Zombie Powder #2 by Tito Kubo

Viz Media/Shonen Jump, 2006
ISBN: 1421501538
Available: New

Gamma is an S-Class criminal on the hunt for the legendary 12 Rings of the Dead, that when put together will make Zombie Powder, a substance made of pure life force which can bring the dead to life or give the living immortality. This volume sets Gamma’s sidekicks, Elwood and Smith, aside, as Gamma gets caught up in the drama of the little town where they’ve arrived. It’s here that he meets Wolfina, a young reporter/vigilante who guards not just the town, particularly the local hospital besieged with attacks from ring hunters, but her comatose brother, the victim of unprotected contact with one of the legendary rings.

Wolfina is yet another great character, who brings to the table new, disturbing information about the risks of ring hunting. The same pattern emerges, with equal parts sketchy fight scenes and plot-moving scenes. The confusing nature of the fight scenes could very well be implied heavy movement, but since they are drawn using still ink rather than animated form, it comes off poorly. It’s not difficult at the “pause” scenes to figure out what has happened, but having to stop to do so in the first place will turn off some readers. The plot is quite enjoyable, with a real Western flavor set into a background where feudal Japan has been replaced by all the wild gang types that one would expect from a manga. Recommended as part of public collections including manga, especially for its cleaner nature. Grades 9-12 or up.

Contains: Implied rape, torture and other criminal activity, cartoon gore