Maoh: Juvenile Remix, Vol. 5

Maoh: Juvenile Remix #5

by Megumi Ōsuga, Kōtarō Isaka

In Nekota City, Inukai and his team of vigilantes known as "Grasshopper" protect the citizens from a rising crime wave and the greedy hands of businessmen bent on turning every block into a modern strip mall. But is this public hero actually a devil in disguise? And can high school student Ando use his mysterious power of "ventriloquism" to uncover the truth before it's too late?

When an angry mob goes after his friend, Ando has no choice but to fight back with his limited powers. Can ventriloquism actually stop violence? And while Semi is a skilled assassin, he's never met an opponent like this.

Genres: Manga, Shonen, Fantasy, Indonesian Literature, Young Adult, Action

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Natalie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This got heavy fast. Brainwashing has been a success and everyone hates the Anderson family. The fact that they’re happy to let anyone related to Anderson burn is sickening. I can count on one hand the characters that I liked it this book.

At the same time, Ando is suffering from the side effects of his power and whilst some of the drawings look epic, he does appear to be enjoying his power over the masses. Which pits him directly against Inukai, both believing they’re right.

Then there’s Semi taking on assassins to protect the mayor and facing off against the whale. I always thought the suicider was a stupid name but it is what he does. The illusions were creepy and interesting how they divert from the three assassins novel.

The only bits of this book I did enjoy was the moments between the brothers and just how much they need one another. I’m glad Anderson (the son) got away moderately unscathed. R.I.P Junya’s smile. It’s only downhill from here.

[ReadingFrog · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars.

[Glasdow Teacosy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to surprise me. On one level it is a typical manga for teenage boys with blood & violence and the occasional busty girl, but those elements seem tacked on to please the editors. The driving force behind the series is the question: If you can do something to change the world for the better, shouldn't you do it even if you stand alone? In this volume, young Anderson's stirring words ("There's no meaning to life if you're not going to live it like you're trying to change the world.") prick Ando's heart to the point where he begins to take action in the world around him. He begins to change the world for the better.

His ventriloquism power seems feeble, yet is put to powerful use in this volume in a pivotal scene with a mob. He also risks his life to save others. The impressive part for me was that the mob cares little for his sacrifice. They didn't congratulate him. There was no cloyingly sentimental softening of their hearts. They left as petty as they arrived. But Ando changed, and a life was saved. That made his effort worth everything.

I look forward to the next volume.

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for 5&6 on vol. 6.

[Dolores · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one keeps getting better and better.