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BANANA FISH #14
Banana Fish, Vol. 14
Nature made Ash beautiful; Nurture made him a killer!
VICE NEW YORK IN THE 80s...
Nature made Ash Lynx beautiful; nurture made him a cold ruthless killer. A runaway brought up as the adopted heir and sex toy of “Papa” Dino Golzine, Ash, now at the rebellious age of seventeen, forsakes the kingdom held out by the devil who raised him. But the hideous secret that drove Ash's older brother mad in Vietnam has suddenly fallen into Papa's insatiably ambitious hands--and it's exactly the wrong time for Eiji Okamura, a pure-hearted young photographer from Japan, to make Ash Lynx's acquaintance... Epic in scope, and one of the best-selling shojo titles of all time in Japan, Akimi Yoshida put an electric shock into the genre and gained a huge crossover audience through Banana Fish 's stripped-down, non-stop style.
Blanca accepts a contract to become Yau-si's bodyguard after a failed assassination attempt on Yau-si. Ash, desperate to protect the life of a friend, agrees to become the legally adopted son and heir of Dino Golzine. Meanwhile, Eiji, Sing, Cain and Ash's crew stage a daring attempt to free Ash during a party held by Papa Dino.
VICE NEW YORK IN THE 80s...
Nature made Ash Lynx beautiful; nurture made him a cold ruthless killer. A runaway brought up as the adopted heir and sex toy of “Papa” Dino Golzine, Ash, now at the rebellious age of seventeen, forsakes the kingdom held out by the devil who raised him. But the hideous secret that drove Ash's older brother mad in Vietnam has suddenly fallen into Papa's insatiably ambitious hands--and it's exactly the wrong time for Eiji Okamura, a pure-hearted young photographer from Japan, to make Ash Lynx's acquaintance... Epic in scope, and one of the best-selling shojo titles of all time in Japan, Akimi Yoshida put an electric shock into the genre and gained a huge crossover audience through Banana Fish 's stripped-down, non-stop style.
Blanca accepts a contract to become Yau-si's bodyguard after a failed assassination attempt on Yau-si. Ash, desperate to protect the life of a friend, agrees to become the legally adopted son and heir of Dino Golzine. Meanwhile, Eiji, Sing, Cain and Ash's crew stage a daring attempt to free Ash during a party held by Papa Dino.
185 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 1992
10 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
About the author
Akimi Yoshida
185 books248 followersAkimi Yoshida (Japanese: 吉田秋生, Yoshida Akimi) is a Japanese cartoonist from Tokyo, best known for her manga series Banana Fish.
Yoshida studied at the Musashino Art University in Tokyo and made her professional debut in 1977. Despite serialising her works in shōjo manga (girls' comics) magazines, most notably in 'Bessatsu Shōjo Comic' and 'Monthly Flowers', during the 80's she developed a visual style akin to the aesthetics of shōnen manga (boy's comics) of that era, contributing significantly to creating a bridge between these two traditions. This is particularly evident in her international best-seller Banana Fish (1985-1994), a thriller set in New York City blending action and homoerotic romance. Among her other major works are the series Yasha (1996-2002) and Umimachi Diary (2006-2018).
Yoshida's comics have received a number of accolades in Japan, including three Shogakukan Manga Awards (1983 and 2001 in the category 'shojo', 2015 in the general category), an Excellence Award for manga at the Japan Media Arts Festival (2007) and the 6th Manga Taishō award (2013).
Yoshida studied at the Musashino Art University in Tokyo and made her professional debut in 1977. Despite serialising her works in shōjo manga (girls' comics) magazines, most notably in 'Bessatsu Shōjo Comic' and 'Monthly Flowers', during the 80's she developed a visual style akin to the aesthetics of shōnen manga (boy's comics) of that era, contributing significantly to creating a bridge between these two traditions. This is particularly evident in her international best-seller Banana Fish (1985-1994), a thriller set in New York City blending action and homoerotic romance. Among her other major works are the series Yasha (1996-2002) and Umimachi Diary (2006-2018).
Yoshida's comics have received a number of accolades in Japan, including three Shogakukan Manga Awards (1983 and 2001 in the category 'shojo', 2015 in the general category), an Excellence Award for manga at the Japan Media Arts Festival (2007) and the 6th Manga Taishō award (2013).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 13, 2022
This might be my favourite volume yet. So much cutthroat action and deception, balanced with heartwarming camaraderie and tender moments between my faves Ash and Eiji.
July 3, 2023
This one's filled with more psychological torture, a daring escape and an insane hunt & chase through the sewers of New York. Are Ash & Eiji EVER going to be happy together? Are they going to get a happily-ever-after? The closer I get to the final volume, the less I think they will. :(
I'm also going to take this moment to say that I'm really feeling the art has taken a steady drop in quality since the first couple volumes. While the energy and excitement is still vibrantly present, there is a growing sense that the art is becoming increasingly rushed - as if when this series was originally published in Japan Akimi Yoshida was faced with increasingly tight deadlines. Also the dialogue translation in these latter volumes is increasingly sloppy. While it makes sense that Eiji & Sunichi might have trouble with their English (they both said in the first volume that their English wasn't all that great), those who were born and raised in the US, even those with more than a junior high school education, seem to use an odd syntax of the English language. Every now and then people drop a past tense in a sentence or use a tense incorrectly. Minor details, but oddly distracting at times.
I'm also going to take this moment to say that I'm really feeling the art has taken a steady drop in quality since the first couple volumes. While the energy and excitement is still vibrantly present, there is a growing sense that the art is becoming increasingly rushed - as if when this series was originally published in Japan Akimi Yoshida was faced with increasingly tight deadlines. Also the dialogue translation in these latter volumes is increasingly sloppy. While it makes sense that Eiji & Sunichi might have trouble with their English (they both said in the first volume that their English wasn't all that great), those who were born and raised in the US, even those with more than a junior high school education, seem to use an odd syntax of the English language. Every now and then people drop a past tense in a sentence or use a tense incorrectly. Minor details, but oddly distracting at times.
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November 12, 2025
what the hell, sure
July 2, 2024
3.5/5
An action packed volume that didn’t leave us with much downtime with the characters. Understandable as a lot of ground had to be covered getting ash out of Golzine’s control, reuniting our boys, then splitting them up again before the next arc.
An action packed volume that didn’t leave us with much downtime with the characters. Understandable as a lot of ground had to be covered getting ash out of Golzine’s control, reuniting our boys, then splitting them up again before the next arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2021
4.5/5 stars. Honestly this volume was pretty good. Eiji is basically working on a plan to rescue Ash, while having a lot of support from Ash’s gang and other gangs. Meanwhile Golzine is trying to make Ash his legal son and heir. Blanca is over here catching every minuscule detail. And Yut-Lung is still being annoying trying to get Eiji killed even though this boy is just minding his own damn business.
Things get pretty intense as they attempt to rescue Ash from Golzine. And the action only grows in the last 50 pages or so, as Ash and his rescue crew have to split up and escape the underground sewers from Golzine’s men. Eiji and Ash split and in the next volume, Ash will most likely do his best to get Eiji out of the tight spot he’s found himself in. I think things will keep this steady tension and it may not relax until the volume after that. There are only 5 volumes left and shit is probably going to keep down soon. Regardless, I’m still enjoying this manga and think it’s holding itself quite coherently from volume to volume.
“The stars were in a particularly inauspicious alignment when I was born, I suppose”
Blanca really made a contract with this boy, all it took was Yut-Lung getting shot once. Meanwhile Eiji and Ash have both been attacked repeatedly over the span of these 14 volumes, and it seems no one gives a fuck lmao, I love that for them.
(lol jk later Yut-Lung realizes Blanca only made the contract to protect Ash, lmao talk about getting bamBOOZLED)
UMMM EXCUSE ME- but seeing Eiji actually practicing how to use a gun for Ash, added 12 years to my lifespan. Look at that GLARE. His dedication is unreal, do we even deserve him? No. The answer is no. He’s too good.
Ummm, Golzine completing the adoption papers for Ash- excuse me for just one second... WHAT THE FUCK??? AbSOLUTELY NOT! What do you MEAN son AND heir??? This man has most certainly not treated Ash like his son OR his heir. Nasty ass crusty old man.
First of all, the corruption discussed in this manga makes me sick. But it’s not wrong, people like Golzine and Smiles actually exist.
Second of all, I get pissed every time I see people just looking at Ash literally suffering or bedridden without even trying to help. I hope y’all choke.
Third of all, I wish Golzine would’ve let Ash die right here, right now. Because it would’ve just been over and for the trillionth time... it would’ve hurt less. But screw me lmfao.
Golzine is like your textbook case of toxic with the “if I can’t have him no one can” mindset. LEAVE ASH ALONE OLD MAN!
Seeing Eiji work with Ash’s people with Sing and Cain to plan a good escape route... bless their souls.
“Come here, my son.”
When I tell you, I retched. It wasn’t even like voluntary it was a pure visceral reaction.
Ash throwing that punch was so good for me
Yut-Lung I HOPE you can see what you’ve done. Don’t you know, your actions have CoNsEQuEnCeS?!
Eiji slicking that hair back, putting on that serious face, you’re killing it Eiji, we’re all rooting for you.
Blanca, bless your soul for not saying anything, even though he saw Eiji. Finally.
Blanca: *literally just vibing*
Everyone who sees him: WoW hE’s TALL!
“That sculpture carved from ice that you see is more hot-blooded and passionate inside than any ordinary human being. And the time when his expression goes cold and impassive like that, are most ominous of all. I know that inside that brain of yours, Ash, myriad plans and strategies are being formed and tested.”
Damn right, y’all think he’s given up. This is Ash Lynx we’re talking about, this man doesn’t have the words “give up” in his vocabulary.
Omg Ash getting up on his feet right after threatening Golzine was biggest power move. His power is unmatched.
First of all (again) Eiji pointing his gun right at Golzine was right up there with his biggest Big Dick Energy moments.
His power? Unmatched.
His death-glare? Iconic.
Hotel? Trivago.
Should he just have shot Golzine? Lowkey, yes.
Second of all, Ash recognizing Eiji by his voice alone added another 12 years to my lifespan. Seriously I’m-
Yut-Lung telling Blanca to kill Eiji, BOI SHUT UP! Blanca pulling Yut-Lung by his braids? Iconic, added yet another 12 years to my lifespan.
Congrats to me, I’m now immortal :D
Golzine, you put that knife down ASAP! Get that and yourself for that matter, AWAY.
I’m just saying, I would’ve already gone gangster on Golzine. No hesitation, y’all (literally) shoot your shot... right into his old ass chest cavity. Dw you’ll find no heart in there.
Eiji actually shot, and got his shoulder. I’m proud, that’s actually pretty good, well, not a deadly injury (unfortunately) but the fact that he actually shot is exponential character development. I’m proud.
Ash literally shot and killed a bitch without even being able to see, all based on hearing his surroundings. A BADASS, I will take no further comments.
Ash eating and actually enjoying it, I could cry for days.
Ash you deserve all the peace and relaxation in the world! You’re not a coward.
Eiji stopping Ash, taking his gun, and luring Golzine’s men in the opposite direction so Ash wouldn’t over-excert himself... this man is golden. But also, Ash nearly lost his mind calling for him to come back.
Eiji: *has absolutely no idea where he’s going, where he is, or how to properly aim a gun*
Also Eiji: *jumps headfirst into danger if it means it will cut Ash some slack*
In conclusion, he’s the best.
Ash being so distressed that they’re not letting him go get Eiji back he literally rips the binds from the wall. Need I say it, iconic behavior, methinks.
Yut-Lung and Blanca discuss Yut-Lung’s real motive to not work right alongside Golzine. Thankfully, lol.
Omg Ash, don’t run around the streets. I know you’re tryna find your favorite person in the world asap. But the whole city is basically looking for you, you wild boy.
“Meaning that Eiji Okumura whom you dislike so much, is still underground, your highness.”
Blanca, you goddamn deductive swine! Ugh, I hate that but also really admire how good he is at catching onto things. Imagine how much faster we could’ve taken all these hoes down if we’d had Blanca on the right side all along? We were robbed- robbed! I tell you.
MAJOR SPOILER FOR B.F END (no but really skip if you don’t know what happens at the end of B.F. I DONT want to spoil for y’all!!!)
*I just realized something, so Ash talks about how he managed to survive so long because he always looked at the worst possible scenario. He always looked ahead, just so he could feel calm. He explained that this became a habit.
Later, when he’s just allowed himself a bit of hope and only sees the best case scenario- when he sees a clear future (getting on that plane with Eiji)- that’s when he honestly, set himself up without even meaning to. He doesn’t think ahead in any negative context. He doesn’t imagine a bad thing happening. That’s when he stops being cautious, for just a moment, he chose to have hope. And that single moment, when he chose to let his guard down, was what ultimately lead to his demise. It’s why he becomes the easiest target he’s ever been... I hate myself for realizing this. No one talk to me I’m devastated*
Things get pretty intense as they attempt to rescue Ash from Golzine. And the action only grows in the last 50 pages or so, as Ash and his rescue crew have to split up and escape the underground sewers from Golzine’s men. Eiji and Ash split and in the next volume, Ash will most likely do his best to get Eiji out of the tight spot he’s found himself in. I think things will keep this steady tension and it may not relax until the volume after that. There are only 5 volumes left and shit is probably going to keep down soon. Regardless, I’m still enjoying this manga and think it’s holding itself quite coherently from volume to volume.
“The stars were in a particularly inauspicious alignment when I was born, I suppose”
Blanca really made a contract with this boy, all it took was Yut-Lung getting shot once. Meanwhile Eiji and Ash have both been attacked repeatedly over the span of these 14 volumes, and it seems no one gives a fuck lmao, I love that for them.
(lol jk later Yut-Lung realizes Blanca only made the contract to protect Ash, lmao talk about getting bamBOOZLED)
UMMM EXCUSE ME- but seeing Eiji actually practicing how to use a gun for Ash, added 12 years to my lifespan. Look at that GLARE. His dedication is unreal, do we even deserve him? No. The answer is no. He’s too good.
Ummm, Golzine completing the adoption papers for Ash- excuse me for just one second... WHAT THE FUCK??? AbSOLUTELY NOT! What do you MEAN son AND heir??? This man has most certainly not treated Ash like his son OR his heir. Nasty ass crusty old man.
First of all, the corruption discussed in this manga makes me sick. But it’s not wrong, people like Golzine and Smiles actually exist.
Second of all, I get pissed every time I see people just looking at Ash literally suffering or bedridden without even trying to help. I hope y’all choke.
Third of all, I wish Golzine would’ve let Ash die right here, right now. Because it would’ve just been over and for the trillionth time... it would’ve hurt less. But screw me lmfao.
Golzine is like your textbook case of toxic with the “if I can’t have him no one can” mindset. LEAVE ASH ALONE OLD MAN!
Seeing Eiji work with Ash’s people with Sing and Cain to plan a good escape route... bless their souls.
“Come here, my son.”
When I tell you, I retched. It wasn’t even like voluntary it was a pure visceral reaction.
Ash throwing that punch was so good for me
Yut-Lung I HOPE you can see what you’ve done. Don’t you know, your actions have CoNsEQuEnCeS?!
Eiji slicking that hair back, putting on that serious face, you’re killing it Eiji, we’re all rooting for you.
Blanca, bless your soul for not saying anything, even though he saw Eiji. Finally.
Blanca: *literally just vibing*
Everyone who sees him: WoW hE’s TALL!
“That sculpture carved from ice that you see is more hot-blooded and passionate inside than any ordinary human being. And the time when his expression goes cold and impassive like that, are most ominous of all. I know that inside that brain of yours, Ash, myriad plans and strategies are being formed and tested.”
Damn right, y’all think he’s given up. This is Ash Lynx we’re talking about, this man doesn’t have the words “give up” in his vocabulary.
Omg Ash getting up on his feet right after threatening Golzine was biggest power move. His power is unmatched.
First of all (again) Eiji pointing his gun right at Golzine was right up there with his biggest Big Dick Energy moments.
His power? Unmatched.
His death-glare? Iconic.
Hotel? Trivago.
Should he just have shot Golzine? Lowkey, yes.
Second of all, Ash recognizing Eiji by his voice alone added another 12 years to my lifespan. Seriously I’m-
Yut-Lung telling Blanca to kill Eiji, BOI SHUT UP! Blanca pulling Yut-Lung by his braids? Iconic, added yet another 12 years to my lifespan.
Congrats to me, I’m now immortal :D
Golzine, you put that knife down ASAP! Get that and yourself for that matter, AWAY.
I’m just saying, I would’ve already gone gangster on Golzine. No hesitation, y’all (literally) shoot your shot... right into his old ass chest cavity. Dw you’ll find no heart in there.
Eiji actually shot, and got his shoulder. I’m proud, that’s actually pretty good, well, not a deadly injury (unfortunately) but the fact that he actually shot is exponential character development. I’m proud.
Ash literally shot and killed a bitch without even being able to see, all based on hearing his surroundings. A BADASS, I will take no further comments.
Ash eating and actually enjoying it, I could cry for days.
Ash you deserve all the peace and relaxation in the world! You’re not a coward.
Eiji stopping Ash, taking his gun, and luring Golzine’s men in the opposite direction so Ash wouldn’t over-excert himself... this man is golden. But also, Ash nearly lost his mind calling for him to come back.
Eiji: *has absolutely no idea where he’s going, where he is, or how to properly aim a gun*
Also Eiji: *jumps headfirst into danger if it means it will cut Ash some slack*
In conclusion, he’s the best.
Ash being so distressed that they’re not letting him go get Eiji back he literally rips the binds from the wall. Need I say it, iconic behavior, methinks.
Yut-Lung and Blanca discuss Yut-Lung’s real motive to not work right alongside Golzine. Thankfully, lol.
Omg Ash, don’t run around the streets. I know you’re tryna find your favorite person in the world asap. But the whole city is basically looking for you, you wild boy.
“Meaning that Eiji Okumura whom you dislike so much, is still underground, your highness.”
Blanca, you goddamn deductive swine! Ugh, I hate that but also really admire how good he is at catching onto things. Imagine how much faster we could’ve taken all these hoes down if we’d had Blanca on the right side all along? We were robbed- robbed! I tell you.
MAJOR SPOILER FOR B.F END (no but really skip if you don’t know what happens at the end of B.F. I DONT want to spoil for y’all!!!)
*I just realized something, so Ash talks about how he managed to survive so long because he always looked at the worst possible scenario. He always looked ahead, just so he could feel calm. He explained that this became a habit.
Later, when he’s just allowed himself a bit of hope and only sees the best case scenario- when he sees a clear future (getting on that plane with Eiji)- that’s when he honestly, set himself up without even meaning to. He doesn’t think ahead in any negative context. He doesn’t imagine a bad thing happening. That’s when he stops being cautious, for just a moment, he chose to have hope. And that single moment, when he chose to let his guard down, was what ultimately lead to his demise. It’s why he becomes the easiest target he’s ever been... I hate myself for realizing this. No one talk to me I’m devastated*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2021
ash and eiji are gonna leave me heartbroken again ugh
January 31, 2023
ash my boy ;(
June 2, 2024
ash, run and get your man
Read
May 24, 2025blanca can khs
Read
July 15, 2024im screaming and throwing up
May 14, 2021
All hell broke loose as Eiji and Soo Ling, and Cain crashed Dino’s party at the hotel to spring Ash. They managed to escape but not for long. Blanca figured where they’re at, underground at the sewer system. Ash should have realize the mistake when he gave in to Eiji’s naïveté. Dino’s men showed up already. Now they split off in different directions of the sewer system, even Blanca didn’t foresee the certain kink in the sewers. They managed to elude Dino’s men. Eiji and his pals were lost. Ash is determined to find him.
August 25, 2017
This was a thrilling volume! Blanca contracts as Yao Si's bodyguard. Ash is starving himself. Dino Golzine throws a lavish party to celebrate finalizing his adoption of Ash. But Eiji, Sing, Cain and crew are coming to the rescue! This volume takes a bit to get going, but the rescue is tried and true Yoshida action!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2021
So Ash now his this formidable enemy who used to be his sensei. This entire volume is a chase scene in the sewers between Ash and the henchmen associated with this new enemy (but sometimes friend).
It was alright. A lot of action, some good manhunting strategy. All in all it was a decent volume, but not the best.
It was alright. A lot of action, some good manhunting strategy. All in all it was a decent volume, but not the best.
January 14, 2023
3.80 - Good
Solidifed that Ash and Eiji are meant to stay together forever. An overpowered blind person is a marvel. Yut Lung and Blanca believe that they know Ash best when Eiji understands him the most. Immediately after finishing this volume, I downloaded a ton of Yut Lung Lee fanart; no I don't need rescuing.
Solidifed that Ash and Eiji are meant to stay together forever. An overpowered blind person is a marvel. Yut Lung and Blanca believe that they know Ash best when Eiji understands him the most. Immediately after finishing this volume, I downloaded a ton of Yut Lung Lee fanart; no I don't need rescuing.
November 5, 2023
This one is the BEST! Espionage, high stakes rescue, and the most daring escape yet! But I think it's going to be a short-lived victory for Ash & Eiji and the rest of their companions. I have to say again I love Sing Soo Ling. And Cain, and Alex, and Kong, and that kid with no teeth. Everyone is so ride or die but still hilariously antagonistic.
February 7, 2024
Throughout the banana fish manga it was certain that Ash would always be able to outsmart all of his opponents, but we are really starting to see some action that has us at the edge of our seats as we our uncertain if he will be able to fight successfully for himself and Eiji. I read this particular book so easily all in one sitting; I didn’t even put it down once!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2020
Eiji is so useless with a gun. Utterly useless. I can't. I feel embarrassed. Are you not embarrassed. This is really embarrassing.
Everyone has one working brain cell. Each bloody one of them.
Well, this was a filler volume.
Everyone has one working brain cell. Each bloody one of them.
Well, this was a filler volume.
June 25, 2021
“Look at him. At that cold, dispassionate expression on his face. This is what you were born to be, Ash. A blade of ice that never melts, and holds off all those who try to get close— like this you are the lifelong enemy I have sworn to fight.”
August 15, 2024
Omg, holy hell, there’s so much scheming; it’s killing me. I’m so curious but I’m also scared out of my mind for these poor characters. What will happen next? I’m dead but also I want to be inside Blanca’s head. 4.25/5
August 28, 2018
Ash keeps impressing me more and more everytime. He's so strong and full of passion, as Blanca said, but it also amazes me how weak he can be for the ones he cares. I love him so much.
December 19, 2018
i'm about to lose my goddamn mind
October 5, 2019
Normal para los estándares de Banana Fish.
December 24, 2020
Ay dios! Me va a dar algo acá!!! Un volumen muy intenso!!
March 20, 2021
cap 74 - 78
April 21, 2021
Necesito un respiro. A pesar de que me vi el anime, las escenas no dejan de ser un tanto dolorosas.
October 25, 2021
4.5 stars.
yo, this whole volume had me STRESSED OUT
yo, this whole volume had me STRESSED OUT
February 14, 2022
Oh baby….the angst?!! The intrigue?!?!
February 14, 2023
Ya no siento nada 🕴
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews