APPLE BLACK

Battles and intrigue ensue in this sequel.

Jumping in right where Volume 1 of this manga series dropped off, this latest entry shows that opposing factions are still vying for control of young Sano’s mysterious powers, encapsulated in his ebony arm known as Arodihs, the Arm of Merlin, God of Sorcery. There’s a new arrival: dark-skinned, pigtailed Opal Wantmore, a plucky girl with a curious pedigree who is seeking a lost tourist. A rebel faction plans to overtake Newgarth, the young sorcerers’ guild, and they have nefarious intentions for the fates of Sano and Arodihs that leave Black Bottom Island and the realm of Eden on the edge of ruin. Oguguo’s graphic fantasy ratchets up the intensity with frenzied fight scenes and high-octane action culminating in more teasers and burning questions for later installments. Presumably to flesh out subsequent entries, a bewildering number of characters are introduced (some literally dropped from the sky), but with its action-driven plot, this may be little more than a quibble. Included is a short glossary that helps to explain some of the intricacies of Sano’s world; hopefully this will be expanded in later volumes. Manga otaku should find much to enjoy in the diverse cast of characters and intricate plotting. The black-and-white illustrations depict main and secondary characters with both dark and light skin tones.

A total rush for manga fans seeking something off the beaten path.