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“Take Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction, cross it with Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho’s famed 1986 work The Alchemist, carefully add a dash of the widely known 1972 American Gangster crime flick classic The Godfather to thus end up with the brilliant light novel series titled Baccano! By Ryohgo Narita.”

The story, ah yes the story; is there even a beginning or a focal point to begin this tale? Perhaps it’s best to look back, the year is 1711 when a group of alchemists together aboard the Advenna Avis summon a demon to grant them the secrets of immortality; little did they know a tragic scene ... was about to befall the lot gathered. Or maybe you’d like to discuss 1931’s transcontinental Flying Pussyfoot massacre which entailed murder, carnage, and bloodshed between several groups; each out for their own interests all the while hoping to never meet the mysterious monster who lurks about “The Railtracer”. No? Then perhaps you’d like to hear about what happened back in 1930, in which through a set of meticulous coincidences various characters became immortal due to a mere tasting of a particular elixir.

But no! Let’s not forget the characters, yes the characters; they are all incredible important. Why don’t we follow the young gangster with a heart of gold named Firo Prochainezo of the respected Martillo family, who happens to get caught in the business of immortals placing his life in danger during a time when the “Prohibition era” in New York was more than a simply label which defined a time period. Maybe we can follow a more joyous pair of characters, constantly spreading love and happiness wherever they go; an eccentric pair of robbers who call themselves Isaac & Miria. No, who I’d like to follow is in fact the brilliant young capo of the Gandor family, Luck Gandor. Behind him is a young girl named Eve Genoard, in front of him; a mob leader riddled with bullet holes aiming to take his life at any cost.

No matter where you place your focus whether it be on any specific time period or any number of particular characters. You’re sure to be bewildered by the utter brilliance and suspense read throughout these absolutely magnificent set of novels. Ryohgo Narita composes something special with each novel written. Character dialog, action handled throughout each scene, wording used to allow the reader a chance to seep into what’s happening and completely envision what’s being read, narrative composition that further enhances the detailed accounts of each scene. You find yourself quickly being absorbed into the wonders of the Baccano universe; where ever character holds a genuine place in your heart and you wait with baited breathe for a new novel to thus complete your character fandom.

This is Baccano!, brilliant commotion between amazingly portrayed characters. Where a series of unrelated plots and actions cross and intersect thus spiraling out of control. Journey through the early 1700’s where alchemists like Maiza Avaro, Huey Laforet, Elmer C. Albatross, Sylvie Lumiere, Czesław Meyer, and Szilard Quates are desperately seeking immortality and a way to cross the Atlantic to America in hope of a bright new future. All the way up to the 1930’s prohibition period and beyond; where groups of mobsters, thieves, assassins, and everyone’s in between clash violently. Wonderful characters like Firo Prochainezo, Luck Gandor, Isaac Dian, Miria Harvent, Ladd Russo, Jacuzzi Splot, Claire Stanfield, Ennis the homunculus, Adele, Roy, Edith, Tick Jefferson, Maria Barcelito the Mexican assassin, Shouldered Christopher, and Graham Specter all play pivotal roles and waste not one line of each novel.

Welcome to Baccano!, wonderfully written novels that hold a genuine place in my heart.

Memories of Emanon (1 Volume/9 Chapters)

Its hard to find the words that accurately express just how wonderfully magnificent Memories of Emanon actually is. The story in its entirety was astoundingly articulate, ravishingly studious, and enigmatically captivating. Kenji Tsuruta conveys pure artistic endearment in brilliant fashion throughout this fabulous publication.

What would you do if you had a three billion year old memory? Would you melancholically reminiscence over past experiences, would you nostalgically ponder the meaning of life, or would you stand idle by and simply observe as time passes? I was fascinated with this wondrous tale that encompasses beauty in the truest sense of the word.

Emanon ... as a character holds a genuine place in my heart, she quickly became one of the most endearing and mysterious characters ever set in a short serialization. One important aspect to note about this piece is the way Kenji brilliantly illustrated the masterpiece that is Memories of Emanon. I don't think I could ever properly convey my feelings on just how magnificent this working piece of fiction was in its entirety.

Rating: 10/10

A wonderfully composed work of art written by Yoshida Motoi. Natsu no Zenjitsu conveys something genuine and pure that transcends this literary genre we call manga and places itself at the level of realism, depicting real life in full form. Essentially this title is a portrayal of two adults, intertwined in an enigmatic romance that's handled with composure and maturity.

When I speak of maturity, I'm not referring to school girl romances you guys think maybe "mature". No, I'm talking about a series dealing with adults and real problems, justified and consented sexual encounters, debacles solved through intellect, and magnificent artistry to boot. Natsu no Zenjitsu ... isn't some Shoujo tripe series, read for horrendously cliche' romantic stimuli.

In retrospect, Natsu no Zenjitsu is a calming and thought provoking Slice of Life serialization; that doesn't necessarily intend to stress some excessive plot on it's readers. However it does pose something elegant and beautiful that I think everyone can relate to and enjoy. The premise of this title deals with a young artistic who lacks inspiration in his life, one day he find his muse; that being an older women named Akira.

The older women/younger male relational dynamic is handled magnificently throughout the course of this series. There's a definite difference in the level of maturity between the male and female lead; so in that regard, I find it most interesting in the way these characters grow as a couple.

Rating: 10/10

Arigatou (4 Volumes/47 Chapters)

Essentially, Arigatou is a depiction of the deconstruction and harmonious breakdown of one particular Japanese family and how one man intends to revive his role as father. In order to protect his family from the many hardships that have befallen them. The author Yamamoto Naoki is a man who in essence, can in every form; portray the adverse effect of the human psyche in conjunction to the way certain actions and events make human beings feel.

One thing to note about this series is that though it's content is aimed at the more mature, it comes complete with a rather heavy comedic overtone ... that's meant to be taken in stride by the readers who indulge this literary work. At times some of the material can seem a bit nonsensical, droll even. However Naoki weaves every event nicely, leaving literary nothing left to be desired.

This series from the start felt more like one of those American gross out films that was meant to be taken as a Slice of life, dealing with a story archetype themed in the "coming of age". The story essentially starts off with young teenagers discussing female masturbation, so one could only imagine the material that follows.

In regards to sex, which is infact very apparent throughout this series. I just want to say that the sexual content was never the focal point of the series. The erotic aspect of this title came second to the series's underlying theme and overall message. That message was essentially; family and how many of us intend to either diverge and or remain within ones own family structure.

All of the characters were indeed wonderfully unique in their apparent roles; we have the cheeky and rebellious daughter Takako, the emotionally depraved and confused older daughter Akiko, the reclused and alcoholic mother figure, and the overprotecting yet embarrassing father figure Susuki-san.

Altogether I had alot of fun reading Arigatou for it humorous antics, depictions strickly for the more mature, and it's ever tangent versatility that can be perceived from so many opposing perspectives. I can now say I'm an avid fan of Naoki's artistic works, Arigatou was truly one of those rare gems in this literary genre we call manga.

Rating: 10/10

Coelacanth (2 Volumes/8 Chapters)

Coelacanth will remain one of the most elegant and beautiful artistic shorts Ive read to date, it's collective story was truly magnificent. A mysterious drama that deals with the dementia of a human psyche in conjunction with one enigmatic romance that's just all the more intellectually stimulating. The artistic genuinety posed by this magnificent piece is simply astounding, the author Kayoko Shimotsuki really did create something wonderful.

I tend to dote on the art of this piece more than anything else, though the story remains just as strong. It's so rare to see a series stick to it's Shoujo roots, all the while ... remaining enticing, interesting, and exciting at every turn. The artwork has some of the cleanest line work Ive seen thus far, as well as a feel for the more abstract that further enhanced what the story was attempting to convey overall.

This story primarily deals with a young teenage girl named Satomi Hisano, who just so happens to see a condescending sheep hallucination that belittles her into a state of insecurity and longing. When she was very young, the apartment where she lived burned to ashes in an explosion. An enigmatic young man named Yukinari Yanagi is somehow connected to said fire, and one unexpected meeting connects events that slowly rise to the surface.

Rating: 10/10

Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan (1 Volume/8 Chapters)

One brilliant story created by the famed mangaka Yumeka Sumomo, who's various works have comprised themes of elegance, beauty, and emotion. I don't believe words can summize just how magnificent and wonderful this artistic piece actually is. There was literally nothing wasted in the emotional impact delivered by the characters and their progressive development throughout the story.

Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan poses the hard questions that plague the human conscience, is it right to contemplate suicide in order to escape your life's seeming hardships? Does someone who's murdered three people in cold blood deserve the death penalty? Can ... a persons past discretion's be redeemed by someone who shares in their personal feelings and unsightly anguish?

The emotional impact delivered by this piece was both beautiful as well as astonishing. My eyes simply could not hold back the tears, I genuinely felt for each and every character. This story was absolutely amazing and I'll always cherish this relatively short read that was filled with a certain emotional value, in conjunction with a mature conveyance of intellect and growth.

Rating: 10/10

Koi Kaze (13 Episodes)

There's only one way to put this series and that's simply amazing. The series Koi Kaze is one of those rare gems that truly stimulate the human mind and lets it's audience in on the real nature of life and how something like incest that might be grotesque to some can actually be something so beautiful. I'll admit I was a bit skeptical at first but Koi Kaze demonstrated how a masterpiece should convey it's characters feelings, emotions, and problems.

Koi Kaze is about an ordinary man named Koshiro who works as a wedding planner.He lives at home with his father and goes ... about his daily commute as per usual. One day however a fateful encounter changed his life forever. Koshiro met a beautiful young girl named Nanoka on a train, As she was leaving she had dropped her pass, Koshiro picked up the pass and returned it only too notice that this girl was very young and very beautiful. A seemingly normal encounter one would say, "o' how mistaken you are". As fate would have it Koshiro was getting a house mate and that this person would be his long lost sister. Koshiro layed eyes on this new house mate only too find out that it was the girl whom he had met on the train. The road to love and incest soon followed as the characters fight their feelings for each other.

The animation was decent and at time the imagery was vibrant and quite elegant. The animation definitely fit the tone of the series. The audio quality was also excellent. The voice casting was perfect fitting each character well. The music for the series fit the emotional sequences to a tee. In all this series had a perfect blend of element for a Slice of life drama. every encounter the characters faced felt as though you could feel their pains and anguish. There were times were I actually felt nervous for the characters and how they went about facing there problems.

In conclusion Koi Kaze was simply a masterpiece. If anyone is looking to get into a Slice of life that deals with a topic that not many take seriously and wants a real life take on the subject of incest. Then please do give this series a watch.

Rating: 10/10