Age Rating: Teen(13+)
Genre: Horror
Price: $9.99
Akabara is heavily injured during his battle against Kayuki, the newest incarnation of the Black Swan. Kayuki remains shrouded in mystery--not only does she bear a striking resemblance to the previous Black Swan, but she also offers Akabara a temporary truce! Why does she need to keep the Vampire King alive?
This volume picks up the end of the fight between Akabara and Kayuki, the Black Swan. She has Akabara at her mercy, but does not kill him. Instead she tells him that his power will be needed and gives him shelter. Bridget, the leader of the Dhampires, decides if Kayuki won't kill Akabara, she will kill them both. But, other forces interfere, forcing everyone to return to their corners.
The first time I read this volume, I had a luke warm feeling towards it. It didn't wow me in any way, but I didn't hate it either. When I picked it up again to write this review though, I notice the writer was the same as on Spiral: Bonds of Reasoning, a title I really enjoy. I re-read it with a more open attitude toward it. It still didn't become a must read, but I wouldn't object to reading more.
This titles does have some things going for it. The lead, Akabara, the brooding vampire, isn't so much brooding as he is cautious. We not only hear this from the other characters, it is clearly shown in his actions. He doesn't jumping into anything, a fight or alliance, without some careful consideration of his options. It's nice to see a 1000 year old vampire that isn't bemoaning his fate, or pining for some lost love. Even though he is seeking his Queen, it doesn't seem like he's doing it purely out of love.
Kayuki, the newest incarnation of the Black Swan, is interesting too. Even though she has the knowledge and power of the previous 49 incarnations, she is more pragmatic than gung ho in killing Akabara. She is aware of the situation that requires his power, and is content to bide her time. It makes her an interesting rival.
What isn't interesting is Bridget and her vendetta against Akabara. She is determined to kill him and anyone or anything that stands in her way (within reason). In this volume we learn some of her background, and that she was rumored to be raised by Akabara like a daughter. So, Akabara turning his back on the Vampire kingdom was essentially the same as turning his back on her. This is a personal vendetta, even though it is obvious she still cares for Akabara. It's a tiresome motive.
I could also do without the catgirl-dhampire. She's sixty-eight going on eight. She's the requisite character that has to use conventional weapons, pulling automatic machine gun and hand grenades out of nowhere. She's over protective of Akabara and clingy. She's just plain annoying.
The art isn't anything amazing. It's fairly standard for a shonen title, though competently done. The fight scenes are not difficult to follow, though speed lines aren't really necessary with everyone's long stringy hair. I do have to admit, I really like Akabara's coat/cape. It's very cool, and a just love a guy in a cape (doesn't have to be a vampire).
What give this title hope is the "problem" that the humans need Akabara and his power for. It seems to be something so big, that they are willing to help Akabara find his queen and release her from her seal. Akabara also seems to have a secret agenda behind his search for the Queen. His internal dialog raises some questions as to his true reason for finding the Queen. These mysteries are just intriguing enough for me to wonder, and want to see what will happen next.
6.5