Thanks to barnesandnoble.com for the image.

KINGDOM HEARTS II, VOL. 1

TOKYOPOP
CARTOONIST: Shiro Amano
ISBN: 978-1-4278-0058-9; paperback; Rated “A” for All Ages
186 pp., B&W, $9.99

Kingdom Hearts II is the third manga series based upon the Disney/Square Enix video game, Kingdom Hearts.  This new series follows the storylines and characters established in the earlier manga, Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories.

In the small quiet village of Twilight Town, a boy named Roxas is plagued by strange dreams.  While he can’t figure out the meaning of the dreams that trouble his nights, Roxas spends his days in carefree play with his three friends Hayner, Olette, and Pence.  Then, Roxas comes under attack by strange creatures and shadowy figures.  Before long, Roxas finds himself drifting off into his dream world during the day, even as he is hanging out with his pals.

A young woman named Naminé starts to appear in Roxas’ visions, and she tells him that he’s not who he thinks he is.  Despite her frequent visits, Naminé isn’t giving up much information, and the attacks on Roxas by magical creatures escalate.  Luckily, Roxas can summon the Keyblade to fight them off, but how does his ability to wield the Keyblade connect him to Kingdom Heart hero, Sora?

THE LOWDOWN:  Volume 1 is mostly setup, so much so that this story feels like padding.  However, the reader need not be familiar with Kingdom Hearts to understand what’s happening in this volume.  Manga-ka (creator) Shiro Amano displays creative page design and imaginative use of content within panels, as well as inventive set or environment design.  Visually, Kingdom Hearts II looks quite interesting… until you read it.

FOR READERS OF:  This is aimed at young comic book readers – those between the ages of 7 and 12 who already read comics or could read them.  Other than fans of Kingdom Hearts, adults may find this too much like a kiddie TV cartoon.

C+

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