Graphic Novel/Fiction

Rating: Mature

If you are ever frustrated by those that think all manga is muscled he-men with 12-pack abs and long-legged wide-eyed girls in mini-skirts, drop a giant copy of Tekkon Kinkreet in their laps.

Initially, the style of Taiyo Matsumoto (Blue Spring) might look more like some large-scale indie grapic novel easy to find in the west, but it isn't long before the very Japanese sensibilities and story come through. 

Tekkon Kinkreet (a remix of the words for rebar and concrete) is the tale of two homeless orphans, Black and his little brother White, though they probably don't even know they are homeless orphans, as their home is the streets of Treasure Town, and their parents could be said to be the bizarre characters their share the streets with. Yet, for the most part, the more mature, yet precisely violent Black takes care of his childish and hard-to-handle little brother, White.

For the most part, Black and White are able to take care of themselves, not the least-bit intimidated by thugs and gangsters that fill the alleys of Treasure Town. Like the jungle, wasted energy can lead to death, so most locals know not to mess with the the amazing fighting skills of Black, especially. Outsiders aren't always so smart, and some very vibrant action sequences showcase Matsumoto's unique style. True conflict ensues when the mob and land developers move to tear down Treasure Town in favor of sterile children's attractions (the irony being that our child heroes have exactly the attractions they want, already).

What happens next goes beyond simple explanation, and the story is as trippy as the artwork. Matsumoto's sketchbook style fits perfectly with the hallucinogenic turns that follow.

If you like your manga predictable and cookie-cutter, steer clear of Tekkon Kinkreet. However, if you are looking for something completely different AND satisfying, then Tekkon Kinkreet: Black and White should already be on your shelf.

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