Rasetsu 5
Posted: July 5, 2010 Filed under: Rasetsu Leave a comment »Chika Shiomi – Viz – 2010 – 8 volumes
I get sucked in every time I pick up a volume of this series. It has a really unique flavor to it, which I think is a combination of its creepy atmosphere, unusual character abilities, the completely detached way the characters deal with clients, and the strangely upbeat and quirky nature of Rasetsu herself.
The detachment from clients is only something I picked up on recently. The series is still mostly episodic, with Rasetsu’s struggle to find her true love progressing just a bit in every chapter (a see-saw between Yako and Kuryu at this point), and in a series like this, usually the stories are all about the characters getting into the lives of their clients and learning all about their backstory and helping them through personal issues. Rasetsu isn’t like that at all, and the bulk of the story development involves trying to figure out what kind of spirit they’re trying to vanquish, then deciding on the best strategy to banish it. It’s a breath of fresh air.
I’m a little disappointed the romance isn’t moving faster, though to be fair that might be a little bit of sour grapes since the story is still moving towards Yako and not Kuryu. Rasetsu’s personal life is both sweet and urgent, since she has the demon-imposed deadline, but for all that, the only fun thing is seeing Kuryu shake things up and play with both Rasetsu and Yako.
Interesting things happen with the boss of the firm, as in we see more of his powers and learn a little more of his backstory, and the supernatural elements also seem to go a little further and darker this volume. I also love the artwork, especially the character design on Rasetsu.
I still love this series, and while it’s not extraordinary, it’s one of those mid-level series that are addictive because they do everything well and not because they do something better than others. Rasetsu’s a fun read.
This was a review copy provided by Viz.
