Yumekui Kenbun, Nightmare Inspector, Volume 2: Shin Mashiba October 28, 2008
Posted by kaslkaos in fantasy, graphic novel.Tags: baku, dream eater, dreams, japanese mythology, manga, nightmare inspector, Shin Mashiba, yumekui kenbun
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In this volume we are treated to six more stories about the Hiruko the dream-eater. The artwork is just as breath-taking, and the stories have the same ‘twilight zone’ type twist endings, but in this round we find out how a creature of the spirit world came to work in tea house. New characters are introduced including Kairo of The Delirium, where the dangers and comforts of wish-fulfillment fantasies are explored. If you liked Volume 1, this one is even better. ‘The Tenth Night/Eleventh: The Painting’ spans two episodes and features the most heart-rending and evocative scribble I’ve ever encountered. Yes, I’m recommending this one too for more beautifully rendered tales the delve into the depths of the human heart and mind.
Yumekui Kenbun, Nightmare Inspector, Volume 1: Shin Mashiba October 25, 2008
Posted by kaslkaos in fantasy, graphic novel.Tags: baku, dreams, japanese mythology, manga, Shin Mashiba
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Sometime around the late 1920′s, in Japan, there is a tea shop. It doesn’t get much in the way of customers, but it does all right. The Nightmare Inspector, Hiruko, works there–when people have trouble with their dreams, they know just where to go. You don’t need gold, and you don’t need cash. He’ll solve your problem in exchange for the very dream you want to get rid of. Hiruko is a baku, a spirit of Japanese Mythology. He eats dreams,the more frightening the better.
Nightmare Inspector is a manga (that’s just like a comic, or graphic novel, but in the Japanese style), story and art by Shin Mashiba. The artwork is incredible. Every page is beautiful in image, layout and execution. You will find no sloppy artwork or visual shortcuts in this compilation. Open any page, and you’ll see something fit to frame and hang on the wall. The premise is a little simple, and there’s not much in the way story line or character development to tie in what is essentially 6 independent short stories, but dreams are endlessly fascinating, and Shin Mashiba handles the subject matter very well. Each story is stand-alone, intriguing and nicely wrapped up in the end (not always for the best). The drama is easy to follow, as each character is drawn with distinction in dress, hair, and clothing.
My favourite story in this volume is The Fifth Night: Characters, where a young man discovers the true motivations of his emotionally distant and now deceased father. This chapter stands out in maturity and emotion and will stay with me for a very long time.
If you like manga, I recommend it. If you have no idea what manga is, this would be an excellent introduction. If you enjoy fantasy, or the subject of dreams, I recommend it. Oh, yeah, did I say I recommend it? Give it shot. You might discover something new within yourself.
Now I have to sign off so I can curl up and get back to Volume 2.
