Dans le sens du vent T01: Nord, Nord-Ouest

北北西に曇と往け [Hokuhokusei ni Kumo to Ike] #1

by Aki Irie

Au milieu des fjords et des plaines arides, un jeune homme enquête pour connaître la vérité sur un drame familial. Entre la fidélité au sang ou celle à ses convictions, il devra faire un choix. Kei Miyama, un détective indépendant de 17 ans, vit avec son grand-père français en Islande. Comme les autres hommes de sa famille, il dispose d'un pouvoir atypique. Le sien consiste à pouvoir communiquer avec les appareils électriques et les automobiles. Mais sa vie bascule soudainement lorsqu'un détective japonais en congés sur l'île lui annonce l'assassinat de son oncle et sa tante par le propre frère de Kei. Qui croire ? Convaincu de l'innocence de ce dernier, le jeune détective va mener l'enquête.Régulièrement cité parmi les meilleurs mangas publiés récemment au Japon, Dans le sens du vent - Nord, Nord-Ouest interpelle par son dessin très occidental, ses lignes allongées et ses paysages islandais oniriques.

Genres: Manga, Mystery, Seinen, Comics, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Slice Of Life

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2017

About the author

Aki Irie (入江亜季, Irie Aki) is a Japanese mangaka.

Name in other languages:
入江亞季 (Chinese)
이리에 아키 (Korean)

Do not add scanlation records.

Reviews

[leynes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. Nope. Out of all of the comic book samples that I read yesterday, this one was the most useless. I think I'm going to throw in the towel when it comes to me and manga. Currently I just feel like it's not my thing at all.

Follow the Clouds has an interesting premise as it is set in Iceland. Kei Miyama lives with his French grandfather in Iceland and has three secrets: he can talk to cars, he has a weakness for pretty women (kill me, please!) ... and he is a detective by profession! It's marketed as a "dreamy Iceland thriller with a Nordic flair of a completely new kind - not only in the manga world." Well, I saw none of that.

Maybe the sample was too short to get a proper grasp of the story but Kei just seemed like a lunatic. Talking to his cars?? Eh, why? The car didn't even talk back. Why was he stealing a dog from a man? When he had a car accident, instead of getting help, he chose to sleep in the trashed car by the road??? Then, in his sleep, a "pretty woman" came and stole his blanket??? YA GURL IS CONFUSION! 0/10 would not recommend.

+++

May 11, 2019 was Free Comic Book Day in Germany. This was one of the titles.

[Lyrica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It goes without saying that Aki Irie's art is beyond compare. After learning that the mangaka of Ran and the Gray World had a new series out, I knew that I had to pick it up asap just to feast my eyes on more of their gorgeous art.

The pacing is interesting, definitely something that will either be a hit or a miss with readers. The story is told in vignettes, and not necessarily in chronological order. I really like the slower pace; I think it suits the artstyle and made the story feel very slice-of-lifey to me, in a magical sort of way.

I feel like things will pick up a bit in the next volume, considering the mystery that was introduced. I'm eager to read more!

[Erika · Rating 1 out of 5]

Are you fucking kidding me?!

I picked this up because of the cover(yea my bad). Honestly, I was enjoying the manga for 75% of the novel. It was weird and kind of whimsy. The art was breathtaking and refreshing.
SO WHY THE ONE STAR?! ITS ACTUALLY REALLY SIMPLE

STOP PUT NAKED UNDERAGE GIRLS IN MANGA
ITS SICK
It is WRONG.

DONT U DARE SAY "WELL ITS JAPAN ITS DIFFERENT THERE"

NO IT IS NOT.
THE MAIN CHARACTER AND THIS GIRL LOOKS MID 20S SO MAKE THEM MID 20S. THERE
IS
NO
GODDAM NEED FOR IT

[Donatella Principi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lettura molto piacevole, non vedo l'ora di proseguire la serie! Ho apprezzato in particolare l'ambientazione (non siamo in Giappone ma in Islanda) ricca di natura, i momenti quasi comici e il mistero che emerge verso la fine. Sembra una classica storia di crescita e formazione unita a un pizzico di realismo magico

[zolarex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jestem zupełnie oczarowana historiami Aki.
Każda z nich jest niebywale intrygująca, świeża i troszkę kontrowersyjna, przez co zawsze pozostawia mnie z ogromnym szokiem wymalowanym na twarzy.
Dlatego nie mogło być inaczej i tym razem.
Szlakiem chmur na północny zachód okazał się być naprawdę niesamowitą historią która z każdą kolejną stroną zostawiała na mojej twarzy coraz to większy wyraz szoku przemieszany z zachwytem. Nie mam bladego pojęcia jak Aki wpada na tak fenomenalne pomysły, ale jestem kupiona.
Dodatkowo zakończenie pierwszego tomu zupełnie zmiotło mnie z planszy i przeogromne się cieszę, że od razu kupiłam drugi tom i mogę czytać dalej.

[Emi · Rating 4 out of 5]

El dibujo me ha enamorado desde la primera página, pero con la historia he tardado más en encontrarle algo. Al final sí que ha conseguido engancharme. A ver cómo sigue.

[Katarzyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the artstyle it's so unique ugh
Why are women in this manga so pretty I swear
Gimme 20 more

[Amber Grissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be completely honest, I chose to pick up and read this book because I loved the cover art. I spent even more time translating the various Icelandic phrases on the front and back covers. Even though it was not necessary to understand anything in the content, it was fun to learn new phrases and alphabet letters I am not familiar with. As far as the story, there was a solid pacing throughout. The landscape art is beautiful and has me dreaming of Iceland's scenery. There are several mystery elements throughout that successfully drew me into the story and has me excited for the next volume. One thing I found particularly amusing were the moments when the main character, Kei, talks to his car. I also could not agree more when Kei remarks "Always got room for ramen."

[Forthright . · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kei lives with his grandfather in Iceland. Members of his family have interesting quirks. Kei's lets him talk to vehicles, which can be useful when he's working as a private investigator. Initially episodic, with lots of interesting details about life in Iceland. However, each volume ties all those little details together with a pleasing show of intent. THIS is exactly the kind of story I like best.

Gorgeous art. Atmospheric settings. New favorite mangaka. Excellent storytelling. MOAR!

*NOTE: I finally have a title to recommend to all those people who say they want "something like Mushishi." (Even though there's nothing like Mushishi.)

[Andre · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an odd kind of detective story... or whatever this is. Also, he can understand cars... because... because. It is not bad, just a tad odd.

PS. What is with Japanese and France? This is not the first time I have seen a character who also has French ancestry. But French, or English/American only. Other non-Japanese ancestries are very rare as far as I can tell."

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might be just as weird as Ran (the other series by this mangaka). This mangaka has one of the most whimsical and beautiful art style. Her portrayal of Iceland makes me wanna go there too! Kei and his grandfather have special abilities that fascinate me to no ends. Even the side characters are quite intriguing nonetheless. Can't wait to read the 2nd volume of it!

[Met · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ottimo inizio! A tratti thriller, a tratti on-the-road, è un primo volume che ho trovato quasi perfetto. Bellissimi i disegni di Aki Irie... guarda se non va a finire che mi innamoro di un'altra autrice!

[Ben Hewer-Darroch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Manga artists stop casting 17 year olds in improbable roles challenge. I swear the number if things ive read where they could just say “this is a 25 year old” and the plot would be unchanged but make worlds more sense.

[Bogi Takács]

#BogiReads Patreon | Twitter | Bsky | Instagram | Facebook | Website

I've been picking up first volumes of manga series to see what sticks; I'm not sure I'm going to continue with this one. It's a murder mystery with some contemporary fantasy elements - the protagonist can talk to cars while his father can talk to birds. I appreciate this aspect, and also how multiple of the main characters seem like a mess in their own ways. The art is great, too. However, I found the amount of frankly rather random fanservice annoying, it didn't mesh with the more serious elements of the plot. I was also hoping there would be more about the protagonist being mixed race/ethnicity, and maybe there will be, but I don't think I'm using up more of my library purchase requests on this series - if my library gets it anyway, I might give it another chance.
___
Source of the book: Lawrence Public Library purchase request (thank you!)

[Waldkauzz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character has better chemistry with his car, which he telepathically talks to, than with his supposed main love interest.
 
The art is absolutely stunning, and I love the depiction of the sombre urban fantasy elements. The plot lines and character beats that are being set up in the first volume seem intriguing, and so far, I'd be interested in continuing with the series for those elements.
 
The depiction of the romance in the author's prior work, Ran and the Gray World was catastrophic and the reason for me to DNF the series, so the development of the romance in this work will likely make or break it if I continue reading. 

[Liss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omfg! Was ist das für ein genialer Auftakt!Ich bin ohne Erwartungen an den Manga herangegangen und wusste auch überhaupt nicht, worum es da geht. Außer dass alles in Island spielt! Der Auftakt konnte mich so sehr überzeugen und am liebsten würde ich jetzt zu Band 2 greifen, denn ich MUSS einfach wissen wie es weitergeht 🙈

[Fátima Embark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raro pero hermoso al mismo tiempo. El dibujo de esta mujer es maravilloso. A ver por dónde tira la historia. El final me dejó super intrigada!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zaintrygowało.
Bardzo ładna kreska NO I ISLANDIA. Absolutnie magicznie się tam wraca.

Kei to vibe (też kocham kofeinę).
Czekam, co przyniosą dalsze tomy.

[Dynameis03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

C'est trop bien 😭

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the artwork, the story, the characters , setting, everything. I think this is a great start to a new series.

I read a few of the reviews that had an issue with the nudity and gave this 1*, and for that I need to say something : These are drawings and tastefully done in a non-sexualized manner. The scenes depicted are not sexual in it's portrayal and I don't think it was meant offensively and they need to be taken in context. I'm far more offended by what they found offensive, and feel that since an actual human was not involved in the nudity scenes, I can't support views that become a witch hunt for whatever reason. Things get taken out of context all the time now over real or misinterpreted ideas. In this time of " me too " and calling out people who behave badly in this manner (as many should be) I'm not convinced that this story was going in that direction. It is fiction for one thing, and I don't think it meant to promote abusive behavior.

If someone is uncomfortable with the idea of nudity, then that is a seperate issue and maybe this book is not for you. I'm not sure if picking apart every little detail and sanitizing things is the way to go. The book does not have a nudity or profanity warning on the cover (+16 though) , so maybe that would have been helpful for someone who does not like such things or is too young.

[Chelsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

17-year-old Kei has been living in Iceland with his grandfather since his parents' deaths. Blessed with the ability to speak to machines, he runs a detective agency after dropping out of school. But when his little brother, who has been living with their aunt and uncle in Japan, stops responding to his messages, Kei goes looking for answers to a new and person mystery.

The artwork is great, and Kei's character has definite Veronica Mars undertones, which I absolutely love. However, the huge amount of negative sexual content makes this a series that I will not continue.

[kaitlphere · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a bit of sexual harassment in this, and some violence. Even given that, this book was beautiful. The art of landscapes and nature is magical. The female characters are all mysterious and self-assured. The male characters are flawed and determined. The abilities of the characters are unique. The cliffhanger and mystery character at the end of this book has me ready for the next one.

[c · Rating 3 out of 5]

beautiful artwork, the story is different & intriguing, and i rly like kei. woulda been an easy 4 but i’m deducting a star bc why are kei & lilja 17? like, just make them in their 20s (which they look & sound & act like anyway) and ta-dahhh problematic scenes problem solved 🤨

[Jasmin S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow build-up, but an overall promising start. I love the setting, and Kei is an endearingly odd protagonist. Irie's art is simply wonderful. 3.5/5

[cvtherin · Rating 2 out of 5]

snapshot review: he's a 10 but he has more chemistry with his car than his love interest.

pretty art tho.

[Kiruha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not enthralled by this so far. The premise is not as imaginative as others by the author (Iceland as a setting is in fact not doing much for the story, so far), and though it is a thick volume and quite a bit happens, everything seems to be all over the place.

We've got a series of plot elements (the protagonists' odd and not-so-useful magical ability, the grandfather/pervert, the "fairy", the missing brother) which are presented kind of naturally—that I can appreciate, but they're also unconnected.

Besides a better cohesion, two things kept on irking me: firstly, making characters leading such adult-like lives just seventeen years old or even younger. Why? What's the point? This is not like Ran and the Grey World where her young age was an essential part of the plot. And secondly, two women show up in this volume and both appear naked or just about in unlikely situations more than once, very much just because. Again... purpose?

[Valérie Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le titre est inspirant, la couverture est magnifique, l'édition est de qualité. Et l'histoire de ce premier tome... C'est un manga de vent, de mystère, de modernité, de beauté avec un soupçon de magie. Un peu comme en Islande, où il arrive que les paysages hors de l'ordinaire nous inspirent qu'il y a plus que ce que nos sens peuvent percevoir.

Page 63: j'ai couru vers mon amoureux pour lui montrer le dessin de cette rue que j'ai reconnue tout de suite, car c'est celle que j'habitais pendant mes études à l'Université d'Islande... La recherche documentaire de la mangaka est absolument précise et authentique! Je suis séduite par ce premier tome! Takk fyrir!

[Yaroslav Chernovol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Манґа Aki Irie. Сюжет розказує про молодого японця, який живе у Ісландії та підробляє приватним детективом. Декілька забавних справ. Та одна пов'язана з його зниклим братом та детективом який за ним полює. Загалом цікаво, арт приємний. Нагадує місцями суміш Міядзакі та Торіями. Романтика також присутня. Навіть я б сказав еротика. Також є трохи надприродніх здібностей. Але трошки і загалом це не заважає.

[Arsnoctis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secondo incontro con l'autrice che si è rivelato molto pià gradito del precedente. Piaciuto decisamente di più del Il mondo di Ran, Vol. 1. Ne continuerò la lettura, sperando di continuare a osservare le terre d'Islanda attraverso gli occhi e il segno sognante di Aki Irie.

[Hal Incandenza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molto carino!
Uno slice of life con tinte magiche e un’ambientazione diversa dal solito, l’Islanda.
Penso che proseguirò, nonostante non ci sia stato il colpo di fulmine come con Kowloon (che rimane inarrivabile), saranno pochi volumi e la storia si fa leggere anche grazie al tratto leggero e delicato.