Manga Review: Bloody Cross

Title: Bloody Cross
Author: Komeyama Shiwo
Release: Monthly
Status: Ongoing
Genre: Shonen, Supernatural
Art: A
Originality: B
Story: B
Characters: A
Humor: B
Action: A

Impression: This story features several characters of supernatural origin who are aiming for the inheritances of god, artifacts filled with god’s power. The story starts off with a pair of mixed-blood angels who share a symbol branded onto their bodies that bind them to a curse that will eventually kill them and because of that both the guy and girl are seeking out one of the aforementioned artifacts to free themselves of their curse. However, the two are not trusting by nature and work together for the sake of their very lives as they are not the only ones after the item. That includes the pure blood angel that intends on using them to acquire these immensely powerful artifacts. This is a pretty good battle manga with its great art and fights but storywise, it’s a little clunky. It’s not exactly a mindless sort of story with its “who’s going to betray who first” thing but the motivations and detailing behind the actions that the characters take are mindboggling to say the least. With the exception of one character who seemed to have been upgraded to main character status(I would have preferred the girl to be the star actually) after the first few chapters, the characterization is pretty consistent here. The silliness is also a bit quirky with its timing and delivery but I think that gives it an interesting touch. Also, don’t expect much pretentiousness here. The premise and tension in the first few chapters may make it look like the usual angsty vampire manga but I’ve found it to be quite a fun read. Yup, I’ll take a slightly clunky joyride over emo sourpusses any day of the week.