Thanks to barnesandnoble.com for the cover to Shakugan No Shana 3.

Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”

The manga Shakugan No Shana is based upon the novel of the same name by Yashichiro Takahashi, and the manga is part of a line of media spawned from the novel.  Manga-ka Ayato Sasakura produces this manga based on Takahashi’s stories and Noizi Ito’s character designs.

The series focuses on Yuji Sakai, a high school age boy drawn into a conflict between fighters for balance, the Flame Haze, and the fighters against balance, the Crimson Denizens.  Yuji’s partner is a Flame Haze that he names “Shana.”

Shakugan No Shana, Vol. 3, the denizen Friagne has abducted Yuji to use as a decoy to lure in Shana, whom Friagne hopes to destroy.  Yuji, however, is not about to let his friend be killed, and he is determined to do his part to keep Friagne from activating the Devourer of the City.

THE LOWDOWN:  An action/fantasy/romance, Shakugan No Shana features spectacular battle scenes drawn in a frenzied, impressionistic style that tries to capture the kinetic energy and frenetic style of anime.  When it’s not a fight comic, Shakugan No Shana offers playful high school romance, puppy love, and light fan service (such as when Shana and Yuji’s mom bathe together…).

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of the wild fight scenes (me) that are found in manga like Bleach will like this, although Shakugan No Shana is lighter in tone that Kubo’s masterpiece.

B