The above cover image is courtesy of barnesandnoble.com.

Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”

Set in the Tenshō era of Japan (1573-1592), Tail of the Moon, is a romantic ninja manga that centers on Usagi, a bumbling female ninja-in-training.  Usagi (also known as “Usa”) is the granddaughter of Sandayu, the leader of a prestigious ninja village in southern Iga.  Frustrated by Usa’s lack of progress in learning to be a ninja, Sandayu sends his granddaughter off to the young ninja Lord Hattori Hanzo, in hopes that Hanzo will take her as his wife and make lots of ninja babies.  However, Lord Hanzo wants a wife who is a ninja more than he wants babies.

In Tail of the Moon, Vol. 13, Usagi is still adjusting to her new life after losing everything, including Hanzo, when her village and her people were destroyed by their enemies.  She finds solace in her friend Yukimari, and that friendship may become something more.  Then, people from her past before the destruction start to appear, including friends and also a deadly enemy who wants to marry her!

THE LOWDOWN:  When using the term “romance” in describing Tail of the Moon, many readers likely envision a series about high school-age ninjas in love.  While much of it has to do with love and courtship, Tail of the Moon is a romantic epic in the tradition of 19th adventure novels.  There’s character drama, but there’s also plenty of intrigue and courtly suspense, as well as light comedy to bind the characters’ friendships.  The beautiful art by creator Rinko Ueda befits both the romantic drama and the series’ romantic, adventurous spirit.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  As part of VIZ Media’s “Shojo Beat” line of manga, Tail of the Moon is aimed at young women, but its frothy fun may also appeal to older readers, including this reviewer who is a big fan.

A-