believe that God ever existed on their planet. That he got lost, or impatient as the colonists found a new home centuries ago. She cares, to a fault, and wants to help everyone, but she is such an introverted person that its hard for her to express that to the living.
Harvey though, well that's an argument for philosopher's I suppose. He's an Undying, so is he really alive? He can die--shoot out his heart and he'll die quickly enough, but that's about all that can kill him. In the span of the volume he's shot, nearly decapitated, sliced in half almost, run over by a train, and burned. Yet he gets back up, repairs and moves on.
Rounding out the trio is the Corporal--a 'friend' of Harvey's from the days of War who's spirit is trapped in an old radio. Harvey made some sort of promise to the Corporal and he intends to see it through. The Corporal is a fiery-tempered spirit who is very protective of Harvey. He's also a little lewd, irritating and obnoxious--but he's loyal as well.
Overall Kieli is a fun read. Its a little slow at times but the characters make up for it I think.
The story opens with a short recounting of the War and the Undying. The War was pretty brutal, made more brutal by the Undying--soldiers stitched together from dead men who were practically invincible. Imagine a tireless army that could keep fighting, healing and continuing...its no wonder at the end of the War the people turned on the Undying and wanted them exterminated quickly. They wanted it all swept under the rug like dirty laundry.
We then meet a young Kieli who innocently remarks to her Grandmother that she knows there is no God in their world. "On this planet...there is no god." Shortly thereafter she witnesses the execution of a 'wicked man', an Undying, by the Church's soldiers. Without really stating so Kieli feels an affinity for the Undying, men who were considered weird and wicked because of who they were. Kieli has a secret as well--she can see spirits.
This lands her in a mess of trouble quite often, as well as almost complete ostracizing from her classmates. Now an orphan we meet Kieli as a teenager attending a boarding school. Alone except for her friend Becca, Kieli tries to keep to herself.
I think what I liked most about Kieli, the character, is that without real intentions she sets herself apart from everyone else and acts in an honest and forthright way. It's not so much she doesn't believe in God, as it is she doesn't believe that God ever existed on their planet. That he got lost, or impatient as the colonists found a new home centuries ago. She cares, to a fault, and wants to help everyone, but she is such an introverted person that its hard for her to express that to the living.
Harvey though, well that's an argument for philosopher's I suppose. He's an Undying, so is he really alive? He can die--shoot out his heart and he'll die quickly enough, but that's about all that can kill him. In the span of the volume he's shot, nearly decapitated, sliced in half almost, run over by a train, and burned. Yet he gets back up, repairs and moves on.
Rounding out the trio is the Corporal--a 'friend' of Harvey's from the days of War who's spirit is trapped in an old radio. Harvey made some sort of promise to the Corporal and he intends to see it through. The Corporal is a fiery-tempered spirit who is very protective of Harvey. He's also a little lewd, irritating and obnoxious--but he's loyal as well.
Overall Kieli is a fun read. Its a little slow at times but the characters make up for it I think.
February 14, 2019
https://bitviajera.blogspot.com/2014/...
La historia es interesante, aunque hay que darle un poco de tiempo, porque las partes en donde Kieli está en el internado pueden resultar un poco tediosas si uno no está con humor de eso. Lo mejor es cuando van soltando detalles del mundo en donde todo se desarrolla, cuando hablan de la guerra o cuando se cuenta la historia de Harvey. Tal vez lo peor del manga es que tarde en llegar a eso, porque al principio, no es tan interesante.
Hay varios temas que toca el manga, como la existencia de dios, la guerra y sus consecuencias o la vida "eterna".
El dibujo es muy bonito, los personajes son agradables a la vista, los escenarios están bien y las secuencias de acción son buenas.
La historia es interesante, aunque hay que darle un poco de tiempo, porque las partes en donde Kieli está en el internado pueden resultar un poco tediosas si uno no está con humor de eso. Lo mejor es cuando van soltando detalles del mundo en donde todo se desarrolla, cuando hablan de la guerra o cuando se cuenta la historia de Harvey. Tal vez lo peor del manga es que tarde en llegar a eso, porque al principio, no es tan interesante.
Hay varios temas que toca el manga, como la existencia de dios, la guerra y sus consecuencias o la vida "eterna".
El dibujo es muy bonito, los personajes son agradables a la vista, los escenarios están bien y las secuencias de acción son buenas.
December 26, 2014
Quick thoughts: Wonderful twist on traditional ghost stories with a unique parallel concept of the Undying adding intrigue. Kieli's a strong protagonist and I'm looking forward to both the other volume and trying out the related light novels.
September 7, 2018
The writing, dialogue, and editing (typesetting choices, etc) all gave this volume a jumbled, haphazard sort of feeling. I'm surprised it was based on a novel; maybe it didn't survive the transition into a manga very well, as the story seems to lack clarity and the characters depth.
September 14, 2013
I loved this first Vol. Kiele is a girl who can see ghost and talk to them. She has always felt like the strange girl around her boarding school and out of place. In fact she prefers the company of ghost to living people. She has a chance meeting with Harvey, a unique individual with that same ability as her except there is a lot more to how he has it then her. She doesnt know how or why she has this ability. Character wise, I love them. Harvey while the more serious and loner type of person he is still likeable and Kieli is just plan adorable and sweet. The story went smooth and progressed greatly through the 3 chapters. I never felt in the dark or lost, but I will say that you will probably guess what makes Harvey unique once you get pretty good into the first chapter. Not a bad thing nesscarly, just kind of easily pointed out but it makes you wonder about Kieli as to how and why she has the ghost seeing ability. Anywho I def give this manga...
Story: Great and Well Written (So Far)
Characters: Likeable
Artwork: Amazing
Overall: Recommend Reading!
I know on here they point it out about Harvey but I didn't know when I first wrote this review up.
Story: Great and Well Written (So Far)
Characters: Likeable
Artwork: Amazing
Overall: Recommend Reading!
I know on here they point it out about Harvey but I didn't know when I first wrote this review up.
April 16, 2014
This series seems really interesting. All the characters are great and it is interesting to see how they interact differently around different people. I look forward to seeing more about the relationship between Kieli and Harvey as well as what ghosts Kieli comes across in the next volume.
Contains Chapters 1 - 3
Chapter 1: Roommate
Chapter 2: May I See Your Ticket?
Chapter 3: Cheers For The Blood - Soaked Clown
Contains Chapters 1 - 3
Chapter 1: Roommate
Chapter 2: May I See Your Ticket?
Chapter 3: Cheers For The Blood - Soaked Clown
June 19, 2015
This book mostly served two of my deepest, childhood obsessions - anime romance and the paranormal. Obviously it's not an anime, but it has a manga element, and it was so interesting and innovative to see those mediums brought together on one platform.
Now, I'm only not so thrilled because, as I understand it, there's upwards of 9 volumes? I'm going to lose a lot of money and sleep to this... -_-
Now, I'm only not so thrilled because, as I understand it, there's upwards of 9 volumes? I'm going to lose a lot of money and sleep to this... -_-
March 22, 2013
I thought the beginning was a little slow but other than that this had a very good story. The main characters were fun as well as the story was interesting.
Kieli is teenager who can see ghost and until she met Harvey, she thought she was the only one who could. Really interesting story, I can't wait to read the second (which also the last) volume.
Kieli is teenager who can see ghost and until she met Harvey, she thought she was the only one who could. Really interesting story, I can't wait to read the second (which also the last) volume.
January 8, 2015
Cute story, nice art, kind of annoying to re-read the same intro with each chapter, but so it goes with manga that was first serialized. Unfortunately, my library does not have part two, so I will turn to scanlation (never as good as I want it to be). Worth picking up for Kieli's character alone, but some side characters are worth noticing, too. Very interesting supernatural premise/element.
November 25, 2020
If you read one series this year, this is the one to read. I loved every second of it, even though the last book made me cry like crazy. The romance is subtle and very natural, don't expect fireworks, but do expect feels.
February 7, 2009
I liked this one more than I thought I would, what with all the jadedness from the undying young man countered with the innocence of the girl who can see ghosts.
December 22, 2011
i love this book its the best book ever!!!
March 15, 2014
Great setting, I enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to others
April 27, 2014
Slightly hard to read, but other than that I loved it!
November 7, 2015
Absolutely amazing! I love the art, the story, everything!
February 29, 2016
I like this sort of stuff to begin with
September 3, 2016
Fantastic manga! The storyline is great and the characters are really likable. I'm looking forward to the next (and last volume).
February 1, 2017
I see the word "ghosts", I will be into it :D I love the story! I would be very happy if I could get the chance to read the next volumes :)
April 10, 2019
This was a fun manga to read. I like the main character, Kieli, and also Harvey. I thought that the world building was interesting and would like to know more about how the world is run.
I appreciated the way that the artist didn't shy away from drawing the gore on the ghosts relating to how they each died.
This volume contains three chapters, which are like three individual stories with an arc linking them. My only complaint is that at the start of each chapter the characters are re-introduced and a summary of the plot so far given. I assume this is to do with how the manga was originally published, but doesn't make as much sense when they are combined into one volume.
Overall I enjoyed the story and would like to find out what happens next.
I appreciated the way that the artist didn't shy away from drawing the gore on the ghosts relating to how they each died.
This volume contains three chapters, which are like three individual stories with an arc linking them. My only complaint is that at the start of each chapter the characters are re-introduced and a summary of the plot so far given. I assume this is to do with how the manga was originally published, but doesn't make as much sense when they are combined into one volume.
Overall I enjoyed the story and would like to find out what happens next.
May 12, 2022
Ho trovato davvero bello questo manga e stranamente mi ha coinvolto. Mi sono molto commossa ma la sua lunghezza è una pecca. Le storie si susseguono molto velocemente, dovuto al fatto che il fumetto è tratto da una serie di romanzi. Cinque stelle per lo stile, cinque stelle per la bellezza della trama!
November 5, 2019
The art is cute and the story is pretty unique. I just don't like how young Kieli is (14). I get that Harvey is "Undying" but that's still a bit took yikes for me...
This is a short series (2 volumes before it switches to light novels) so I'll at least finish the manga.
This is a short series (2 volumes before it switches to light novels) so I'll at least finish the manga.
May 24, 2021
2-volume series. Interesting far-future on a colonized planet with advanced technology and overbearing religion. Strong, unique characters in a heavier and violent/bloody but also sweet story with a happy ending.
June 14, 2024
A lovely start to a quick 2 part adventure! It puts a nice spin on the traditional zombie archetype and I can always appreciate a girl who gets along with the dead better than the living x3
September 25, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
March 12, 2015
Erano anni che questo breve manga mi guardava dallo scaffale. Così, dopo aver sofferto con Elettroshock Daisy, Vol. 01, ho deciso di concentrarmi su qualcosa di breve per riprendermi dalla fatica.
Non sapevo di cosa parlasse, se non le poche info scritte sul retro. E non sapevo che provenisse da una serie di romanzi di grande successo. Quindi ho cominciato la lettura con la mente completamente libera.
All'inizio è stato un po' difficile entrare nella storia. Si comincia con una breve scena ambientata ottant'anni prima della storia princiale. Il mondo è in guerra contro una razza di non-morti, creata dai corpi di soldati morti. I soldati umani nulla possono contro questa razza di superuomini, anche se poi trovano il modo di disfarsene.
Poi incontriamo una piccola Kylie che, insieme alla nonna, assiste all'uccisione di uno di questi non-morti, e scopre che sono tenuti in vita da un cuore di pietra nera. L'anno dopo la nonna muore e Kylie finisce in un collegio religioso.
In questo collegio, Kylie non ha amiche. Con la scusa che può vedere i morti si sente strana e non riesce a far avvicinare nessuno. L'unica amica è Becca, che purtroppo è un fantasma. Le cose cambiano quando le due incontrano Harvey, misteriosissimo figuro dai capelli di bronzo con un radio parlante di nome "Caporale".
Il world-building è decisamente interessante. E dimostra quando i giapponesi ci tengano alla religione cristiana. Kylie è convinta che Dio non esiste, poiché persino in chiesa vede fantasmi che girano intorno al prete. Però, allo stesso tempo, il mondo in cui vive è totalmente dominato dalla presenza della chiesa che, sembra, ha eliminato tutti i generi musicali pre-esistenti, per portare avanti solo i canti religiosi.
Dall'atmosfera non sembra che il mondo in cui Kylie viva sia infelice o si senta oppresso, ma siamo anche solo al primo volume. Ci sono tante rovine ed è un mondo povero e semplice.
Kylie promette bene come protagonista. Mi piace perché si entusiasma per cose semplici e per il suo coraggio. Certo si fa troppo coinvolgere dagli spiriti che incontra, ma questo è uno dei suoi lati positivi. Harvey, per il momento, non si è mostrato più di tanto. Di sicuro è leale perchè sta portando lo spirito di un commilitone sul luogo in cui entrambi hanno combattuto la loro ultima battaglia.
Non vedo l'ora di leggere il secondo volume. E potrei addirittura provare a leggere il libro originale.
Non sapevo di cosa parlasse, se non le poche info scritte sul retro. E non sapevo che provenisse da una serie di romanzi di grande successo. Quindi ho cominciato la lettura con la mente completamente libera.
All'inizio è stato un po' difficile entrare nella storia. Si comincia con una breve scena ambientata ottant'anni prima della storia princiale. Il mondo è in guerra contro una razza di non-morti, creata dai corpi di soldati morti. I soldati umani nulla possono contro questa razza di superuomini, anche se poi trovano il modo di disfarsene.
Poi incontriamo una piccola Kylie che, insieme alla nonna, assiste all'uccisione di uno di questi non-morti, e scopre che sono tenuti in vita da un cuore di pietra nera. L'anno dopo la nonna muore e Kylie finisce in un collegio religioso.
In questo collegio, Kylie non ha amiche. Con la scusa che può vedere i morti si sente strana e non riesce a far avvicinare nessuno. L'unica amica è Becca, che purtroppo è un fantasma. Le cose cambiano quando le due incontrano Harvey, misteriosissimo figuro dai capelli di bronzo con un radio parlante di nome "Caporale".
Il world-building è decisamente interessante. E dimostra quando i giapponesi ci tengano alla religione cristiana. Kylie è convinta che Dio non esiste, poiché persino in chiesa vede fantasmi che girano intorno al prete. Però, allo stesso tempo, il mondo in cui vive è totalmente dominato dalla presenza della chiesa che, sembra, ha eliminato tutti i generi musicali pre-esistenti, per portare avanti solo i canti religiosi.
Dall'atmosfera non sembra che il mondo in cui Kylie viva sia infelice o si senta oppresso, ma siamo anche solo al primo volume. Ci sono tante rovine ed è un mondo povero e semplice.
Kylie promette bene come protagonista. Mi piace perché si entusiasma per cose semplici e per il suo coraggio. Certo si fa troppo coinvolgere dagli spiriti che incontra, ma questo è uno dei suoi lati positivi. Harvey, per il momento, non si è mostrato più di tanto. Di sicuro è leale perchè sta portando lo spirito di un commilitone sul luogo in cui entrambi hanno combattuto la loro ultima battaglia.
Non vedo l'ora di leggere il secondo volume. E potrei addirittura provare a leggere il libro originale.
September 29, 2012
I have a mildly odd perspective on this, since I read the manga just as I finished the chapters in the book.
So when I say 'the book is better' it's not just the overall general scoffing.
The material is just a little... dense, to be depicted in visuals. So much of the journey is internal dialog, and Kieli realizing things on her own, since neither she nor Harvey talk much. You also don't get much perspective in the visuals for the culture of the 'alien' planet or the 'war' that decimated it. (And saying that makes the book look like grand prose, but it's not that deep, just you don't get a feel of the oppression and hopelessness that gives it a very bleak tone.)
So the manga isn't very different from any other 'unpopular school girl sees ghosts, follows tall, dark, asocial loner with a past and has misadventures.' genre.
It's neither gothic nor horror in tone.
And it's WAY too crowded and ... too much black is used on the page. (But that's aesthetics.)
So yeah, read the book, much more satisfying.
So when I say 'the book is better' it's not just the overall general scoffing.
The material is just a little... dense, to be depicted in visuals. So much of the journey is internal dialog, and Kieli realizing things on her own, since neither she nor Harvey talk much. You also don't get much perspective in the visuals for the culture of the 'alien' planet or the 'war' that decimated it. (And saying that makes the book look like grand prose, but it's not that deep, just you don't get a feel of the oppression and hopelessness that gives it a very bleak tone.)
So the manga isn't very different from any other 'unpopular school girl sees ghosts, follows tall, dark, asocial loner with a past and has misadventures.' genre.
It's neither gothic nor horror in tone.
And it's WAY too crowded and ... too much black is used on the page. (But that's aesthetics.)
So yeah, read the book, much more satisfying.
September 15, 2015
Good solid volume 1, altho I thought it would be gearing up to a longer series but apparently it ends after only 2 volumes (however the manga is based on a series of 9 light novels, which are apparently all going to be translated by Yen Press ).
This is a story of a girl who can see ghosts, a very old invincible soldier, and a possessed radio...yes it really is. However its not a wacky comedy, its an atmospheric fantasy which is surprisingly enjoyable. However reading just one volume of it seems a little short - it feels like you should be able to sit and devour 10-or-so of them.
The setting of the story is very interesting - a mix between a sci-fi background (the planet it is set on was settled by people in spaceships a very long time ago), and more of a fantasy low-tech everyday life.
The art is also very accomplished - the characters and setting have a lot of personality.
I'm going to look out for vol. 2 so may update this review as and when I finish the series.
This is a story of a girl who can see ghosts, a very old invincible soldier, and a possessed radio...yes it really is. However its not a wacky comedy, its an atmospheric fantasy which is surprisingly enjoyable. However reading just one volume of it seems a little short - it feels like you should be able to sit and devour 10-or-so of them.
The setting of the story is very interesting - a mix between a sci-fi background (the planet it is set on was settled by people in spaceships a very long time ago), and more of a fantasy low-tech everyday life.
The art is also very accomplished - the characters and setting have a lot of personality.
I'm going to look out for vol. 2 so may update this review as and when I finish the series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 42 reviews