Believe it or not, the Campus Store actually sells some pretty good manga!

Unfortunately, they've hidden it away in the sci-fi/fantasy section so that if people find it at all, it's probably by accident (maybe if enough people mention it on the Campus Store comments/suggestion sheet, they'll decide to make room for a comic book section or something). If you've been here since 92-93, then you'll be glad to hear that they are no longer trying to sell that old, ratty volume of Silent Möbius! All the manga at the Campus Store is in the form of graphic novels, so you get a whole bunch of issues bound together in one volume. If you want the individual issues as they come out, Comics for Collectors has quite a large selection, including two of my favorites, Maison Ikkoku and Battle Angel Alita (Gunnm). Anyway, here are some of the titles I managed to hunt out.

The first, which I'm currently reading (thanks to Ray, who bought parts 2, 3, and 4 but NOT 1), is a really cool series called Sanctuary. It's filed under the storywriter's name: Fumimura, Sho. This is a sophisticated manga about two friends who ruthlessly take over Japan by wielding the considerable power they have gained in both the realm of politics and that of the underworld crime syndicate. The artist for the series, Ryoichi Ikegami, is known for his strikingly realistic character designs and occasional hentai content [don't forget his trademark Mercedes... wow!]. I really like this series; even if you're not into crime syndicates, definitely take a look just for the artwork.

Ryoichi Ikegami has also done a few other series, such as Samurai Crusader (which is serialized in America in Manga Vizion), Mai the Psychic Girl, and Crying Freeman. Although you can't find the first two in the Campus Store, Crying Freeman is filed under Kazuo Koike, the storywriter. The first part, which mainly consists of all these crazy, tattooed, muscle-bound men running around in their underwear, is rather disappointing compared to Sanctuary. However, read on a little further, and the plot begins to take shape nicely once you get used to the main character crying every time he kills someone.

Next is AD Police, filed under the artist's name this time, Takezaki, Tony. Most of you have probably heard about this one by now (we showed the first three anime OAVs last year). It's been called "the darker side of Bubblegum Crisis," and for good reason! There's blood on nearly every page, with people's arms getting ripped off and stuff, but it makes for a sober social commentary, not to mention great character development.

On the lighter side of things, the Campus Store is well stocked with Takahashi! Lots of it, including The Return of Lum, Maison Ikkoku, and Ranma ½. They seem to have trouble keeping these in stock. If you missed it when we showed Ranma two years ago, be sure to read the manga; it's hilarious!

Lastly, they also carry Battle Angel Alita (Gunnm) graphic novels by Yukito Kishiro, but I believe these are currently sold out. This series is set in a dark futuristic world where cyborgs are common and criminals steal brains and other organs in dark alleys. It is exciting and fast-paced, and the best thing about it is the very small but very determined heroine, Gally (or Alita). She's exquisitely drawn with stunning detail. Even if you're not into dark futuristic worlds, definitely take a look at this just for Gally.

Of course, all of you are welcome to visit the Manga Club every Tuesday night at the Big Red Barn, where we'll probably have some of these titles and other various random tidbits. And, if you find that you just can't get enough of this manga stuff, take a trip down to N. Aurora St. on the Commons and use your membership card for a ten percent discount at Comics for Collectors!