O-PARTS, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA
CARTOONIST: Seishi Kishimoto
ISBN: 978-1-4215-0856-6; paperback; Rated “T+” for Older Teen
192 pp., B&W, $9.99
The manga series O-Parts (known as “666 Satan” in Japan) by Seishi Kishimoto is essentially a card-playing or game manga. “O-Parts” are artifacts containing mystical powers. They are all that are left of an unknown ancient civilization and come in the form of everyday objects like rings and amulets to the more unusual such as aircraft and arcane technology.
An O.P.T. or O-Parts Tactician has the ability to release and use the power within an O-Part. The “Spirit” is the special energy force inside an O.P.T. that allows him release the power or “effect” of an O-Part. If an O-Part can create water, then, water is the O-Part’s effect.
O-Parts, Vol. 2 continues to follow the adventures of the series’ lead characters: Jio Freed and Ruby Crescent. Jio, an O.P.T. whose chosen O-Part is a boomerang, wants to dominate the world (really, he does.) Ruby wants to become the greatest treasure hunter of them all. Together they travel the world in hopes of getting closer to their dreams. Their travels take them to the walled metropolis of Entotsu City, where Master Jaga, the governor of the city, has enslaved the populace and uses the citizens to dig for O-Parts. He also uses the threat of terror and his ability to fight it to keep Entotsu City dependent upon his rule (sound familiar?), but Jio has discovered his dirty big secret. Will it cost the ambitious O.P.T. his and Ruby’s lives?
THE LOWDOWN: Although the esoteric mythology that drives O-Parts can be off-putting (I initially didn’t want to read this.), there is really more to it than just gathering strength points and items of power. At O-Parts’ core is the quest to be a hero and all the sacrifice and work it takes to become one. Seishi Kishimoto makes watching Jio face and overcome his obstacles fun to read. Kishimoto’s art is also quite reminiscent of Masashi Kishimoto’s work on Naruto. Why? They’re twin brothers.
FOR READERS OF: I’m partial to manga built around obtaining objects and power, such as Dragon Drive or Yu-Gi-Oh! Plus, this is similar in tone to my beloved Naruto.
B
