Nura Rise of the Yokai Clan Volume 16 cover image is courtesy of barnesandnoble.com.

Rated “T” for Teen

Middle school student Rikuo Nura is three-fourths human and one-quarter yokai.  Yokai are the supernatural creatures of Japanese folklore, but Rikuo just wants to be a normal boy.  His grandfather is Nurarihyon, the Overlord and Supreme Commander of the Tokyo-based, yokai consortium, the Nura Clan.  Nurarihyon wants Rikuo to take his place as the next leader of the Nura Clan – the Lord of a Hundred Demons.  Rikuo is reluctant, but at night, his yokai blood awakens.  He becomes the “Third,” the future leader and current “Underboss” of Nura Clan.

As Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan, Vol. 15 (entitled Fragments of the Past – Chapters 122 to 129) opens, the battle against Hagoromo-Gitsune and her Kyoto yokai allies continues.  Hagoromo-Gitsune, once defeated by Nurarihyon, is the great Kyoto yokai that wants to revive Nue, a powerful yokai destined to rule over both yokai and humans.

Kurotabo, the Nura Clan’s Father of Destruction and one of the clan’s best warriors, battles Kidomaru, Hagoromo-Gitsune’s ally.  Then, Kurotabo teaches Rikuo/The Third the fighting technique, “Equip.”  He will need it as he prepares to face Hagoromo-Gitsune.  Also, the birthing begins.

[This volume includes two bonus stories, “Mysterious Tales of Ukiyoe Middle School” and “Rikuo Has That One Dream Again.”]

THE LOWDOWN:  As Naruto does, the Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan manga has a story that focuses on a wide-ranging war composed of numerous main battles and side skirmishes.  The author can stretch such an epic war over months and even years – talk about decompression.

When executed with thought and skill, such a long-running story can trap readers for the duration.  Why?  The sub-plots and action are good, but quality characters sell the long narrative.  At this point in his long war, Hiroshi Shiibashi, creator of Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan, throws in a surprise or two, including more details about Hagoromo-Gitsune and depth in the examination of her motivation.  That will keep many of us coming back for Nura for many more volumes.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Readers of all ages who like fantasy and also fans of Mike Mignola’s monster comics will want the Shonen Jump title, Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan.