Our last few columns have been heavy on shojo, josei, and yaoi, so we thought we’d inject some testosterone into the proceedings and dedicate this week’s column to manly manga. Or, more accurately, boyish manga, as we look at three shonen title from Viz: volume eleven of D. Gray Man, volume eight of Gin Tama, and volume two of Yu-Gi-Oh GX.

D. Gray Man, Vol. 11

By Katsura Hoshino
Viz, 190 pp.
Rating: 16+

Though it has a tendency to get off track at times and can be rather confusing, D. Gray Man is a great example of kick-in-the-face, action-packed shonen. Volume eleven throws us in the middle of the “Ark” saga, as Allen and friends hunt for his ever-elusive master Cross. Along the way, they must fight off a vicious attack by the Noah family. It turns into a one-on-one showdown between the exorcists and the Noahs, but Katsura keeps the combat lively and interesting with his vivid action sequences.

The real heroes of volume eleven are Arystar Krory, the team’s vampiric member and the one-eyed, red-haired Lavi. Normally the two play second fiddle to Allen Walker, but really get a chance to shine in this
volume. For example, Krory becomes a fearsome foe once he ingests a bit of blood and dishes out some major punishment to Jasdevi, the Noah of Bond. The fight is rather funny, as Krory denounces his relation to vampires. Carefully placed imagery, however, suggests otherwise. As Krory dukes it out with Jasdevi, Lavi uses his piercing sight to search through millions of Keys, hoping to find a way out of their predicament. Lavi has always struck me as one of the better-designed characters in more recent manga, with his wavy red hair, eye patch, and bandana, and it’s good to see him finally get some action. Beat that, Allen Walker!

Volume eleven of D. Gray Man is available now.

–Reviewed by Sam Kusek

Gin Tama, Vol. 8

By Sorachi Hideaki
Viz, 210 pp.
Rating: 16+

To put it in a sound bite, Gin Tama is absurd. This is a series about an ex-samurai of the future who takes on odd jobs to get by and often ends up combating ridiculous aliens. Go figure that it’s a gag manga, right? As is the case with most gag manga, Gin Tama is highly episodic, relying on new scenarios for situational humor. That being said, volume eight features a multi-chapter story arc with massive character development and ends with what looks to be another. In the first arc, Kagura’s father returns to alternate-universe Edo to be reunited with his daughter (the female protagonist). Humorous angst and machismo ensues as the rest of the gang come to grips with Kagura’s impending departure. But this is Gin Tama, so Kagura’s innocent departure turns into a no-holds-barred alien vs. samurai battle that’s surprisingly heavy on the action.

What really interests me is the niche that Gin Tama seeks to fill: it’s an action-packed gag manga living in a Shonen Jump world. Though it isn’t going to be the next Cromartie High School or Bleach, Gin Tama succeeds by combining the two genres in a fun way.

Make no bones about it: this is not a deep manga. The gags, though often funny, are sometimes just dumb. Gin Tama won’t make the top of many reading lists, but check it out for a good laugh. And with the characters acquiring ever-increasing back stories, I doubt this manga has anywhere to go but up.

Volume eight of Gin Tama is available now.

–Reviewed by Isaac Hale

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, Vol. 2

By Kazuki Takahashi and Naoyuki Kageyama
VIZ, 210 pp.
Rating: All Ages

Volume two of Yu-Gi-Oh GX is subtitled “A Meeting with Destiny,” and it delivers on the promise of that title. The volume explains Jaden Yuki’s past relationship with pro duelist Koyo Hibiki, showing readers how he got his world famous deck and dueling mojo. The other half picks up in the present day, where two American duelists join Syrus’ brother Zane on Duel Island for its annual tournament. The tournament set-up gives everyone–Jaden, Chazz, Bastion, Alexis and Syrus–a chance to shine, which is a nice change of pace from earlier chapters.

Though Yu-Gi-Oh was arguably a better series at the beginning of its run, GX is a fine adaptation. It still incorporates the playful gaming element with detailed drawings and fast action. More importantly, Yu-Gi-Oh GX doesn’t try to be something it’s not; Takahashi and Kageyama know they’re writing a fun shonen romp and keep things light and easy. And if you like freebies, you?ll be happy to learn that volume two comes packaged with a special card–one
more reason to pick up this solid sequel.

Volume two of Yu-Gi-Oh! GX is available now.

–Reviewed by Sam Kusek