Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Volume 1

September 1, 2018

Gr 7 Up-Tanjiro's virtuous life selling charcoal to support his mother and siblings is upended when a vampiric demon murders his family, leaving his little sister Nezuko alive but cursed. Tanjiro embarks on a journey to save Nezuko, encountering demon hunters, ghosts, and monsters. The crisp black-and-white art is attractive, and the panel layout effectively sets the intense tone and conveys movement. This shonen manga is violent but not nearly as brutal as series such as "Hellsing," and there is little overt sexuality. Female characters are not objectified, though they exist only as supporting characters in this volume. VERDICT This is a strong addition to manga collections, particularly as Volume 2 will be released shortly in the United States. For fans of "Fullmetal Alchemist" and "Hellsing."-Tammy Ivins, University of North Carolina at Wilmington

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