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MAO [マオ] #2
MAO 2
摩緒と菜花、全ての鍵を握る猫鬼を捜せ!
中学三年の黄葉菜花(きばなのか)は
かつて自身が事故に遭った地を通り、大正時代へと辿り着く。
そこで出会った陰陽師・摩緒(まお)による
菜花=「妖」説の謎を解くため彼と行動する事に。
菜花は摩緒と同じ蠱毒・”猫鬼(びょうき)”に呪われた可能性がある。
自分に隠された謎を解き明かすため一行は
猫鬼の能力と同じ「寿命を操る」教祖のいる教団へと潜入するが…
摩緒と菜花、2人の謎が徐々に明らかとなる大正怪奇ロマン第2巻!
【編集担当からのおすすめ情報】
連載開始時から「謎が謎を呼ぶ展開で気になる!」と大反響の今作!
今巻は主人公・摩緒とヒロイン・菜花に隠された謎が段々と明らかとなっていきます。
高橋留美子先生も「自分の作品でこんなに先のことを考えながら作る作品もあまりなかったので新鮮で楽しいです」とおっしゃっていました。
ぜひ読んで頂き一緒に謎解きを楽しみましょう!
中学三年の黄葉菜花(きばなのか)は
かつて自身が事故に遭った地を通り、大正時代へと辿り着く。
そこで出会った陰陽師・摩緒(まお)による
菜花=「妖」説の謎を解くため彼と行動する事に。
菜花は摩緒と同じ蠱毒・”猫鬼(びょうき)”に呪われた可能性がある。
自分に隠された謎を解き明かすため一行は
猫鬼の能力と同じ「寿命を操る」教祖のいる教団へと潜入するが…
摩緒と菜花、2人の謎が徐々に明らかとなる大正怪奇ロマン第2巻!
【編集担当からのおすすめ情報】
連載開始時から「謎が謎を呼ぶ展開で気になる!」と大反響の今作!
今巻は主人公・摩緒とヒロイン・菜花に隠された謎が段々と明らかとなっていきます。
高橋留美子先生も「自分の作品でこんなに先のことを考えながら作る作品もあまりなかったので新鮮で楽しいです」とおっしゃっていました。
ぜひ読んで頂き一緒に謎解きを楽しみましょう!
192 pages, Paperback
First published November 18, 2019
19 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Rumiko Takahashi
1,585 books2,142 followersRumiko Takahashi (高橋留美子) was born in Niigata, Japan. She is not only one of the richest women in Japan but also one of the top paid manga artists. She is also the most successful female comic artist in history. She has been writing manga non-stop for 31 years.
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the wealthiest women in Japan. The manga she creates (and its anime adaptations) are very popular in the United States and Europe where they have been released as both manga and anime in English translation. Her works are relatively famous worldwide, and many of her series were some of the forerunners of early English language manga to be released in the nineties. Takahashi is also the best selling female comics artist in history; well over 100 million copies of her various works have been sold.
Though she was said to occasionally doodle in the margins of her papers while attending Niigata Chūō High School, Takahashi's interest in manga did not come until later. During her college years, she enrolled in Gekiga Sonjuku, a manga school founded by Kazuo Koike, mangaka of Crying Freeman and Lone Wolf and Cub. Under his guidance Rumiko Takahashi began to publish her first doujinshi creations in 1975, such as Bye-Bye Road and Star of Futile Dust. Kozue Koike often urged his students to create well-thought out, interesting characters, and this influence would greatly impact Rumiko Takahashi's works throughout her career.
Career and major works:
Takahashi's professional career began in 1978. Her first published story was Those Selfish Aliens, a comedic science fiction story. During the same year, she published Time Warp Trouble, Shake Your Buddha, and the Golden Gods of Poverty in Shōnen Sunday, which would remain the home to most of her major works for the next twenty years. Later that year, Rumiko attempted her first full-length series, Urusei Yatsura. Though it had a rocky start due to publishing difficulties, Urusei Yatsura would become one of the most beloved anime and manga comedies in Japan.
In 1980, Rumiko Takahashi found her niche and began to publish with regularity. At this time she started her second major series, Maison Ikkoku, in Big Comic Spirits. Written for an older audience, Maison Ikkoku is often considered to be one of the all-time best romance manga. Takahashi managed to work on Maison Ikkoku on and off simultaneously with Urusei Yatsura. She concluded both series in 1987, with Urusei Yatsura ending at 34 volumes, and Maison Ikkoku being 15.
During the 1980s, Takahashi became a prolific writer of short story manga, which is surprising considering the massive lengths of most of her works. Her stories The Laughing Target, Maris the Chojo, and Fire Tripper all were adapted into original video animations (OVAs). In 1984, after the end of Urusei Yatsura and Maison Ikkoku, Takahashi took a different approach to storytelling and began the dark, macabre Mermaid Saga. This series of short segments was published sporadically until 1994, with the final story being Mermaid's Mask. Many fans contend that this work remains unfinished by Takahashi, since the final story does not end on a conclusive note.
Another short work left untouched is One-Pound Gospel, which, like Mermaid Saga, was published erratically. The last story to be drawn was published in 2001, however just recently she wrote one final chapter concluding the series
Later in 1987, Takahashi began her third major series, Ranma ½. Following the late 80s and early 90s trend of shōnen martial arts manga, Ranma ½ features a gender-bending twist. The series continued for nearly a decade until 1996, when it ended at 38 volumes. Ranma ½ is one of Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series with the Western world.
During the later half of the 1990s, Rumiko Takahashi continued with short stories and her installments of Mermaid Saga and One-Pound Gospel until beginning her fourth major work, InuYasha. While Ran
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the wealthiest women in Japan. The manga she creates (and its anime adaptations) are very popular in the United States and Europe where they have been released as both manga and anime in English translation. Her works are relatively famous worldwide, and many of her series were some of the forerunners of early English language manga to be released in the nineties. Takahashi is also the best selling female comics artist in history; well over 100 million copies of her various works have been sold.
Though she was said to occasionally doodle in the margins of her papers while attending Niigata Chūō High School, Takahashi's interest in manga did not come until later. During her college years, she enrolled in Gekiga Sonjuku, a manga school founded by Kazuo Koike, mangaka of Crying Freeman and Lone Wolf and Cub. Under his guidance Rumiko Takahashi began to publish her first doujinshi creations in 1975, such as Bye-Bye Road and Star of Futile Dust. Kozue Koike often urged his students to create well-thought out, interesting characters, and this influence would greatly impact Rumiko Takahashi's works throughout her career.
Career and major works:
Takahashi's professional career began in 1978. Her first published story was Those Selfish Aliens, a comedic science fiction story. During the same year, she published Time Warp Trouble, Shake Your Buddha, and the Golden Gods of Poverty in Shōnen Sunday, which would remain the home to most of her major works for the next twenty years. Later that year, Rumiko attempted her first full-length series, Urusei Yatsura. Though it had a rocky start due to publishing difficulties, Urusei Yatsura would become one of the most beloved anime and manga comedies in Japan.
In 1980, Rumiko Takahashi found her niche and began to publish with regularity. At this time she started her second major series, Maison Ikkoku, in Big Comic Spirits. Written for an older audience, Maison Ikkoku is often considered to be one of the all-time best romance manga. Takahashi managed to work on Maison Ikkoku on and off simultaneously with Urusei Yatsura. She concluded both series in 1987, with Urusei Yatsura ending at 34 volumes, and Maison Ikkoku being 15.
During the 1980s, Takahashi became a prolific writer of short story manga, which is surprising considering the massive lengths of most of her works. Her stories The Laughing Target, Maris the Chojo, and Fire Tripper all were adapted into original video animations (OVAs). In 1984, after the end of Urusei Yatsura and Maison Ikkoku, Takahashi took a different approach to storytelling and began the dark, macabre Mermaid Saga. This series of short segments was published sporadically until 1994, with the final story being Mermaid's Mask. Many fans contend that this work remains unfinished by Takahashi, since the final story does not end on a conclusive note.
Another short work left untouched is One-Pound Gospel, which, like Mermaid Saga, was published erratically. The last story to be drawn was published in 2001, however just recently she wrote one final chapter concluding the series
Later in 1987, Takahashi began her third major series, Ranma ½. Following the late 80s and early 90s trend of shōnen martial arts manga, Ranma ½ features a gender-bending twist. The series continued for nearly a decade until 1996, when it ended at 38 volumes. Ranma ½ is one of Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series with the Western world.
During the later half of the 1990s, Rumiko Takahashi continued with short stories and her installments of Mermaid Saga and One-Pound Gospel until beginning her fourth major work, InuYasha. While Ran
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
January 12, 2022
I received a copy of this book for free for promotional purposes.
This volume was so good!
This installment was jam packed with action. So much happened and I enjoyed every page of it. There was a lot of world building that helped move the story along. I liked that more of the story was revealed in this volume. The first volume did not explain much and I was a little confused about the world. This volume provided some answers and got me hooked. I have to know what happens next.
This volume also made me love the main characters. Mao is so intriguing and mysterious. I’m excited to learn more about him and his past. Nanoka is turning out to be quite the heroine! Also, Mao’s assistant, Otoya, is so adorable.
Overall, I loved this volume and cannot wait to read volume 3!
This volume was so good!
This installment was jam packed with action. So much happened and I enjoyed every page of it. There was a lot of world building that helped move the story along. I liked that more of the story was revealed in this volume. The first volume did not explain much and I was a little confused about the world. This volume provided some answers and got me hooked. I have to know what happens next.
This volume also made me love the main characters. Mao is so intriguing and mysterious. I’m excited to learn more about him and his past. Nanoka is turning out to be quite the heroine! Also, Mao’s assistant, Otoya, is so adorable.
Overall, I loved this volume and cannot wait to read volume 3!
December 12, 2021
I LOVE this series! The artwork, the storyline, the mystery of what she is and what her family is hiding from her, and the hero! So aloof, so powerful, such an enigma!
MOR MONSTER WANT MOR!!
This is a series I will definitely recommend at my store and I am collecting in in physical format for my newly started personal manga library, as this is one I will be re-reading as each new volume comes out.
5, how could I give it anything less, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley and Viz Media LLC for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
MOR MONSTER WANT MOR!!
This is a series I will definitely recommend at my store and I am collecting in in physical format for my newly started personal manga library, as this is one I will be re-reading as each new volume comes out.
5, how could I give it anything less, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley and Viz Media LLC for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2022
3.5 stars
Sadly, this volume wasn’t as good as the first - I really wasn’t invested in the first half which I found quite slow in places, although the second half was much faster paced and a few intriguing details were revealed.
Full RTC
Sadly, this volume wasn’t as good as the first - I really wasn’t invested in the first half which I found quite slow in places, although the second half was much faster paced and a few intriguing details were revealed.
Full RTC
September 8, 2021
Not as strong of a volume as the first. I found the first three chapters to just be okay but after that I loved the story. Very excited to see how the story develops from here!
November 10, 2021
I'm continuing to really enjoy this series my Rumiko Takahashi. I feel like she took everything that she learned from doing Inuyasha, and improve the story with Mao. I love our cast of characters. I love her art style. I also love how this feels different from Inuyasha. It's not like she's trying to tell the same story. There are things that are more complicated and woven in this particular series. I don't know if it will eventually tie in, but I love the direction of the story.
December 25, 2024
I like how the plot is running smoothly, I can't wait for the third book!
December 17, 2025
The small moments when Rumiko Takahashi is kind of copying herself lol
June 5, 2022
Really fun volume. Like where the story seems to be headed.
April 15, 2022
The power of Uno reverse using demons! 🙌 I died! 🤣🤣🤣
Official title: Mao Vol. 2
My title: Fire and the Giant Cat
Author: Rumiko Takahashi
Publisher: @vizmedia
Fav character: Mao
Readability: Easy
Type: Manga
4.7/5
🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ Flea nuns (mosquito versions would have been more relatable 🤣)
~ Some walking dead
~ Sus cults and live baits 🤣
~ Mysteries being revealed and solved
Nanoka has traveled through a portal - several times at this point - and has met Mao and his sidekick. She is not trapped, but is curious about why she has returned to 1923 and what exactly happened to her parents at the location the portal now is. The questions eat at her as she travels back and forth helping Mao solve the mysteries of deadly ayakashi and Byoki. As some mysteries begin to be solved and Nanoka comes to a few realizations, we are left wondering what her connection to Mao - REALLY - is, how close is the danger and what can Nanoka learn to save her friends in the past.
✨Give it a read.
🌱THE MEH
~ Few images of Mao unclothed 🤣🤣🤣
~ I don’t have the other volumes
♡🌱 But that’s just me ;)
—
🎁 Thank you @bookstagrammersdotcom for the gift.
Official title: Mao Vol. 2
My title: Fire and the Giant Cat
Author: Rumiko Takahashi
Publisher: @vizmedia
Fav character: Mao
Readability: Easy
Type: Manga
4.7/5
🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ Flea nuns (mosquito versions would have been more relatable 🤣)
~ Some walking dead
~ Sus cults and live baits 🤣
~ Mysteries being revealed and solved
Nanoka has traveled through a portal - several times at this point - and has met Mao and his sidekick. She is not trapped, but is curious about why she has returned to 1923 and what exactly happened to her parents at the location the portal now is. The questions eat at her as she travels back and forth helping Mao solve the mysteries of deadly ayakashi and Byoki. As some mysteries begin to be solved and Nanoka comes to a few realizations, we are left wondering what her connection to Mao - REALLY - is, how close is the danger and what can Nanoka learn to save her friends in the past.
✨Give it a read.
🌱THE MEH
~ Few images of Mao unclothed 🤣🤣🤣
~ I don’t have the other volumes
♡🌱 But that’s just me ;)
—
🎁 Thank you @bookstagrammersdotcom for the gift.
January 9, 2022
4.5 stars
I really enjoy the intertwining of historical fact (i.e. the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923) and the supernatural. Ghosts, demons, and time traveling adventures - just a classic Takahashi tale. The only downside to this series is that it is actively being published in English, so I will have to wait MONTHS between volumes. :(
I really enjoy the intertwining of historical fact (i.e. the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923) and the supernatural. Ghosts, demons, and time traveling adventures - just a classic Takahashi tale. The only downside to this series is that it is actively being published in English, so I will have to wait MONTHS between volumes. :(
November 8, 2021
I know it’s typical Rumiko Takahashi, but it’s still pretty engaging.
November 26, 2021
today i am thankful for Rumiko Takahashi & her ability to deliver top quality manga 🥲
March 20, 2022
Curses and demons and betrayal, oh my! Mao, Nanoka, and Otoya uncover the sinister dealings of a cult centered on a prophetess who's visions have faded except for one - the world ending in fiery turmoil. As Nanoka spends some time in the present researching what this could mean, Mao finds a mysterious church built over the town's keystone, filled with bloodsucking nuns - could they be servants of Byoki?
We get some back story for Mao courtesy of Otoya, and Nanoka remembers some odd things about the day her parents died after taking some medicine Mao gave her. Plus, you know, there's a cliffhanger ending. On to volume 3!
#MaoVol2 #NetGalley
We get some back story for Mao courtesy of Otoya, and Nanoka remembers some odd things about the day her parents died after taking some medicine Mao gave her. Plus, you know, there's a cliffhanger ending. On to volume 3!
#MaoVol2 #NetGalley
October 14, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley for this review copy.
This continues well from the first volume. I think it remains and easy to follow and enjoyable. There is story building and Nanako family mystery is definitely more of a feature. I’m hoping that this will be the focus of the next instalment. I am looking forward to continuing with the story.
This continues well from the first volume. I think it remains and easy to follow and enjoyable. There is story building and Nanako family mystery is definitely more of a feature. I’m hoping that this will be the focus of the next instalment. I am looking forward to continuing with the story.
May 20, 2022
Im really digging the set up and the characters in this series. Not everything is as it seems and I'm enjoying each little reveal that comes our way. I also like the way this series is intermingling the past and the future. It's a nice change of pace to read a time travelling plot that has stuff pertaining to the main plot also be happening in Nanoka's modern timeline.
July 2, 2024
4 stars
I am still enjoying this series. I'm a sucker for a portal fantasy story and the characters in this are fascinating. I am also really enjoying the unveiling and the plot of everything that is occurring. Looking forward to continuing.
I am still enjoying this series. I'm a sucker for a portal fantasy story and the characters in this are fascinating. I am also really enjoying the unveiling and the plot of everything that is occurring. Looking forward to continuing.
October 20, 2021
No entiendo nada! Se enfrentan a muchos mounstros y hay muchos misterios!!!
December 23, 2021
2.5 rounded up, because those flea ayakashi are really very effective.
May 19, 2022
This was a great follow up to the first volume! So many things happened, and I am really enjoying these characters. Definitely interested in the plot as well!
May 27, 2023
I still keep expecting Mao to yell "iron Reaver" but I am also enjoying this one more than the first volume and am intrigued to see how it's going to end up!
September 30, 2022
This volume brings us more into Nanoka's world and the old world. I love how I can now make stronger comparisons to Inuyasha. This series certainly stands on its own pretty well though. Five stars!
January 12, 2022
3/5 stars
The first volume was a bit better, but this was still a solid read. This volume felt like more of a continuation, rather than a novel in its own right. I am very excited to read volume 3 and see where the story goes!
The first volume was a bit better, but this was still a solid read. This volume felt like more of a continuation, rather than a novel in its own right. I am very excited to read volume 3 and see where the story goes!
November 9, 2020
This is so good! I don't really know what I was expecting but it has surpassed any thought I had. I definitely see some similarities with her previous work "Inuyasha" but they are very small and this definitely stands on it's own. I really like the mystery of Nanoka's past and how the time travelling seems to be inconsistent with how time passes between one era and the next. I'm super excited to continue reading this series as I'm sure it won't disappoint.
December 22, 2021
Ce deuxième tome était tout aussi génial que le premier et peut être même plus! L’histoire est toujours aussi passionnante à suivre! On avance petit à petit dans l’histoire sans trop se précipiter mais sans pour autant que ça traine. On avance à un bon rythme est c’est parfait.
On continue donc de suivre Nanoka qui alterne entre son époque et celle de Mao. Ils continuent de chercher Byoki. On découvre de nouvelles créatures comme les puces buveuses de sang par exemple. On découvre également un peu plus les « pouvoirs » d’Otoya le familier. Mao est toujours fidèle à lui même, lorsqu’il pensait avoir enfin trouver Byoki alors que finalement pas du tout il ressent une déception si forte qu’il s’endort par exemple..
Nanoka est devenue une aide précieuse pour Mao et Otoya. En rentrant chez elle, elle fait des recherches sur ce qu’ils découvrent. Ainsi, elle va faire plusieurs découvertes, qui sont d’ailleurs vraiment dingue. J’aime encore plus ce trio avec ce deuxième tome. On voit qu’ils se complètent à la perfection et j’aime vraiment les découvrir encore plus. L’action est un peu plus présente dans ce deuxième tome, il se passe beaucoup de choses comparé au premier tome!
J’ai encore pas mal de questions sans réponses pour l’instant. Comme par exemple le cas du grand père de Nanoka?! J’ai vraiment mais alors vraiment hâte d’en savoir plus sur ce sujet parce que ça m’intrigue énormément! Et tout ce mystère autour de Byoki c’est vraiment intriguant.. Hâte d’avoir le troisième tome!
On continue donc de suivre Nanoka qui alterne entre son époque et celle de Mao. Ils continuent de chercher Byoki. On découvre de nouvelles créatures comme les puces buveuses de sang par exemple. On découvre également un peu plus les « pouvoirs » d’Otoya le familier. Mao est toujours fidèle à lui même, lorsqu’il pensait avoir enfin trouver Byoki alors que finalement pas du tout il ressent une déception si forte qu’il s’endort par exemple..
Nanoka est devenue une aide précieuse pour Mao et Otoya. En rentrant chez elle, elle fait des recherches sur ce qu’ils découvrent. Ainsi, elle va faire plusieurs découvertes, qui sont d’ailleurs vraiment dingue. J’aime encore plus ce trio avec ce deuxième tome. On voit qu’ils se complètent à la perfection et j’aime vraiment les découvrir encore plus. L’action est un peu plus présente dans ce deuxième tome, il se passe beaucoup de choses comparé au premier tome!
J’ai encore pas mal de questions sans réponses pour l’instant. Comme par exemple le cas du grand père de Nanoka?! J’ai vraiment mais alors vraiment hâte d’en savoir plus sur ce sujet parce que ça m’intrigue énormément! Et tout ce mystère autour de Byoki c’est vraiment intriguant.. Hâte d’avoir le troisième tome!
February 25, 2022
Wait...what did you see again?
I know people make mistakes even in professional publications but I found Byōki being called a huge can rather than a cat kind of funny. Like the great can in the sky opened up and it was din-din time for demonic kitty. :)
Anyway continuing on from the last volume Nanoka has infiltrated the following of a priestess who has many female followers already to discover if she is in anyway connected to the death of a girl that joined her group. With some investigating the truth about her group is exposed but so is a worry for Nanoka who having come from the future is well aware of the great Kantō earthquake soon to happen as the priestess's prophesy foretells. Deciding to do some research into certain circumstances she learns the above about Byōki and after taking some medicine handed to her by Mao she also realizes something seems horribly strange in her idealistic life. Throw in some giant flea nuns and it is a party as we make our way into volume three. Considering Byōki passes his curse on Nanoka (possibly) in the future I doubt he will be defeated so soon but perhaps Mao can give him a good run for the money when he shows up. Onward to the clash in volume 3. :)
I know people make mistakes even in professional publications but I found Byōki being called a huge can rather than a cat kind of funny. Like the great can in the sky opened up and it was din-din time for demonic kitty. :)
Anyway continuing on from the last volume Nanoka has infiltrated the following of a priestess who has many female followers already to discover if she is in anyway connected to the death of a girl that joined her group. With some investigating the truth about her group is exposed but so is a worry for Nanoka who having come from the future is well aware of the great Kantō earthquake soon to happen as the priestess's prophesy foretells. Deciding to do some research into certain circumstances she learns the above about Byōki and after taking some medicine handed to her by Mao she also realizes something seems horribly strange in her idealistic life. Throw in some giant flea nuns and it is a party as we make our way into volume three. Considering Byōki passes his curse on Nanoka (possibly) in the future I doubt he will be defeated so soon but perhaps Mao can give him a good run for the money when he shows up. Onward to the clash in volume 3. :)
November 30, 2021
The Kanto Earthquake is Happening Now, but How Does It Relate to Byouki?
This was a better volume than the first. The cult story wrapped up satisfactorily, and now the Kanto Eathquake is upon us. I like Nanako as a character. She's resilient and spunky. Mao is still enigmatic and self-serving, but he seems connected to Nanako in some way that softens him. I wouldn't call it romance by any stretch of the imagination, however.
I went back and reread 8 volumes of Rin-ne, Takahashi's previous work, before rereading Mao #2. I wanted to get a feel for her older style and how it compared. Certainly the art was more organic, the characters were cuter, and there was a warmth to the line quality that is often missing from this more modern, yet currently sterile, art production. However, Takahashi's style has always been heavy on blacks and very light on the line quality. Comedies don't often call for detailed renderings. Mao, by comparison, is a more serious affair. This means that the stories are deeper, there is a dearth of site gags, and character growth and characterization seems to be happening. That's why the art hit me wrong when I first started following the series. I've adjusted to the new art style as Takahashi has worked out her production issues, however. I expect better things moving forward as Takahashi first adapts, then utilizes the new tools she is working with.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this story develops. There is an appealing sense of darkness and suspense. Ghost stories melded with murder tickle the edge of horror. Of course, gag city could be lying around the corner once the serious world building is complete. Takahashi has a tendency to introduce an unending pantheon of characters in her long running series. Any one of them could alter the tone of the series, but I feel this story will have more in common with the dark drama of Mermaid Forest than the comedic hijinks of Rin-Ne, Ranma 1/2, and Urusei Yatsura. With the cliffhanger ending, we now know that Byouji's influence is common between both Mao and Nanako, but what powers and downsides come with that influence? What exactly is Nanako? I guess I'm eagerly awaiting volume three to find out.
This was a better volume than the first. The cult story wrapped up satisfactorily, and now the Kanto Eathquake is upon us. I like Nanako as a character. She's resilient and spunky. Mao is still enigmatic and self-serving, but he seems connected to Nanako in some way that softens him. I wouldn't call it romance by any stretch of the imagination, however.
I went back and reread 8 volumes of Rin-ne, Takahashi's previous work, before rereading Mao #2. I wanted to get a feel for her older style and how it compared. Certainly the art was more organic, the characters were cuter, and there was a warmth to the line quality that is often missing from this more modern, yet currently sterile, art production. However, Takahashi's style has always been heavy on blacks and very light on the line quality. Comedies don't often call for detailed renderings. Mao, by comparison, is a more serious affair. This means that the stories are deeper, there is a dearth of site gags, and character growth and characterization seems to be happening. That's why the art hit me wrong when I first started following the series. I've adjusted to the new art style as Takahashi has worked out her production issues, however. I expect better things moving forward as Takahashi first adapts, then utilizes the new tools she is working with.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this story develops. There is an appealing sense of darkness and suspense. Ghost stories melded with murder tickle the edge of horror. Of course, gag city could be lying around the corner once the serious world building is complete. Takahashi has a tendency to introduce an unending pantheon of characters in her long running series. Any one of them could alter the tone of the series, but I feel this story will have more in common with the dark drama of Mermaid Forest than the comedic hijinks of Rin-Ne, Ranma 1/2, and Urusei Yatsura. With the cliffhanger ending, we now know that Byouji's influence is common between both Mao and Nanako, but what powers and downsides come with that influence? What exactly is Nanako? I guess I'm eagerly awaiting volume three to find out.
September 16, 2021
Rumiko Takahashi is back with a new series Mao. She may be the most famous manga author. Her series include Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Ranma ½, Inuyasha, and RIN-NE. In Mao, the reader will see similarities to Inuyasha, a time traveling girl meets a boy with super natural powers and he is much older than he looks. Mao has more of a mystery element to it that Inuyasha.
Nanoka was the lone survivor of a horrific accident near a shopping center in her home town. She now lives with her grandfather and a creepy maid. One day she passes through the entry arch of the shopping center and is sent back to the Taisho era where she meets an exorcist named Mao. Mao is searching for the demon who cursed him Byoki. During Mao's search he helps people and yokai as a sort of doctor/exorcist. Nanoka is a mystery to Mao. He can't tell if she is human or demons, she gives off weird energy.
In volume 2 of Mao, Nanoka travels back in time to find Mao and warn him of the impending Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. She warns Mao he should leave the area but it is too late. The pre-quake tremors have already started and signs of Byoki appear. Mao will not leave if he has the chance to face his nemesis. Can Nanoka and Mao face Byoki's minions and the earthquake?
Takahashi is an amazing storyteller and I look forward to reading this series for years to come.
Nanoka was the lone survivor of a horrific accident near a shopping center in her home town. She now lives with her grandfather and a creepy maid. One day she passes through the entry arch of the shopping center and is sent back to the Taisho era where she meets an exorcist named Mao. Mao is searching for the demon who cursed him Byoki. During Mao's search he helps people and yokai as a sort of doctor/exorcist. Nanoka is a mystery to Mao. He can't tell if she is human or demons, she gives off weird energy.
In volume 2 of Mao, Nanoka travels back in time to find Mao and warn him of the impending Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. She warns Mao he should leave the area but it is too late. The pre-quake tremors have already started and signs of Byoki appear. Mao will not leave if he has the chance to face his nemesis. Can Nanoka and Mao face Byoki's minions and the earthquake?
Takahashi is an amazing storyteller and I look forward to reading this series for years to come.
November 20, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this volume. I love how Takahashi Rumiko always works her magic to perfectly blend fantasy, suspense and humor, keeping you at the edge of your sit but giving you enough comedic relief to relax and enjoy the story. So far I’m liking all the characters, even Mao who’s a bit more sober that what I expected, but his deadpan delivery is actually kind of great. The only reason I’m not giving this 5 stars is because of what I think were some weird translation choices and some typos that took me out of the story because I was trying to figure out if it was a mistake on my end as I turned the pages faster and faster or if it was a stylistic choice or an editorial error. Nevertheless I’m giving this one a 4/5 stars and I can’t wait to jump back into this world once more on the next volume and see what happens after the life altering events that left us on a cliffhanger.
September 10, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Viz Media for allowing me to preview the second volume of Mao.
Mao and Nanoka both find themselves investigating suspicious people. Nanoka learns something that has her worried and she returns to the present to research. Time is not on her side. Later, she finds out even more devastating news.
Sorry for being vague but I’m working hard to have no spoilers since the book doesn’t come out until November.
This is an action packed volume that answers some questions but gives us new ones.
I love Rumiko Takahashi’s works. This is the first time I have to wait to read new volumes. I definitely am waiting impatiently for book three.
Thank you again NetGalley and Viz for allowing me to read this arc copy.
Mao and Nanoka both find themselves investigating suspicious people. Nanoka learns something that has her worried and she returns to the present to research. Time is not on her side. Later, she finds out even more devastating news.
Sorry for being vague but I’m working hard to have no spoilers since the book doesn’t come out until November.
This is an action packed volume that answers some questions but gives us new ones.
I love Rumiko Takahashi’s works. This is the first time I have to wait to read new volumes. I definitely am waiting impatiently for book three.
Thank you again NetGalley and Viz for allowing me to read this arc copy.
September 23, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, VIZ Media, and Rumiko Takahashi for the opportunity to read this manga in exchange for an honest review.
Volume 2 pick up right where volume one left off with an investigation into a suspicious priestess and cult following. Nanoka, meanwhile, uses research in her time to investigate an earthquake that might have something to do with her family's deaths, as well as her curse from the cat demon, Byoki.
A new idea comes into play: keystones. These items are from older times, thought to protect areas from disasters. Not only is there a keystone near the site of Nanoka's accident, but Mao finds on in his own time, hidden under a false church. These keystones could be a new key to finding Byoki and taking vengeance upon breaking their curses.
The mystery of the connection between past and present and the strange time lapses are a real driving for of this manga. I am definitely enjoying the route this series is taking and highly recommend for new readers and old Rumiko Takahashi fans alike. This one would certainly make a fun anime!
Volume 2 pick up right where volume one left off with an investigation into a suspicious priestess and cult following. Nanoka, meanwhile, uses research in her time to investigate an earthquake that might have something to do with her family's deaths, as well as her curse from the cat demon, Byoki.
A new idea comes into play: keystones. These items are from older times, thought to protect areas from disasters. Not only is there a keystone near the site of Nanoka's accident, but Mao finds on in his own time, hidden under a false church. These keystones could be a new key to finding Byoki and taking vengeance upon breaking their curses.
The mystery of the connection between past and present and the strange time lapses are a real driving for of this manga. I am definitely enjoying the route this series is taking and highly recommend for new readers and old Rumiko Takahashi fans alike. This one would certainly make a fun anime!
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